[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
David Bowie — Waterloo Sunset
Album: Reality
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1351









Released: 2003
Length: 3:19
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Dirty old river, must you keep rolling
Flowing into the night
People so busy, makes me feel dizzy
Taxi light shines so bright
But I don't need no friends
As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset
I am in paradise

Every day I look at the world from my window
Chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine

Terry meets Julie at Waterloo Station
Every Friday night
But I am so lazy, don't want to wander
I stay at home at night
But I don't feel afraid
As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset
I am in paradise

Every day I look at the world from my window
Chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine

Millions of people swarming like flies 'round Waterloo underground
But Terry and Julie cross over the river
Where they feel safe and sound
And they don't need no friends
As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset
They are in paradise

Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
Waterloo sunset's fine
Comments (206)add comment
 jayhamiljr wrote:
I know Bowie fans will disagree (they are a very committed group), but I just don't see him in this case adding anything to the original. He's better than this.  It's just a cover. A good cover, but just a cover. 
 

Beats the hell out of the Kinks original.
 jayhamiljr wrote:
I know Bowie fans will disagree (they are a very committed group), but I just don't see him in this case adding anything to the original. He's better than this.  It's just a cover. A good cover, but just a cover. 
 
I'd hate to read what this guy has to write about Santana...
There seems to be a dearth of Blackstar tracks on RP, as good a work as Bowie ever produced IMO. Rivals Ziggy.
 jayhamiljr wrote:
I know Bowie fans will disagree (they are a very committed group), but I just don't see him in this case adding anything to the original. He's better than this.  It's just a cover. A good cover, but just a cover. 
 
Yeah for me also, I need a few beer to like this album. Any band can't be perfect all the time. It wasn't his best album.. but that's just my opinion. Music ls like spaghetti sauce..1000 recipe.
I know Bowie fans will disagree (they are a very committed group), but I just don't see him in this case adding anything to the original. He's better than this.  It's just a cover. A good cover, but just a cover. 
Don't like the double/multi tracked vocal, after Ray's weedy offering. File in the bulging folder of unnecessary covers.
 palatin8 wrote:
I pay tribute to the man who always paid tribute to his heroes.
 
well said !
 dc_zee wrote:

That aside...who did the cover art for this release?
 

Rex Ray
I pay tribute to the man who always paid tribute to his heroes.
Just a great song whoever does it. But it's David effing Bowie. No way to go wrong.
I prefer the original, but don't mind Bowie's cover.  (God bless & keep him always!)
uh, la lala, uh, la lala
 jhorton wrote:
 Agreed.

joempie wrote:
I'm a huge Bowie fan, but this is a waste of bandwidth, energy, time, you name it...

 

 
From a curator's standpoint, I hear you. But I miss the man's voice and will listen to all with love. (And Bill is connecting his musical dots between songs...so don't miss that strategy.) That aside...who did the cover art for this release?
 basilarnold wrote:

Waterloo is just a village in Belgium. There might be nice sunsets from time to time...

 
I have no doubt that this is about sunsets in Waterloo, Iowa, and don't try to persuade me otherwise! 
Nah.
 Agreed.

joempie wrote:
I'm a huge Bowie fan, but this is a waste of bandwidth, energy, time, you name it...

 


Nice version of THE KINKS version.  They are both likeable.
I think it's called, umm, Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Waterloo_station
London Waterloo station (/ˌwɔːtərˈluː/) is a central London railway terminus and London Underground station complex in the Waterloo area of the London Borough of Lambeth. It is one of 19 stations managed by Network Rail and is located near the South Bank of the River Thames, in fare zone 

Just saying.
 

TerryS wrote:
The real Waterloo was 200 years ago and sounded nothing like this. Just saying.{#Twisted}

  
Waterloo is just a village in Belgium. There might be nice sunsets from time to time...

 
 TerryS wrote:
The real Waterloo was 200 years ago and sounded nothing like this. Just saying.{#Twisted}

 
Waterloo is just a village in Belgium. There might be nice sunsets from time to time...
Awesome
Please play the real/right/proper version, eh? This just feels forced and wrong....
The real Waterloo was 200 years ago and sounded nothing like this. Just saying.{#Twisted}
I'm a huge Bowie fan, but this is a waste of bandwidth, energy, time, you name it...
 funkyalfonso wrote:


Not only an English classic but the original is arguably the most beautiful love song ever written. For Kathy and I this was our song. She was 12 and I was 13. Ah, first love. I remember sore gums from excessive snogging.

 
{#Roflol}  

How do you get sore gums from kissing? Ah, sweet youthful passion...

