We Are The Dead by David Bowie

Album: Diamond Dogs (1974)

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This is based on a line from George Orwell's novel 1984 - "We are the dead" are the last words Winston Smith says to Julia before they are caught by the Thought Police. Bowie wrote the song for a musical adaptation of the book but failed to get authorization from the Orwell estate. >>>
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Charlie - Stittstown, Canada
Marilyn Manson put this #1 on his list of "The Songs That Made Me" for a feature in Rolling Stone, explaining that it was a huge influence on his Antichrist Superstar album. "It felt like it was about the culture of Hollywood, the disgusting cannibalism," he said.

Comments: 3

Ian from TorontoYep, Jenny, I agree completely. Sweet Thing suite is probably my favourite Bowie thing. Ironically, his big hit, Rebel Rebel, though a great little rocker, is the least interesting cut on the album by far. It'd be the first song I'd drop from the lp if I had too.
Jenny from Hereford, EnglandI agree with you,Jon,it does seem like Winston is singing it and I almost expect O'Brien to come from behind the picture and echo him xxx
Wowowowo what a fantastic lp that is!!!I think "Candidate"/"Sweet Thing"/"Candidate" (reprise) is the best thing on the Lp though,and then segues into "Rebel Rebel" mmmmmmmmmmmmmxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LOVE that man xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jon from Whittier, CaThe best 1984-inspired song on the album, because Bowie sings it with such melancholic dispair...but it's very close to the book with the lyrics. Makes it look like Winston sung it, not David.

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