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David Bowie — Fame
Album: Young Americans
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2051









Released: 1975
Length: 4:09
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Fame, makes a man take things over
Fame, lets him loose, hard to swallow
Fame, puts you there where things are hollow
Fame

Fame, it's not your brain, it's just the flame
That burns your change to keep you insane
Fame

Fame, what you like is in the limo
Fame, what you get is no tomorrow
Fame, what you need you have to borrow
Fame

Fame, "Nien! It's mine!" is just his line
To bind your time, it drives you to crime
Fame

''Could it be the best, could it be?
Really be, really, babe?
Could it be, my babe, could it, babe?
Really, really?''

Is it any wonder I reject you first?
Fame, fame, fame, fame
Is it any wonder you are too cool to fool?
Fame

Fame, bully for you, chilly for me
Got to get a rain check on pain
Fame

Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame

Fame
What's your name?

''Get me some, fame
Now get-ah, fame''
Comments (124)add comment
1975!!!! Amazing.  What a talent, what a loss to the world of music
Posted 5 months ago by frogtoad    [ Reply ]
 sajitjacob wrote:

Play this L O U D!

2130 on a Friday night, on headphones.... 
Well.. if you insist!

Posted 9 months ago by IvanTheMediocre    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:

What a change from the music of just 15 years earlier, when everyone was doing the Peppermint Twist and the Mashed Potato.  It's interesting how rock music progressed so quickly.


Society was changing almost as quickly, too.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
What a change from the music of just 15 years earlier, when everyone was doing the Peppermint Twist and the Mashed Potato.  It's interesting how rock music progressed so quickly.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Play this L O U D!
Posted 2 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by mark    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by StratoHari    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:

You're not dreaming.  This is a Bowie, Alomar, Lennon composition.  John inspired the theme and helped a little with lyrics and I think music.
Carlos provided the rhythmic hook, which was later borrowed for a James Brown tune.

... and John can clearly be heard singing backup, too.
Posted 2 years ago by QuantumShaman    [ Reply ]
I remember seeing the video for this when I was watching Don Kirschner's Rock Concert back when I was 13 or so... Laser lights, wild effects; blew our minds!
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
ICONIC!! Brings back memories!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
A friend first played this for me on vinyl when I was 11 years old. BLOWN A- WAY!!!
Posted 2 years ago by xc.farmer.antoine486    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:

Your not dreaming.  This is a Bowie, Alomar, Lennon composition.  John inspired the theme and helped a little with lyrics and Ithink music.
Carlos provided the rhythmic hook, which was later borrowed for a James Brown tune.


You're
Posted 3 years ago by acferrad    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:
Insane drumming {#Drummer}

Dennis Davis was a genius and is my favorite drummer by far.
Posted 3 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
I still remember listening to this at 12 or 13 years old on WLS 720 AM in Chicago on my little red Realistic transistor radio. Time sure waits for no one. Heh. 
Posted 3 years ago by bahalana    [ Reply ]
Absolutely superb in every manner music can be - words, music, feeling, meaning.
Posted 3 years ago by aonley    [ Reply ]
Now we're talking! I'm personally deciding to make this a tribute to dear Kobe.
Posted 4 years ago by jahgirl8    [ Reply ]
The album that introduced all of us to Luther Vandross. Thanks, Dave!
Posted 4 years ago by dancindan    [ Reply ]
This album has not one, but two songs that are so good they overcome their ubiquity. It is hard enough to have one song in a career that good.  Well played, Mr. Bowie.{#Clap}
Posted 5 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
"Fame? Ooh, I hope it's the remix from the ChangesBowie CD..."

...said nobody, ever.
Posted 5 years ago by slaven41    [ Reply ]
Always loved that song...
Posted 5 years ago by frncheez    [ Reply ]
To me 7 - Quite Likeable   but not MORE  
  So I change to 3 and Skip
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
Rich, funky and oblique. Ahead of its and any other time, for that matter.
Posted 5 years ago by lucyvp    [ Reply ]
Insane drumming {#Drummer}
Posted 6 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
John does some vocals.
 
PopKombo wrote:
i seem to remember something about john lennon also being credited on this recording ... is that right or am i only dreaming?

 


Posted 6 years ago by TRC    [ Reply ]
This song needs a rest.
Posted 6 years ago by fdfanalytics    [ Reply ]
 maboleth wrote:
Never liked it, even though it's Bowie. So boring. :-/

 
{#Stupid}
Posted 6 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
In the limo ? , "Nien!Fame!
Posted 7 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
Never liked it, even though it's Bowie. So boring. :-/
Posted 8 years ago by maboleth    [ Reply ]
Always audacious, and fearless.  Bowie was so creative, even if I did not like all his morphs, like this song. Same goes for Prince (following song).  I like it when someone's brilliance gets my attention, can't be disputed, and makes me expand my menu in life.
 