This is a great energetic version, but the original is still my favorite. 

Johray63 wrote:
What I loved in the original is the understatement and the somewhat melancholy, dreamy feeling, which could make me relate to it very much. Bowie's version is very overdone, in comparison and doesn't have the same impact on me, at all, though the song is still fantastic.

  
Very well put, your first sentence. There's a wistful longing in the lyrics—yearning to have something like Terry and Julie's love but sharing vicariously from a distance in what they have. 

Bowie's version doesn't have that. A shame because he still has a great, very expressive voice and powerful phrasing. 
 
Prefer the Kinks version!
{#No}
No.  PSD
 max_p wrote:
Pin Ups leftover

 
30 years later of course .

Bowie is such an Englishman (even though he lives here now) this is a great cover choice for him 
Very appropriate to follow up Ferry/Roxy with Bowie! Like A and B sides but of an artistic vision, in my uneducated opinion. 
I like this version actually--breaks the iconic up with fresh experimentation. In my whatever op... 
Love Bowie but this is soulless for me.
Pin Ups leftover
Original is better
Not different enough to justify its existence. And the original is better.
 lemmoth wrote:


Agree - Bowie is iconically English as are the Kinks.  Also think he and Gilmour do a great take on the classic Syd's Pink Floyd's Arnold Layne.  Again, quintessentially English.......says this American.
 

Not only an English classic but the original is arguably the most beautiful love song ever written. For Kathy and I this was our song. She was 12 and I was 13. Ah, first love. I remember sore gums from excessive snogging.
We have a little cabin on the poor side of Lake Greenwood, in the mail delivery area of Waterloo SC.  I sometimes sit on the dock and enjoy a Waterloo Sunset.
I know I'm in the minority, but honestly:

I
THINK
DAVID
BOWIE
STINKS

{#Headache}

There I said.  I feel better now.  Sorry but I've never understood the pedistal that so many put David Bowie on.  He seems so highly overrated to me.
Agree with the unenthusiasm.  Bowie could have put a unique spin on this wonderful song but this is kind of "o I can do this too."
 nigelr wrote:

Have to agree, but Bowie was almost required to cover this English classic..........

 

Agree - Bowie is iconically English as are the Kinks.  Also think he and Gilmour do a great take on the classic Syd's Pink Floyd's Arnold Layne.  Again, quintessentially English.......says this American.
Less than the sum of it's parts.  Bowie and Davies should be a great combination but this falls short.
I should like Bowie covering the Kinks, but it's kind of meh for me.
Bowie does Karoke.  Yawn.
 bluecshells wrote:

David can do no wrong in my honest opinion.  This song is great period!


 
Agree!

Does nothing..gave it 3, lets hear the Kinks iTuner wrote:

Agree 100%. Like Bowie. But the original is so just right.
 

David can do no wrong in my honest opinion.  This song is great period!


DB can do NO wrong! 9...(10 reserved for the GODS)!
 haresfur wrote:
Adds nothing.  Just play the Kinks god-like version, please.
 


Agree 100%. Like Bowie. But the original is so just right.
old yes, but at least it's got some style and a bit of staying power. 
Would LOVE to hear New Killer Star from this effort...great one...
The man can do no wrong in my book... Keep supplying us with his magic. Thx
VERY dreary. Bowie at his lazy worst.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
There are many better tracks on this CD, including the beautiful "Day", the out-there "Pablo Picasso" and the jazzy "Bring Me the Disco King", any of which would be welcome! (although those last two would have the haters frothing at the mouth)

 
I don't know if we'll ever hear anyone's version of "Pablo Picasso" here - especially not the original. {#Sad}

caught him singing this song in London - wow! enuff said
Very nice version!!
 On_The_Beach wrote:
There are many better tracks on this CD, including the beautiful "Day", the out-there "Pablo Picasso" and the jazzy "Bring Me the Disco King", any of which would be welcome! (although those last two would have the haters frothing at the mouth)

 
Have to agree, but Bowie was almost required to cover this English classic..........

Adds nothing.  Just play the Kinks god-like version, please.
And here are the soccer results:
Kinks 8
Bowie 5
I love most of Bowie's output (particularly the early 70s stuff, of course), but this is a bit of a drone. Workmanlike covers like this which don't really add anything to the original are rather pointless, IMHO.

