He was fighting cancer when he did all this work, right? I find it overwhelming he created one of his best albums while facing death. Never has anyone said goodbye so elegantly and beautifuly.
I agree. Pure class. I believe he wanted to leave one last gesture of love and beauty. Very similar to how Gord Downie from Tragically Hip exited. Very different styles of musicianship but the same human heart.
He spent his final months making an album. He spent his final days making sure it was put together right. And he spent his final minutes making sure you got it. He gave you every single smidgen, every iota of everything he had left in him, and now he is gone. He didn't give everything away, but it's not due to a lack of effort. Godspeed, Mister Bowie. Thank you for everything.
bowie reprising the two note harmonica motif he used in "A New Career in a New Town" i think is symbolic of him knowing he was dying and moving to "a new town" inevitably more or less. i can't think of a more beautiful coda to a brilliant musician's career, miss you bowie
Just wondering how aware Bowie is of the deep impact his work had/has/will have in millions of people from yesterday, today and tomorrow. It's strange but I know the day will come that he won't release a new album anymore and it really affects me and moves me... pure genious, not replaceable. Enjoy every second of him as if it was the last one.
Why is it that every time I listen to this song I picture Bowie riding away on a train to an unknown location and as he's on the train, the public doesn't notice or acknowledge him. He passes by his hometown, gigs he played at, places he vacationed at, all the memorable places he will remember and as that's happening, he's humming the harmonica part of this song.
+Djclyve I played this album in the car on Friday morning on the way to work. I was stuck in traffic as this came on. As soon as I heard these lines, the tears came. Seeing more and feeling less Saying no but meaning yes This is all I ever meant That's the message that I sent
Look at this. The last song Bowie had for us. He can't give everything away, but this is more than everything... It's like the last words of someone you love. The last thing he had for us and it's beyond wonderful
A few months ago, I first listened to David bowie 1967. Now, after a journey of 3 months, I have completed all 27 studio albums of this legend. Rest in peace, to one of the greatest, most influential artists of the past 120 years, a hero who inspired millions of people around the world.
Darkness and the macabre come to our David easily. There have been songs all through his career that could serve as his epitaph. I think the old boy has a little something left yet though :)
+David McDermott maybe it's like he's already died several times already, reinventing himself each time he jumpstarts back into existence. There is the track Lazarus on this album... #dontcallitacomeback
Bowie closes Blackstar with this conventional and perhaps lyrically revealing song. With its keening A New Career in a New Town harmonica, it's as beautiful a song as Bowie has ever written. Ben Monder's understated guitar solo echoes Robert Fripp's Heroes and Teenage Wildlife style literally bringing a tear to these jaded eyes. It's a sublime, soaring epic and filmic end to an intriguing and challenging album that will probably confound and polarize fans for years to come.
+Crispin Coulson *Kudos for your insightful comment...at this point in the twilight of his career(the veritable final curtain,the clock is ticking)Bowie is exceeding the iconic status of his own musical legacy. His expanding global fan base,and critical acclaim are a testament to his ongoing career renaissance. This is categorically more than we can say for most of his generational contemporaries.His 50+yr career trajectory and cultural impact remains unparalleled. His broad cultural narrative is indeed so vast it's no surprise he's increasingly the subject of academic scholarship studies in multiple spheres of interdisciplinary platforms; multi-media studies,film,literary theory,musicology,psychology performance arts,gender stdies, etc.. University curriculum and academics from Australia,New Zealand, Britain, Ireland,USA,Canada,France, Germany,Italy, South America etc.etc.are actively analyzing and researching the impact of his career.Despite the wildly experimental(in the context of popular music) nature of this album(as you well pointed out)I feel that the execution(result)is so impressive and invigorating that it may surpass expectation.Despite the aggresively experimental thrust of Blackstar, the signature aesthetic beauty of Bowie work still permeates the album..Enjoy the ride!
This song breaks my fucking heart.. It's like a cry for help. but without the seeking of attention. I have tears in my eyes typing this. How he kept his pain, anguish and illness from the gutter press speaks volumes for this legend of a man. Rest In Peace, you dear dear man. We shall never witness your likes again.
And yet what a better honor to him than a veritable prodigy of his dedicating a song from one of the best EP's I've ever heard to him (in implication, of course. We're guessing.) This Isn't The Place by NIN: ruclips.net/video/_g8nAqDu3gI/видео.html David helped Trent stay sober when they toured together. It changed Trent's life. RIP David Bowie.
