‘Saxophone Song’ is a song written by Kate Bush, released on her debut album The Kick Inside. Originally the song was recorded as a demo produced by David Gilmour in June 1975.

Formats

‘Saxophone Song’ was not released as a single. However, a playable postcard featuring the song was released in Poland.

Performances

Kate performed ‘Saxophone Song’ during the Tour of Life live shows in 1979.

Cover versions

‘Saxophone Song’ was covered by Yuri Kono.

Kate about ‘Saxophone Song’

I wrote ‘The Saxophone Song’ because, for me, the saxophone is a truly amazing instrument. Its sound is very exciting – rich and mellow. It sounds like a female.

Dreaming: The Kick Inside, 1978

The song isn’t about David Bowie. I wrote it about the instrument, not the player, at a time when I really loved the sound of the saxophone – I still do. No, I don’t know him personally, though I went to his “Farewell to Ziggy Stardust” concert and cried, and so did he.

Kate Bush Club newsletter, November 1979

Lyrics

You’ll find me in a Berlin bar,
In a corner brooding.
You know that I go very quiet
When I’m listening to you.

There’s something very special indeed,
In all the places where I’ve seen you shine, boy.
There’s something very real in how I feel, honey.

It’s in me.
It’s in me,
And you know it’s for real.
Tuning in on your saxophone.
Doo-bee-doo-bee-doo…

The candle burning over your shoulder is throwing
Shadows on your saxophone, a surly lady in tremor.
The stars that climb from her bowels,
Those stars make towers on vowels.

You’ll never know that you had all of me.
You’ll never know the poetry you’ve stirred in me.
Of all the stars I’ve seen that shine so brightly,
I’ve never known or felt in myself so rightly,

It’s in me.
It’s in me,
And you know it’s for real.
Tuning in on your saxophone.
Doo-bee-doo-bee-doo…

Credits

Drums: Barry de Souza
Bass: Bruce Lynch
Guitars: Paul Keogh, Alan Parker
Keyboards: Andrew Powell
Saxophone: Alan Skidmore
Electric guitar: Paul Keogh