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David Bowie — Under Pressure (w/ Queen)
Album: Best of Bowie
Avg rating:
8.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 5054









Released: 1981
Length: 3:47
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Mmm num ba dah
Dum bum ba beh
Doo buh dum ba beh beh

Pressure
Pushing down on me
Pressing down on you
No man ask for
Under pressure
That burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets

Mmm ba ba beh
Mmm ba ba beh
Bee de dah
Ee deh da, that's okay

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming "let me out"
Pray tomorrow
Gets me higher
Pressure on people
People on streets

Deh deh dep
Mmm, mmm
Dah dah dah bah buh
Okay

(Ooh) Chipping around
Kick my brains 'round the floor
These are the days
It never rains, but it pours

Ee do ah buh
Ee dah buh bah bop
Mmm do bop
Beh la

People on streets
Dee dah dee dah deh
People on streets
Dee dah dee dah dee dah dee dah

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming "let me out"
Pray tomorrow gets me higher, higher, high
Pressure on people
People on streets

Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on a fence, but it don't work
Keep coming up with love, but it's so slashed and torn
Why? Why? Why?
(Love)

Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Why can't we give love, give love, give love, give love
Give love, give love, give love, give love?

'Cause love's such an old fashioned
Word and love dares you to care for
The people on the edge (People on streets) of the night
And love dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
Comments (594)add comment
 thewiseking wrote:

a very low point for the Slim White Duke. Not unexpectedly it received more aiplay than all his masterworks combined



Over time I've come to the conclusion we just have different hearing aids
How could I have given this a 7 way  back when?

I corrected that now.
 Limpopoking wrote:

At a recent job interview, I was asked if I could perform under pressure.

I said I didn't really know that one, but I was prepared to have a crack at Bohemian Rhapsody.



Crazy Little Thing Called Interview 
Still stands up. There a wonderful live version with Gail Ann Dorsey singing the Freddy part.
 Limpopoking wrote:

At a recent job interview, I was asked if I could perform under pressure.

I said I didn't really know that one, but I was prepared to have a crack at Bohemian Rhapsody.


https://tenor.com/view/rimshot...
Thanks the gods for retirement, and doing what you want to do. 

Sing on David and  Freddy. 

Pressure?   My blood pressure is down to 108/71.  Thank the gods for retirement. 
Not code, but lyrics to Under Pressure:

Doo buh dum ba beh beh

Ee deh da that's okay

Mmm do bop 
Beh la
I always add "Dammit Penny!" when I am singing along, right before "Turned away, from it all, like a blind man..." 
Is that just me? 
 Limpopoking wrote:

At a recent job interview, I was asked if I could perform under pressure.

I said I didn't really know that one, but I was prepared to have a crack at Bohemian Rhapsody.



Did Coach Lasso hire  you on the spot after that zinger?
https://xkcd.com/1040/
 h8rhater wrote:

I read the same page and came to a different conclusion.  Seems to me they describe a process where Bowie represented one half ("David took over the song lyrically") of the creation process and Mercury ("the song's primary musical songwriter was Freddie Mercury") the other.    Guest vocals would indicate that David just sang the words provided, which is not the case.  Bowie was also heavily involved in the mixing of the final song, so production was a part of his role as well.

A more generous interpretation would be that the 5 of them produced the song together with equal credit, which is how they handled the credit (to their credit).

Maybe it is listed as David Bowie (w/Queen) because this version is coming off of the album Best of Bowie and no other motivations need be inferred.

The song was very much a collaboration. Bowie wrote all of the lyrics and had a rough sketch of the melody, which was brought to life by all 5 of them -- and quite beautifully. David and Freddy are 2 of my very favorite vocalists and this is a peak performance by both of them, in my opinion.

As for why it's credited like this, you're pretty much right. Because of how our artist database is set up, I had to choose one or the other, and it did come from a Bowie album... 

It's also been an incredibly apropos song for these past couple of years -- and the next few too, no doubt.  
 thewiseking wrote:

a very low point for the Slim White Duke. Not unexpectedly it received more aiplay than all his masterworks combined



"Low" point - punny? 

Of course it received more airplay, Queen were MASSIVE back then and Bowie had an incredible back catalogue.

It's a bit of excellent fun, almost a "one-off" - with some stunning soaring vocals. 

Bowie constantly re-invented himself, Queen ... not so much. 

It's a cast iron classic, mate.
1981? - OH MY GOD.
I am old.

Sadly, I still cannot get the terrible terrible "sample" that was made from this song out of my head. I won't even mention the "rappers" name, but he very nearly destroyed this song for me.

