David Bowie was an English singer, songwriter, and visionary artist whose five-decade career reshaped the landscape of modern music and popular culture. Renowned for his constant reinvention, Bowie moved fluidly between genres—glam rock, soul, electronic, and experimental pop—while creating some of the most iconic personas in music history, including Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke.
His groundbreaking work combined bold theatricality with sharp social insight, earning him critical acclaim, global chart success, and a reputation as one of the most innovative figures in contemporary art. Beyond music, Bowie made a significant impact in film, fashion, and visual performance, leaving behind a legacy defined by creativity, curiosity, and fearless self-expression. His influence continues to resonate across generations of artists and fans worldwide.
David Bowie died in 2016.
David Bowie’s 1980 single “Fashion” is a sharp, swaggering slice of art-pop that blends infectious rhythm with razor-edged social commentary. Driven by a tight, funky groove and Bowie’s cool, commanding vocals, the track critiques trend-chasing culture even as it revels in its own stylish flair. Its punchy guitar riffs and minimalist, danceable beat give it an unmistakably modern feel, perfectly reflecting Bowie’s Scary Monsters era—bold, experimental, and fiercely self-aware. Decades later, “Fashion” remains a standout Bowie classic: catchy, clever, and effortlessly cool.
It peaked at No. 05 in the UK Singles Chart on 22nd November 1980.
| A-Side | Fashion (3:26) (David Bowie) Produced By David Bowie, Tony Visconti |
| B-Side | Scream Like A Baby (3:33) (David Bowie) Produced By David Bowie, Tony Visconti |
| Genre | Rock, Glam, New Wave |
| Release Date | 31st October 1980 |
| Label | RCA |
| Catalogue Number | BOW 7 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 1st November 1980 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 05 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 07 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [7 Weeks] – 1st November 1980 – 13th December 1980 |
Officially Released Versions
Fashion (Single Version) (3:26)
Fashion (Album Version) (4:50)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
There’s a brand new dance but I don’t know its name
That people from bad homes do again and again
It’s big and it’s bland, full of tension and fear
They do it over there but we don’t do it here
Fashion - Turn to the left
Fashion – Turn to the right
Ooh, fashion
We are the goon squad and we’re coming to town
Beep-beep
Beep-beep
Listen to me – don’t listen to me
Talk to me – don’t talk to me
Dance with me – don’t dance with me
No-Beep-Beep
There’s a brand new talk but it’s not very clear
Oh bop
That people from good homes are talking this year
Oh bop, fashion
It’s loud and it’s tasteless and I’ve heard it before
Oh bop
You shout it while you’re dancing on the dance floor
(Ooh, bop, fashion)
Fashion – Turn to the left
Fashion – Right
Fashion
We are the goon squad and we’re coming to town
Beep-beep
Beep-beep
Listen to me – don’t listen to me
Talk to me – don’t talk to me
Dance with me – don’t dance with me
No-Beep-Beep – Beep-Beep
[Outro]
Oh, bop, do do do do do do do do
Fa-fa-fa-fa-fashion
Oh, bop, do do do do do do do do
Fa-fa-fa-fa-fashion
La-la la la la la la-la
Written By David Bowie