Posted 8 years ago by ozzie1313    [ Reply ]
Goes all the way to 10!!
Posted 8 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
Excellent performance of this song to open the 2016 Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame with the Roots and David Byrne singing.
Posted 8 years ago by boontonite    [ Reply ]
 siqbal wrote:
Not one of my favorites from the Bowie canon. Hit No. 1 in the US though, back in '75, which I've always found surprising as it's not a particularly mainstream track.

 
I think Hit no. 1 happens when it's mainstream, or vice-versa.
Posted 8 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
EXCELLENT ROCKER.
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
{#Cool}
Posted 8 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
OH NOOOOOOOO!! 
Posted 8 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Not one of my favorites from the Bowie canon. Hit No. 1 in the US though, back in '75, which I've always found surprising as it's not a particularly mainstream track.
Posted 8 years ago by siqbal    [ Reply ]
Bowie is always good, imho. What are we to make of the pics at the top of the page?
Posted 9 years ago by LindyLuv    [ Reply ]
 dingleberry wrote:
Fame, bully for you, chilly for me
Got to get a rain check on pain

some great phrasing in there DB!

 
What you like is in the limo
Posted 9 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:

Remember that time Dave lip-synced horribly to this on "Soul Train"?

Remember that?

That WASN'T awesome...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy80bUKt54I



 
Slightly obscure Chris Farley reference: Not missed!
Posted 9 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
Another great Bill segue.

One of James Brown's most famous songs and now this - with a riff from NYC guitar man Carlos Alomar that James borrowed later that year for "Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved, Loved)", Ironically Carlos had played with James in the 60s.
Posted 9 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
2>1 
sucks like hell, even if it s David bowie 
Posted 9 years ago by Axelito    [ Reply ]
Serious syncopation!

{#Drummer} 
Posted 9 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:

Remember that time Dave lip-synced horribly to this on "Soul Train"?

Remember that?

That WASN'T awesome...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy80bUKt54I



 
drug addiction. song w/overlapping vox and efx doomed from the start in any event. 
Posted 9 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Fantastic song Is got reinjuvinated with the song when I heard it being played at The Bowie exhibition at the 
V&A originally I think I'm right in saying bowie got the inspiration for the song from listening to the song "Shame Shame Shame " by Shirley & co 1974 

 
Posted 9 years ago by Shotoverplain    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:

Remember that time Dave lip-synced horribly to this on "Soul Train"?

Remember that?

That WASN'T awesome...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy80bUKt54I

 
I remember it being more fun when I saw it back then, and it is a little awkward-looking now, but still, it's not really horrible seeing it now.  Just about everyone lip-synced on Soul Train back then, that's really not the best tune for doing it.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
oh my goodness. If you've got the opportunity, hit the David Bowie Is exhibit at MCA Chicago before it goes away. There's a page from his diary about this recording. It's nothing jaw dropping, just neat. The whole exhibit is aces.
Posted 10 years ago by papersitter    [ Reply ]

Remember that time Dave lip-synced horribly to this on "Soul Train"?

Remember that?

That WASN'T awesome...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy80bUKt54I


Posted 10 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 PopKombo wrote:
i seem to remember something about john lennon also being credited on this recording ... is that right or am i only dreaming?

 
Your not dreaming.  This is a Bowie, Alomar, Lennon composition.  John inspired the theme and helped a little with lyrics and Ithink music.
Carlos provided the rhythmic hook, which was later borrowed for a James Brown tune.
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Damn Cadillac ad using this song.



Posted 10 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
Fame, bully for you, chilly for me
Got to get a rain check on pain

some great phrasing in there DB!
Posted 10 years ago by dingleberry    [ Reply ]
i seem to remember something about john lennon also being credited on this recording ... is that right or am i only dreaming?
Posted 10 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
WONDERFUL! So refreshing to hear it again.
 
Posted 10 years ago by deniseperry    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
dipshit poser trying to get down, sad rich ahole.
 
Don't be so hard on yourself.
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
dipshit poser trying to get down, sad rich ahole.
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
So I'm 11 years old and our family would go this local bar for our Lenten Fish Frys.  They had a jukebox and the 3 singles I'd play over and over were Bowie's, "Fame", BOC's "Don't Fear the Reaper" and Alice Cooper's , "Go To Hell".  Ahhh, memories.   
Posted 11 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]

This song is still soooo good for the ears...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Any one remember Fame '90?  Man, that happened...
Posted 11 years ago by Zeito    [ Reply ]
 Euskadita wrote:
I don't put "1" because I respect David career and talent!
 
