Slip Away

David Bowie's song 'Slip Away' is a poignant reflection on nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics reference 'Uncle Floyd,' a character from 'The Uncle Floyd Show,' a low-budget television show that aired in the 1970s and 1980s. This show, known for its quirky humor and puppetry, holds a special place in Bowie's memory, symbolizing a simpler, more innocent time. The repeated mention of 'Oogie,' one of the puppets from the show, underscores the theme of fleeting moments and the inevitable slipping away of cherished memories.

The song's imagery of 'Bones Boy' and 'Oogie' going to see the Yankees play and the mention of a 'silver screen' evoke a sense of longing for a past that could have been. These characters, who once had the potential for greatness, now exist only in the memories of those who remember them. The line 'No one knew what they could do, except for me and you' suggests a shared, intimate understanding between Bowie and the listener, emphasizing the personal nature of these memories.

The chorus, with its repeated 'Twinkle twinkle Uncle Floyd' and the question 'How I wonder where you are,' conveys a sense of loss and yearning. The reference to 'Coney Island' and the line 'We were dumb but you were fun, boy' further highlight the innocence and joy of youth, now lost to time. The song's closing lines, 'Down in space it's always 1982,' suggest a timeless, almost surreal quality to these memories, as if they exist in a separate, unchanging realm. Ultimately, 'Slip Away' is a melancholic yet affectionate tribute to the past, capturing the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the inevitable passage of time.