The Width of a Circle

David Bowie

About The Width of a Circle

"The Width of a Circle" is a song written by David Bowie in 1969 for the album The Man Who Sold the World, recorded in Spring 1970 and released later that year in the United States and in April 1971 in the UK. It is the opening track to the album, a hard rocker with heavy metal overtones. Bowie had performed a shorter version of the song in concerts for several months before recording it. Featuring Mick Ronson's lead guitar work and occasional choral effects from the band, this 8-minute song is divided into two parts. The music takes on a heavy R&B quality in the second half, where the narrator enjoys a sexual encounter – with God, the Devil or some other supernatural being, according to different interpretations – in the depths of Hell. Some sources claim that the song was released as a single by RCA in Eastern Europe, with "Cygnet Committee" from Bowie's 1969 album Space Oddity on the B-side. However, this 'Russian' single was pressed by a fan and therefore is unofficial. 


Year:
2016
8:10
31 
#1

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In the corner of the morning in the past
I would sit and blame the master first and last
All the roads were straight and narrow
And the prayers were small and yellow
And the rumour spread that I was aging fast
Then I ran across a monster who was sleeping 
By a tree
And I looked and frowned and the monster was me

Well, I said hello and I said hello
And I asked, why not, and I replied, I don't know
So we asked a simple black bird, who was happy as can be
And he laughed insane and quipped Kahlil Gibran
And I cried for all the others till the day was nearly through
For I realized that God's a young man too

Ho
Oh I said so long and I waved bye-bye
And I smashed my soul and traded my mind
Got laid by a young bordello
Who was vaguely half asleep
For which my reputation swept back home in drag
And the moral of this magic spell
Negotiates my hide
When God did take my logic for a ride
(Riding along)

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

He swallowed his pride and puckered his lips
And showed me the leather belt round his hips
My knees were shaking my cheeks aflame
He said you'll never go down to the Gods again
(Turn around, go back)

He struck the ground a cavern appeared
And I smelt the burning pit of fear
We crashed a thousand yards below
I said do it again, do it again
(Turn around, go back)

His nebulous body swayed above
His tongue swollen with devil's love
The snake and I, a venom high
I said do it again, do it again
(Turn around, go back)

Breathe, breathe, breathe deeply
And I was seething, breathing deeply
Spitting sentry, horned and tailed
Waiting for you, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

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David Bowie

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 - 10 January 2016), known by his stage name David Bowie ( /ˈboʊ.i/ BOH-ee), was an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. He is known for his distinctive voice as well as the intellectual depth and considerable eclecticism of his work. more »

30 fans

Written by: DAVID BOWIE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Composition
"The Width of a Circle" is the opening track of David Bowie's 1970 album "The Man Who Sold the World". It's a progressive rock piece that lasts about 8 minutes.
Lyrics Content
The song is typically Bowie in terms of its lyrics presenting cryptic ideas that freely cross reference mythologies, religion, psychosexual imagery, and existential questioning.
Music Inspiration
Mick Ronson, who joined Bowie's band during the recording of this album, stated that the song was inspired by a dream that Bowie had.
Live Performances
"The Width of a Circle" became a staple of Bowie's live performances in 1970 and 1971, and a rendition of the song was included in the 1974 live album "David Live".
Cultural Impact
David Buckley, a music critic, referred to this song as "Bowie's first true masterpiece". It is also rated highly by fans and cited as one of the standout tracks on the album.
Contributors
Notable musicians who played in this song include Mick Ronson on guitar and Tony Visconti on bass, both of whom went on to work extensively with Bowie.
Legacy
In May 2021, a live recording of the song from an Aylesbury concert in 1971 was released as "The Width of a Circle", a two-CD set, accompanying the album's 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Reception
Despite its length and heavy rock sound that was not typically radio-friendly, "The Width of a Circle" received critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics and complex musical arrangement.
Song Interpretation
There are many interpretations of what the song could be about, including a sexual awakening, a spiritual journey, or a descent into madness.
Musical Style
The song is noted for its change of pace midway through, transitioning from a heavy rock sound to a gentler, more acoustic section, showcasing Bowie's musical diversity.

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