@@MegaToren He Lives in Australia! My Daughter and I saw Him walking at Coffs Harbour break Water. No Way I'm wrong on This, Some Young Bloke had a Go at Me as I turned and said Bowie? Freak Scuffled off and Davo was fast to move with Him? Alive And Kicking @ the Grave Yard Stop..
Paranoia runs deep in this video, with the quick cuts between displays of David's fear of guns (which is quite understandable) and what is really happening (the priest asking a cop for directions, children playinmg, that poor, innocent cab driver being mistaken for the potentially murderous Johnny).. Masterful, strong, and disturbing stuff.
“On that tour I was a mess quite honestly. This was the peak of Nine Inch Nails newfound rocket ship of fame. It distorted my personality and became overwhelming: to deal with having everyone treat you different, to going from not being able to afford a gas bill to show up to arenas full of people, who kind of think they know you. The line starts to blur between the guy onstage and the person you used to be. My way of dealing with life was to numb myself with drugs and alcohol because it made me feel better and more equipped to deal with everything. My career was skyrocketing, but the scaffolding that was holding me up as a person was starting to collapse. I wasn’t fully aware of how bad it was getting, but I knew in my heart that I was on an unsustainable, reckless, self-destructive path. When I met David he had been through that. And he was content. He was at peace with himself with an incredible wife, clearly in love. There were a number of times where the two of us were alone, and he said some things that weren’t scolding, but pieces of wisdom that stuck with me: “You know, there is a better way here, and it doesn’t have to end in despair or in death, in the bottom.” A full year later, I hit bottom. Once I got clean I felt a tremendous amount of shame, of my actions and missed opportunities and the damage that I’ve caused in the past. And I thought back to the time when we were together a lot and I wonder what that could have been like if I was at 100 percent. The “I’m Afraid of Americans” video falls into that category of me at my worst - out of my mind and ashamed of who I was at that time. So when I see that, I have mixed feelings - grateful to be involved, and flattered to be a part of it, but disgusted at myself, at who I was at that time, and wishing I had been 100 percent me. And it nagged me. A few years later, Bowie came through L.A. I’d been sober for a fair amount of time. I wanted to thank him in the way that he helped me. And I reluctantly went backstage, feeling weird and ashamed like, “Hey, I’m the guy that puked on the rug.” And again, I was met with warmth, and grace, and love. And I started to say, “Hey listen, I’ve been clean for …” I don’t even think I finished the sentence; I got a big hug. And he said, “I knew, I knew you’d do that. I knew you’d come out of that.” I have goosebumps right now just thinking about it. It was another very important moment in my life." ⸺ Trent Reznor
rock and roll. not in a nutshell. getting thru it to tell the story though... true philanthropy. I hope folks hear the message - from whomever sent it.
I was blown away a decade ago when I learned two of my biggest music heroes collabed, and this quote really hits home as I feel Trent Reznors music reaches alot of his listeners through the shared feelings and experiences he had. I miss Bowie but I'm glad Trent is still with us and making music.
Bowie and Reznor was the perfect, unlikely match-up that I never realized we even needed until it happened. So glad these guys got to collaborate for a time.
It's freakin' beautiful damn it .. I change the lyrics up just a bit though.. " you're afraid of Americans... you're afraid (the ) their ( world, words , ( it's a mood I get) the Word) I'm afraid I can't help you, I'm afraid I just won't ..." and I dedicate it just love them to death I do... freakin' Americans confusing unpredictable moody with their unapologetic dgaf emotionally unsuppressed do it their own way unsane the most go ahead dare you smiling setting their own bats on fire no fear individually separately together unorganized the lot of them wreaking havoc causing controversies playing uncensored loud disobedient music truly terrifying fingers on the trigger always changing can't break them down to gain any understanding .. be afraid of Americans ...
These re-mastered videos are just joy for the eyes. The cinematography level was soooo high and for these years it was not given justice because of shitty 240p quality
It's insane really, that the artists went and created these literal works of art and then all anyone's ever seen of their art has been postage-stamp vids with insane compression rates. And you *know* that they could've at least uploaded them to UA-cam in 640p 10+ years ago... but that corporate dollar man. It rules all.
@@Belboz99 1) To edit these pieces of film, they needed to use VHS tapes, with a resolution about equal of 480i or 576i, and edit the videos with that. 2) There are old videos on UA-cam in 480p, 720p and even 1080p
@@quinnhegeman2523 I'm not so sure... there indeed was a lot of VHS-recorded material, especially for TV shows and some music videos. But back in those days, a very large portion was recorded onto 35mm movie film. So while you might have some rando upload a 480p video, that likely came off a VHS recording someone made at home. The original artists, as this is an official channel, have access to the original recordings. Additionally, while yeah... there were technically 1080P videos of some of these lurking about UA-cam, it was just another rando downloading the 480P one the first rando uploaded off VHS and upsampling it, *maybe* dubbing over the audio with something less akin to trash. At no point was this stuff from the 90's or early 00's uploaded directly in 1080p off the original recordings by the original artists. Here's an explanation on it: ua-cam.com/video/CkysCJBdGtw/v-deo.html
@@michealisley9236 There is a Bowie only version, he did basically 90% of the song. Trent added some good stuff but find the other version and you'll see.
the NIN V1 version is even better, no video but its what i was playing q2 lithium mod to in late 90s... personally think thats the best version its hits so hard. look it up bro
@Frank Lopez You mean to say that Trent started off doing trash-industrial rock and therefore he ripped off others simply for producing music of the same genre? Pretty stupid statement. He took "trash" out of industrial, and anyone who doesn't like shitty fidelity should appreciate that. Everything Trent made since Downward Spiral sound nothing like those bands you listed. Those bands are for geezers who reminisce the 80-90s when they got laid and felt uniquely edgy. "Godflesh is the kind of band that makes you wonder if the batteries are running out on your stereo" - Mike Patton.
@Frank Lopez Very reactionary response. Yes I know Patton like them, I just thought he described them perfectly. Chill out, man. Meet people. Get a life. It's not all about being stuck in the past, you know.
This version is actually Trent's remix of the original.. and even Bowie liked it better. This was, for the 90s, Trent's signature production style- it's SO punchy and dynamic. I think it's the V1 remix from the single, which had six different remixes. Trent did several remixes for Bowie. I really love the one for "Heart's Filthy Lesson" as well.
David and Brian Eno first came up with the song during the sessions for the former's 1995 album, Outside, but in the end decided it did not belong there. An early version of the track did exist prior to the release of Earthling, but only on the soundtrack for the 1995 film Showgirls. The early version referred to the "Johnny" character as "Dummy."
I gotta relate with Bowie in this video: if I was minding my business at a newsstand in New York City and suddenly turned around to see Trent Reznor staring at me, I would immediately begin running and I would not stop until my body physically could not continue.
I'm not usually into guys, but he was just so brilliant and gorgeous, that anyone finding him unattractive is a hard premise for me to comprehend. When I saw him in my 20s and he was in his 50s, I still just found him captivating.
@@aelix56 it was not. it was super safe and affordable. i understand that if i wanted to rent my same apartment today it would cost $4K. thank you investment bankers and tech industry
For those that don't know, the guy chasing David Bowie is Trent Reznor from "Nine Inch Nails," and worked with Bowie on the song. He did much of the music, while Bowie did the lyrics.
On Earthling expanded edition there’s like three different versions. I think Trent took Bowie’s version and filled the empty gaps with synthesizers and an electric guitar. I think the collaboration is the best version ( which is the one used in the video ). But most of the song was already in existence - it’s like The Pet Shop Boys giving an 80’s track to Shep Petibone.
@@williemays2 umm that is an almost entirely false statement, the only thing accurate in this statement is "Americans"...it is Trent in the video, he does have a sibling, a younger sister, who does not look enough like him to feature in a David Bowie video from the late 90's. As to him looking odd or having gained weight, anyone ever kicked a drug habit before? You tend to put on some pounds after cleaning up....
Years ago; at first, I was a David Bowie fan and Trent but independent, the first time I heard this song I thought: this is Trent's sound. Then I discover they were friends and start to find a lot more of this. Absolutely love
That was exactly what happened to me a few months ago. I was just listening to music and this song came up (I’ve never heard it before). After a few moments I thought “this sounds as if Trent made it” and went to google it.
