Trying Not To Lose

David Bowie “Win”

“Win” is one of David Bowie’s finest love songs, though it seems he didn’t really think of it that way, describing it in 1975 as more of a message to people who lack his dedication and work ethic. “It was written about an impression left on me by people who don’t work very hard, or do anything much, or think very hard – like don’t blame me ‘cause I’m in the habit of working hard,” he told NME. “You know, it’s easy – all you got to do is win.”

But that’s just the chorus. The verses are far more interesting, with Bowie – something of an unknowable ice queen himself – prodding someone else to open up and be vulnerable with him. “Slow down, let someone love you,” he sings, sounding handsome and mildly bemused. “I’ve never touched you since I started to feel.” Their distance and reluctance is an obstacle to his desire, yes, but I think this is also him feeling like he’s opened up and is now inviting a similarly aloof person into his life. It’s a bit “come on in, the water’s fine.”

“Win” sounds light and airy even when it goes a bit bombastic and theatrical. Bowie plays it cool in vocal performance and delegates projecting warmth to his R&B back up singers and David Sanborn’s fluttering saxophone. But despite that, he’s not devoid of passion. There’s a real conviction in his voice on the chorus, a genuine belief in both himself and the person he’s addressing. The song is essentially a pep talk, but Bowie’s doing that thing where one’s advice boils down to “just do everything I did, and it’ll all go fine.” He’s urging you to love David Bowie, because he loves David Bowie. He’s telling you that all you have to do is win because he’s David Bowie in the mid 1970s, and he’s become well acquainted with that outcome. His voice, his words, the music – he’s seducing you. And of course, this is David Bowie in the mid 1970s, so it works. He wins.

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