Amid the darkness of Blackstar, 'I Can't Give Everything Away' arises from the ashes of the album like a rainbow through a sunshower. It evokes bittersweet emotions, but to me, the underlying theme here is optimism, as he makes peace with his transition. Thank you David.
i hear everything, and totally relate. i have the skulls on my shoes and everything. ive discovered a star, ive found the solitary candle, in the center of it all. it isnt metafor. its all tangible and i found them. videos i have of something i found in person. just freaky
This was his last song. I swear to god, when I heard it on the release day I thought it sounded like his last song. Just listen to the lyrics, and the nostalgic sound. Wow. I was listening to the record an hour ago trying to fall asleep, and I was on this final track. Then my phone buzzed, breaking news, David Bowie has died. I'm speechless.
Man. I've only ever listened to a few Bowie songs before this album (Space Oddity, Let's Dance, etc) but I sat and really listened to this whole album and I gotta say... it fucking blew me away. This was magical, deep and beautiful and perhaps my favourite album of 2016.
Obviously I've known of Bowie for years, but studying him in Media has only given me an insight of how influential this man has been on the music industry. I don't necessarily enjoy his music, but it's not hard to see why he's been loved for decades on end. The word "legend" gets thrown about too easily these days. R.I.P. David Bowie.
+AccidentalBassDrop He was a legend unlike most who are now popular. They will die out soon unlike Bowie, Elvis, Kiss, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith. They have all lived on for DECADES and changed music. I do agree the word LEGEND does get tossed out there a lot but it's by people who don't realize what a true legend is.
My favourite song of Black Star album. "Seeing more and feeling less. Saying no but meaning yes. This is all I ever meant. That's the message that I sent" I love and will David Bowie
+Sebastián Zuñiga He will never be dead....ever his legacy is eternal....that's the brilliance... we can go back and listen to the myraid of genres any time we want. The only time that Bowie will be dead for me is when I am.
I can't believe David is gone. I thought we would have home forever, like he was immortal. So soon after another musical legend, Lemmy, too. My heart is broken.
To put out a record and specifically a song like this at 69 while having cancer... Jesus Fucking Christ, music should be divided to before Bowie and after Bowie!! perhaps it already is :)
This has to be, without exaggeration, one of the best closers to any album I have ever heard in my life, point blank period. This really truly feels like a final goodbye to the life of such a legendary musical icon. The way this track ended moved me to the point of feeling existential dread because to me, this was a sign that David Bowie was moving towards the light and beyond. Rest in peace to a legend. I can't believe 2023 will mark 7 years after his death.
My so called friends in 1971 tried to tell me his music was bullshit. Ikept on following his career, He became my hero of music independence. I have seen him 7 times and still miss the next show.
And you didn't listen to them. You witnessed his legend in the making. And now I look back to his music to understand how iconic and talented he was. I'm envy with all of you, senior folks 🥰
@@jannamebaotocuaruneterra6211 hey I'm an actual teenager who fell in love with his music, I've noticed that this generation of young people, don't realize how great his music is, I don't know anyone the same age as me (16) that listens to his music, I've known about his music, probably when I was around 7, and I have loved his music ever since, he had an awesome music career with so much talent
This song breaks my heart in so many little pieces along with Lazarus. This is possibly the best track on his final album. I still can't believe he's gone.
His last great song. It's so heartfelt and devastating... you can tell that he's aware of what's about to happen. Just gives me chills and threatens to break me down into sobs.
Damn, I cried again when I listened to "I can't give anything away" this morning. This is my first time to open BLACKSTAR vinyl album since I bought it last February after he passed away. But I could't take it to listen to BLACKSTAR because he dealed with death messages in this album. This morning I thought I shall listen to BLACKSTAR after George Michael's death and it's been like the end of 2016. The album surely is a masterpiece and I felt fully content with David's works with surprise. When the last song "I can't give anything away" appeared to my ears and the harmonic section just freaked me out… I just couldn't recall which song he sampled… and then I got the answer from youtube comments.. It's A NEW CAREER IN A NEW TOWN. Dame, I bought LOW 16 years ago and I still listened it sometime until now… I really love the way he sampled his previous material to new songs like LOVE IS LOST sampled the riff from ASHES TO ASHES. I miss you so much David Bowie and the whole world still miss you. Please smile to all of us on earth and we can look up the sky with smiles as well.
Had a lecturer the other day try and tell me that it's "bollocks" that Bowie planned this as his epitaph and turned his death into art. His ignorance made me so, so angry.
