The connotation of this song is obvious: David Bowie is worried about the state of American culture...afraid of it even. Like he says, "Nobody needs anyone. They don't even just pretend." Every man is a castle in America (everyone living the rugged individualist's wet dream), and there is no cohesive culture to speak of. There is no respect, not even recognition, for one's neighbors and fellow men and women here. So, inevitably, there is vast exploitation and manipulation...hedonism enabled via stepping on the toes of others...validated through the antiquated belief systems called modern religions. Some would say Americans are so boisterously arrogant and selfish as to call god (gods?) one of their own. Many have validated this country's financial and technological success in this way. David Bowie sees this greed, arrogance, carelessness, and exploitation and worries for the world. After all, the world has looked to America in the past for direction.
Ironically, when this song was first released, we knew not what the last 8 years could possibly hold for American culture. But it seems as if David Bowie's worst fears have actually materialized. Our self-centered culture has finally caught up with us. Now the world must pay for it.
The connotation of this song is obvious: David Bowie is worried about the state of American culture...afraid of it even. Like he says, "Nobody needs anyone. They don't even just pretend." Every man is a castle in America (everyone living the rugged individualist's wet dream), and there is no cohesive culture to speak of. There is no respect, not even recognition, for one's neighbors and fellow men and women here. So, inevitably, there is vast exploitation and manipulation...hedonism enabled via stepping on the toes of others...validated through the antiquated belief systems called modern religions. Some would say Americans are so boisterously arrogant and selfish as to call god (gods?) one of their own. Many have validated this country's financial and technological success in this way. David Bowie sees this greed, arrogance, carelessness, and exploitation and worries for the world. After all, the world has looked to America in the past for direction.
Ironically, when this song was first released, we knew not what the last 8 years could possibly hold for American culture. But it seems as if David Bowie's worst fears have actually materialized. Our self-centered culture has finally caught up with us. Now the world must pay for it.