Some ppl have said he wasn't political...they were wrong! He very much was & woRRied for america....he, like me saw what was coming, don't need to be a pRofit. "God is a muRiKKKan"
@@welcometoreality3450he literally exposes the US Coporations invading theirself into other countries. And mentions the god average americans worship is false and misleading lol
What has happened today has happened before. The Man Who Sold the World sold the world a long time ago. We are watching reruns, my friend. History repeats, we just have a bigger stage.
@@unciervoenciervado 1) Humanity’s continuing unhealthy, bloodthirsty obsession with violence in general and the preference for using violence as a means of resolving societal conflict. 2) The glorification of war and violence and violent conflict resolution in all forms of media and life globally [literature, tv, film, games, internet, etc]. 3) The resulting desensitization towards violence as a means to solving domestic and global societal problems.
He was the most complete human and musician we have seen for a long time. A true icon, by many definitions and so encompassing. I can barely listen to a song of his now without feeling that great loss of the world. And at the end he fought and laughed all the way. Damn _that_ proves how amazing his spirit was. Miss you man, we could really use you right now.
What hell kind of incredible black magic did you guys use for this restoration? It literally looks like it was shot last week, my god, far and away the best music video restoration I've seen yet. I love how far we've come with these. Also, fun song. Trent did a great job with collaborating with Bowie both on this version of the track and with appearing in the video. Absolutely ace.
it's because it was shot on film. film is still much higher resolution than 4k. just like old movies can release "4k UHD remasters", all it is really is a high quality scan of the original negatives. it looked every bit as good back when it was made (if you watched it on a film reel and not a television)
That's because it's shot on 35mm film! They must've scanned the original negative in 4K resolution and also restored so it looks like something made today!
@@markrobert9915 exactly, actually most of music videos from the 90’s-00’s era were shot on film and could have this same treatment, but is a pretty expensive process as far as I know, but I live wishing for my favourite music videos from those years in fully restored 4K one day :’)
It looks so sharp as if it was shot yesterday. Love this video and the song. Earthling was my second album I got back in the 90´s and it still is one of my favorites. Long live Bowie
@@BboyCorrosive What's crazy is that even in '97, most music video wasn't shot on good film or with as good of technical camera operation as you see. The only thing that sells this out is the frame rate really.
Bowie is the most current artist in any era. It's amazing how he maintained his ability to be both a pop icon and not considered a sellout. Maybe I am wrong.
@@xevilgothgirlx You sound sarcastic. Micheal Trent Reznor is deeply respected by most known musicians. Jonny Cash covered his music, Bowie loved the guy. The only person he didn't get along with is Marilyn Manson and anyone who knows about him knows he's a garbage human who happens to be artistic. Trent is everywhere in pop culture from movies like the social network, birdbox, watchmen ,seven .. to name a few.to videogames like quake which he produced all the music for. Trent is everywhere, including the rock Hall of Fame. You laugh as if you're above him somehow. You're not. Never heard of you in my life. Trent is not only an icon. He's iconic to icons. A king of kings so to say. And if you weren't so sensitive and actually listened to his music you'd know why. It's genius. Don't get me wrong. I love Bowie. Alot. May he rest in peace. But this song reeks of Trent and wouldn't be what it is without him.
@@kittenvontacos4153 im so sorry if i sounded sarcastic aaaa!! i have adhd and have trouble getting my tone just right sometimes, im a huge trent fan and totally agree with everything you said
I'm so greatful this was restored correctly. It looks like a high quality film scan. More artists should treat their video catalogue with this level of respect.
I loved this song SO much when I was a teen and I forgot all about it until this popped up on my feed just now. I had never seen the video before. Absolutely fantastic. Bowie and Reznor are brilliant.
I first discovered Bowie when I was a teenager in Turkey, and became one of his biggest fans. Later on I moved to Battery Park City in Manhattan and guess what, he gave a concert in BPC, seeing him on stage was so great. We miss you Mr. Bowie ❤️
A lot of people didn't like the collaboration. At Nine Inch Nails concerts, where Bowie appeared as an opener, he was booed for "trying to usurp techno/industrial music".
A Warm Place was excellent. But from what I'd learned they had a lot more material they put together. They just unfortunately thought it wasn't good enough to release. I was fortunate to see Trent play I'm Afraid of Americans in 2018 though. He seemed pretty passionate when he spoke about the late Mr. Bowie.
Look up "The Night of Nothing." NIN, Prick, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson and a few others. Not to mention the long list of times they appeared live together.
The range Bowie had surpasses so many musicians, this song is heavy and thrashes in a badass way. A timeless musician. I just heard this song reminiscing on my Conan O’Brien days and stumbling on Bowie appearances/ performances and interviews. Rip David Bowie.
It's election day and the results came in a few hours ago, can't get this song out of my head. Stay safe out there yanks, and the rest of us too for that matter. Hope the future is less scary than it looks in my head right now...
Seeing these two live and in concert together when they toured in 1995 was one of the best times of my concert-going life. All that energy and explosive talent on one stage, it's something I'll remember forever.
I showed this to a friend and he said his impression was “this is Bowie saying Americans can be so violent, they don’t even realize they’re being violent, it’s just normal.” I don’t think I can argue.
When this video came out, I wasnt afraid of americans. But these last 10 years or so the country seems to have turned into a cauldron of hatred, insanity and violence. I dont think I'll ever go there on holiday again in my life.
I believe it's more about the general capitalism of America. It shows where we were headed back in what, 1997? and look at where we are today. "God" is referenced as to how right-wing Americans throw Him/It around in order to support their causes.
I'm American and now afraid of Americans more than ever. I love David Bowie. This song is awesome like all of his music..this video depicts our society well.
@@fudgicle1427 Um this is a America. You really need to step out of your suburban bubble and see reality. Gun violence is rampant here. Just look up how many mass shootings we have had in just 2023 a lone.
My favourite Bowie song, love the rock, love the lyrics, love the sentiment… looks AMAZING 💜 Fun fact: The whole ‘Purge’ film series was based off this video!
I love and agree with all the comments about how fresh and new this feels and how comforting it is that David could almost still be here. Believe me I need that fantasy so much. BUT a voice that won`t shut up in my mind says "What would David think of us ?" He wanted us out of our comfort zones musically and artistically. So to shut him up I`m going to learn the drums. I have no musicality or sense of rhythm, my community will hear my dismal efforts in reality. Boy am I going to enjoy myself!
I will forever appreciate Trent's goatee. (Or is it a Vincent van Gogh-tee?) Go watch the video for The Perfect Drug. You will understand. Granted that headspace was probably a bit unsustainable and self-destructive for him... so I'm glad he got past it. But viewing it as a slice in time, or a chapter in the story, yeah... absinthe-fueled Trent was nice for a while. Would never erase that chapter. But we're glad the green goblin didn't do him in. He still has a lot to say, and inspires many.
*1:40** this part always gives me goosebumps - not only the visuals (Bowie's presence on screen) but also the synths that start to build up as he runs away, my god!* I am so grateful for this 4K video.
Everything he did didn't only sound amazing he was way ahead from his image,his Bowie Bonds,videos,musicians he worked with and even producing Lou Reed's Transformer and putting Lou more in the public eye where he needed to be and bringing therefore a younger and unfamiliar audience to the Velvet underground. And as cool as cool can be. And very funny. Legend.
@@rae-everything Up to that line, Americans, and by extension, America, is portrayed as nearly inescapable in a sort of almost scary way, as implied by the title. I think this fits well with the theme of the song, as Bowie has said the song was a play on globalization/americanization. What I'm inferring from the line "God is an american", put in the mouth of Bowie, is that the uglier sides of American culture, like overcommersialization, are spreading to the rest of the world, and we can't do anything about it. When put in the mouth of the pastor, however, it sounds like something an american fundamentalist christian could've said. This, combined with the fact that he is visibly Not Having A Great Time, makes it sound like he's trying to reaffirm himself. Like, "God is a true American, so he would never let anything bad happen to us, right?" I think it provides some nice contrast in the music video. Of course, this is just my iterpritation of things. This song is very much open for interpretation! (also sorry for the essay lol)
@@windmaze8735 Yeah, I saw it as a send up of manifest destiny. Americans who associate their country with a domineering Christian god. Those fundamentalists. To me that was the first impression I got from the song, that Americans have a vast global influence, and feel a responsibility in spreading their morals, and cultural quirks to others. A sort of superiority complex similar to missionaries proselytizing. But, with more tanks, and fast food restaurants. I thought you may be getting at something similar, but I was curious what your first impression was. It's a pretty funny song, and that last line is hilarious.