Jame Laugtug: I do believe he said this after he was told his cancer was terminal. They were chatty sidelines to Donny McCaslin (Blackstar) and even to his Lazarus co-writer Enda Walsh (".we must do another one"). And he said something similar to Jazz composer on Sue, Maria Schneider. These were after his treatment had been stopped and there was little road left. So my guess is it's what Bowie wanted to do, but not necessarily what he planned to do. From what we read, Bowie owned all his catalogue and , so any releases now will be up to his estate(his wife). She's authorised re-releases for those who've only just started collecting, but we don't know how far she'll go. Unreleased music may also be music that Bowie didn't want to release. I'm sure she's more interested in his legacy rather than making money on work Bowie didn't release. She did sell his art collection (I have the catalogue) but nothing of the paintings he did himself. Tony VIsconti has given us a fair assumption on any new music likely to be released. It's on No Plan. All in all, it was not likely he'd live longer than he did. He would've known that. He was in a hurry.
MJRed: he didn't need money (he was worth $800,000), and he didn't have to push himself to do Blackstar and the play Lazarus. He did it because he was an artist with a passion. You've obviously not known anyone dying of cancer. I know for a fact pain relief is limited and its not pleasant till you take the last opiate that puts you in a coma. He tells us in the song Blackstar. He was already on pain relief. Your comment is quite crass.
+Girly News It really was his last name. His management team changed it in the late 1960's so that he would not be confused with Davy Jones of the Monkees.
You gave everything, Bowie, and even more than that. You created childhood memories. Good. Bad. The Sad. The Happy. The mourning, and the rejoicing. You were brilliant. You were a hero. You were an idol. You were so many people's inspiration. You gave so many so much hope. You gave everything. And we thank you. Rest in Peace, Bowie, you beautiful, beautiful soul.
The sax in this song gets me in sort of a dark side of the moon kind of way. RIP David, you brought a lot of joy to this world....well done mate...well done.
Jesus christ, I feel so blind for not figuring out that this was his swan song the first time I heard it. He knew time was running out and blessed us with one more. Bowie, you were the best and will always be the best to ever do it.
Wow. This album from start to finish is a true masterpiece. David Bowie really put this amazing album together months, possibly weeks before his death. He truly went out with a bang. His ‘No Plan’ EP is just as good. I will miss him creating music and re-inventing himself over and over again. A true legend. Rest In Peace David Bowie ❤️
Pure magic. Notice how he took the intro harmonica line from the song; "a new career in a new town" (from the album LOW). Have fun in your new town, Mr. Bowie.
I think the songs represent the stages of grief. I can't remember if there are 5 or 7, but there are 7 songs on this album. It just seems to fit so perfectly: each song is a different stage of grief, which makes this a concept album, one of my favorite things in music.
I'm going to sum up what I think of it. Probably not accurate, but I'll try. 1. Blackstar is "Shock". It's a shocking piece, naturally. And almost distracting, maybe. 2. Denial. 'Tis a Pity was released originally before he was diagnosed, like a reminder of a time before then. It also seems to have little to do with death (unlike pretty much everything else on the album), if anything. Again, denial. 3. Anger. Lazarus doesn't seem angry, but it's definitely not happy and satisfied. "I'll be free", but with this in mind it's more like a "I don't have to like it either" kind of way. He doesn't want to go anywhere, and he's reminiscing of the good and the bad. 4. Bargaining. Again, a song released before his diagnosis, as if saying "if I keep doing this like I always have I'll come through it. I'm going to beat this." 5. Depression. Girl Loves Me is dark and weird, more so than any other song on the album, except maybe the title track. I think of Station to Station, also written out of desperation and I would assume some depression. The lyrics are deliberately cryptic and delirious, like the depression David's feeling that no one can relate to, no matter how much pain they might be feeling for him. 6. Testing. Dollar Days' refrain uses the phrase "push their backs against the grain". Experimentation and testing the waters have always been Bowie's way, and now he's having to apply them elsewhere by seeking a solution out. And then... 7. Acceptance. "I Can't Give Everything Away" is definitely about acceptance, even upbeat in a way. This is David saying "I'm going, but it was worth it. Every second. Goodbye." Probably very wrong, but it's just how I'm choosing to see it.
