Under Pressure

David Bowie's 'Under Pressure' is a powerful exploration of the human condition, particularly the stress and challenges that people face in their daily lives. The song begins with the word 'Pressure' repeated, symbolizing the relentless and ubiquitous nature of the stressors that bear down on individuals and society. The lyrics describe the consequences of this pressure, such as the destruction of homes, the splitting of families, and the displacement of people onto the streets. The repetition of 'Bah, bah, bah' throughout the song could be interpreted as the inarticulate cries of those under the weight of these burdens, or perhaps the sound of a heart beating anxiously under stress.

The song then delves into the 'terror of knowing what this world is about,' suggesting a deep anxiety about the state of the world and the future. The mention of friends screaming for release and the hope that 'tomorrow takes me higher' reflects a common desire for escape and improvement, a yearning for relief from the pressures of life. The song's narrative voice oscillates between despair and a plea for love and compassion, suggesting that these are the antidotes to the crushing weight of pressure.

Ultimately, 'Under Pressure' is a call to humanity to embrace love and compassion as a means to combat the pressures of life. The song suggests that love is an 'old fashioned word' that dares us to care for those living on the margins and to change the way we care for ourselves. The repeated plea for giving love 'one more chance' underscores the potential for love to heal and unite, even when faced with the overwhelming challenges of the modern world.