About the song
“Absolute Beginners” is one of David Bowie‘s most striking tracks, both musically and lyrically. Released in 1986, this song was part of the soundtrack for the film Absolute Beginners, a British musical film directed by Julien Temple. The song quickly became one of Bowie‘s most memorable hits of the 1980s, marking a departure from the more experimental tones of his earlier work and embracing a more accessible, yet still profoundly emotional, pop sound. It was also featured on his album Absolute Beginners (Soundtrack).
“Absolute Beginners” is notable for its lush, soulful production, which was a shift from Bowie‘s previous glam rock and electronic work. The song is a reflection on love and youth, with Bowie singing about the exhilarating feeling of new beginnings and the innocence of first love. In the film, the song aligns with the themes of youth, change, and the complexity of relationships set against the backdrop of 1950s London. The lyrics express a sense of yearning and the vulnerability of falling in love for the first time, encapsulating the emotions of those “absolute beginners” who are discovering the intense, life-altering feelings that come with new romantic relationships.
From a social impact perspective, “Absolute Beginners” captured the cultural zeitgeist of the mid-1980s, a period marked by a yearning for both personal freedom and romantic idealism. The song’s sweeping orchestration, combined with Bowie‘s evocative vocals, resonated with listeners during a time when the world was embracing the excitement and optimism of the emerging pop and new wave music scenes. Its blend of nostalgia, hope, and longing made it relatable to listeners, especially those who were experiencing the emotional highs and lows of love and youth.
Though the film itself didn’t perform as well as expected at the box office, “Absolute Beginners” became a major commercial success. The song reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart and is widely considered one of Bowie‘s most iconic ballads. It is often celebrated for its rich production, which mixed Bowie‘s classic style with elements of soul, jazz, and pop, creating a timeless, sweeping love song that still resonates today.
“Absolute Beginners” also exemplifies David Bowie‘s ability to evolve his sound while staying true to the emotive core of his music. It illustrates his consistent knack for reinvention, taking the familiar aspects of his past and weaving them into a new fabric of sound and meaning. In doing so, Bowie created a track that was both fresh and emotionally poignant, capturing the essence of a new chapter while echoing the timeless themes of love and youthful adventure.
Ultimately, “Absolute Beginners” serves as an enduring part of David Bowie‘s expansive legacy, cementing his place as one of the most versatile and influential artists in modern music. The song continues to be celebrated for its melodic beauty, its nuanced portrayal of love and youth, and its lasting cultural impact. It remains a key piece of Bowie‘s catalog and an enduring symbol of his ability to create emotionally resonant music that transcends time and speaks to universal experiences.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve nothing much to offerThere’s nothing much to takeI’m an absolute beginnerBut I’m absolutely saneAs long as we’re togetherThe rest can go to hellI absolutely love youBut we’re absolute beginnersWith eyes completely openBut nervous all the sameIf our love songCould fly over mountainsCould laugh at the oceanJust like the filmsThere’s no reasonTo feel all the hard timesTo lay down the hard linesIt’s absolutely trueNothing much could happenNothing we can’t shakeOh, we’re absolute beginnersWith nothing much at stakeAs long as you’re still smilingThere’s nothing more I needI absolutely love youBut we’re absolute beginnersBut if my love is your loveWe’re certain to succeedIf our love songCould fly over mountainsSail over heartachesJust like the filmsIf there’s reasonTo feel all the hard timesTo lay down the hard linesIt’s absolutely true