Maid Of Bond Street

David Bowie's song 'Maid Of Bond Street' paints a vivid picture of a young woman who appears to have it all but is deeply lonely. The lyrics describe her as being 'made of lipstick, powder, and paint,' suggesting that her beauty and outward appearance are meticulously crafted, almost artificial. She is constantly in the public eye, featured in every magazine, and living a life of luxury with lunches with executives and sipping aperitifs. Despite this glamorous facade, she is profoundly isolated, as indicated by the repeated assertion that she is a 'lonely girl.'

The song delves deeper into her emotional state, revealing that her loneliness stems from a broken heart. The boy she once loved no longer wants to know her, and although she has everything she could want materially, she cannot attain the love she truly desires. This dichotomy between her public persona and private despair is a central theme of the song. The lyrics poignantly capture the emptiness that can accompany a life of superficial success and the yearning for genuine human connection.

Bowie also introduces a male character who is 'made of envy and jealousy.' This boy contrasts sharply with the girl; he lacks the material wealth and fame she possesses but desires it intensely. His envy highlights the superficial nature of the girl's world, which is 'made of flashlights and films.' The song concludes with a reflection on the superficiality of the 'maids of Bond Street,' who, despite their glamorous lives, are not supposed to have 'worldly cares' or 'love affairs.' This final observation underscores the societal expectations placed on women in the public eye, who are often expected to maintain a perfect image devoid of personal struggles or emotional depth.