Meaning and Lyrics of Drowning Man by Duran Duran
Song Lyrics meaning of Drowning Man by Duran Duran
About Duran Duran
Duran Duran burst onto the music scene in the early 1980s, quickly becoming one of the most iconic bands of the New Romantic movement. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978, the group’s classic lineup consisted of:
• Simon Le Bon (vocals)
• Nick Rhodes (keyboards)
• John Taylor (bass)
• Roger Taylor (drums)
• Andy Taylor (guitar)
Known for their stylish image and catchy synth-pop sound, Duran Duran dominated MTV’s early years with visually striking videos for hits like “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “Girls on Film.” Their blend of new wave, funk, and pop helped define the sound of the 1980s.
The band’s career has spanned over four decades, with multiple lineup changes and comebacks. They’ve sold over 100 million records worldwide and continue to influence modern pop and rock music. Their longevity was showcased in tracks like “Drowning Man” from their 2007 album “Red Carpet Massacre,” proving their ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound.
Duran Duran’s impact on fashion, music videos, and pop culture cements their status as new wave legends and enduring music icons.
• Simon Le Bon (vocals)
• Nick Rhodes (keyboards)
• John Taylor (bass)
• Roger Taylor (drums)
• Andy Taylor (guitar)
Known for their stylish image and catchy synth-pop sound, Duran Duran dominated MTV’s early years with visually striking videos for hits like “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “Girls on Film.” Their blend of new wave, funk, and pop helped define the sound of the 1980s.
The band’s career has spanned over four decades, with multiple lineup changes and comebacks. They’ve sold over 100 million records worldwide and continue to influence modern pop and rock music. Their longevity was showcased in tracks like “Drowning Man” from their 2007 album “Red Carpet Massacre,” proving their ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound.
Duran Duran’s impact on fashion, music videos, and pop culture cements their status as new wave legends and enduring music icons.
Meaning of Drowning Man by Duran Duran
The song “Drowning Man” by Duran Duran paints a vivid and somewhat bleak picture of a protagonist who is spiraling into a downward spiral, metaphorically drowning in his troubles. The lyrics in the verses describe this individual as sinking faster than a drowning man, desperately trying to cling to anyone he can for help. The imagery of a gun in his pocket and a heart of ham imply a sense of danger and callousness, possibly connected to themes of violence and emotional detachment. The mention of Uncle Sam and references to losing blood add layers of complexity, hinting at broader societal issues and personal struggles colliding.
The chorus serves as a plea to not be dragged down by this drowning man, emphasizing a desire to avoid being pulled into his troubles and downfall. The repetition and catchy rhythm of the “na nana na nana nana na na” refrain create a sense of urgency and helplessness in the face of someone’s self-destruction.
The second verse delves deeper into the deteriorating state of the man, painting a sobering picture of someone who is barely holding on, with only skin and bone left on his body. The description of his eyes popping wide and the warning not to extend a helping hand for fear of being harmed underline the desperation and potential violence lurking within him.
The bridge introduces the idea that this drowning man is “selling faster than a magazine,” suggesting a sense of decay and corruption spreading rapidly. The reference to infecting others with his TV screen implies a contamination of values and influence that is spreading unchecked.
Overall, “Drowning Man” shines a light on themes of decay, helplessness, and moral degradation. The haunting imagery and cautionary tone of the lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the consequences of being pulled into someone else’s destructive path and the importance of self-preservation in the face of such turmoil.
The chorus serves as a plea to not be dragged down by this drowning man, emphasizing a desire to avoid being pulled into his troubles and downfall. The repetition and catchy rhythm of the “na nana na nana nana na na” refrain create a sense of urgency and helplessness in the face of someone’s self-destruction.
The second verse delves deeper into the deteriorating state of the man, painting a sobering picture of someone who is barely holding on, with only skin and bone left on his body. The description of his eyes popping wide and the warning not to extend a helping hand for fear of being harmed underline the desperation and potential violence lurking within him.
The bridge introduces the idea that this drowning man is “selling faster than a magazine,” suggesting a sense of decay and corruption spreading rapidly. The reference to infecting others with his TV screen implies a contamination of values and influence that is spreading unchecked.
Overall, “Drowning Man” shines a light on themes of decay, helplessness, and moral degradation. The haunting imagery and cautionary tone of the lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the consequences of being pulled into someone else’s destructive path and the importance of self-preservation in the face of such turmoil.
