The meaning of Modern Love by David Bowie

Modern Love is a song by David Bowie, released in 1983 on his album Let's Dance. The song was written by Bowie and producer Nile Rodgers, who also played guitar on the track.

The lyrics of Modern Love are often seen as a commentary on the superficiality of modern relationships. The song's protagonist describes a series of fleeting romantic encounters, each one leaving him feeling empty and unfulfilled. He sings about "modern love", which is characterized by its lack of depth or commitment. This theme was likely influenced by Bowie's own experiences with fame and the fleeting nature of celebrity relationships.

The music itself is a fusion of rock, pop, and disco styles, featuring a prominent synthesizer riff and a driving beat provided by Rodgers' distinctive guitar playing. The song's chorus features a memorable hook, with Bowie singing about "modern love" in a way that's both wistful and cynical.

One interpretation of the song is that it's a commentary on the commodification of relationships in modern society. In this view, Modern Love is not just a romantic ditty, but a critique of the way people use each other for fleeting pleasure or social status. Bowie himself was known to be fascinated by the ways in which technology and media shape our perceptions of love and relationships.

Despite its somewhat downbeat lyrics, Modern Love has become one of Bowie's most beloved and enduring songs. Its catchy melody and Rodgers' innovative production have made it a staple of 80s pop culture. The song remains a testament to Bowie's ability to craft memorable, genre-bending music that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.