After All

David Bowie

About After All

"After All" is a song written by David Bowie in 1970 for the album The Man Who Sold the World, released later that year in the United States and in April 1971 in the UK. One of a number of Bowie songs from the early 1970s reflecting the influence of Friedrich Nietzsche and Aleister Crowley, it has been described by biographer David Buckley as "the album's hidden gem", and by Nicholas Pegg as "one of Bowie's most underrated recordings".


Year:
1970
4:00
111 
#2

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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 (ooh) 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 that we're nobody's children at all, after all

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

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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 © TINTORETTO MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Release
"After All" is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. It was first released as part of his third studio album, "The Man Who Sold the World," on November 4, 1970.
Musical Style
The song is classified under the genres of psychedelic rock, folk rock, and glam rock. It showcases Bowie's early experimentations with psychedelic and eerie sounds.
Critical Reception
Critics consider "After All" to be one of Bowie's darker, eerier songs, with elements of occultism and psychedelia – reflecting the album's general theme.
Lyrics and Theme
Lyrically, Bowie's "After All" is rather sinister and vaguely threatening. It explores themes of insanity and includes several references to madness.
Influence
The song has been noted for its influence on gothic rock bands like The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees. The eeriness of "After All," coupled with its deep exploration of dark themes, resonates with the melancholy undertones often associated with gothic rock.
Relationship to Lewis Carroll
Some critics and listeners have pointed out similarities between "After All" and Lewis Carroll's works, particularly "Jabberwocky" and "Through the Looking-Glass," further enhancing its reputation as a psychedelic masterpiece.
Cover versions
The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including the English band The Mission, for their 2001 singles compilation album "Aural Delight."
Live Performances
Interestingly, despite its importance in David Bowie's discography, "After All" was never played live.
Co-producer
The song was co-produced with Tony Visconti, a frequent collaborator of Bowie's who worked with him on many of his albums.
Recording Studio
"After All" was recorded at Trident and Advision Studios in London, England.

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