"The Man Who Sold the World" - David Bowie
This classic David Bowie song tells the story of a man who has sold his soul to the world in exchange for fame and fortune. The song is a reflection on the consequences of such a decision, as the man realizes that he has lost his sense of identity and purpose in life. With its
"The Man Who Sold the World" is a song by the English musician David Bowie from his third studio album of the same name. Produced by Tony Visconti, the track was recorded at Trident and Advision Studios in London in May 1970, towards the end of the album's recording sessions. Bowie recorded his vocal on the final day of mixing for the album, reflecting his generally dismissive attitude during the sessions. Musically, it is based around a "circular" guitar riff from Mick Ronson. A psychedelic rock and hard rock song, its lyrics are cryptic and evocative, being inspired by numerous poems, including the 1899 "Antigonish" by William Hughes Mearns. Bowie's vocals are heavily "phased" throughout and have been described as "haunting".