Go ahead.  It will say more about you than the song.
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
i love hearing lennon backing this up.

bowie...not my favorite bowie tune, but damn if it isn't awesome. 
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Though tired of hearing this...it IS a great, funky tune and cannot deny it IS catchy.{#Dance}
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
I don't put "1" because I respect David career and talent!
Posted 12 years ago by Euskadita    [ Reply ]
 finoufk wrote:
not his best...
 
But damn close.......
Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Love this funky tune....love you David Bowie you God!
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 casey1024 wrote:
When Bowie was on his Fame tour, we saw the show in New Haven.  I remember being completely blown away by the film run before Bowie came on stage.  It was "Un Chien Andalou" (The Andalusian Dog).  I was freaked out by it.  If you've seen it you understand what a strange intro for a concert! BIZARRE.
 

 Huey wrote:

Wow, thanks for that. I didn't know Salvador Dali had ever done any film. Wierd indeed. Anyone else interested? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJexaTmCVfI

 
Dali had worked on a few film projects; he had co-written the film named above, but it was directed by Luis Bunuel.  This is still a great song after all these years.


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
not his best...
Posted 13 years ago by finoufk    [ Reply ]
A solid 10 for all the reasons true Bowie lovers old enough to be true Bowie lovers will will give it a 10! {#Music}


Posted 13 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
The first 20 seconds of this song are okay.
Posted 13 years ago by icemang    [ Reply ]
 Kaw wrote:

Probably only the music and not the album cover I suppose?
 
No... I'd say the music matches the album cover

Posted 13 years ago by dreadpixie    [ Reply ]
 BKardon wrote:
Love this album.
 
Probably only the music and not the album cover I suppose?
Posted 13 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
Well, I've been waiting for a reason to switch to NPR...  looks like the reason arrived.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
Bob Marley followed by James Brown followed by David Bowie and John Lennon together. That's a playlist!
Posted 13 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
What cannot be cured must be endured.
Posted 13 years ago by evansdad    [ Reply ]
Good goddamn! Could a song get any groovier?
Posted 13 years ago by badstudent    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

"reject you first" according to the lyrics sites, but he's certainly not enunciating realclear izzy?!

 

neh, he ain't.  but neither does Andrew Boid. 
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
 Rooney wrote:

Is he really saying, "Is it any wonder, I reject your breast??"  Or what?

{#Crowded}

 
"reject you first" according to the lyrics sites, but he's certainly not enunciating realclear izzy?!

Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 Rooney wrote:

Is he really saying, "Is it any wonder, I reject your breast??"  Or what?

{#Crowded}

 

"you first"  or as he often says live in New York "you foist"
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]

Is he really saying, "Is it any wonder, I reject your breast??"  Or what?

{#Crowded}

Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
 casey1024 wrote:
When Bowie was on his Fame tour, we saw the show in New Haven.  I remember being completely blown away by the film run before Bowie came on stage.  It was "Un Chien Andalou" (The Andalusian Dog).  I was freaked out by it.  If you've seen it you understand what a strange intro for a concert! BIZARRE.
 
Wow, thanks for that. I didn't know Salvador Dali had ever done any film. Wierd indeed. Anyone else interested? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJexaTmCVfI

Posted 14 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
this song is "soul train"
Posted 14 years ago by petrfas    [ Reply ]
This whole album was mind blowing in my opinion. It was really smooth and I still think it's quite sophisticated.  I take the album as a whole when I listen to this album.
Posted 14 years ago by ugly    [ Reply ]
Oversaturated, overplayed and yet I sing along every damn time, mark of a truly great song!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Bit of trivia:  With this record, David Bowie was one of the few white artists to appear on Soul Train.  .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npXDtEOtA3w
Posted 14 years ago by vesta0424    [ Reply ]
The falsetto answering "Fame" is Lennon. He also contributed mightily to Across the Universe by writing it.
 Eveland wrote:


I had to look this up and loo and behold, you are correct.
Check the wikipedia entry for the album "Young Americans"
Mr. Lennon not only contributed to Fame but also "Across the Universe"

 


Posted 14 years ago by rp1125    [ Reply ]
 Eveland wrote:


I had to look this up and loo and behold, you are correct.
Check the wikipedia entry for the album "Young Americans"
Mr. Lennon not only contributed to Fame but also "Across the Universe"

 
He is also on backing vocals.

Posted 14 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Love this album.
Posted 14 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
I'm David Bowie, and I have damn fine hair.
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I believe you are right about that.   I think this came out before they even called it disco.   I remember getting in under age at The Store in Phoenix when this was a big dance hit.   Anybody there?
 RedGuitar wrote:

IIRC, this was pre-Prince.  Mr. Nelson may have learned a bit from Mr. Bowie!

 


Posted 14 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

I think John Lennon is playing a guitar on this song...
 

