“After All” is one of several tracks on The Man Who Sold the World with lyrics based on the philosophical writings of Friedrich Nietzsche and is often viewed as a sinister counterpart to Bowie’s 1967 song, “There Is a Happy Land”. Its music reflects its dark lyrics, being a slow waltz built from Bow...
[Verse 1]
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
[Verse 2]
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
[Bridge]
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
[Verse 3]
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
After All was written by David Bowie.
After All was produced by Tony Visconti.
David Bowie released After All on Wed Nov 04 1970.