Meaning of Dead Against It by David Bowie

The song 'Dead Against It' by David Bowie is a complex and thought-provoking composition that delves into the realms of love, loss, and the struggles of interpersonal relationships. The overall theme of the song seems to be the narrator's journey through the turbulent phases of a deep and intense connection with another person. Each line of the lyrics contributes to the development of various imaginative themes that ultimately convey the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the narrator.One standout lyric that demands attention is "And when she drowns within and in the fizzy gin, begins to sigh." This lyric conjures up the theme of drowning in one's emotions. It suggests that the subject of the song is overwhelmed by their feelings, possibly trapped in a sea of melancholy or despair. The fizzy gin could symbolize the bubbly yet intoxicating nature of the emotions. The sighs emitted by the subject could represent a longing for something unattainable or a deep sigh of resignation in the face of overwhelming circumstances.Another noteworthy lyric is "She talked to God, I couldn't cope, or had hope eloped, a dope, she roped, this salty lie." This line introduces the theme exploring the spiritual or existential crisis faced by the narrator. The mention of talking to God implies a search for answers or solace, while the narrator's inability to cope highlights their struggle to understand or come to terms with the situation. The mention of "hope eloped" suggests that the narrator's optimism or faith in a positive outcome has vanished, leading to a feeling of being deceived or roped into a false sense of security. The notion of a "salty lie" alludes to the bitter truth that the narrator must confront in the face of deception or disappointment.Moving on, the chorus of the song is particularly impactful and contributes to its overall theme. The lines "And when she's dreaming, I believe. And when she's reading, I retreat" delve into the theme of escaping through dreams and literature. The narrator finds solace and belief in the dreams and imagination of the subject, finding refuge in the otherworldly realms that they create. However, when the subject engages with reality through reading, the narrator retreats, possibly due to their fear of facing the cold truths and harsh realities of the world. This theme explores the idea of escapism and the different ways individuals cope with difficult circumstances.As the song continues, the line "And deep my wound within for every second chance it was thy tore" brings forth the theme of emotional wounds inflicted by the subject. The use of the word "thy" implies that the subject has been the cause of the narrator's pain and suffering. This line suggests that the wounds go beyond surface-level, digging deep into the narrator's core. It reflects the fragility of their emotional state and the rawness of the hurt inflicted upon them. The theme emphasizes the impact that deep emotional wounds can have on an individual and the struggle to heal or move forward.Lastly, the line "She loves to talk into the phone, no matter who, no matter when, no matter where, no better than the faulty line" explores the theme of communication and its inherent flaws. This line suggests that the subject engages in constant communication, seeking connection or validation from others indiscriminately. However, the mention of a "faulty line" alludes to the limitations of communication, highlighting misunderstandings or the inability to truly connect with others. This theme delves into the challenges faced when trying to convey emotions, thoughts, or desires effectively, and the frustrations that can arise from miscommunication.In conclusion, 'Dead Against It' by David Bowie takes listeners on a captivating journey through the tumultuous stages of a profound connection with someone else. The song explores themes of drowning in emotions, spiritual crisis, escapism, emotional wounds, and communication difficulties. Each standout lyric contributes to the development of these imaginative themes, shedding light on the complex emotions and experiences narrated throughout the song. 'Dead Against It' invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love, loss, and interpersonal struggles, ultimately reminding them of the intricacies and challenges involved in navigating deep connections with others.