Anyway, this is a truly awesome song - it's Queen and Bowie, mixed together, what's not to like? 
a very low point for the Slim White Duke. Not unexpectedly it received more aiplay than all his masterworks combined
 h8rhater wrote:
Maybe it is listed as David Bowie (w/Queen) because this version is coming off of the album Best of Bowie and no other motivations need be inferred.


If on a Queen album, would it be Queen (w/ David Bowie)? 
Stop. Collaborate and listen. Oops wrong song. Never mind. 
 RabbitEars wrote:

so so so loooove this song. 
i also really dig the live version with Annie Lennox



If you've never seen them, check out the rehearsals from that performance. They are adorable!  
 MattRudely wrote:

Always found this to be a bit of a dog's breakfast, both in song making and production. Cocaine decisions.


I sort of agree ... it's a bit of a mess, but on the other hand it's extremely catchy!
Always found this to be a bit of a dog's breakfast, both in song making and production. Cocaine decisions.
There was all that Bowie Brilliance but, lest we forget, there was also this
Takes me back to late 1981, November or December (when this song went viral).  This was on the FM radio station alongside Waiting For A Girl Like You by Foreigner and Police's Every Little Thing.  Rush was also at their peak.  So much good music from that year.
Just a powerful song. ROCK.
always loved, loved this song…11
One of my rare 10s. 

How we need this sentiment right now. 
One of the best songs. Ever. Timeless.
 Jazzy_NL wrote:

When I hear this song my heart makes a little jump, I'm ready for the  "Yo VIP, let's kick it". I can't describe the disappointment when I realize it's Bowie instead of Vanilla Ice...




I'm surprised you can't recognize the 1/2 rest in the beat that Vanilla Ice said is in there to make the lawsuit go away...
 cubaninlondon wrote:


Do you mean "have never likeD" and "THEIR own opinion"? 


Funny, I knew what they meant without you pointing out the errors.
There are some songs that make me stop what I'm doing and just listen/sing along/dance in my chair. This is one of them. A big 10 from me!
Déjà 5 ans
So sad
When I hear this song my heart makes a little jump, I'm ready for the  "Yo VIP, let's kick it". I can't describe the disappointment when I realize it's Bowie instead of Vanilla Ice...
Watched Queen and Adam Lambert whack this out the park during Singapore F1 Grand Prix a few years back. Was awesome despite no Fred or Dave.
Muppets performing this is powerful...
https://www.dailymotion.com/vi...
 RabbitEars wrote:
so so so loooove this song. 
i also really dig the live version with Annie Lennox
 

Thanks for sharing - I wasn't aware of this version!  
 blackjellybean wrote:
I have never like this song - one of Bowie's worst.
But everyone has there own opinion.
 

Do you mean "have never likeD" and "THEIR own opinion"? 
Right at "Can't we give ourselves one more chance?" is honestly one of the most transcendental moments in all of rock and roll.

I said what I said.
I have never like this song - one of Bowie's worst.
But everyone has there own opinion.
 Paddy_Hannan wrote:
I didn't care for this song for years until I *really listened* to it and read the lyrics exclusively of the song and now think it is nothing short of incredible.
 

Still don't get it, it's just a mishmash of unconnected ideas to me, both musically and lyrically.
One of favorite songs of all time. Music and lyrics.  In case you cared 😊
I didn't care for this song for years until I *really listened* to it and read the lyrics exclusively of the song and now think it is nothing short of incredible.
Genius x 2 plus 3 (Queen) = Timeless and Relevant
Come together and be as one in this time of trouble
Bowie with Queen? I Always thought this was Queen with Bowie. Hmmm....
Mercury and Bowie.
Both dead.
Shake my head -

 ednazarko wrote:
Any song with lyrics that begin like this is, IMHO, an 11 out of 10.

Mmm num ba dah
Dum bum ba beh
Doo buh dum ba beh beh
 
Ee deh da, that's okay!
Preparing for a hearing on a death penalty case in Florida, this song is almost too appropriate. 
 kingart wrote:
Because of our days and times, I'm bumping this one. 8 > 9.  
 
It really does seem more apropos today than 1981
 michela wrote:


I've just done the same!
 
Me too!!
 moocray wrote:

Is it Vanilla Ice's best piece?
 
Now, that is a trick question. 
Special song, maybe my favorite one ?  giving the highest score.
Surprisingly nice segue from John Hiatt's "Take it Down", which I would have missed if I skipped that track. Glad I switched back to MP3 stream.
 kingart wrote:
Because of our days and times, I'm bumping this one. 8 > 9.  
 

