“This Is Not America” is a haunting and atmospheric collaboration between David Bowie and the Pat Metheny Group, released in January 1985 with the instrumental version on the B-side as the theme song for the film The Falcon and the Snowman. The song became a critically acclaimed track, known for its melancholic tone, politically charged lyrics, and jazz-infused sound.
Lyrically, This Is Not America conveys a sense of disillusionment and loss, with lines like “A little piece of you, the little peace in me will die” reflecting themes of betrayal, corruption, and the fading of ideals. The lyrics, combined with the film’s Cold War espionage themes, create a deeply introspective and somber atmosphere.
Musically, the track blends Bowie’s ethereal vocals with Pat Metheny’s smooth, jazz-infused instrumentation, featuring moody synthesizers, a soft yet steady rhythm, and delicate guitar work. Unlike Bowie’s usual rock-oriented style, the song leans into ambient, jazz, and electronic influences, giving it a dreamlike, hypnotic quality.
The song was a moderate commercial success, reaching No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it became more appreciated over time as a hidden gem in Bowie’s vast discography.