“I'm sinking in the quicksand of my thought
And I ain't got the power anymore”
- David Bowie, “Quicksand” (1971)
"Quicksand" may be the greatest song that David Bowie
ever wrote. This song is the 6th track on Bowie's December 1971 album
"Hunky Dory.” Bowie often explored the boundaries of identity, reality,
and artifice, and "Quicksand" can be seen as a pivotal point in this
exploration. This song's lyrics offer more questions than answers, inviting
deep introspection. The piece blends deep existential themes with Bowie's
unique artistic vision.
Musically, "Quicksand" is understated yet powerful. The
acoustic arrangement provides a stark backdrop to Bowie's vocals, emphasizing
the introspective nature of the lyrics. The melody is haunting, with a sense of
yearning and unresolved tension that mirrors the song's thematic content. But
the purpose of this essay is to delve into the layers of meaning within the
lyrics of “Quicksand." Let’s
explore its lyrical
complexity, thematic depth, and its place within Bowie's broader artistic
journey.
At its core, "Quicksand" is a meditation on the human
condition, existential dread, and the quest for meaning. We find that the
lyrics are steeped in references and allusions to mysticism, philosophy, and
personal struggle. Bowie creates a narrative both deeply personal and
universally resonant, touching on themes of enlightenment, disillusionment, and
the search for truth. The song oscillates
between the esoteric and the existential, merging historical, mystical, and
personal themes in a way that demands a nuanced exploration.
One of the most striking aspects of "Quicksand" is the
rich intertextuality of its lyrics. Bowie references a pantheon of historical
and cultural figures, each embodying different facets of human belief and
ambition. These references are not just name-dropping; they are integral to the
song's exploration of the allure and danger of dogma, and the fine line between
enlightenment and delusion. Exploring these sorts of duality are a recurring
motif in Bowie's work, reflecting his own artistic journey and his constant
reinvention.
At the outset, Bowie acknowledges his own insecurities and the
elusive nature of truth. He positions himself as "closer to the Golden
Dawn," directly referencing an esoteric and occult organization known for
its ceremonial magic and mystical teachings. This is immediately juxtaposed
with being "Immersed in Crowley's uniform," pointing towards Aleister
Crowley, a controversial figure associated with ceremonial magic and a
philosophy of self-discovery and liberation. The use of "uniform"
here might symbolize a kind of discipline or adherence to a particular set of
beliefs or practices.
The next lines, "I'm living in a silent film / Portraying
Himmler's sacred realm / Of dream reality," further deepen this esoteric
journey. The silent film could symbolize an era of innocence or naivety, while
Himmler's sacred realm likely refers to the twisted utopia envisaged by the
Nazis, a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ideology. The phrase
"dream reality" then suggests an existence that isn’t quite real, yet
not entirely imaginary — a liminal space where ideas and beliefs are as tangible
as physical reality.
The sense of powerlessness, expressed in "I ain't got the
power anymore," resonates as the central theme of “Quicksand.” It reflects
disillusionment with the grand narratives or the ideologies that Bowie himself
has encountered. This line, repeated for emphasis, underscores a sense of loss
- perhaps of innocence, belief, or control.
References to "Garbo's eyes" and "Churchill's
lies" are particularly striking. Greta Garbo, a symbol of enigmatic and
unattainable beauty, and Winston Churchill, a figure often associated with
political cunning and wartime leadership, bring a sense of cinematic and
historical grandeur to the lyrics. Bowie identifies himself as "the
twisted name on Garbo's eyes" and "living proof of Churchill's
lies," suggesting disillusionment with the idealized images and narratives
created by society and history.
The dichotomy of "light and dark" and the imagery of
"kissing the viper's fang" or heralding "the death of Man"
suggests a flirtation with danger, with the morally ambiguous, or with the
ultimate questions of human existence. This is intertwined with the titular
theme of "sinking in the quicksand of my thought," which captures the
overwhelming nature of these profound and often disturbing ruminations.
"Don't believe in yourself / Don't deceive with belief /
Knowledge comes with death's release," these lines seem to critique the
notion of self-aggrandizement and the folly of blind belief. Bowie appears to
advocate for a kind of intellectual humility, suggesting that true
understanding, or "knowledge," might only be attained upon the
relinquishment of life. This possibly implies a Buddhist or nihilistic
perspective on the impermanence and limitation of human understanding.
The Buddhist perspective seems to be the choice here, as Bowie
has the lines “If I don't explain what you ought to know / You can tell me all
about it / On the next Bardo.” The term "Bardo" is from Tibetan
Buddhism, referring to a transitional state between death and rebirth. This is
consistent with Bowie’s known interest in various spiritual and philosophical
concepts, including those from Eastern traditions. In this context, "the
next Bardo" could symbolize a meeting in the next life or a future state
of existence.
The phrase "If I don't explain what you ought to know"
could be a comment on the limits of communication and understanding between
people. Bowie might be saying that some truths or insights are too complex or
profound to be conveyed in this life.
Also, the idea of discussing these unexplained things "on
the next Bardo" implies a belief in the continuity of consciousness beyond
death. It suggests that the conversation Bowie is attempting to start with
“Quicksand,” and thus the individual growth related to it, can continue beyond
our current lives.
Somewhat ironically, with Bowie having now long passed on, in
some ways his songs have allowed at least some aspect of his consciousness to
indeed transcend his earthly life. In this case, Bowie is touching on themes of
spiritual continuity, the limits of understanding in one lifetime, and the hope
of eventual enlightenment or closure in a future state of existence.
Finally, the acknowledgment of being "a mortal with
potential of a superman" reflects a humanistic understanding of human
potential, tempered by the reality of human limitations. The reference to
"the logic of Homo Sapien" and the "great salvation of bullshit
faith" could be interpreted as a skeptical view of human rationality and
religious dogma, respectively.
In summary, the lyrics of “Quicksand” create a complex narrative exploring themes of
power, belief, knowledge, and the human condition. Bowie challenges the
listener to consider the nature of reality, the allure of mysticism and
ideology, the seduction of power and beauty, and the ultimate quest for
understanding in a world that’s often contradictory and elusive.
"Quicksand" stands out as a profound piece of art in
David Bowie's oeuvre. It encapsulates his ability to blend deep philosophical
inquiry with compelling music, creating a song that’s both intellectually
challenging and emotionally resonant. Through "Quicksand," Bowie
invites us into a space of introspection, encouraging us to confront our own
beliefs, fears, and the inexorable search for meaning in the quicksand of our
existence. In an uncertain time, even a half century on from its release and
its references becoming obscured by growing generational gaps, “Quicksand” is
relevant to ponder as ever.
Listen to the 2015 remaster
of “Quicksand” by David Bowie on YouTube Music.
~ Amelia Desertsong
P.S. There's also an absolutely brilliant cover of
"Quicksand" by The Pretty Reckless.
Meta description: Bowie's 'Quicksand' is an important
milestone in his exploration of artifice and identity. Let’s delve into the
layered lyrics of this timeless classic.
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