I've just done the same!
A 9 for me. It is not in and of itself original like the stone-cold greats. But, boy, is it one heck of a brilliant pastiche by 5 supremely talented performers. It does pass the "turn up the volume when it comes on" test.
 Limpopoking wrote:
At a recent job interview, I was asked if I could perform under pressure.

I said I didn't really know that one, but I was prepared to have a crack at Bohemian Rhapsody.
 

... The response was the response (in and of itself)
 Tomasni wrote:
Long Live                                                                                                                 Radio Paradise
My rating a STRONG                                                                            8 -Most Excellent     almost 9 
 
It's a 9 at least....that bass line makes this almost a 10.....and DB and FM together....hell with it...it's a 10...Long Live RP!!
 Limpopoking wrote:
At a recent job interview, I was asked if I could perform under pressure.

I said I didn't really know that one, but I was prepared to have a crack at Bohemian Rhapsody.
 
Did you get the job? Or a chance to perform?
At a recent job interview, I was asked if I could perform under pressure.

I said I didn't really know that one, but I was prepared to have a crack at Bohemian Rhapsody.
Long Live                                                                                                                     Radio Paradise
My rating a STRONG                                                                                         8 -Most Excellent  
so so so loooove this song. 
i also really dig the live version with Annie Lennox
 Shimmer wrote:
Funny that this is listed as a David Bowie song (with Queen in parens). I've always thought of it as a Queen song with guest vocals from Bowie. A quick visit to Wikipedia seems to confirm that it's more of a Queen song than a Bowie song.
 
I read the same page and came to a different conclusion.  Seems to me they describe a process where Bowie represented one half ("David took over the song lyrically") of the creation process and Mercury ("the song's primary musical songwriter was Freddie Mercury") the other.    Guest vocals would indicate that David just sang the words provided, which is not the case.  Bowie was also heavily involved in the mixing of the final song, so production was a part of his role as well.

A more generous interpretation would be that the 5 of them produced the song together with equal credit, which is how they handled the credit (to their credit).

Maybe it is listed as David Bowie (w/Queen) because this version is coming off of the album Best of Bowie and no other motivations need be inferred.
Any song with lyrics that begin like this is, IMHO, an 11 out of 10.

Mmm num ba dah
Dum bum ba beh
Doo buh dum ba beh beh
 LudicrousMaximus wrote:
Is it Bowie's best piece - no, is it Queens best piece - no, is it a true classic - probably not, but hell it's Bowie & Queen - sometimes you just have to rate a moment in time rather than the production - hence a 10 for me.
 
Is it Vanilla Ice's best piece?
Yes, a definite 10! 

LudicrousMaximus wrote:
Is it Bowie's best piece - no, is it Queens best piece - no, is it a true classic - probably not, but hell it's Bowie & Queen - sometimes you just have to rate a moment in time rather than the production - hence a 10 for me.
 

Nice to hear on a wet Florida morning 
 Yes!
LudicrousMaximus wrote:
Is it Bowie's best piece - no, is it Queens best piece - no, is it a true classic - probably not, but hell it's Bowie & Queen - sometimes you just have to rate a moment in time rather than the production - hence a 10 for me.
 

Is it Bowie's best piece - no, is it Queens best piece - no, is it a true classic - probably not, but hell it's Bowie & Queen - sometimes you just have to rate a moment in time rather than the production - hence a 10 for me.

 rev_cletus wrote:

But that wasn't the fault of either Bowie *or* Mercury; reconsider?

 lizardking wrote:
I'm at a 9, rounded up from 8.5, as it looses .5 because of Vanilla Ice "using" that famous bass line.





 
...you want me to reconsider rounding up from 8.5 to 9?  hmmm......no....and damn...unedited typo in my original post...I'm going to LOOSE my mind {#Fire}
 scrubbrush wrote:
One of those songs that i will never, ever get tired of. 

 
Exactly !
One of those songs that i will never, ever get tired of. 
This song is freighted with so much meaning when you consider the context and singers and time period and where we are now - still faced with the same issues.
Would love to hear

David Bowie — Under Pressure (without/ Queen)
 ubuntourist wrote:
So... Next, Billy Joel's "Pressure"? Not to "pressure" you...

 
Um, no, thank you.
 lizardking wrote:
I'm at a 9, rounded up from 8.5, as it looses .5 because of Vanilla Ice "using" that famous bass line.

<gently>

But that wasn't the fault of either Bowie *or* Mercury; reconsider?

So... Next, Billy Joel's "Pressure"? Not to "pressure" you...
 mlcarroll wrote:
Had to go with a 5. Love Queen, despise Bowie...

