“Modern Love” is a song by David Bowie, serving as the opening track on his 1983 album Let’s Dance and released as the album’s third single. Co-produced by Bowie and Nile Rodgers, the track was recorded in December 1982 at New York City’s Power Station and was one of the first songs recorded for the album.
Lyrically, the song explores the struggle between God and man in a secular world, reflecting Bowie’s disillusionment with modern romance and societal institutions. The upbeat, danceable production contrasts with lyrics expressing isolation and a rejection of “modern love,” which the narrator views as a hollow, commercial transaction. Some interpretations suggest the song also touches on Bowie’s personal life, including his divorce and his experiences within gay culture.
Released April 14, 1983. 42 years ago. I was a Sophomore at Edgewater High School. I still remember hearing “Modern Love” for the first time. I was certainly in love that week, 42 years ago (for the 8th time that year, tehehe). Ladies of the Eighties, how I love you so!
[Intro]
I know when to go out
Know when to stay in
Get things done
[Verse 1]
I catch the paperboy
But things don’t really change
I’m standing in the wind
But I never wave bye-bye
But I try
I try
[Verse 2]
There’s no sign of life
It’s just the power to charm
I’m lying in the rain
But I never wave bye-bye
But I try
I try
[Chorus]
Never gonna fall for
(Modern love) Walks beside me
(Modern love) Walks on by
(Modern love) Gets me to the church on time
(Church on time) Terrifies me
(Church on time) Makes me party
(Church on time) Puts my trust in God and man
(God and man) No confessions
(God and man) No religion
(God and man) Don’t believe in modern love
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
It’s not really work
It’s just the power to charm
Still standing in the wind
But I never wave bye-bye
But I try
I try
[Chorus]
Never gonna fall for
(Modern love) Walks beside me
(Modern love) Walks on by
(Modern love) Gets me to the church on time
(Church on time) Terrifies me
(Church on time) Makes me party
(Church on time) Puts my trust in God and man
(God and man) No confessions
(God and man) No religion
(God and man) Don’t believe in modern love
(Modern love) Walks beside me
(Modern love) Walks on by
(Modern love) Gets me to the church on time
(Church on time) Terrifies me
(Church on time) Makes me party
(Church on time) Puts my trust in God and man
(God and man) No confessions
(God and man) No religion
(God and man) Don’t believe in modern love
[Outro]
Modern love (Modern love), modern love (Modern love)
Modern love (Modern love), modern love (Modern love)
Modern love (Modern love), modern love (Modern love)
Modern love (Modern love), modern love (Modern love)
(Modern love, modern love)
(Modern love, modern love)
Modern love walks beside me (Modern love)
Modern love walks on by (Modern love)
Modern love walks beside me (Modern love)
Modern love walks on by (Modern love)
Never gonna fall for (Modern love, modern love)
Never gonna fall for (Modern love, modern love)