Lyrics of Drowning Man by Duran Duran
Verse 1
He's sinking faster than a drowning man
He'll grab a hold of anyone he can
Gun in his pocket and a heart of ham
Uncle Sam
He's dying faster than a rabid dog
Infect us all now he's losing blood
Nose for trouble and a soul of rock
Smokey's man
Chorus
Don't drag me down
I don't wanna drown
You're going down
Na nana na nana nana na na
Verse 2
There's not much flesh
Just skin and bone
Cheeks sunk deep
Eyes popping wide
Don't put out a hand to help him
This drowning man will bite it right off
Right off
Right off
Right off
Chorus
Bridge
He's selling faster than a magazine
Infect us all with his TV screen x4
Chorus
He's sinking faster than a drowning man
He'll grab a hold of anyone he can
Gun in his pocket and a heart of ham
Uncle Sam
He's dying faster than a rabid dog
Infect us all now he's losing blood
Nose for trouble and a soul of rock
Smokey's man
Chorus
Don't drag me down
I don't wanna drown
You're going down
Na nana na nana nana na na
Verse 2
There's not much flesh
Just skin and bone
Cheeks sunk deep
Eyes popping wide
Don't put out a hand to help him
This drowning man will bite it right off
Right off
Right off
Right off
Chorus
Bridge
He's selling faster than a magazine
Infect us all with his TV screen x4
Chorus
Discography Duran Duran
DANSE MACABRE
Release: 2023-10-27
Label: BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
Popularity: 👏👏
1. NIGHTBOAT
2. BLACK MOONLIGHT
3. LOVE VOUDOU
4. BURY A FRIEND
5. SUPERNATURE
6. DANSE MACABRE
7. SECRET OKTOBER 31ST
8. GHOST TOWN
9. PAINT IT BLACK
10. SUPER LONELY FREAK
11. SPELLBOUND
12. PSYCHO KILLER (featuring Victoria De Angelis)
13. CONFESSION IN THE AFTERLIFE
Tracklist
Collapse
2. BLACK MOONLIGHT
3. LOVE VOUDOU
4. BURY A FRIEND
5. SUPERNATURE
6. DANSE MACABRE
7. SECRET OKTOBER 31ST
8. GHOST TOWN
9. PAINT IT BLACK
10. SUPER LONELY FREAK
11. SPELLBOUND
12. PSYCHO KILLER (featuring Victoria De Angelis)
13. CONFESSION IN THE AFTERLIFE
FUTURE PAST (Deluxe)
Release: 2022-02-11
Label: BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
Popularity: 👏
1. INVISIBLE
2. ALL OF YOU
3. GIVE IT ALL UP (feat. Tove Lo)
4. ANNIVERSARY
5. FUTURE PAST
6. VELVET NEWTON
7. BEAUTIFUL LIES
8. TONIGHT UNITED
9. WING
10. NOTHING LESS
11. LAUGHING BOY
12. HAMMERHEAD (feat. Ivorian Doll)
13. INVOCATION
14. MORE JOY! (feat. CHAI)
15. FALLING (feat. Mike Garson)
Tracklist
Collapse
2. ALL OF YOU
3. GIVE IT ALL UP (feat. Tove Lo)
4. ANNIVERSARY
5. FUTURE PAST
6. VELVET NEWTON
7. BEAUTIFUL LIES
8. TONIGHT UNITED
9. WING
10. NOTHING LESS
11. LAUGHING BOY
12. HAMMERHEAD (feat. Ivorian Doll)
13. INVOCATION
14. MORE JOY! (feat. CHAI)
15. FALLING (feat. Mike Garson)
FUTURE PAST
Release: 2021-10-22
Label: BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
Popularity: 👏
1. INVISIBLE
2. ALL OF YOU
3. GIVE IT ALL UP (feat. Tove Lo)
4. ANNIVERSARY
5. FUTURE PAST
6. BEAUTIFUL LIES
7. TONIGHT UNITED
8. WING
9. NOTHING LESS
10. HAMMERHEAD (feat. Ivorian Doll)
11. MORE JOY! (feat. CHAI)
12. FALLING (feat. Mike Garson)
Tracklist
Collapse
2. ALL OF YOU
3. GIVE IT ALL UP (feat. Tove Lo)
4. ANNIVERSARY
5. FUTURE PAST
6. BEAUTIFUL LIES
7. TONIGHT UNITED
8. WING
9. NOTHING LESS
10. HAMMERHEAD (feat. Ivorian Doll)
11. MORE JOY! (feat. CHAI)
12. FALLING (feat. Mike Garson)
Upcoming Events for Duran Duran
DURAN DURAN: DANSE MACABRE Halloween at Madison Square Garden
Price Range: $52 – 402
Date: 2024-10-31
Location: Madison Square Garden
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