Fascination
David Bowie
The Magnetic Pull of Fascination: A Dive into David Bowie's Enigmatic Lyrics
David Bowie's song 'Fascination' delves into the irresistible allure and magnetic pull of fascination, a theme that resonates deeply with the human experience. The lyrics suggest a powerful, almost uncontrollable attraction that compels the narrator to act, driven by an intense emotional and physical response. The repeated phrase 'I've got to use her' indicates a sense of urgency and necessity, as if the fascination is a force that cannot be ignored or resisted. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for various forms of desire, whether it be romantic, creative, or even a broader existential yearning.
The song's chorus, with lines like 'Can a heart-beat live in a fever?' and 'Fascination takes a part of me,' underscores the consuming nature of this feeling. The feverish imagery suggests a state of heightened emotion and passion, where fascination becomes almost a living entity within the narrator. This aligns with Bowie's often theatrical and dramatic style, where emotions are amplified and explored in their most intense forms. The repetition of 'Fascination' throughout the song emphasizes its omnipresence and the way it infiltrates every aspect of the narrator's life.
Culturally, 'Fascination' can be seen as a reflection of the 1970s, a time when Bowie was at the forefront of musical and cultural innovation. The era was marked by a fascination with new ideas, identities, and forms of expression, much like the song's exploration of an all-consuming attraction. Bowie's own persona, often characterized by his fluid identity and boundary-pushing artistry, mirrors the song's themes of irresistible allure and the transformative power of fascination. The song captures the essence of being captivated by something so profoundly that it becomes an integral part of one's existence, a theme that is both timeless and universally relatable.