Written by: Johnnie Dee
Recorded: July 1973
Producers: Ken Scott, David Bowie
Engineer: Dennis MacKay
Released: 19 October 1973
Available on:
Pin Ups
Personnel
David Bowie: vocals, guitar harmonicaMick Ronson: guitar
Trevor Bolder: bass guitar
Aynsley Dunbar: drums, tambourine
First recorded in 1964 by the Pretty Things, ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’ was one of the cover versions taped by David Bowie in 1973 for the Pin Ups album.
The song was written by Johnnie Dee, the road manager for the English R&B group the Fairies. Dee originally offered the song to the band, who rejected it, so the Pretty Things recorded it as their second single – the follow-up to ‘Rosalyn’, which Bowie also recorded for Pin Ups.
The Pretty Things’ version reached number 10 on the UK singles chart, becoming their biggest hit, and was included on the US edition of their self-titled debut album.
Several of the Pin Ups songs were rearranged by the musicians and co-producer Ken Scott, but ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’ was perhaps the album’s most faithful representation of its vision of mid-Sixties rock ‘n’ roll, with Bowie’s bluesy harmonica bends and a tight performance from the rhythm section.
Yet Bowie’s vocals were oddly restrained in comparison to the Pretty Things’ Phil May, and Mick Ronson’s guitar solo was sadly submerged in the clutter and clatter of the final mix.
Lyrics
I’m on my own, nowhere to roam
I tell you baby, don’t want no home
I wander round, feet off the ground
I even go from town to town
I said I think this rock is grand
Say I’ll be your man
Don’t bring me down, don’t bring me down
I met this chick, the other day
And then to me, she said she’ll stay
I get this pad, just like a cave
And then we’ll have, our living made
And then I’ll lead her on the ground
My head is spinning round
Don’t bring me down, don’t bring me down
I, I, I, I, I need a lover ’cause someone new
And then to her I will be true
I’ll buy her furs and pretty things
I’ll even buy a wedding ring
But until then I’ll settle down
Say I’ll be your man
Don’t bring me down, don’t bring me down
Until then I’ll settle down
Say I’ll be your man
Don’t bring me down, don’t bring me down
Don’t bring me down