@@rae-everything Oh, that's brilliant! I didn't even think of the potential religious aspect before now, but that makes a lot of sense. I'll admit my first reaction to that line was very no thoughts head empty, it just gave me an unexpected sort of whiplash, which I thought was cool. Bowie and Reznor both did a terrific job.
This is also 1 of Bowie's best hairstyles in my opinion! I tried copying it back in the day & I ended up with yellow hair with black spots! I wanted to look like Bowie, not a blooming cheetah! lol
Never let me down, jump they say, Starman, Joe the lion, move on, modern love, heroes, prisoner of love (tin machine), absolute beginners, cat people/putting out fire, blue Jean, ashes to ashes, deranged
@TheDissidentBrit My man...Jonny is a sardonic representation of corporate capitalism and the homogenization of global cultures to an "American" form...in quotes because he's purposefully being reductive from the standpoint of overblown paranoia to make it easier to get his point across. This is a somewhat sarcastic critique of capitalism, if anything. And to call Biden a bridge to "communism" means you don't actually know what it is. Communism is the antithesis of corporations ruling the globe, and of what the neoliberal establishment represents. For a guy with Thomas Paine as a pfp, you have no common sense.
It's a very interesting interpretation. On one hand much of the world fears the United States, or at least it's government, or it's corporatist themes.. some Americans themselves. Much of the world's biases are based upon make-believe aka Hollywood to judge Americans as fake. Then they line up to come here,.. and some moaning all the while What's interesting is David Bowie doing this song, his bone dry wit. How do you take the meaning, please share :)
I was born in '81, and grew up with Bowie's music, as my dad had grown up with it since his teens. I've seen and heard pretty much every era in both music and video, although my dad had the privilege to see him live. He became my hero as much as he was my dad's. :) When the news came out that morning of Bowie's passing, it felt as though yet another piece of my world had faded away. Dad was in his lorry that morning when he heard on the radio, and he had to pull over and cry for a while. These times we live in today, I would give anything to go back to the times when Earthling had just come out, and the world felt like it was only going to get better, despite all the things that might still be wrong with it. Maybe I was too young and naive to understand everything as it was, but there was so much hope, and David's music was a huge part of that for me. I wonder if such good times will ever come again.
@@danieldaniels7571 thank you. I missed them both shows in LA & OC. Looked them up and really like them. Woulda tried harder to see if I had a clue who they were. Thanks for the heads up.
@shepmathe Bowie was actually always the headliner, as Trent refused to play after his idol. But instead of a break between the two bands' sets, they played a 4-5 song set together in the middle (usually: Subterraneans, Scary Monsters, Reptile, Hallo Spaceboy and Hurt).
@@jakewallace6183 That makes sense. That's what I saw. Someone posted that the bands traded off headlining. Thought they knew something I didn't. Trent was right. Bowie opens for no one. Don't think I've even seen him w/an opening band.
LOL, I used to do linear editing up until 2011 for TV networks. I still remember when P2 cards first came onto the market and were a game changer. What do you have to show for your comments? Not that young old man.@@thing_under_the_stairs
David Bowie did in music what George Carlin did in comedy. Two guys who both pushed new boundaries and did some of their best work from their 50's on. It's so inspiring to think artistic greatness can be achieved at any age.
Wow what an awe-inspiring comment! That is exactly what I was thinking about both artist! (I would really squeeze in Dave Chapelle too due to racial issues!) :)
@@ibarboo Bowie would have called Chappelle out on his homophobic, transphobic bs. Meanwhile Bowie called out MTV back in their earliest days live on the air for their racism, and actually changed things. He was a genius, not a bigot.
Yup. Ever since I was first old enough to read, and chew gum, and I read the warning about running and chewing gum, I thought to myself only a badass world changing rock star can break this rule.
This song is still so relevant. Mind you Bowies songs have the propensity to be like that, more meaning becomes attached to them as time goes on, think of heroes.
Song Meaning'Johnny' in the song is from 'John Doe' which is used to identify an unknown victim of a crime. 'Coke' is NOT cocaine, but Coca-Cola, a worldwide image of America. Even in countries that are anti-America, they still love Coke. This song is simply saying that America and Americans are shallow and destructive; instead of adding to the world in a meaningful way, they take the basest and the easiest path. Compare THIS song about America to the song he wrote earlier in his career, 'Young Americans' and you can see how his views of America and Americans have changed. I think in the song Mr. Bowie is expressing his fear of the Americanisation of the world: "I'm afraid of Americans I'm afraid of the world" He's afraid he is also being absorbed into the American culture against his will: "I'm afraid I can't help it I'm afraid I can't." And yes, he goes on to describe the things Americans seem to be obsessed with nowadays. Thinks like getting high, getting laid, and getting material posessions. "God is an American" has a double meaning. One, most Americans view god as a version of themselves. The biggest bible-thumpers in America are also the biggest patriots (generally speaking), be they military people or just people who like to scream "USA! USA!" at the top of their lungs. And two, God is the controller of the universe according to christian mythology, and in reality, Mr. Bowie feels that America is gaining control of the universe, hence god and America are the same thing.
Also the line 'God is an american' might just be about how Americans take credit and put their name on a lot of things that aren't necessarily only theirs, like naming themselves Americans, even though America is a whole continent with lots of countries.
found this song after seeing David perform with Trent on a tour. Loved his voice on NIN music. The remaster of this is amazing. The song still sounds fresh. Never noticed the tears in the priests eyes at the end until the remaster. Thanks Trent for showing me who you looked to and listened to. Lazarus is my favorite Bowie track.
From Wiki, Bowie says: "It's not as truly hostile about Americans as say 'Born in the U.S.A.': it's merely sardonic. I was traveling in Java when [its] first McDonald's went up: it was like, 'for fuck's sake.' The invasion by any homogenized culture is so depressing, the erection of another Disney World in, say, Umbria, Italy, more so. It strangles the indigenous culture and narrows expression of life."
Also, it didn't escape me to see all those people point guns at each other, including the priest. 'Thoughts and prayers' Only Death (the troubled youth carrying the cross leading the parade) enjoyed that Makes me think Bowie's character was an innocent bystander of yet another shooting maniac
Somebody is selling that Mc Ds to someone not American, its not like they just spring up out of nothingness. It reflects more of the society allowing it, not the other way around.
@@mikepotter4109 It shows governments and corporations. The American corporation for ruthlessly expanding what they have and exploiting everything with no consideration for the damage they're doing, and local governments for allowing things to do that. I can't speak for the average Javanese, but cultures are eroding worldwide with the unrelenting juggernaut of globalization. Globalization's not all a bad thing, but it's still a damn shame. Of course, the whole affair is so incredibly messily complicated that I couldn't possibly account for it all in a comment on youtube, and since none of us are experts in macro-socioeconomics I'm not knowledgeable enough to account for it, so all we can really see is the end result
@@madsmari Yeah I thought I said the same thing, governments and corporations are people, globalization is also people. None of this would happen if their weren't so many people and we can call it whatever we want but its all an overabundance of people.
Always loved this song & video, rest in peace the thin white duke, I'm 62 yrs old & been a Bowie fan since I was about 13 yrs old & saw him in concert 4 times, thanks 🙏
![David Bowie - Thursday's Child (Official Music Video) [HD Upgrade]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gfOKDB0ChQk/mqdefault.jpg)
![David Bowie - Thursday's Child (Official Music Video) [HD Upgrade]](/img/tr.png)
the quality is so good that makes me think that David is still with us, and is still that young.
Omg you re right 🥺🥺❤️😧
He will be ALWAYS with us❤️👍
Like seeing it for the first time. It's bittersweet.
I know, but... Im trying not to think about it that way.
@@MegaToren He Lives in Australia!
My Daughter and I saw Him walking at Coffs Harbour break Water.
No Way I'm wrong on This, Some Young Bloke had a Go at Me as I turned and said Bowie?
