Where Are We Now?

David Bowie's 'Where Are We Now?' is a poignant reflection on time, memory, and the profound changes that life brings. The song is deeply rooted in Bowie's personal history, particularly his time spent in Berlin during the late 1970s. The lyrics reference specific locations in Berlin, such as Potzdamer Platz and Nürnberger Straße, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a past era. These places are not just geographical markers but symbols of a time when Bowie was creatively prolific and personally transformative. The repeated phrase 'just walking the dead' suggests a haunting journey through memories and the ghosts of the past.

The song also touches on significant historical events, such as the crossing of Bösebrücke, which was the first border crossing to open during the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. This momentous event is captured in the line 'Twenty thousand people / Cross Bösebrücke / Fingers are crossed / Just in case,' highlighting the uncertainty and hope that accompanied this period of change. The recurring question 'Where are we now?' serves as a meditation on the passage of time and the search for meaning in the present, amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.

The final verses of the song, 'As long as there's Sun / As long as there's rain / As long as there's fire / As long as there's me / As long as there's you,' convey a sense of enduring hope and resilience. Despite the inevitable changes and the passage of time, certain constants remain, such as the elements of nature and the presence of loved ones. This juxtaposition of permanence and impermanence underscores the song's introspective and contemplative nature, making it a deeply moving piece that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.