As The World Falls Down

David Bowie's "As The World Falls Down" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the essence of a bittersweet love story set against a backdrop of chaos and transformation. The song was featured in the 1986 film 'Labyrinth,' where Bowie played the role of Jareth, the Goblin King. The lyrics reflect the complex emotions of a character who is both the antagonist and a figure of fascination, offering love that is both enchanting and tinged with sadness.

The opening lines introduce a love that is deep and captivating, yet there is a sense of melancholy, symbolized by the 'pale jewel' in the eyes of the beloved. Bowie's lyrics often play with celestial imagery, and here he promises to place the sky and the moon within the eyes and heart of his love, suggesting a desire to fill their world with beauty and wonder. However, there is an underlying acknowledgment of pain and the futility of seeking thrills that no longer bring joy. The repeated line 'As the world falls down' evokes a sense of everything crumbling apart, yet in this chaos, there is a promise of steadfast support and the possibility of falling in love.

The chorus, with its simple repetition of 'falling,' emphasizes the dual nature of the experience—falling as in failing or collapsing, and falling as in becoming deeply in love. The song captures the feeling of surrendering to love even when the world seems to be ending. It's a testament to the power of love to provide solace and meaning in the face of overwhelming adversity. Bowie's performance of the song in 'Labyrinth' adds a layer of visual storytelling that complements the lyrical themes of love, fantasy, and the struggle between darkness and light.