@@ScisaacFisaac Perfect, my friend. Thankyou. That has actually settled me quite a lot. Went through it with both my amazing Parents within 2 years of each other, and your piece of writing describes the journey with great understanding and compassion. David's music 🎶 has always been my "restoration" throughout everything good and bad. Now you have just confirmed that he understood the stages of grieving for one's own life and others... Damn it, he is even helping us to grieve for him!!! Because of what we meant to him... His worldwide extended Family 💔 Like a letter to each of us... Saying "It's time for me to go on ahead now, I am at peace within myself, let me help you to feel the same, as my way of saying thankyou..." Coming up to 3 years. This is the first time have been able to listen to "Blackstar." Darling David. A Gentleman to the very end of his adventure on earth. God bless Iman, Duncan and Lexie... Once again, Thankyou so much. Take care... (And I'll be darned if that ain't one heck of a band up in heaven!!! With my Papa in the middle of it saying "Fancy doing Diamond Dogs there David?!!)" He adored that song and was a fantastic Singer... Aw man, tearing up again. 9 years gone January 14th. Love on ya everyone and turn those flippin' guitars down 🤣!!!
We won't scatter your sorrow to the heartless sea. You'll always be with us. You've planted your roots in us. We won't see you end as ashes. You're a diamond. A shining light, even in death. *We Are Diamond Dogs* RIP David Bowie
Musically, by far my favorite song off the album. It's epic... Death...a letting go of everything... I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been getting this album and the videos produced while being so sick. What a great ending to a legacy of music left here on earth for our listening enjoyment... True artistry through and through... Eternal rest Mr. Jones, "Let the Wind blow through your heart" ...
Listening to Bowie's whole discography then hearing Blackstar, then hearing this masterpiece to finish it all of... Absolute perfection, emotional potency, truly the credits of Bowie's discogaphy.
I listened to the entire album for the first time the night before I lost my cat Smokey of 15 years to cancer. Haven't listened to it since. But I wanted the last music she heard to be the best.
'May sound dumb, but David Bowie was my Friend, even tho I never met him. He got me thru awful times in H.S., & in life. He was my idol since 1969 & Hunky Dory. Thank U David; For even when u were dying, u cared enough to give ur fans one last gift; BlackStar. C u in Heaven XoXo
+TheMs Geralyn Not dumb at all. He's a massive loss to many of us.. i got bloody tears in my eyes listening to this now. I cant accept that he's gone. x
The final song of the final album... a real gem, which i would have found moving even if he hadn't passed away... ! An immense loss for music...May your soul float in eternal bliss, David !
I remember when Bowie realised this album a couple of years ago. I didn’t give it much attention and didn’t know he was dying neither. But I heard this song for the first time today and man it really hit me so hard I found myself in tears. My grandfather died at 90 a couple of weeks ago, as soon as I heard this song I felt all of my memories with him, he was my best friend as a child. There’s no doubt Bowie was one of the greatest musicians ever and the way he touched our souls makes him an extraordinary human being. Thanks Mr Bowie for giving everything to us.
A final admission that he wanted to say so much but couldn't. A beautiful, funny and talented man - such a strange fascination. Loved ya - such an inspiration.
I've been listening David Bowie for last 20 years and can say this song is the last stairs to heaven and space the true agent provocateur, artist and courageous person give us to the rest of the world. Thank you, David. Héroe. FOREVER LOVE.
I just read an article about where David Bowie's ashes were scattered & what his final wishes were via his Will. After reading what he left everyone - including his long time personal assistant - all I gotta say is even in death Bowie is amazing. This song immediately came to mind after reading that article. Rest In Peace David. You will live on forever in your music.
still cryin now..even after all rhis time...the fella is pure class... even now the pain i feel losing this utter talent of a man... there will NEVER be anyone like this man on this earth EVER..... XXX GOD BLESS..
Best song on the album. Makes me cry uncontrollably one day, and smile uncontrollably the next. You never needed to give everything away David. What you gave to us all during your life was more than enough ☆
His anniversary of his death already.. 1 year.. and i remember saying this.. even the best performance art in his death as he planned it turned out perfect. Bows to one of the Masters of the stage. bravo. RIP see you again someday. RIP the goblin King.
Someone notice the harmonica from "A New Career in a New Town" in this track and said "It's Bowie's way of saying he's entering a new career in a new town"
![David Bowie - 'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore [Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-zF2tsBJnpk/mqdefault.jpg)
![David Bowie - 'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore [Audio]](/img/tr.png)
This feels like the credits theme of Bowie's life
INFINITY%!
I agree. And it's so bittersweet...
