Meaning of "The Bewlay Brothers" by David Bowie

"The Bewlay Brothers" is widely regarded as one of the most cryptic and mysterious songs in David Bowie's discography. The lyrics are filled with imagery and symbolism, making it challenging to decipher their exact meaning. Yet, certain themes and ideas can be extracted from the lyrics, offering a glimpse into the song's possible interpretations.

The song opens with a portrayal of the Bewlay Brothers as individuals who live in deception. They wear clothes and say things that seem improbable, implying a deliberate attempt to mislead others. The line "The whale of a lie like they hope it was" suggests that they create elaborate falsehoods and hope they will be believed. The reference to "Goodmen Tomorrow" with their feet in the wallow and heads of Brawn being nicer shorn implies that those in power obtain their positions through manipulation and superficial charm.

The narrator and the Bewlay Brothers seem to be detached from society, as represented by the line "And the world was asleep to our latent fuss." They exist on the outskirts, observing but not participating fully. Their presence is likened to the swirl through the streets and the crust of the sun, evoking a sense of otherworldliness. The use of the word "Bark" in relation to their wings and "Flashing teeth of Brass" adds to the ominous and unsettling atmosphere surrounding them.

The second verse introduces more characters, specifically "Dwarf Men," with whom the narrator and the Bewlay Brothers hang out. The lack of conclusions that turns the narrator on suggests a fascination with ambiguity and the unknown. The line "I was Stone and he was Wax, so he could scream, and still relax" implies that the narrator and one of the Bewlay Brothers have contrasting personalities, yet share a sense of detachment from reality.

As the song progresses, it becomes even more mysterious and obscure. The reference to "the grim face on the Cathedral floor" suggests a sense of desolation or loss. The solid book they wrote, which cannot be found, hints at either forgotten knowledge or a lost legacy. The "Moonboys" and the mention of Stalking time create a surreal and eerie atmosphere, further emphasizing the song's theme of detachment and otherworldliness.

In the final verse, the narrator mentions that his brother may be dead or alive and could even potentially be the listener. The description of his brother as a Chameleon, Comedian, Corinthian, and Caricature portrays him as a complex and ever-changing figure. The line "Shooting-up Pie-in-the-Sky" may reference both drug use and the pursuit of unrealistic dreams.

The plea to "please come away" is a desire for escape from this unsettling reality. The repetition of the phrase "Just for the Day, Hey!" suggests a longing for temporary relief or a respite from the enigmatic and ambiguous world the narrator inhabits. The song ends with a repeated plea to "please come away," emphasizing the yearning for liberation and freedom from the bewilderment and detachment that permeate the lyrics.