This album was almost a concept album (not a followup to 1. Outside), and there are leaked versions of this song and Seven Years in Tibet that were performed live in late 1996. The lyrics for this song were slightly different, suited to the character that sang the song. After the song, Bowie explained the character's name and the part he played in the album. When the album was being recorded in studio, the plan for Earthling to be a concept album was dropped. The lyrics were changed, the outcome being in this particular song, Bowie talking about how he's fading away from popularity in mainstream music. He can't keep up with the times as he gets older and older. He's a proverbial Dead man Walking, and his time to step down from making music is approaching.
This album was almost a concept album (not a followup to 1. Outside), and there are leaked versions of this song and Seven Years in Tibet that were performed live in late 1996. The lyrics for this song were slightly different, suited to the character that sang the song. After the song, Bowie explained the character's name and the part he played in the album. When the album was being recorded in studio, the plan for Earthling to be a concept album was dropped. The lyrics were changed, the outcome being in this particular song, Bowie talking about how he's fading away from popularity in mainstream music. He can't keep up with the times as he gets older and older. He's a proverbial Dead man Walking, and his time to step down from making music is approaching.