10 Genuine Reactions That Made Songs Better
3. The Jean Genie - David Bowie
One of Bowie’s most famous songs, The Jean Genie was recorded as he toured the USA in 1972. Built around a Bo Diddley inspired guitar riff, the track stomps its way through the four minutes duration. It is a catchy and well-polished piece of glam rock.
There has been much debate about who the song is about. Bowie, at different times, alluded, that it was about Iggy Pop, the French literary figure Jean Genet, or the actress and model Cyrinda Foxe. What is very rarely talked about, though, is the very audible voice heard at the 0.37 mark. Just as the song enters the first chorus someone can be heard saying “Get back on it.”
The words are coming from Bowie himself. The song was recorded live and bass player, Trevor Bolder, went to the chorus too early. This prompted Bowie’s telling-off. When it came to mixing the song Bowie liked the mistake, and the remark, and decided to keep it in the final version.