 
Interesting.....I think that you'll find the opposite is true with the average RP listener.  I'm at a 9, rounded up from 8.5, as it looses .5 because of Vanilla Ice "using" that famous bass line. 

About 12 years or so ago, just before she and I got together, my wife got to see Queen w/ Paul Rodgers.  While "the Voice" is NOT Freddie Mercury, she was impressed with Paul's ability to match some of the vocal range of Mr. Mercury.  I wonder if there's a good quality live version of that, or perhaps some studio recordings of Paul w/ Queen?  PEACE & Long Live RP!!


 agd3 wrote:
This song always makes me stop and listen. 
 
Maybe collaborate too...
This song always makes me stop and listen. 
The version of this song where they stripped out just the vocal tracks is amazing.  It will give you a completely new take on the lyrics and power of Bowie and Queen.
Fond of it only because I can still see Bowie/Lennox doing it, and the hero worship in her eyes.


The rehearsal
Sunday morning, in a cold Beijing, this song, not heard for a very long time is exactly what I needed to get out of bed and start my day 😊🤓
Wonderful beings singing together
It's a ten !⚛
Had to go with a 5. Love Queen, despise Bowie...
Still awesome.
Had to go with a 5, love Bowie, despise Queen.
Good song and performance, but OVERPLAYED!!!!   {#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}{#Frustrated}
 kcar wrote:

I've heard this song so many times here and on FM that I'd welcome Vanilla Ice. 

 
Careful what you wish for!
 pinto wrote:

Crap, I'm getting senile.  I thought it WAS Ice, Ice Baby when it first came on. 

 
I've heard this song so many times here and on FM that I'd welcome Vanilla Ice. 
Nothing but redeeming qualities.
 pinto wrote:

Better here than North Korea

 
I bet you like to wander the cancer wards saying "Beats being dead, though!"
 boxofrain wrote:
Perfect for this time in history here in America.

 
Better here than North Korea
 Akazungu wrote:
Someday, just for fun, you should throw Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice Baby" at us, just to really mess up our day :).
 
Crap, I'm getting senile.  I thought it WAS Ice, Ice Baby when it first came on. 
Crazy,  they are now both gone! 
For your amusement:

https://youtu.be/a-1_9-z9rbY
David I miss you...
This song continues to grow on me over the years. Just bumped from 9-10.
Because of our days and times, I'm bumping this one. 8 > 9.  
Heard two guys do a karaoke version of this last night in a little neighborhood beer joint. Fantastic!
Perfect for this time in history here in America.
Someday, just for fun, you should throw Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice Baby" at us, just to really mess up our day :).
Two of the finest
This song is TERRIBLE. Following "Pressure Drop" it is (almost) irresistible.
I like to think that there's a lot of happy folks up there, getting to watch David and Freddy sing this live. RIP, you two magnificent artists. :,)
This is our last dance...
There's a video out here that has just the vocals for the song.

As you might imagine, it's amazing and nearly as good as the full version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMQb9LCNGxs


What a way to finish your week!  Turn it up!
 Skydog wrote:
..........damn man, how many ways did Bowie show us how F'ing cool he was

 
Every F'ing way.  And while he's at it, why not bring Freddie along for the ride.

Way cool. 
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:
It's been over a year since someone mentioned Vanilla Ice in the comments here. Good work everyone 

 
Well, it had been a year. Ok let's try this again…

RP SAFETY
IT HAS BEEN
14 DAYS
SINCE A BAD RIP OFF OF THIS SONG HAS BEEN MENTIONED.

Let's keep up the good work!!

{#Cheesygrin}

It's been over a year since someone mentioned Vanilla Ice in the comments here. Good work everyone 
 stevenw888 wrote:
Damnit David, I miss you still!

 
Still? It's only been a couple of months.  The man was a influence for decades.
Damnit David, I miss you still!
...cause love's such an old fashioned, word and love dares you to care for the people on the edge (People on streets) of the night and love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves...
1zwölff Punkte , viel spaß da obbe
..........damn man, how many ways did Bowie show us how F'ing cool he was
Two very thoughtful artists that will always be missed.
... as we all feel the pressure... with grief, and joy; for those gone before us, deep bows for all their beauty left here for us.  123K
 Proclivities wrote:

That's pretty cool.  Thanks.

 
Godspeed Mr. Bowie{#Pray}
 hencini wrote:
I'll just leave this here: 

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

Kermit the Frog content in link— you won't regret it... : ) 

 
That's pretty cool.  Thanks.
8 > 9. 
CLASSIC. Of its time and ours. Great fuckin' tune.  
Only a few songs leave one grinning with sincere appreciation every time..