David Bowie

Released: November 4, 1970

Songwriter: David Bowie

Producer: Tony Visconti

Please trip them gently, they don't like to fall
Oh by jingo
There's no room for anger, we're all very small
Oh by jingo
We're painting our faces and dressing in thoughts
From the skies, from paradise
But they think that we're holding a secretive ball
Won't someone invite them, they're just taller children
That's all
After all

Man is an obstacle, sad as the clown
Oh by jingo
So hold on to nothing, and he won't let you down
Oh by jingo
Some people are marching together and some on their own
Quite alone
Others are running, the smaller ones crawl
But some sit in silence, they're just older children
That's all
After all

I sing with impertinence, shading impermanent chords
With my words
I've borrowed your time and I'm sorry I called
But the thought just occurred
We're nobody's children
At all
After all

Live till your rebirth and do what you will
Oh by jingo
Forget all I've said, please bear me no ill
Oh by jingo

[Outro]
After all, after all

David Bowie (1947 – 2016) was a British musician, and one of the most iconic rock stars with a widely diverse career where he frequently changed his appearance and musical style, resulting in an acclaimed discography comparable to other stalwarts such as The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Born David Robert Jones, Bowie quickly renamed himself to prevent confusion with The Monkees singer Davy Jones. Enduring many early missteps, he rose to prominence when his most famous song, “Space Oddity,” was played during the coverage of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Despite this early breakthrough, Bowie remained a cult figure for several years. Even the release of Hunky Dory, his first great album, went largely unnoticed. Bowie only lodged himself firmly in the public consciousness when he announced his bisexuality and created Ziggy Stardust in early 1972. A Martian who combined the debauchery of Iggy Pop with the artistry of Lou Reed, Ziggy was the main character in Bowie’s breakthrough album, and his public persona for eighteen months.

Bowie used his new-found popularity to move to America, and dabble with new musical directions and cocaine. Diamond Dogs and Young Americans continue to divide critics, but Station To Station found Bowie at a new creative peak, despite escalating drug use and related health issues.

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