Absolute Beginners
David Bowie · Tonight
There's nothing much to take
I'm an absolute beginner
And I'm absolutely sane
As long as we're together
The rest can go to hell
I absolutely love you
But we're absolute beginners
With eyes completely open
But nervous all the same
If our love song
Could fly over mountains
Could laugh at the ocean
Just like the films
There's no reason
To feel all the hard times
To lay down the hard lines
It's absolutely true
Nothing much could happen
Nothing we can't shake
Oh we're absolute beginners
With nothing much at stake
As long as you're still smiling
There's nothing more I need
I absolutely love you
But we're absolute beginners
But if my love is your love
We're certain to succeed
If our love song
Could fly over mountains
Sail over heartaches
Just like the films
There's no reason
To feel all the hard times
To lay down the hard lines
It's absolutely true
Absolute Beginners
David Bowie's "Absolute Beginners" stands as a defining track from his 1973 album *Tonight*, marking a pivotal shift in his musical direction. The song blends funk, soul, and rock influences, reflecting Bowie's growing engagement with American R&B and his desire to break away from the art-rock experimentation of his earlier work. With its driving rhythm and iconic vocal delivery, the recording captures the energy of the early 1970s while establishing themes of youth and reinvention that would become central to his career. Released during a period of significant artistic evolution, the track remains a staple of his discography, showcasing his ability to absorb diverse genres and reinterpret them through a unique, charismatic lens. Its enduring appeal lies in its infectious groove and the way it encapsulates a specific moment in pop culture history.