Lady Grinning Soul

Album: Aladdin Sane (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • David Bowie (from the Mail on Sunday June 29, 2008): "Mike Garson's piano opens with the most ridiculous and spot-on re-creation of a 19th Century music hall 'exotic' number. I can see now the 'poses plastiques' as if through a smoke-filled bar. Fans, castanets and lots of Spanish black lace and little else. Sexy, mmm? And for you, Madam?"
  • In the same Mail on Sunday interview, Bowie mentions that this "was written for a wonderful young girl whom I've not seen for more than 30 years. When I hear this song she's still in her 20s, of course." The "wonderful young girl" he refers to is most likely the American black soul singer Claudia Lennear for whom Mick Jagger also wrote "Brown Sugar." A number of authorities have cited her as the inspiration for this song.
  • Cherie Currie, as played by Dakota Fanning, mimes to this song during a school talent show in The Runaways, a 2010 film about the '70s Rock band of the same name. Currie was The Runaways' lead vocalist.

Comments: 5

  • Chrissy from England Brown Sugar was famously written about Marsha Hunt.
  • Ade from Coventry UkLove Mike Garson's piano.
  • Ady from Leicester, United Kingdomsends shivers down my spine. The piano line sweeps you away and takes you into outer space, where only the likes of major tom can go higher.
  • Billy from West Unity, OhThe entire album was/is a master piece. Lady Grinning Soul has one of the greatest piano pieces I've ever heard. Aladdin sane is also another one of my favorites.
  • Elie from London, -i cant believe this has no comment on it
    come on people
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Daryl Hall

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.