Meaning of "Law (Earthlings On Fire)" by David Bowie

The lyrics of "Law (Earthlings On Fire)" by David Bowie delve into the contrast between seeking knowledge and desiring certainty in life. The repetition of "I don't want knowledge, I want certainty" highlights a yearning for stability and assurance rather than mere information. The chaotic scene in the streets, where a wallet drops and money flies into the sun, followed by a man's sudden death, represents the unpredictability and fragility of life. The repeated phrases and sounds marking the ground evoke a sense of finality and the inevitability of death, leading to moments of fear and uncertainty. The phrase "Earthlings on fire" can be interpreted as humans consumed by their own desires, fears, and uncertainties, burning in the flames of existential turmoil. Overall, the song captures the existential dread and quest for certainty in a world marked by chaos and unpredictability.