David Bowie by ~jimbo101
James Garner  ©2006-2010 ~jimbo101

Latest pencil portrait



Kinks.jpg The Kinks image by nicolassauvage
There are many better tracks on this CD, including the beautiful "Day", the out-there "Pablo Picasso" and the jazzy "Bring Me the Disco King", any of which would be welcome! (although those last two would have the haters frothing at the mouth)

What I loved in the original is the understatement and the somewhat melancholy, dreamy feeling, which could make me relate to it very much. Bowie's version is very overdone, in comparison and doesn't have the same impact on me, at all, though the song is still fantastic.


I enjoy Bowie, mostly his earlier stuff. This was a unique tune. I hope to hear other versions of the same song at some point. :)
I love Bowie music
I love the song, "Waterloo Sunset"
I do not love Bowie's cover of "Waterloo Sunset"
Go figure
 mfassett wrote:
I lke the song, especially the melody.  I guess I just don't like Bowie!  3 for me...
 
Ditto
wow! loved the original. interesting hearing bowie do it. i kinda like it.
Didn't know David covered this.  Beautiful song.  Kinks' version is nicer. 
I lke the song, especially the melody.  I guess I just don't like Bowie!  3 for me...
I've really never liked this version.  Sounds to me like a rich white guy trying to sound like he knows what the song really means.

5

Let's hear the original.
One of the weaker tracks on a great album, IMO. Not bad, but not great. Like "Pinups", this is just Bowie tipping his hat to one of his influences.
bachbeet wrote:
In no way is this as good as the original. In fact, I think it's one of Bowie's weaker songs.

Agreed, but a great song,and the geetar's better on this one! Mrgreen

How about Abba's Waterloo?  


In no way is this as good as the original.  In fact, I think it's one of Bowie's weaker songs.
Often just a bit (or really a lot) too weird for me . . . but one of the great voices in rock.
Ditto to Jungle_Jim (below)

 
fuh2 wrote:
Much better than the original. Bowie rocks!
 


Much better than the original. Bowie rocks!
You right bro.

 
Jungle_Jim wrote:
This song needs the pathos and vulnerability of Ray Davies vocals - and the falsetto harmonies - in the original.
 

This song needs the pathos and vulnerability of Ray Davies vocals - and the falsetto harmonies - in the original.

I always thought Bowie did great renditions of old songs and he does not miss the mark on this either, plus the cd cover rocks.


I like this cover, 
I'm lost for words seeing how people get worked up just on account of a great cover!
 horstman wrote:  Bo Bo is the man!- If he's looking pumped - maybe Mike Garson asked him to join his work out!

You could be in a room all by yourself and it'd be a crowd. In fact, go there, lock the door from the outside, and spare us your anti Bowie comments.{#Moon}
 


{#Dancingbanana}love it
 EssexTex wrote:
horstman wrote:
I saw Bowie recently on HDTV doing an "Isle of Wight" concert. The guy has seriously been lifting weights, working out. He looks really cut for a guy who just turned 60! I have to say its a little "not him". I'm used the "Thin White Duke". He looks like Bon Jovi's older brother now. Still, this song really sucks as I've stated before.

I can tell you're impressed...Maybe I'll join you and Bowie for a little "pumping of the iron" ...although...three's a crowd eh!
 
You could be in a room all by yourself and it'd be a crowd. In fact, go there, lock the door from the outside, and spare us your anti Bowie comments.{#Moon}


give me the Kinks anyday - shame on you Bowie
Great cover IMO. I love The Kinks, but feel Bowie did the song justice, just as he did when he covered "Where Have The Good Times Gone".
Bowie does this song justice, but (or maybe because) he doesn't stray far from the original.
Great song, AWFUL cover.
Not nearly as good as the original.  I really don't think Bowie gave a very good take on this song.  Not among his best.
hoooray ! had to say that ...
I love Bowie and enjoy hearing Waterloo Sunset and Always Crashing In The Same Car as much as Bill plays those two. However, can we get some Ziggy era stuff in rotation here? Moonage Daydream anyone? I tried uploading but I think my file isn't high enough quality.
horstman wrote:
I saw Bowie recently on HDTV doing an "Isle of Wight" concert. The guy has seriously been lifting weights, working out. He looks really cut for a guy who just turned 60! I have to say its a little "not him". I'm used the "Thin White Duke". He looks like Bon Jovi's older brother now. Still, this song really sucks as I've stated before.

I can tell you're impressed...Maybe I'll join you and Bowie for a little "pumping of the iron" ...although...three's a crowd eh!

This last set may not please everyone, but that's why they call it eclectic! It's a little bit of a lot of different things...and that's why we love it. To me, it was a perfect combination of great tunes. Way to go, Bill!
Mmm--trippy 60's stuff! (Okay, 70's I guess.) Makes me want to go see Ian McLagan again!
I like both versions but it could the nostalgia endorphins kicking in.

