Fashion

David Bowie's song 'Fashion' is a sharp critique of societal trends and the superficiality often associated with them. The lyrics describe a new dance that people from 'bad homes' repeatedly perform, highlighting a sense of exclusion and division. This dance is described as 'big and bland, full of tension and fear,' suggesting that these trends are not only unoriginal but also carry an underlying anxiety. The refrain 'Fashion! Turn to the left, Fashion! Turn to the right' mimics the repetitive and mechanical nature of following trends, emphasizing how people mindlessly conform to societal expectations.

The song's chorus, 'We are the goon squad and we're coming to town, Beep-beep,' introduces a sense of menace and mockery. The 'goon squad' could symbolize the enforcers of fashion norms, who impose their standards on others. The 'beep-beep' sounds add a robotic, almost dystopian feel, reinforcing the idea that fashion trends can be dehumanizing. Bowie's use of contradictory commands like 'Listen to me - don't listen to me' and 'Talk to me - don't talk to me' further illustrates the confusion and lack of genuine communication in a world obsessed with appearances.

In the second verse, Bowie shifts focus to 'a brand new talk' that people from 'good homes' are adopting. This talk is 'loud and tasteless,' indicating that even those from privileged backgrounds are not immune to the vacuity of trends. The repetition of 'Oh bop, fashion' and the nonsensical 'do do do do' lines add to the song's satirical tone, mocking the emptiness of fashionable chatter. Ultimately, 'Fashion' serves as a biting commentary on the cyclical and often meaningless nature of societal trends, urging listeners to question the value and impact of blindly following them.