Meaning of "Lucy Can't Dance" by David Bowie

"Lucy Can't Dance" by David Bowie explores the theme of societal pressures and the clash between individuality and conformity. Lucy represents someone who is unable to fully engage with the chaos and noise of the world around her, struggling to conform to the expectations placed upon her. The reference to 'vicious chords' offering joy in a world of sexual noise suggests the allure of hedonism and materialism, contrasting with the fleeting nature of life as highlighted in lines like 'live and you die in the blink of an eye'. Bowie questions the superficiality of the material world, challenging the notion of being a 'material girl' as a symbol of shallowness. The lyrics ultimately convey a sense of defiance against societal norms and a longing for authenticity in a world dominated by noise and distractions.