Freak Scuffled off and Davo was fast to move with Him?
Alive And Kicking @ the Grave Yard Stop..
oh my god, I have never seen David Bowie in such a high resolution. What a beautiful creature he was!
Gorgeous!!
Chile! That's an understatement 😌
Wait till you find out you can watch The Man Who Fell to Earth in high definition.
@@horacegentleman3296 can you? I will have to look into that. I saw that movie the day it was released in the theatres.
@@snuugumz yes, iirc it is a criterion thing
Oh, boy. Just what I needed for the weekend.
Trent Reznor chasing David Bowie in 4K.
Paranoia runs deep in this video, with the quick cuts between displays of David's fear of guns (which is quite understandable) and what is really happening (the priest asking a cop for directions, children playinmg, that poor, innocent cab driver being mistaken for the potentially murderous Johnny).. Masterful, strong, and disturbing stuff.
Exactly 🛐
this isnt the same version as NIN v1... that version hits so much harder no?
I was like "is that Trent reznor?" Seems I'm not seeing things
Fckn eh bud. Not saying the world went to shit when bowie died but-
*gestures broadly*
“On that tour I was a mess quite honestly. This was the peak of Nine Inch Nails newfound rocket ship of fame. It distorted my personality and became overwhelming: to deal with having everyone treat you different, to going from not being able to afford a gas bill to show up to arenas full of people, who kind of think they know you. The line starts to blur between the guy onstage and the person you used to be. My way of dealing with life was to numb myself with drugs and alcohol because it made me feel better and more equipped to deal with everything. My career was skyrocketing, but the scaffolding that was holding me up as a person was starting to collapse. I wasn’t fully aware of how bad it was getting, but I knew in my heart that I was on an unsustainable, reckless, self-destructive path.
When I met David he had been through that. And he was content. He was at peace with himself with an incredible wife, clearly in love. There were a number of times where the two of us were alone, and he said some things that weren’t scolding, but pieces of wisdom that stuck with me: “You know, there is a better way here, and it doesn’t have to end in despair or in death, in the bottom.” A full year later, I hit bottom. Once I got clean I felt a tremendous amount of shame, of my actions and missed opportunities and the damage that I’ve caused in the past. And I thought back to the time when we were together a lot and I wonder what that could have been like if I was at 100 percent. The “I’m Afraid of Americans” video falls into that category of me at my worst - out of my mind and ashamed of who I was at that time. So when I see that, I have mixed feelings - grateful to be involved, and flattered to be a part of it, but disgusted at myself, at who I was at that time, and wishing I had been 100 percent me. And it nagged me.
A few years later, Bowie came through L.A. I’d been sober for a fair amount of time. I wanted to thank him in the way that he helped me. And I reluctantly went backstage, feeling weird and ashamed like, “Hey, I’m the guy that puked on the rug.” And again, I was met with warmth, and grace, and love. And I started to say, “Hey listen, I’ve been clean for …” I don’t even think I finished the sentence; I got a big hug. And he said, “I knew, I knew you’d do that. I knew you’d come out of that.” I have goosebumps right now just thinking about it. It was another very important moment in my life."
⸺ Trent Reznor
thank you posting this, hit me right in the feels
😢💜🦋🧝♀️😓🫂
Ands a bit of authenticity to think that Trent might well have been high whilst filming this.
rock and roll. not in a nutshell. getting thru it to tell the story though... true philanthropy. I hope folks hear the message - from whomever sent it.
I was blown away a decade ago when I learned two of my biggest music heroes collabed, and this quote really hits home as I feel Trent Reznors music reaches alot of his listeners through the shared feelings and experiences he had. I miss Bowie but I'm glad Trent is still with us and making music.
Bowie and Reznor was the perfect, unlikely match-up that I never realized we even needed until it happened. So glad these guys got to collaborate for a time.
Saw today a video about Reznor and can't believe his love to David is so undescribable for me. I cried.
@@teamur57 Indeed. And Reznor also might not be around today had David not exposed him to a life of sobriety.
david loves god me, god
I love NIN live version of this song
@@Revolution1117opo
Looks like it was shot yesterday. The vibrant outfit, the sharp features of his face, man, I miss him.
This is just appearance...
Looks like it was shot yesterday because of the motif of the video and lyrics.
Me too but, his music lives on!
Yes, this is true. I miss him so much ❤️God bless David and 35 mm film stock 🎥🎬👍
@@milangal8807 AMEN!!!!!!!!!
So do I 💔
David Bowie please save us
things havent been the same since bowie died 😔
just posted this song to my FB. Feeling it more so than ever.
trump will save you
@@kirakeynow Gross.
RIP Dave! HAL9000 will do IT>if all else FAILS!
Song of the moment
Oh BIG TIME
yuppppppp
No shit!
Reznor's influence and participation is crystal clear. Not to take away from Bowie's iconic performance. What a cool fucking collaboration! ☠
Bowie actually sang Hurt live with NIN once. These two go way back!
Trent owed him for "a warm place" just being a copy paste of "crystal Japan"
And then Reznor wasted his time on Marilyn Manson instead of working more with Bowie. What a waste!
It's freakin' beautiful damn it .. I change the lyrics up just a bit though.. " you're afraid of Americans... you're afraid (the ) their ( world, words , ( it's a mood I get) the Word) I'm afraid I can't help you, I'm afraid I just won't ..." and I dedicate it just love them to death I do... freakin' Americans confusing unpredictable moody with their unapologetic dgaf emotionally unsuppressed do it their own way unsane the most go ahead dare you smiling setting their own bats on fire no fear individually separately together unorganized the lot of them wreaking havoc causing controversies playing uncensored loud disobedient music truly terrifying fingers on the trigger always changing can't break them down to gain any understanding .. be afraid of Americans ...
Indeed, to the point where it's easy to forget this song was released on a Bowie album, rather than a NIN CD.
These re-mastered videos are just joy for the eyes. The cinematography level was soooo high and for these years it was not given justice because of shitty 240p quality
I used to watch VH1 and 90% of music videos I saw need this kind of clean up. It was wincing.
It's insane really, that the artists went and created these literal works of art and then all anyone's ever seen of their art has been postage-stamp vids with insane compression rates.
And you *know* that they could've at least uploaded them to UA-cam in 640p 10+ years ago... but that corporate dollar man. It rules all.
@@Belboz99 1) To edit these pieces of film, they needed to use VHS tapes, with a resolution about equal of 480i or 576i, and edit the videos with that.
2) There are old videos on UA-cam in 480p, 720p and even 1080p
@@quinnhegeman2523 I'm not so sure... there indeed was a lot of VHS-recorded material, especially for TV shows and some music videos.
But back in those days, a very large portion was recorded onto 35mm movie film.
So while you might have some rando upload a 480p video, that likely came off a VHS recording someone made at home.
The original artists, as this is an official channel, have access to the original recordings.
Additionally, while yeah... there were technically 1080P videos of some of these lurking about UA-cam, it was just another rando downloading the 480P one the first rando uploaded off VHS and upsampling it, *maybe* dubbing over the audio with something less akin to trash.
At no point was this stuff from the 90's or early 00's uploaded directly in 1080p off the original recordings by the original artists.
Here's an explanation on it:
ua-cam.com/video/CkysCJBdGtw/v-deo.html
الآخرة في الشيطان
Never heard or seen this song until now. This is utterly compelling and terrifying. David Bowie was a genius. He's sadly missed.
there's lots of trent in this song...
@@theodorethompson9032 you're right. Seems like a Bowie write and a Trent composition.
@@michealisley9236 There is a Bowie only version, he did basically 90% of the song. Trent added some good stuff but find the other version and you'll see.
the NIN V1 version is even better, no video but its what i was playing q2 lithium mod to in late 90s... personally think thats the best version its hits so hard. look it up bro
i remember hearing this for the first time
in the 90's 🎶
my mind was completely blown 💥
🇺🇸
Feeling this song now more than ever.
That's why I came back to this video after all these years.
@@saggacc me too. the production of this video is beautiful
And today, it's time for fear.
90's David Bowie is seriously underrated.
Only by people who lack taste.
I’m an 70s-80s Bowie fan but yeah 90s Bowie was great.
Exactly
Not another 'underrated' comment begging for thumbs up. Bowie has never been underrated.
