David Bowie John, I'm only dancing - Hang On To Yourself (1972 Netherlands) estimated value € 120,00
Label: RCA Victor – 74-16216
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single ,Stereo
Recorded at: Trident Studios, London (original version)
Recorded date: Originally recorded in February 1972
Released: 30/08/1972
Country: Netherlands
"John, I’m Only Dancing" was released in two versions, bearing the same catalogue number, in September 1972 and April 1973. Bowie later re-worked the song into the disco-influenced "John, I'm Only Dancing (Again)," recorded in 1974 but unreleased until 1979.
Tracklist
Side A – John, I'm Only Dancing – 2:42
Producer – David Bowie
A Mainman Production
Side B – Hang On To Yourself – 2:40
Producer – David Bowie, Ken Scott
A Gem Production.
Description
Media & Sleeve Condition
Media Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Ring wear: NO
All three seams looking perfect: yes
Picture sleeve looks near mint: yes
Creases or folds: NO
Stamps or writing: NO
The song was widely believed to be concerned with a gay relationship, the narrator informing his boyfriend not to worry about the girl he's with because he's "only dancing" with her. Bowie had been 'out' as bisexual since an interview with Melody Maker in January 1972, and the subject matter did not affect the single's radio airplay in the UK, where it and the earlier "Starman" became his first back-to-back hits. However, the original video directed by Mick Rock, featuring androgynous dancers from Lindsay Kemp's mime troupe, was banned by Top of the Pops.
The single was not released in America, being judged too risqué by RCA and did not officially appear stateside until it was finally issued on the compilation Changesonebowie in 1976. While the hook ("John, I'm only dancing / She turns me on / But I'm only dancing") has long been considered a gay tease, author Nicholas Pegg asserts that the song's narrator "could just as easily be a straight man reassuring the girl's lover". Alternatively, it has been suggested that Bowie wrote the song in response to a derogatory comment made by John Lennon about Bowie's cross-dressing.
Musically in a light R&B style, the track was recorded on 26 June 1972, released as a single, and then re-recorded on 20 January 1973 during the Aladdin Sane sessions, in a slightly different arrangement featuring Ken Fordham on saxophone. Often called the "sax version", the second recording was issued as a single in April 1973 with exactly the same catalogue number as the first release, causing difficulties for collectors. Generally held to be superior to the original cut, the sax reworking also appeared on early pressings of Changesonebowie before it was replaced with the original single version.
In 1974, a completely reworked funk-influenced version was recorded as "John, I’m Only Dancing (Again)".
Track listing
"John, I’m Only Dancing" (Bowie) – 2:43
"Hang On to Yourself" (Bowie) – 2:38
Production credits
Producers:
David Bowie, Ken Scott
Musicians
David Bowie: vocals, acoustic guitar, sax (on Sax Version)
Mick Ronson: lead guitar
Lou Reed: rhythm guitar
Trevor Bolder: bass guitar
Mick Woodmansey: drums
Key Details about David Bowie's "John, I’m Only Dancing"
The original version was produced by Ken Scott and David Bowie.
"John, I’m Only Dancing" was first released as a non-album single in June 1972.
The song features a glam rock style with a catchy rhythm and playful lyrics.
Bowie re-recorded the song in 1973 with a funkier arrangement, which was released as "John, I’m Only Dancing (Again)" in 1974.
The song became a fan favorite and is noted for its energetic and flirtatious tone.