Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed

"Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed" is a song by the English musician David Bowie, released on his 1969 album David Bowie. It was one of the first songs produced by Tony Visconti.^[2][3]

"Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed"
Song by David Bowie
from the album David Bowie (Space Oddity)
Released	14 November 1969 (1969-11-14)
Recorded	Late August – 16 September 1969[1]
Studio	Trident, London
Length	6:13
Label	Philips
Songwriter	David Bowie
Producer	Tony Visconti
David Bowie (Space Oddity) track listing
10 tracks Side 1 "Space Oddity" "Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed" "Don't Sit Down" "Letter to Hermione" "Cygnet Committee" Side 2 "Janine" "An Occasional Dream" "Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud" "God Knows I'm Good" "Memory of a Free Festival"

Inspiration

In July 1969, Bowie performed at the Maltese Music Festival while his father became sick and later died. The feel of the song was meant to show Bowie's feelings after his father's death.^[4]

The song also seems to be about social structure, as the girl in the song is very wealthy compared to the narrator. Bowie said that the song was written because he got "funny stares" from people.^[4]

Song structure

The song opens with acoustic Asus2 and D9 chords. This repeats until the song enters the main structure, a new beat with guitars and harmonica.^[4] This part of the song mainly switches between C and F, but occasionally uses other chords as well.^[5] After the lyrics finish, the music continues for about two minutes before ending.^[4]

Personnel

According to Chris O'Leary:^[1]

• David Bowie – lead vocal
• Keith Christmas – 12-string acoustic guitar
• Mick Wayne – lead guitar
• Tim Renwick – rhythm guitar
• John Lodge – bass
• John Cambridge – drums
• Benny Marshall – harmonica
• Unknown musicians – saxophones, trumpets
• Tony Visconti – producer