@@KamenKunchev I believe they mean in comparison to his other eras, 70s Bowie was clearly much more popular than 90s Bowie.
OH MY GOD THIS RESOLUTION
That’s the great thing about shooting on film back on the day and keeping the original rushes. Looks amazing.
@@olliedann Its about 2008...
@@frederikhyrup2871 no, it's from 1996/1997
New Year's Resolution?
Proper hd
David and Trent, two of my favourite musicians.
Me too 😂🤟
@Frank Lopez You mean to say that Trent started off doing trash-industrial rock and therefore he ripped off others simply for producing music of the same genre? Pretty stupid statement. He took "trash" out of industrial, and anyone who doesn't like shitty fidelity should appreciate that. Everything Trent made since Downward Spiral sound nothing like those bands you listed.
Those bands are for geezers who reminisce the 80-90s when they got laid and felt uniquely edgy.
"Godflesh is the kind of band that makes you wonder if the batteries are running out on your stereo" - Mike Patton.
@Frank Lopez Very reactionary response. Yes I know Patton like them, I just thought he described them perfectly.
Chill out, man. Meet people. Get a life. It's not all about being stuck in the past, you know.
@@blurgle9185 damn, dude, thanks for the insult
Same
Now more than ever!!
I’m here for the same reason. “Donnie’s an American…”
This version is actually Trent's remix of the original.. and even Bowie liked it better. This was, for the 90s, Trent's signature production style- it's SO punchy and dynamic. I think it's the V1 remix from the single, which had six different remixes. Trent did several remixes for Bowie. I really love the one for "Heart's Filthy Lesson" as well.
Bowie's talent was having a knack to catch the zeitgeist of collabs
I was wondering why the video looked different from his other songs
Thanks :)
David and Brian Eno first came up with the song during the sessions for the former's 1995 album, Outside, but in the end decided it did not belong there. An early version of the track did exist prior to the release of Earthling, but only on the soundtrack for the 1995 film Showgirls. The early version referred to the "Johnny" character as "Dummy."
90's? wich 90's? cause if i remember correctly, Mr self destruct, the perfect drug and The frail all are in the 90's yet they are so damn diferent.
And Trent is in the Video
I gotta relate with Bowie in this video: if I was minding my business at a newsstand in New York City and suddenly turned around to see Trent Reznor staring at me, I would immediately begin running and I would not stop until my body physically could not continue.
My body would also not stop running towards mister trenty
Ugh. These comments.
😂😂😂
I'd get his autograph before doing a runner
id accept my fate and let it happen
I miss Bowie so much! No one has ever looked as effortlessly cool, nor made music that is so unbelievably cool. He will be forever missed.
you would most likely enjoy a lot of time in the museum of modern art in NYC.
@@eduardochavacano Yes I would!
I am from Poland. Bowie , the Doors, Nirvana. The best Americans :) ;). :) .
I'm not usually into guys, but he was just so brilliant and gorgeous, that anyone finding him unattractive is a hard premise for me to comprehend. When I saw him in my 20s and he was in his 50s, I still just found him captivating.
@@pryingeyes1551 I couldn't agree more. No matter what gender we are, Bowie was and is undeniably captivating.
I really think this needs to go back onto the charts. Just like Ding Dong after Thatcher died.
Let’s do it.
This man saw the future. Could never imagine how relevant in 2024. RIP HERO.
so true
"god" is an american. this attitude espoused by upwards 55% of the voting population in the usa. so frightening.
Not really. Things were bad back then as well. It’s just MORE relevant now but we all knew it was only going to get worse
@@LRM519590s new York was a nightmare
@@aelix56 it was not. it was super safe and affordable. i understand that if i wanted to rent my same apartment today it would cost $4K. thank you investment bankers and tech industry
For those that don't know, the guy chasing David Bowie is Trent Reznor from "Nine Inch Nails," and worked with Bowie on the song. He did much of the music, while Bowie did the lyrics.
lol actually bowie had a major part in the music, reznor being a point of inspiration though
This was around the Outside Tour, which was Bowie and Reznor. They did a lot more together than a song.
On Earthling expanded edition there’s like three different versions. I think Trent took Bowie’s version and filled the empty gaps with synthesizers and an electric guitar. I think the collaboration is the best version ( which is the one used in the video ). But most of the song was already in existence - it’s like The Pet Shop Boys giving an 80’s track to Shep Petibone.
@@williemays2 I thought he looked kinda odd - like he gained weight or something. Trent is usually super buff.
@@williemays2 umm that is an almost entirely false statement, the only thing accurate in this statement is "Americans"...it is Trent in the video, he does have a sibling, a younger sister, who does not look enough like him to feature in a David Bowie video from the late 90's. As to him looking odd or having gained weight, anyone ever kicked a drug habit before? You tend to put on some pounds after cleaning up....
Years ago; at first, I was a David Bowie fan and Trent but independent, the first time I heard this song I thought: this is Trent's sound. Then I discover they were friends and start to find a lot more of this. Absolutely love
Google for "how david bowie saved trent reznor's life and you'll love bowie even more
That was exactly what happened to me a few months ago. I was just listening to music and this song came up (I’ve never heard it before). After a few moments I thought “this sounds as if Trent made it” and went to google it.
to be fair, trent and the band _did_ make this remix! you can check the album version to hear bowie's take
@@gorimbaud Thanks
@@gorimbaud Also, if you look, Trent produced that Album.
2024 and I'm just getting what Bowie was saying in 1997. I know it's said a lot, but man, Bowie was so ahead of his time.
He was also ahead of our time.
Some ppl have said he wasn't political...they were wrong! He very much was & woRRied for america....he, like me saw what was coming, don't need to be a pRofit. "God is a muRiKKKan"
@@welcometoreality3450he literally exposes the US Coporations invading theirself into other countries. And mentions the god average americans worship is false and misleading lol
He's not ahead of his time, he's in his time, given that Americans have been devastating the world for 250 years. He just has the courage to say so.
@@pascalservera8229 more like our corrupt gov they don't even care about us civilians only wanna start shit and have it affect us instead sick world.
Never loses its relevance. 6 Nov ‘24.
The video quality is amazing, makes the song/video and their topics feel even more relevant even today.
What is happening today?
What has happened today has happened before. The Man Who Sold the World sold the world a long time ago. We are watching reruns, my friend. History repeats, we just have a bigger stage.
@@unciervoenciervado 1) Humanity’s continuing unhealthy, bloodthirsty obsession with violence in general and the preference for using violence as a means of resolving societal conflict.
2) The glorification of war and violence and violent conflict resolution in all forms of media and life globally [literature, tv, film, games, internet, etc].
3) The resulting desensitization towards violence as a means to solving domestic and global societal problems.
@@unciervoenciervado Brandon is
He left before the worst of the craziness....miss you!
David Bowie is absolutely the best
He was the most complete human and musician we have seen for a long time.
A true icon, by many definitions and so encompassing.
I can barely listen to a song of his now without feeling that great loss of the world.
And at the end he fought and laughed all the way.
Damn _that_ proves how amazing his spirit was.
Miss you man,
we could really use you right now.
November 6, 2024: the right day to play this again and again
Amen!
Exactly 💯
This video and Bowie's perspective is so spot on for how I feel as an American on this dreadful, devastating day.
We're boned
right there with you.. 3rd time so far
What hell kind of incredible black magic did you guys use for this restoration? It literally looks like it was shot last week, my god, far and away the best music video restoration I've seen yet. I love how far we've come with these. Also, fun song. Trent did a great job with collaborating with Bowie both on this version of the track and with appearing in the video. Absolutely ace.
it's because it was shot on film. film is still much higher resolution than 4k. just like old movies can release "4k UHD remasters", all it is really is a high quality scan of the original negatives. it looked every bit as good back when it was made (if you watched it on a film reel and not a television)
Well 1995 wasn't that long ago, but yes it IS an excellent cleanup
It's always looked good. Solid grain. Captured well. Restores well every cycle. I love the crystal clear darkness it somehow sheens with
Slime and snails and puppy dog tails, by all means
They used a type of ancient witchcraft called "film"
i love how Bowie manages to look cool even when he is running for his life.
Very well may be THE coolest guy ever.
