David Bowie's Vulnerable Lyrics in "Be My Wife"

The song's simple yet heartbreaking lyrics reflect the loneliness Bowie felt in his marriage to Angie Bowie.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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David Bowie's 1977 song "Be My Wife" features lyrics that expose his deep loneliness and longing for a true life partner, despite his prolific romantic relationships and nomadic lifestyle. The song's poignant chorus, in which Bowie pleads "Please be mine/Share my life/Stay with me/Be my wife," mirrors the fraught nature of his marriage to Angie Bowie, which he described as lacking in genuine affection. It would take over a decade for Bowie to find the lasting partnership he sought, when he met his second wife Iman in 1990.

Why it matters

Bowie's lyrics in "Be My Wife" provide a rare glimpse into the personal struggles and vulnerabilities of the iconic musician, who was known for his constantly evolving public persona. The song's themes of loneliness and longing for companionship resonate with many listeners, and shed light on the complexities of Bowie's romantic life and how it influenced his creative output.

The details

"Be My Wife" was the second single on Bowie's 1977 album Low, which has been credited as a major influence on the post-punk genre. While the song incorporates the heavy percussion and electric guitar elements that characterize the rest of the album, it leans more toward old school rock and roll with its 1950s-esque lyrical delivery. The lyrics themselves mirror Bowie's own nomadic life, marked by constant travel and changing romantic companions, as well as his fraught marriage to Angie Bowie, which he described as lacking in genuine affection.

  • "Be My Wife" was released in 1977 as the second single from Bowie's album Low.
  • Bowie married his first wife, Angie Bowie, in 1970, though the marriage was reportedly troubled and lacked genuine affection.
  • Bowie met his second wife, Iman, in 1990, and the two married in 1992, remaining together until Bowie's death in 2016.

The players

David Bowie

An English singer-songwriter known for his constantly evolving public persona and ability to blend disparate musical genres, including rock, punk, electronic, pop, and more.

Angie Bowie

Bowie's first wife, whom he married in 1970, though the marriage was reportedly troubled and lacked genuine affection.

Iman

Bowie's second wife, a Somali American model whom he met in 1990 and married in 1992, remaining together until his death in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't think it would last, and David said, before we got married, 'I'm not really in love with you,' and I thought that's probably a good thing.”

— Angie Bowie, Bowie's first wife

“There's something about [Bowie] that's so different from everybody else.”

— David Lynch, Twin Peaks director (Pitchfork)

The takeaway

Bowie's lyrics in "Be My Wife" provide a rare glimpse into the personal struggles and vulnerabilities of the iconic musician, shedding light on the complexities of his romantic life and how it influenced his creative output. The song's themes of loneliness and longing for companionship resonate with many listeners, underscoring Bowie's enduring impact as an artist who was unafraid to expose his deepest emotions through his music.