I had to look this up and loo and behold, you are correct.
Check the wikipedia entry for the album "Young Americans"
Mr. Lennon not only contributed to Fame but also "Across the Universe"

Posted 14 years ago by Eveland    [ Reply ]
Turned this way up.
Posted 14 years ago by Eveland    [ Reply ]
 window wrote:
David was really trying to give Prince a run for his $$$ with this one, wasn't he?  I'd say he did a bang up job!
 
IIRC, this was pre-Prince.  Mr. Nelson may have learned a bit from Mr. Bowie!

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
David was really trying to give Prince a run for his $$$ with this one, wasn't he?  I'd say he did a bang up job!
Posted 14 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
Wow.  This song brings me right back to 1975.  It's funny how that sometimes works.
Posted 14 years ago by thunter1    [ Reply ]
Man...Bill's rockin' it today.
Posted 14 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
lennon and bowie, how can you dis this?{#Dance}
Posted 15 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
{#Drummer}{#Group-hug}
Posted 15 years ago by sircharles    [ Reply ]
Outstanding artist, fine song, but this pales (no pun intended!) following James Brown.
Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
The funky thin white duke! {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo good for the ears...
 You took the words right out of my mouth. ;-)
Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Utterly classic.

Remember how stunned and amazed you were the first time you heard that synthesizer run?

EDIT:  My God.  I'm thinking of Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein."  Well, that synthesizer was amazing.

Bowies vocal run here ain't half-bad, though. . . .

Posted 15 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
I saw that film as part of a university arts elective course. Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel were the collaborators, I believe.
 casey1024 wrote:
When Bowie was on his Fame tour, we saw the show in New Haven.  I remember being completely blown away by the film run before Bowie came on stage.  It was "Un Chien Andalou" (The Andalusian Dog).  I was freaked out by it.  If you've seen it you understand what a strange intro for a concert! BIZARRE.
 


Posted 15 years ago by psg    [ Reply ]


Posted 15 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
When Bowie was on his Fame tour, we saw the show in New Haven.  I remember being completely blown away by the film run before Bowie came on stage.  It was "Un Chien Andalou" (The Andalusian Dog).  I was freaked out by it.  If you've seen it you understand what a strange intro for a concert! BIZARRE.
Posted 16 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
">
Posted 16 years ago by ladyk    [ Reply ]
how am I supposed to do invoicing with all the dancing in this office
Posted 16 years ago by middleagedhipster    [ Reply ]
Bowie is a badass!
Posted 16 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
EssexTex wrote:
Never mind fame...this is lame..."Is it any wounder"
Tztz... This is Bowie as his best!
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
This is OUTSTANDING! Great set, Bill!
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
Mari wrote:
This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by British Broadcasting Corporation
you can find it here:(click here)
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Never mind fame...this is lame..."Is it any wounder"
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Always reminds me of Average White Band
Posted 16 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
Mari wrote:
This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by British Broadcasting Corporation
that song gets in your brain and won't go away!
Posted 17 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
squidish wrote:
Did anyone see DB singing "Chubby little loser, pathetic little fat man, pug nose face" on Ricky Gervais' show Extras? Even when he is messing around, he sounds gorgeous!
This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by British Broadcasting Corporation
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
For those who haven't seen it, I have to link the Flight of the Conchords' "Bowie's in Space" - friggin' hilarious... (click here)
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
squidish wrote:
Did anyone see DB singing "Chubby little loser, pathetic little fat man, pug nose face" on Ricky Gervais' show Extras? Even when he is messing around, he sounds gorgeous!
I just saw season 2 of Extras on DVD last week. That episode was hilarious.
Posted 17 years ago by crinky    [ Reply ]
squidish wrote:
Did anyone see DB singing "Chubby little loser, pathetic little fat man, pug nose face" on Ricky Gervais' show Extras? Even when he is messing around, he sounds gorgeous!
I have watched that clip many, many times! Bowie does sound great, and the clip is hilarious!!
Posted 17 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
My sister cracked me up when she admitted she thought Bowie was singing,"Fame. F**ing A, F***ing A, F***ing A." One of my favorite misunderstood lyrics ever. And Thin White Duke-era Bowie ROCKED!
Posted 17 years ago by natsthename    [ Reply ]
healyf52 wrote:
I always thought David Bowie was the late Linda McCartney's long lost twin.
Good one here !!!
Posted 17 years ago by renlat    [ Reply ]
Did anyone see DB singing "Chubby little loser, pathetic little fat man, pug nose face" on Ricky Gervais' show Extras? Even when he is messing around, he sounds gorgeous!
Posted 17 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
I always thought David Bowie was the late Linda McCartney's long lost twin.
Posted 17 years ago by healyf52    [ Reply ]
Iconic song, iconic album!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]