Absolute Beginners
David Bowie · Best Of Sight & Sound [2007]
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 vibrant testament to his chameleon-like ability to reinvent his sound across decades. Originally released in 1986, the track captures the artist at a peak of commercial confidence, blending new wave energy with a driving rock rhythm that defined much of his mid-career output. The song's upbeat tempo and optimistic tone reflect Bowie's exploration of pop sensibilities during an era where he frequently collaborated with top-tier producers to craft radio-friendly anthems. While often associated with his broader catalogue of experimental rock and glam influences, this recording showcases a more direct, dance-oriented approach. It remains a significant song in his extensive discography, illustrating his enduring capacity to merge artistic ambition with mainstream appeal without sacrificing his distinctive vocal character.