VIDEO David Bowie - Where Are We Now?

David Bowie - Where Are We Now? David Bowie's 2013 single "Where Are We Now?" marked a significant return after a decade-long hiatus from music. In this poignant and introspective track, Bowie reflects on his past experiences and the passage of time, evoking a sense of nostalgia while also exploring deeper themes of identity and change. The release heralded his 2013 album, The Next Day, and was celebrated by fans and critics alike, emphasizing Bowie's unique ability to blend personal storytelling with compelling melodies. While the video does not provide transcripts or subtitles, the visual accompaniment enhances the song’s emotional depth, utilizing Berlin's landscapes—significant in Bowie's life during the late 1970s, representing both his artistic rebirth and the complexity of his legacy. This song's themes resonate profoundly, inviting listeners to ponder their own journeys and reflections on the past. The simplicity of the piano melody paired with Bowie's haunting voice creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and reflective. As we move into 2024, it's evident that Bowie's work, especially in this project, continues to influence artists and captures the public's imagination around themes of legacy and introspection. What are your thoughts on "Where Are We Now?" Do you remember how you felt when it first dropped? How has Bowie's music impacted you over the years? Share your experiences below!

This clip features the video for David Bowie's 2013 comeback single "Where Are We Now?", directed by multimedia artist Tony Oursler. Visually, it centers on a bizarre, conjoined two-headed puppet resting in a cluttered studio, with Bowie's face projected onto one head and artist Jacqueline Humphries on the other. Behind them, black-and-white archival footage of 1970s Berlin plays on a screen, showing gray streets, cold architecture, and historic landmarks. As Bowie's fragile, melancholic vocals drift over gentle piano chords around 0:03, asking "where are we now?", stylized lyric text appears across the screen tracing lines about crossing the Bösebrücke and walking among the dead.
The surreal combination of the uncanny puppet heads and nostalgic, brooding footage creates a deeply haunting atmosphere. Releasing this track out of nowhere on his 66th birthday after years of retirement was an incredible moment, and the music video captures that reflective, bittersweet nostalgia beautifully without feeling overly sentimental. It remains one of the most poignant late-career pieces Bowie ever put together.