englishRock

Modern Love Lyrics

by David Bowie

21 views • Published on Oct 3, 2026

Modern Love Lyrics

I know when to go out And when to stay in Get things done (spoken) I catch a paper boy But things don't really change I'm standing in the wind But I never wave bye-bye But I try, I try 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 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 It's not really work It's just the power to charm I'm still standing in the wind But I never wave bye bye But I try, I try 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 - I don't believe in 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 Never gonna fall for Never gonna fall for

Meaning of Modern Love

“Modern Love” captures a detached, almost cynical observation of contemporary relationships and faith. Bowie presents a figure navigating a world where appearances and superficial charm—the “power to charm”—seem to be the only reliable guides. The repeated refrain of “I never wave bye-bye,” coupled with the unsettling juxtaposition of “church on time” – simultaneously terrifying and celebratory – highlights a profound disillusionment. The lyrics suggest a rejection of traditional religion (“God and Man don’t believe in modern love”), prioritizing instead a transactional, surface-level connection represented by "Modern Love." It's a weary acknowledgement that life is merely a performance, a series of carefully constructed moments devoid of genuine emotion or spiritual conviction. The song evokes feelings of isolation, irony, and a subtle critique of societal expectations, ultimately questioning the sincerity behind modern pursuits.

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