Bowie’s “1984” is a direct homage to the George Orwell novel 1984, a dystopian novel about a government that controls culture to the point that it destroys its citizens' ability to think independently. Go check it out at your local library, or read it annotated on Genius.
The song was one of sever...
[Verse 1]
Someday they won't let you, now you must agree
The times, they are a-telling, and the changing isn't free
You've read it in the tea leaves and the tracks are on TV
Beware the savage jaw of 1984
[Verse 2]
They'll split your pretty cranium and fill it full of air
And tell you that you're eighty, but brother, you won't care
You'll be shooting up on anything, tomorrow's never there
Beware the savage jaw of 1984
[Chorus]
Come see, come see, remember me?
We played out an all night movie role
You said it would last, but I guess we enrolled
In 1984 (Who could ask for more?)
1984 (Who could ask for more?)
(More)
[Verse 3]
I'm looking for a vehicle, I'm looking for a ride
I'm looking for a party, I'm looking for a side
I'm looking for the treason that I knew in '65
Beware the savage jaw of 1984
[Chorus]
Come see, come see, remember me?
We played out an all night movie role
You said it would last, but I guess we enrolled
In 1984 (Who could ask for more?)
1984 (Who could ask for more?)
(More)
[Outro]
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1984 was written by David Bowie.
1984 was produced by David Bowie.
David Bowie released 1984 on Wed Apr 24 1974.