Dollar Days

David Bowie's 'Dollar Days' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of mortality, legacy, and the passage of time. Released on his final album, 'Blackstar,' the song carries a weight of introspection and reflection, as Bowie was aware of his terminal illness during its creation. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of urgency and resignation, as he grapples with the inevitability of death and the desire to leave a lasting impact.

The opening lines, 'Cash girls suffer me / I've got no enemies,' suggest a detachment from material concerns and a focus on more profound existential questions. Bowie reflects on his life and career, acknowledging that he has no enemies and that the superficial aspects of fame and fortune are meaningless in the face of mortality. The repeated phrase, 'It's nothing to me / It's nothing to see,' underscores this sense of detachment and acceptance.

Bowie's reference to 'the English evergreens' evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for his homeland, while also acknowledging that he may never see it again. The lines 'I'm dying to / Push their backs against the grain / And fool them all again and again' reveal his enduring rebellious spirit and desire to challenge the status quo, even in his final days. The imagery of 'bitches tearing our magazines' and 'Oligarchs with foaming mouths' highlights the superficiality and greed that pervade society, contrasting sharply with Bowie's introspective and philosophical musings.

The chorus, 'Dollar days, survival sex / Honour stretching tails to necks,' juxtaposes the harsh realities of life with the pursuit of honor and dignity. Bowie acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices that come with survival, but he remains resolute in his determination to leave a meaningful legacy. The repeated refrain, 'Don't believe for just one second / I'm forgetting you,' serves as a poignant reminder of his enduring love and connection to those he holds dear, even as he faces the end of his life. 'Dollar Days' is a powerful and moving testament to Bowie's artistry and humanity, capturing the essence of his final reflections and farewells.