The Man Who Sold The World (David Bowie)

“The Man Who Sold The World” explores themes of identity, existentialism, and the surreal nature of self-perception, as the narrator encounters a version of himself that he no longer recognizes.

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The song’s lyrics depict a surreal encounter where the narrator meets someone who claims to be him, but whom he no longer recognizes.

This encounter can be interpreted as a metaphor for the loss of identity or the disconnection between one’s past and present self.

Lines like “We passed upon the stair, we spoke of was and when” suggest a conversation between two aspects of the same person, reflecting on their shared history.

The repeated phrase “Oh no, not me, I never lost control” implies a struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst changing circumstances.

The title itself, “The Man Who Sold The World,” hints at a grand betrayal or a profound change, possibly alluding to the idea of selling out one’s ideals or losing touch with one’s true self.

The song’s haunting melody and cryptic lyrics contribute to its enduring appeal and the sense of existential unease it evokes.