The Supermen

David Bowie's song "The Supermen" delves into a fantastical and dystopian world where beings of immense power and longevity, referred to as 'supermen,' exist in a state of perpetual melancholy and existential dread. The opening lines set the stage in a primordial era, where these supermen, guardians of a desolate and loveless isle, live endless lives devoid of emotional highs and lows. Their existence is marked by a 'solemn, perverse serenity,' suggesting a paradoxical state of being where their immense power and immortality become a curse rather than a blessing.

The lyrics describe the supermen engaging in 'strange games' and living without the fear of death, which further emphasizes their detachment from the human experience. The phrase 'life rolls into one for them' indicates a monotonous and unchanging existence, where even a 'supergod' can cry softly, hinting at a deep-seated sorrow. This portrayal of the supermen reflects Bowie's exploration of themes like the burden of immortality and the loss of individuality in a collective consciousness, as suggested by the line 'where all were minds in uni-thought.'

As the song progresses, it paints a vivid picture of a world where these supermen possess 'colossal strength' but are trapped in a nightmarish reality. The imagery of 'sad-eyed mermen' and 'nightmare dreams no mortal mind could hold' evokes a sense of inescapable despair. The supermen's existence is further marred by violence and a longing for mortality, as seen in the line 'a man would tear his brother's flesh, a chance to die, to turn to mold.' The song concludes with a 'strange, mad celebration' under a 'red-sky,' where even a supergod's death is marked by a soft cry, underscoring the tragic and futile nature of their existence.