Telling Lies

David Bowie's 'Telling Lies' delves into the complex interplay between truth and deception, a theme that resonates deeply in both personal and societal contexts. The song opens with a vivid image of 'gorgeous girls' discussing grandiose topics like 'stars and kings,' juxtaposed with the mundane 'feet.' This contrast sets the stage for a narrative that oscillates between the profound and the trivial, much like the lies we tell ourselves and others. Bowie's reference to 'chromosomes of space and time' suggests a deeper, almost genetic predisposition to deception, hinting that lying is an intrinsic part of human nature.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Telling lies,' serves as a haunting reminder of the omnipresence of deceit. The phrase 'oh ah visionary' adds a layer of irony, as visionaries are often seen as truth-tellers or prophets. Yet, in this context, they are also implicated in the act of lying. The line 'feels like something's gonna happen this year' injects a sense of impending change or revelation, perhaps hinting at the consequences of these lies coming to light. This sense of anticipation is both thrilling and unsettling, capturing the dual nature of deception as both a protective mechanism and a potential source of downfall.

In the second verse, Bowie paints a darker picture with 'shadow falls in shrinking smiles' and 'standing in the mouth of all that's pure.' These lines evoke a sense of corruption and decay, as lies erode the purity of truth. The imagery of 'straggling in your tattered remnants' and 'tears and blame' suggests the aftermath of deceit, where the facade crumbles, leaving behind emotional wreckage. Bowie's declaration, 'I'm your future, I am tomorrow, I am the end,' underscores the inevitability of facing the truth, no matter how deeply buried it may be. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody reinforce the cyclical nature of lies and the inescapable reality that they will eventually be exposed.