Never Let Me Down (David Bowie song)

"Never Let Me Down" is a song written and performed by David Bowie, released as the title track of his 1987 album Never Let Me Down. It was also released as a single, reaching number 34 on the UK Singles Chart and number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The song features a heavy, bombastic production style characteristic of the late 1980s, incorporating layered synthesizers and prominent drums. Bowie himself expressed dissatisfaction with the production of the Never Let Me Down album, including the title track, in later years. He felt the album's sound was overblown and detracted from the songwriting.

The lyrics of "Never Let Me Down" are often interpreted as a testament of unwavering loyalty and support for a friend or loved one. Bowie dedicated the song to his personal assistant and close friend, Coco Schwab. Some interpretations suggest the song also explores themes of dependency and the potential burden of intense devotion.

The single release of "Never Let Me Down" was accompanied by a music video directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. The video features Bowie performing the song against a backdrop of surreal and abstract imagery.

The song has received mixed reviews from critics over the years, with some criticizing its dated production and others praising its heartfelt lyrics and Bowie's vocal performance. Despite Bowie's own reservations about the album version, "Never Let Me Down" remains a notable entry in his extensive discography and a product of its specific era.