David Bowie: "John, I'm Only Dancing" Single (1972)

David Bowie’s "John, I’m Only Dancing" backed with "Hang On to Yourself", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by RCA Victor (catalog number RCA 2263) on September 1, 1972.

Written by David Bowie and recorded during the Ziggy Stardust sessions, “John, I’m Only Dancing” was a non-album single, though it later appeared on compilations like ChangesOneBowie (1976). The song was produced by Bowie and Ken Scott and recorded at Olympic Studios, London, on June 26, 1972, with additional mixing at Trident Studios.

Musical Style and Themes:

A glam rock track with a driving rhythm and playful lyrics, it features Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona. The lyrics, addressed to a character named John, describe dancing with a girl while reassuring a jealous partner, sparking speculation about bisexual undertones, though Bowie clarified it was about a straight relationship. The song’s upbeat tempo and Mick Ronson’s distinctive guitar work made it a fan favorite.

Chart Performance:

The single reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart but was not released in the US at the time due to RCA’s concerns about its perceived homosexual undertones, though it was later included in US compilations.

Versions: Two versions exist from 1972: the original single version (2:43) and a sax-heavy version recorded in January 1973 for the Aladdin Sane sessions, released in April 1973 (UK catalog RCA 2263). A re-recorded version, “John, I’m Only Dancing (Again),” with a disco influence, was released in 1979.

B-Side: Hang On to Yourself

Also written by Bowie, “Hang On to Yourself” was originally recorded for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (released June 1972). The B-side version is the same as the album track, produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, recorded at Trident Studios in November 1971.

Cultural Note:

The song was initially performed by Bowie’s earlier band, The Arnold Corns, in 1971, but the Ziggy Stardust album version, used as the B-side, is the definitive recording.

Label and Format:

Released as a 7-inch vinyl single by RCA Victor in the UK, the single was part of Bowie’s rapid rise to fame during the Ziggy Stardust era. It followed the success of “Starman” and preceded “The Jean Genie.”

Controversy:

The song’s perceived ambiguity led to debates about its meaning, with some interpreting it as a nod to the gay

subculture, which Bowie leaned into

with his public persona, though he later downplayed this interpretation.

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1973 Sax Version:

“John, I’m Only Dancing” was released with the same B-side and catalog number, causing some confusion among collectors.

Both songs reflect Bowie’s collaboration with The Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson on guitar, Trevor Bolder on bass, Woody Woodmansey on drums), with Lou Reed’s influence evident in the lyrical style of “John, I’m Only Dancing.”

The sax version was recorded on January 20, 1973, during the sessions for the Aladdin Sane album at Trident Studios, London.

This version features a new arrangement with a prominent saxophone section by Brian Wilshaw and Ken Fordham, added at Bowie’s direction. Bowie instructed the saxophonists to think in terms of “renaissance” and “impressionist” sounds, described in colors rather than traditional musical terms, according to pianist Matthew Fisher, who was present at the session.

The arrangement is described as “punchier” than the original 1972 recording, with a faster tempo and a refined vocal delivery where Bowie toned down some of the original’s eccentricities, such as the “touch me!” coda and spoken-word elements.

This version was initially intended to close the Aladdin Sane album but was replaced at the last minute by “Lady Grinning Soul.”

Release:

The sax version was released as a single in April 1973 in the UK by RCA Victor, using the same catalog number as the original 1972 single: RCA 2263. The B-side remained “Hang On to Yourself,” consistent with the original release.

The reuse of the same catalog number (RCA 2263) for both the 1972 original and 1973 sax versions caused

significant confusion among collectors and fans, as RCA did not clearly distinguish between the two versions on the label or packaging.

The sax version’s release was low-key, with “little fanfare,” and it was not promoted as a new recording, which added to the confusion.

The sax version was not released in the US at the time, as RCA deemed the song’s lyrical content too risqué, a decision also applied to the 1972 original.

The sax version first appeared on compilations with the first 1,000 copies of ChangesOneBowie (1976), where it was included by mistake before being replaced with the original 1972 version in later pressings. This mispress helped fans become aware of the sax version’s existence.

It later appeared on the bonus disc of the 2003 Aladdin Sane 30th Anniversary Edition, Sound + Vision (1989), The Best of David Bowie 1969/1974 (1997), and Re:Call 1 in the Five Years (1969–1973) boxed set (2015).

Catalog Number Confirmation:

Both the 1972 original and 1973 sax versions were released under RCA 2263. The original version typically has stamped matrix numbers (BGBS 1056), while the sax version is identified by etched matrix numbers (BGBS·1056·A·2E) and lacks the word “STEREO” on the label.

Some sources note that RCA’s practice of alternating the two versions under the same catalog number throughout the 1970s led to inconsistencies in pressings, with buyers sometimes receiving the sax version unexpectedly.

A rare black label pressing of the sax version (RCA 2263) is noted as a collectible item, distinct from the common “Lifetimes” pressing or the 1979 “John, I’m Only Dancing (Again)” release.

Musical and Cultural Notes:

The sax version is often considered superior by some commentators for its tighter arrangement and enhanced instrumentation.

The song’s lyrical content, interpreted by some as addressing a gay relationship, continued to spark discussion, though Bowie maintained it was about a straight relationship. The sax version retained the same lyrics but was delivered with a less overtly theatrical vocal.

The 2012 40th Anniversary Edition picture disc single (not under RCA 2263) included both the 1972 original and 1973 sax versions as a double A-side, marking the first time they were officially paired together.