“Suffragette City” is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. It was originally released in April 1972 as the B-side of the single “Starman” and subsequently appeared on his fifth studio album ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ (1972). The song was later reissued as a single in 1976, with the US single edit of “Stay” as the B-side, to promote the compilation album Changesonebowie in the UK. Co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, it was recorded by Bowie at Trident Studios in London with his backing band the Spiders from Mars, consisting of Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder and Mick Woodmansey, at a late stage of the album’s sessions. The song was originally offered to English band Mott the Hoople, who declined it and recorded Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes” instead. It is a glam rock song that is influenced by the music of Little Richard and the Velvet Underground. The lyrics include a reference to Anthony Burgess’ novel A Clockwork Orange and the famous lyric “wham bam, thank you, ma’am”.
“Suffragette City” received critical acclaim from music critics, with many praising the guitar work, the band’s performance, the false ending, the famous lyric and the song’s power. It has subsequently been called one of Bowie’s greatest songs by multiple publications, including NME. Bowie performed the song frequently during his concert tours and it has appeared on multiple compilation albums. It has been remastered several times, including 2012 for the 40th anniversary of the album; this version was included as part of the 2015 box set ‘Five Years (1969–1973)’.
Tracklist
side A. Suffragette City 3:20
Producer – David Bowie, Ken Scott
Producer – David Bowie, Ken Scott
side B. Stay 3:21
Arranged By – David Bowie
Producer – David Bowie, Harry Maslin
Arranged By – David Bowie
Producer – David Bowie, Harry Maslin
Description
Label: RCA Victor – XB-01015
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: Germany
Released: 1976
Recorded at:
Recorded date:
Media Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good (VG)
ring wear: Yes
All three seams looking perfect: Yes
Picture sleeve looks near mint: No
creases or folds: No
stamps or writing: No
Track A is spelled “SUFFRAGETTECITY” on the label according to the same design that’s on the sleeve front and back top followed by the words ‘English Top Hit’, although more correctly this should be ‘UK’ for the country.
Lyrics
Hey man, oh leave me alone you know
Hey man, oh Henry, get off the phone, I gotta
Hey man, I gotta straighten my face
This mellow thighed chick just put my spine out of place
Hey man, my schooldays insane
Hey man, my work’s down the drain
Hey man, well she’s a total blam-blam
She said she had to squeeze it but she then she
Oh don’t lean on me man, ’cause you can’t afford the ticket
I’m back on Suffragette City
Oh don’t lean on me man
‘Cause you ain’t got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Is outta sight she’s all right
Hey man, oh Henry, don’t be unkind, go away
Hey man, I can’t take you this time, no way
Hey man, droogie don’t crash here
There’s only room for one and here she comes, here she comes
Oh don’t lean on me man, ’cause you can’t afford the ticket
I’m back on Suffragette City
Oh don’t lean on me man
‘Cause you ain’t got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Is outta sight she’s all right
Oh hit me
Oh don’t lean on me man, ’cause you can’t afford the ticket
I’m back on Suffragette City
Oh don’t lean on me man
‘Cause you ain’t got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Oh don’t lean on me man, ’cause you can’t afford the ticket
I’m back on Suffragette City
Don’t lean on me man “cause you ain’t got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Is outta sight she’s all right
A Suffragette City, a Suffragette City
I’m back on Suffragette City, I’m back on Suffragette City
Ooo, Sufraggete city, ooo, Suffragette City
Oooh-how, Sufragette City, oooh-how, Sufragette City
Ohhh, wham bam thank you ma’am
A Suffragette City, a Suffragette City
Quite all right
A Suffragette City
Too fine
A Suffragette City, ooh, a Sufragette City
Oh, my Sufragette City, oh my Suffragette City
Oh, Suffragette
Suffragette