You really nailed it!
deep
😭 WHY TOU GOTTA SAY THAT MAN
He was fighting cancer when he did all this work, right?
I find it overwhelming he created one of his best albums while facing death.
Never has anyone said goodbye so elegantly and beautifuly.
He was ahead if us.
God bless his soul and his surviving family.
You said it
Freddie also did it with Queen's album Innuendo
Yes. He knew he was dying but didn't tell anyone outside his family when he recorded this.
I agree. Pure class. I believe he wanted to leave one last gesture of love and beauty. Very similar to how Gord Downie from Tragically Hip exited. Very different styles of musicianship but the same human heart.
He spent his final months making an album. He spent his final days making sure it was put together right. And he spent his final minutes making sure you got it. He gave you every single smidgen, every iota of everything he had left in him, and now he is gone. He didn't give everything away, but it's not due to a lack of effort.
Godspeed, Mister Bowie. Thank you for everything.
Beautifully put, the man had class and his talent will be sadly missed, he left us a final piece of brilliance
Whackjob of KSP / SE Beautiful. Thank you!
Whackjob of KSP / SE feck you...your beautiful words and Davids magnificent passing gift has me in tears....again....
He did"nt believe in imaginary deities.but all the rest of your comments,i applaud
Beautiful 🥰
bowie reprising the two note harmonica motif he used in "A New Career in a New Town" i think is symbolic of him knowing he was dying and moving to "a new town" inevitably more or less. i can't think of a more beautiful coda to a brilliant musician's career, miss you bowie
I can’t be the only who cries listening to this.
Here, in his final song, we hear him come to peace and acceptance.
Don't cry ... Life is eternal, if you you choose it! David did!
Just wondering how aware Bowie is of the deep impact his work had/has/will have in millions of people from yesterday, today and tomorrow. It's strange but I know the day will come that he won't release a new album anymore and it really affects me and moves me... pure genious, not replaceable. Enjoy every second of him as if it was the last one.
+Amail Correo I can't believe this comment
I'm so moved by this. Wow.
...fuck.
+Amail Correo profound sadness in all corners of the world... RIP my hero
+Amail Correo Very prescient Amail and fantastic words. Peace to you
Why is it that every time I listen to this song I picture Bowie riding away on a train to an unknown location and as he's on the train, the public doesn't notice or acknowledge him. He passes by his hometown, gigs he played at, places he vacationed at, all the memorable places he will remember and as that's happening, he's humming the harmonica part of this song.
...as the train rolls down the tracks in to the most beautiful sunset!
:)
exactly
Probably because the sample in the intro sounds like a train whistle and the beat has that chug a chuga train movement sound
"Seulement celui qui ressemble le peuple, l'ement."
“Had to get the train
From Potsdamer Platz
You never knew that
That I could do that
Just walking the dead...”
This song makes me cry for some reason
+Anthony Pirtle his "The Show Must Go On" it seems
+Jai Guru indeed. right up there with Freddie and Show Must Go On
+Djclyve I played this album in the car on Friday morning on the way to work. I was stuck in traffic as this came on. As soon as I heard these lines, the tears came.
Seeing more and feeling less
Saying no but meaning yes
This is all I ever meant
That's the message that I sent
Wow ' man are you psychic ?
No just utterly devastated
Look at this. The last song Bowie had for us. He can't give everything away, but this is more than everything... It's like the last words of someone you love. The last thing he had for us and it's beyond wonderful
+Saturnus Husky nicely put.
thanks this comment legit made me cry myself to sleep 💔
A few months ago, I first listened to David bowie 1967. Now, after a journey of 3 months, I have completed all 27 studio albums of this legend. Rest in peace, to one of the greatest, most influential artists of the past 120 years, a hero who inspired millions of people around the world.
This song is like his epitaph.
Darkness and the macabre come to our David easily. There have been songs all through his career that could serve as his epitaph. I think the old boy has a little something left yet though :)
+David McDermott maybe it's like he's already died several times already, reinventing himself each time he jumpstarts back into existence. There is the track Lazarus on this album...
#dontcallitacomeback
+Muskateering Now this album really is his epitaph. :(
+Drew Liedtke now he is really dead.
+Muskateering his "The Show Must Go On" or "Innuedo"
#RIPDavidBowie... He has passed after a 18 month battle with cancer as of 30 minutes ago... He was 69 years of age :(
Get the Popcorn!
+Strive Jeff daduq
+AWild bear It's time to watch Labyrinth with popcorn.