I saw Bowie recently on HDTV doing an "Isle of Wight" concert. The guy has seriously been lifting weights, working out. He looks really cut for a guy who just turned 60! I have to say its a little "not him". I'm used the "Thin White Duke". He looks like Bon Jovi's older brother now. Still, this song really sucks as I've stated before.
Ugh, much prefer the Kinks' original
Funny song comments: March 4, 05, sharkartist wrote:
Wow, just when I thought I'd heard it all. This one works!
Nov 10, 06, sharkartist wrote:
I hate hearing what Bowie does to this Kinks classic.
Hey Sharkey, howzabout an update? =============== thewiseking wrote:
funny, i haven't really followed bowies career for a long time. i never dug his mid-80s stuff and beyond. this however is great. recalls his earlier more creative stuff. damn this guy is influential. does anyone besides me note that the killers have borrowed heavily here, along with 5000 other bands.
thewiseking wrote:
hey moron, this is a kinks cover. thats why it sounds a little retro.
thewiseking wrote:
gee, thanks.
Well, at least Bowie has not ruined this song. By virtue of playing it straight, he makes it acceptable. Can't really say that for most of his other covers.
justin4kick wrote:
some people just don't appreciate the good things in life.
Yeah like you "Appreciate" the Chili Peppers LoL..Pot, Kettle and black come to mind. Maybe it's time for another joint eh!?
lwilkinson wrote:
Fine! FINE!! If you don't like what Bill and RP plays then take off your clothes, go sit in your car and let your butt stick to the cheap vinyl on your obviously low class car seat and listen to Clear Channel on AM no less! I for one love what Bill plays, esp. on a worthless stormy Monday Time Change to Day Light Savings (yuk!), where I don't want to work and listening to a blend of new/old/hip-hop/indie/world musik/eclectic (NOTICE I SAID ECLECTIC) is just more than fine with me and, I suspect, most everybody else out there ('cepting you). Go Bill Go!
Hey check out my song ratings and you will see what I DO like...I take it from your comments that you like EVERYTHING that gets played here huh....otherwise your remarks would just be plain stupid right?! I assume your comment regarding Big Audio Dynamite will prompt you to practice what you preach! Oh and my car has leather seats...now may I suggest you take a long ride off a short pier..on your cheap push bike!
EssexTex wrote:
Ditto...
some people just don't appreciate the good things in life.
EssexTex wrote:
Ditto...
Fine! FINE!! If you don't like what Bill and RP plays then take off your clothes, go sit in your car and let your butt stick to the cheap vinyl on your obviously low class car seat and listen to Clear Channel on AM no less! I for one love what Bill plays, esp. on a worthless stormy Monday Time Change to Day Light Savings (yuk!), where I don't want to work and listening to a blend of new/old/hip-hop/indie/world musik/eclectic (NOTICE I SAID ECLECTIC) is just more than fine with me and, I suspect, most everybody else out there ('cepting you). Go Bill Go!
I dig it!
Until I looked I half thought it was Dave Lee Roth singing - I'm going senile.. however my fellow forumists I do like this not that anyone cares
apd wrote:
...of all the Bowie songs - of all the song's that Bowie has covered - to play...
Really..... this last set David Bowie - Waterloo Sunset The Kinks - Sunny Afternoon Talking Heads - Heaven Just makes my ears bleed AND It's overplayed!!
...of all the Bowie songs - of all the song's that Bowie has covered - to play...
EssexTex wrote:
Great song ruined by a talentless, odd little man.
okay you do not like him :o) i love him :o)
Bowie2Bowie!
Outstanding song, but I must say I like the Kinks' version better.
EssexTex wrote:
Great song ruined by a talentless, odd little man.
Please define "talentless". Because if he's talentless, you must be Einstein, Beethoven, Lennon and Beckham rolled into one prson.
I am not a big Bowie fan, but he improves this song significantly.
Did anyone see the Flight of the Concords episode with the tribute song (Bowie's in Space) to Bowie at the end?
kcar wrote:
I prefer the Kinks' original version, but this is just fine. Lovelovelove this song.
Here's a combination of the two.
Chilly chilly is the evening time... Don't know why, but I love that line.
Uh Lalala
6 -> 7 because of the segue
nigelr wrote:
Personally I love this song so much I almost don't care who sings it. I do prefer the original, however DB's tribute ain't too bad.
well said. I never tire of it.
kcar wrote:
I prefer the Kinks' original version, but this is just fine. Lovelovelove this song.