David Bowie is the 🐐, fuck everyone else he is the greatest of all time. There can only be one
Even with that chin beard
Well of course he does, he’s David Bowie!
LOL, best comment by a mile!
Trent's production work on this song is astounding, the drum breaks are sprinkled in like salt and pepper.
Needed this today.
My god, that cinematography, can’t believe this was shot in 1997, looks from yesterday
exactly! it looks very high quality and cinematic. must be due to how it was remastered
@@megacelupn Nope. I saw this video on MTV when it came out in 97. Looks the same.
That's because it's shot on 35mm film! They must've scanned the original negative in 4K resolution and also restored so it looks like something made today!
@@markrobert9915 exactly, actually most of music videos from the 90’s-00’s era were shot on film and could have this same treatment, but is a pretty expensive process as far as I know, but I live wishing for my favourite music videos from those years in fully restored 4K one day :’)
Yeah, that is crisp and clear isn’t it? Thought it was a mid-2000s vid
Nine Inch Nails was born to give this song it's magic. Only Bowie could lift it so high up.
Check out the Original version on the album
The original song makes me dance my ass off!!
@@saraoden59
This one you referring to?
ua-cam.com/video/5UDkRpqO-b0/v-deo.html
@@TheNVSK that is the one!!!
Trent Reznor..
can't believe they just did what they did!!!!
who is they and what did they do?
You wanna talk about a timeless classic that will never grow old ? 26 years and still on target.
Trent Reznor chasing David Bowie is the funniest thing I've seen all day
lol i know i still was laughin m azz off bout dat one
No one can look as cool as David Bowie running while chewing gum. Been a fan for many years; I love him so much. ❤️
It looks so sharp as if it was shot yesterday. Love this video and the song. Earthling was my second album I got back in the 90´s and it still is one of my favorites. Long live Bowie
Can't stop listening to this. We need to have it chart again.
unbelievable, that this was shot 24 years ago, this looks and sounds so fresh
Videos like this are not really made nowadays. A video is not meant as an art form any more, it has become a mere obligation.
@@ipiap step outside your self imposed tiny world. You are missing alot.
So true …
Bowie was always ahead of his time
@@mjp96 Yeah, not so much of the time but of the people of any time.
This remaster is SO damn good it looks like it was recorded yesterday.
So good!
Almost like things recorded on film retain their quality when transferred to 4k video 😁
@@BboyCorrosive What's crazy is that even in '97, most music video wasn't shot on good film or with as good of technical camera operation as you see. The only thing that sells this out is the frame rate really.
yup!
It does. Beautifully done!
Bowie is the most current artist in any era. It's amazing how he maintained his ability to be both a pop icon and not considered a sellout. Maybe I am wrong.
Definitely not wrong. I'm 56 years old and have loved him and his music my entire life. He never not been current, always has been, always will be.
what about trent?
@@kittenvontacos4153 trent is also an absolute icon haha
@@xevilgothgirlx You sound sarcastic. Micheal Trent Reznor is deeply respected by most known musicians. Jonny Cash covered his music, Bowie loved the guy. The only person he didn't get along with is Marilyn Manson and anyone who knows about him knows he's a garbage human who happens to be artistic. Trent is everywhere in pop culture from movies like the social network, birdbox, watchmen ,seven .. to name a few.to videogames like quake which he produced all the music for. Trent is everywhere, including the rock Hall of Fame. You laugh as if you're above him somehow. You're not. Never heard of you in my life. Trent is not only an icon. He's iconic to icons. A king of kings so to say. And if you weren't so sensitive and actually listened to his music you'd know why. It's genius. Don't get me wrong. I love Bowie. Alot. May he rest in peace. But this song reeks of Trent and wouldn't be what it is without him.
@@kittenvontacos4153 im so sorry if i sounded sarcastic aaaa!! i have adhd and have trouble getting my tone just right sometimes, im a huge trent fan and totally agree with everything you said
STILL 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 in Two thousand and Twenty-four ✌️🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🫡 Rest your weary soul brother.
RIP David Bowie. A true innovator and legendary icon in all of music
Well said. A true original. Nobody to - ever - compare to him to. RIP.
He is still alive. Look up his doppelganger.
@@dominiclaporte8040 Just because he has a doppelganger doesn't mean he's alive
I'm so greatful this was restored correctly. It looks like a high quality film scan. More artists should treat their video catalogue with this level of respect.
I loved this song SO much when I was a teen and I forgot all about it until this popped up on my feed just now. I had never seen the video before. Absolutely fantastic. Bowie and Reznor are brilliant.
David Bowie was an amazing artist!
@@syncopatedtimes Lol I’m pretty sure I got it on Kazaa and never even realized it was David Bowie. I thought it was a NIN song.
@@jshakda22 His music is all over the place. And pretty much whatever he put hands on was good.
yes finnaly some recognition for trent on this.
My first time hearing this was in Showgirls and literally it blew my mind and it was a different mix but I do love this one as well..
This is our anthem, friends.
I first discovered Bowie when I was a teenager in Turkey, and became one of his biggest fans. Later on I moved to Battery Park City in Manhattan and guess what, he gave a concert in BPC, seeing him on stage was so great. We miss you Mr. Bowie ❤️
I love this song. I wish more became from David and Trent's collaboration for us to partake.
Does A Warm Place count?
A lot of people didn't like the collaboration. At Nine Inch Nails concerts, where Bowie appeared as an opener, he was booed for "trying to usurp techno/industrial music".
A Warm Place was excellent. But from what I'd learned they had a lot more material they put together. They just unfortunately thought it wasn't good enough to release. I was fortunate to see Trent play I'm Afraid of Americans in 2018 though. He seemed pretty passionate when he spoke about the late Mr. Bowie.
Can't believe David has passed, love his rock opera voice , diamond dogs a favorite. Rip
Look up "The Night of Nothing." NIN, Prick, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson and a few others. Not to mention the long list of times they appeared live together.
The range Bowie had surpasses so many musicians, this song is heavy and thrashes in a badass way. A timeless musician. I just heard this song reminiscing on my Conan O’Brien days and stumbling on Bowie appearances/ performances and interviews. Rip David Bowie.
Thank you up above in your universe David Bowie for this. Still so true since it came out in 1997 applicable for many years.
This song opened doors for me. If not only introduced me to NIN, but David Bowie. My teenage years were great.
Bowie & NIN. Who would have thought that the outcome of this collaboration would be soooo good. RIP Bowie.
they are both genieusses ( dont know how to write that. :) ) so it is logic.
One of the best concerts I ever saw. And my favorite concert t
Nine
David
Inch
Bowie
Nails
down the front of the shirt. ❤️
Bowie was such a diverse talent that he could collaborate with anyone and make it work. And he almost did.
It's election day and the results came in a few hours ago, can't get this song out of my head. Stay safe out there yanks, and the rest of us too for that matter. Hope the future is less scary than it looks in my head right now...
it is.
Seeing these two live and in concert together when they toured in 1995 was one of the best times of my concert-going life. All that energy and explosive talent on one stage, it's something I'll remember forever.
Sadly perfect for how I feel. “We have met the enemy and he is us.” ~ Pogo 😱
I showed this to a friend and he said his impression was “this is Bowie saying Americans can be so violent, they don’t even realize they’re being violent, it’s just normal.” I don’t think I can argue.
When this video came out, I wasnt afraid of americans. But these last 10 years or so the country seems to have turned into a cauldron of hatred, insanity and violence. I dont think I'll ever go there on holiday again in my life.
Yeah, The title of this song keeps getting more and more accurate.
@@krotma you forgot Obsession with race,ethnicity and racism
@@yummypopsicle8046 The Media is not America.
I believe it's more about the general capitalism of America. It shows where we were headed back in what, 1997? and look at where we are today.
"God" is referenced as to how right-wing Americans throw Him/It around in order to support their causes.
I'm American and now afraid of Americans more than ever. I love David Bowie. This song is awesome like all of his music..this video depicts our society well.
And I'm Canadian! Lol
American here as well. Doesn't matter what country you live in. Evil people are across the globe.
It does? Maybe in your part of America but not mine. Sounds like you need to move.
@@fudgicle1427 Um this is a America. You really need to step out of your suburban bubble and see reality. Gun violence is rampant here. Just look up how many mass shootings we have had in just 2023 a lone.
