The Width of a Circle

For the geometric definition, see diameter.

"The Width of a Circle"
Song by David Bowie
from the album The Man Who Sold the World
Released4 November 1970 (US)
April 1971 (UK)
Recorded18 April – 22 May 1970
StudioTrident and Advision, London
Genre
Length8:05
LabelMercury
Songwriter(s)David Bowie
Producer(s)Tony Visconti

"The Width of a Circle" is a song written by the English musician David Bowie in 1969 for his 1970 album, The Man Who Sold the World. Recorded during the spring of 1970, it was released later that year in the United States and in April 1971 in the UK. The opening track on the album, it features hard rock and 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.[4][5][6]

  1. ^ Harsent, Barney (1 July 2015). "The Man Who Sold the World, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire". The Arts Desk. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  2. ^ Gottlieb, Jed (10 January 2017). "David Bowie's Death: One Year Later". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  3. ^ Wolk, Douglas (4 November 2016). "How David Bowie Realized Theatrical Dreams on 'The Man Who Sold the World'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  4. ^ David Buckley (1999). Strange Fascination — David Bowie: The Definitive Story: p.101
  5. ^ Martin Aston (2007). "Scary Monster", MOJO 60 Years of Bowie: pp.24-25
  6. ^ Roy Carr & Charles Shaar Murray (1981). Bowie: An Illustrated Record: p.38