Bowie never felt comfortable in the US. Sadly, a lot of Americans don't, either.
Man, I miss David Bowie!
My favourite Bowie song, love the rock, love the lyrics, love the sentiment… looks AMAZING 💜
Fun fact: The whole ‘Purge’ film series was based off this video!
Really is based on this video? I like the purge films
@@GabrielaLopez-kj6jp yep! Writer explained during interview & they pay homage by playing the song during the end credits!
@@currentaffairsmusic That makes so much sense!
No shit! I did not know that. You learn something new everyday!
I love and agree with all the comments about how fresh and new this feels and how comforting it is that David could almost still be here. Believe me I need that fantasy so much. BUT a voice that won`t shut up in my mind says "What would David think of us ?" He wanted us out of our comfort zones musically and artistically. So to shut him up I`m going to learn the drums. I have no musicality or sense of rhythm, my community will hear my dismal efforts in reality. Boy am I going to enjoy myself!
Any progress yet?
I don't pay attention to what a music thief/pedo thinks of me.
I knew I'd find a few million people here after Nov. 5. David was indeed a prescient songwriter. Brilliant video. America needs help.
I still find hard to live in a world where David Bowie is dead...
YOUR A BOT so cringe writing your own comments
Consider Yourself Blessed to Be On Earth, When This Man Was Around Us Mere Mortals.
It's not fair
forget bowie. How is Lemmie still dead?
Bowie . . . . Johnny Cash . . . . John Lennon . . . .
Trent’s goatee is the most terrifying
that was trent in not one of his better moods at the time. thank god he's doing great and is alive with a family.
Ah yeah 😂
bowie has so terrifying goatee that he looks like the american he´s affraid of
@@thevoid99 Had Trent *ever* been in a good mood before this was filmed? /rhetorical question
I will forever appreciate Trent's goatee. (Or is it a Vincent van Gogh-tee?) Go watch the video for The Perfect Drug. You will understand.
Granted that headspace was probably a bit unsustainable and self-destructive for him... so I'm glad he got past it. But viewing it as a slice in time, or a chapter in the story,
yeah... absinthe-fueled Trent was nice for a while. Would never erase that chapter. But we're glad the green goblin didn't do him in. He still has a lot to say, and inspires many.
*1:40** this part always gives me goosebumps - not only the visuals (Bowie's presence on screen) but also the synths that start to build up as he runs away, my god!*
I am so grateful for this 4K video.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID BOWIE who else is here in 2024❤
I am actually just hearing/seeing this for the first time in April 2024 and I love it!! What a good song and video.
I freaking love this song!!❤
No You're Not Thats Pretty Deep And I'd admit i had never put a thought too itt until now.
So crazy this was written in 1997. It only becomes more relevant every year
Aside from being a great song by the great Bowie, I'm blown away to see the world of 1997 in such good quality. Really takes me back.
Everything he did didn't only sound amazing he was way ahead from his image,his Bowie Bonds,videos,musicians he worked with and even producing Lou Reed's Transformer and putting Lou more in the public eye where he needed to be and bringing therefore a younger and unfamiliar audience to the Velvet underground. And as cool as cool can be. And very funny. Legend.
Bowie was everywhere...
Bowie will always remain unmatched, only other artist that is just as unmatched is prince .. both goats
Lets not forget what he done for stooges front man....legendary iggy pop
@@heturnal I sadly agree. Prince was. How are "Both" in past tense? Keith Richars is still alive? WTF?
@@heturnal Skål til gamle geder!
I love how "god is an american" completely changes meaning from when Bowie says it, to when the teary eyed pastor says it.
Finally some one understands this song.every one thinks of woke shit your 😎
How does it change the meaning?
@@rae-everything Up to that line, Americans, and by extension, America, is portrayed as nearly inescapable in a sort of almost scary way, as implied by the title.
I think this fits well with the theme of the song, as Bowie has said the song was a play on globalization/americanization.
What I'm inferring from the line "God is an american", put in the mouth of Bowie, is that the uglier sides of American culture, like overcommersialization, are spreading to the rest of the world, and we can't do anything about it.
When put in the mouth of the pastor, however, it sounds like something an american fundamentalist christian could've said.
This, combined with the fact that he is visibly Not Having A Great Time, makes it sound like he's trying to reaffirm himself.
Like, "God is a true American, so he would never let anything bad happen to us, right?" I think it provides some nice contrast in the music video.
Of course, this is just my iterpritation of things. This song is very much open for interpretation!
(also sorry for the essay lol)
@@windmaze8735 Yeah, I saw it as a send up of manifest destiny. Americans who associate their country with a domineering Christian god. Those fundamentalists. To me that was the first impression I got from the song, that Americans have a vast global influence, and feel a responsibility in spreading their morals, and cultural quirks to others. A sort of superiority complex similar to missionaries proselytizing. But, with more tanks, and fast food restaurants.
I thought you may be getting at something similar, but I was curious what your first impression was. It's a pretty funny song, and that last line is hilarious.
@@rae-everything Oh, that's brilliant! I didn't even think of the potential religious aspect before now, but that makes a lot of sense. I'll admit my first reaction to that line was very no thoughts head empty, it just gave me an unexpected sort of whiplash, which I thought was cool. Bowie and Reznor both did a terrific job.
Who’s here November 2024?
I am!
Me too. Seemed like a good time to see this MV now.
Same!
Me!
Hell yeah. I’m afraid again
All Trent Reznor wanted was an autograph & a selfie.
You're not getting out of this cab until I get your autograph, comprende?!
But sadly, he gave David pancreatic cancer. =....(
@@NVNCVL Debie Downer.
@@sirwoofsalot7505 it was a joooooke
In alanmoore's Watchmen a character uses the line God is an American and also someone gives someone cancer. Just saying.
This is also 1 of Bowie's best hairstyles in my opinion! I tried copying it back in the day & I ended up with yellow hair with black spots! I wanted to look like Bowie, not a blooming cheetah! lol
It's one of my favourite hairstyles too! But my barber makes it work for me. 😉
you want to look scary
Let's face it - Bowie *always* had the best hair. And perfect fucking bone structure.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👏👍👏
@@neuralmute You have stated undeniable facts.
I think this and Never Get Old are my favorite David Bowie songs.
Nice to hear a shout out for the later material.
@@BroonParker In my opinion all his work is golden.
Station to station , stay , and panic in détroit ( live ) favorite songs i think .
Never let me down, jump they say, Starman, Joe the lion, move on, modern love, heroes, prisoner of love (tin machine), absolute beginners, cat people/putting out fire, blue Jean, ashes to ashes, deranged
@@Brandon_Powell... golden... years? 😎💙
If you've been listening to this song for decades... Nows the time to be afraid if you weren't before....
Only if you live in communist cities and their suburbs ... Out in the sticks we respect all , and welcome all. Always
So ahead of its time, this song is possibly even more relevant today than it was back then - and it certainly was back then.
So true!
No doubt!
Just thinking that
This song is going to outlast America 💀
I think most people misunderstood it back when it came out including me. Today I realize what a based masterpiece it was.
Bowie always ahead of the curve. Knew what our society was slipping towards.
He understood society, and how its in a perpetual state of changing yet always staying the same.
Losing his buddy Lennon taught him well, his best piece of advice is to leave LA if you want to be sober.
*fart
More like skipping.
@TheDissidentBrit My man...Jonny is a sardonic representation of corporate capitalism and the homogenization of global cultures to an "American" form...in quotes because he's purposefully being reductive from the standpoint of overblown paranoia to make it easier to get his point across. This is a somewhat sarcastic critique of capitalism, if anything.
And to call Biden a bridge to "communism" means you don't actually know what it is. Communism is the antithesis of corporations ruling the globe, and of what the neoliberal establishment represents. For a guy with Thomas Paine as a pfp, you have no common sense.
How did I miss this song? Fans of both artists. Wow, looking so young here, it is almost unreal!!!
Same.
Stumbled across this by accident.
It's a very interesting interpretation. On one hand much of the world fears the United States, or at least it's government, or it's corporatist themes.. some Americans themselves.
Much of the world's biases are based upon make-believe aka Hollywood to judge Americans as fake. Then they line up to come here,.. and some moaning all the while
What's interesting is David Bowie doing this song, his bone dry wit. How do you take the meaning, please share :)
"God is an American" ...
No such agency?
Right now.. as if it mattered.. the FBI looks like a Shithole.
What Gov Agency backed Ubers Series A?
I was born in '81, and grew up with Bowie's music, as my dad had grown up with it since his teens. I've seen and heard pretty much every era in both music and video, although my dad had the privilege to see him live. He became my hero as much as he was my dad's. :)
When the news came out that morning of Bowie's passing, it felt as though yet another piece of my world had faded away. Dad was in his lorry that morning when he heard on the radio, and he had to pull over and cry for a while.
These times we live in today, I would give anything to go back to the times when Earthling had just come out, and the world felt like it was only going to get better, despite all the things that might still be wrong with it. Maybe I was too young and naive to understand everything as it was, but there was so much hope, and David's music was a huge part of that for me. I wonder if such good times will ever come again.
The late 1970s and early 1980s were a strange time for us all. But what's a lorry?
This was one of the best concerts. Toured w/Nine Inch Nails. Took turns being headliner. Trent is good in this video too. Love me some Bowie!
And don’t forget… Prick opened.
@@danieldaniels7571 thank you. I missed them both shows in LA & OC. Looked them up and really like them. Woulda tried harder to see if I had a clue who they were. Thanks for the heads up.
@shepmathe Bowie was actually always the headliner, as Trent refused to play after his idol. But instead of a break between the two bands' sets, they played a 4-5 song set together in the middle (usually: Subterraneans, Scary Monsters, Reptile, Hallo Spaceboy and Hurt).
@@jakewallace6183 That makes sense. That's what I saw. Someone posted that the bands traded off headlining. Thought they knew something I didn't.
Trent was right. Bowie opens for no one. Don't think I've even seen him w/an opening band.
Can we talk about how incredibly good quality the vision in this video. 1997 and the 4k upgrade looks like this was shot yesterday.
That's because it's high quality film and not digital. No pixels to worry about. This is what you kids missed back in the analog world.
LOL, I used to do linear editing up until 2011 for TV networks. I still remember when P2 cards first came onto the market and were a game changer. What do you have to show for your comments? Not that young old man.@@thing_under_the_stairs
@@thing_under_the_stairs - film doesn't have unlimited resolution; the individual crystals are like the film's pixels.
@@AnthonyFlack Still far better res than most digital. I've done actual darkroom work, and there is no comparison.
No
David Bowie did in music what George Carlin did in comedy. Two guys who both pushed new boundaries and did some of their best work from their 50's on. It's so inspiring to think artistic greatness can be achieved at any age.
"as the truth lays dying"
Add Leonard Cohen
Wow what an awe-inspiring comment! That is exactly what I was thinking about both artist! (I would really squeeze in Dave Chapelle too due to racial issues!) :)
You put my thoughts into words perfectly 👍
@@ibarboo Bowie would have called Chappelle out on his homophobic, transphobic bs. Meanwhile Bowie called out MTV back in their earliest days live on the air for their racism, and actually changed things. He was a genius, not a bigot.
Happy Birthday Bowie
Yesss! Keep David alive! What a man! Missing him so much! RIP DB! Thank you for blessing us all globally with that presence, energy.
Trent's production is sooooooooo good.
This song aged very well
Sadly. Im not proud to live here at all and Id gladly move if someone gave me the money.
9x24 = 216 => 2016
I'm curious (this is not a trick question), where would you go? @@MLBlue30
Thats the point, it hasnt aged at all :-) Its still damn perfect no matter which era its in :-) (y)
@@MLBlue30Move? We need to ban together and clean this shit show up. Voting isn't going to fix anything.
Today more so than ever 😢
Only David Bowie can chew gum, run, and sing all in one video.
Meat Loaf
Yup. Ever since I was first old enough to read, and chew gum, and I read the warning about running and chewing gum, I thought to myself only a badass world changing rock star can break this rule.
and still look cool doing it.
i wish these two did more they really compliment each other well.
This song is still so relevant. Mind you Bowies songs have the propensity to be like that, more meaning becomes attached to them as time goes on, think of heroes.
You have to listen to this today
Song Meaning'Johnny' in the song is from 'John Doe' which is used to identify an unknown victim of a crime.
'Coke' is NOT cocaine, but Coca-Cola, a worldwide image of America. Even in countries that are anti-America, they still love Coke.
This song is simply saying that America and Americans are shallow and destructive; instead of adding to the world in a meaningful way, they take the basest and the easiest path.
Compare THIS song about America to the song he wrote earlier in his career, 'Young Americans' and you can see how his views of America and Americans have changed.
I think in the song Mr. Bowie is expressing his fear of the Americanisation of the world:
"I'm afraid of Americans
I'm afraid of the world"
He's afraid he is also being absorbed into the American culture against his will:
"I'm afraid I can't help it
I'm afraid I can't."
And yes, he goes on to describe the things Americans seem to be obsessed with nowadays. Thinks like getting high, getting laid, and getting material posessions.
"God is an American" has a double meaning. One, most Americans view god as a version of themselves. The biggest bible-thumpers in America are also the biggest patriots (generally speaking), be they military people or just people who like to scream "USA! USA!" at the top of their lungs. And two, God is the controller of the universe according to christian mythology, and in reality, Mr. Bowie feels that America is gaining control of the universe, hence god and America are the same thing.
It feels like a diss, and considering the time this song was made, I'd say it was intended to be a diss of some sort.
Also the line 'God is an american' might just be about how Americans take credit and put their name on a lot of things that aren't necessarily only theirs, like naming themselves Americans, even though America is a whole continent with lots of countries.
"mythology" you mean theology
Coca Cola???? ...mh, okay..
@@Riskijay55 so long there's absolutely no god, has the same meaning and he's right. God is a myth like Odin or Donald Duck
found this song after seeing David perform with Trent on a tour. Loved his voice on NIN music. The remaster of this is amazing. The song still sounds fresh. Never noticed the tears in the priests eyes at the end until the remaster. Thanks Trent for showing me who you looked to and listened to. Lazarus is my favorite Bowie track.
Finally, a hi def version of this masterpiece for our viewing pleasure. It looks so crisp… Amazing!
It's surreal to me. They're lucky they got original reels to digitize.
@@acekoala457 Yeah, it's really impressive. I never even dreamed of ever seeing it in such glorious resolution!
Even if it is the Nine Inch Nails remix of the song and not the original version.
Man this track gives me goosebumps. Feels like the message is becoming more relevant over time
From Wiki, Bowie says:
"It's not as truly hostile about Americans as say 'Born in the U.S.A.': it's merely sardonic. I was traveling in Java when [its] first McDonald's went up: it was like, 'for fuck's sake.' The invasion by any homogenized culture is so depressing, the erection of another Disney World in, say, Umbria, Italy, more so. It strangles the indigenous culture and narrows expression of life."
Also, it didn't escape me to see all those people point guns at each other, including the priest.
'Thoughts and prayers'
Only Death (the troubled youth carrying the cross leading the parade) enjoyed that
Makes me think Bowie's character was an innocent bystander of yet another shooting maniac
@@dev-pj9vi hmm
Somebody is selling that Mc Ds to someone not American, its not like they just spring up out of nothingness. It reflects more of the society allowing it, not the other way around.
@@mikepotter4109 It shows governments and corporations. The American corporation for ruthlessly expanding what they have and exploiting everything with no consideration for the damage they're doing, and local governments for allowing things to do that. I can't speak for the average Javanese, but cultures are eroding worldwide with the unrelenting juggernaut of globalization. Globalization's not all a bad thing, but it's still a damn shame. Of course, the whole affair is so incredibly messily complicated that I couldn't possibly account for it all in a comment on youtube, and since none of us are experts in macro-socioeconomics I'm not knowledgeable enough to account for it, so all we can really see is the end result
@@madsmari Yeah I thought I said the same thing, governments and corporations are people, globalization is also people. None of this would happen if their weren't so many people and we can call it whatever we want but its all an overabundance of people.
July 5, 2022. Why does this song and video become more important, more real, more relevant every year?
This instrumental accents Bowie's voice and style perfectly.
Always loved this song & video, rest in peace the thin white duke, I'm 62 yrs old & been a Bowie fan since I was about 13 yrs old & saw him in concert 4 times, thanks 🙏