I feel sad
+a1ethioS and tissues.
Bowie closes Blackstar with this conventional and perhaps lyrically revealing song. With its keening A New Career in a New Town harmonica, it's as beautiful a song as Bowie has ever written. Ben Monder's understated guitar solo echoes Robert Fripp's Heroes and Teenage Wildlife style literally bringing a tear to these jaded eyes. It's a sublime, soaring epic and filmic end to an intriguing and challenging album that will probably confound and polarize fans for years to come.
+Crispin Coulson confounding and polarizing fans......like the fearless artist will oft times cause. Bowie is fine wine indeed!
+Crispin Coulson *Kudos for your insightful comment...at this point in the twilight of his career(the veritable final curtain,the clock is ticking)Bowie is exceeding the iconic status of his own musical legacy. His expanding global fan base,and critical acclaim are a testament to his ongoing career renaissance. This is categorically more than we can say for most of his generational contemporaries.His 50+yr career trajectory and cultural impact remains unparalleled. His broad cultural narrative is indeed so vast it's no surprise he's increasingly the subject of academic scholarship studies in multiple spheres of interdisciplinary platforms; multi-media studies,film,literary theory,musicology,psychology performance arts,gender stdies, etc.. University curriculum and academics from Australia,New Zealand, Britain, Ireland,USA,Canada,France, Germany,Italy, South America etc.etc.are actively analyzing and researching the impact of his career.Despite the wildly experimental(in the context of popular music) nature of this album(as you well pointed out)I feel that the execution(result)is so impressive and invigorating that it may surpass expectation.Despite the aggresively experimental thrust of Blackstar, the signature aesthetic beauty of Bowie work still permeates the album..Enjoy the ride!
+Crispin Coulson As a complete aside, I had tea with Robert Fripp ages ago...lol
Bollocks.
+Peter Johnson so is that a response to my comment or the song?
This song breaks my fucking heart.. It's like a cry for help. but without the seeking of attention. I have tears in my eyes typing this. How he kept his pain, anguish and illness from the gutter press speaks volumes for this legend of a man. Rest In Peace, you dear dear man. We shall never witness your likes again.
said
so
well
Yes, my sentiments too. 5 months on still so very painful and unreal. I was a fan since 1973. RIP David.
And yet what a better honor to him than a veritable prodigy of his dedicating a song from one of the best EP's I've ever heard to him (in implication, of course. We're guessing.) This Isn't The Place by NIN: ruclips.net/video/_g8nAqDu3gI/видео.html
David helped Trent stay sober when they toured together. It changed Trent's life. RIP David Bowie.
So beautifully said... :(
We are born to die, and do we al. But he left us a greath legacy of good music
What a beautiful song. What a beautiful album. What a beautiful voice. What a beautiful man.
Absolutely beautiful!!!
What a beautiful Duwang
I’ve been a fan all of his career. Still am. Always will be.
Amid the darkness of Blackstar, 'I Can't Give Everything Away' arises from the ashes of the album like a rainbow through a sunshower. It evokes bittersweet emotions, but to me, the underlying theme here is optimism, as he makes peace with his transition.
Thank you David.
Eldon B did you not like the rest of Blackstar?
Exactly! The darkness on Black star is so dreadfull but this song is like a resurrection!
Matekhina Tatiana are you saying the other songs are dreadful in a bad way or do you mean they're literally full of dread? Which they absolutely are.
I think everyone who has come close to death can relate to this song. I sure can
i hear everything, and totally relate. i have the skulls on my shoes and everything. ive discovered a star, ive found the solitary candle, in the center of it all. it isnt metafor. its all tangible and i found them. videos i have of something i found in person. just freaky
This was his last song. I swear to god, when I heard it on the release day I thought it sounded like his last song. Just listen to the lyrics, and the nostalgic sound. Wow. I was listening to the record an hour ago trying to fall asleep, and I was on this final track. Then my phone buzzed, breaking news, David Bowie has died. I'm speechless.
I had the same experince
Excellent final song for that great new album. Probably more secrets in the pipeline.
+olli manninen Sadly, the biggest one of all.
Grubbo Indeed! Such a sad way to start a new week. He did it everything with style, even his exit.
+olli manninen only Bowie, a sense of timing and drama to the last.
+hard copy So true. Only Bowie could use his passing as an artistic statement. I fucking miss him so much.
+Daryl Mitchell Same here Daryl. Can't believe I'm listening to the last song from his last album.
What a classy way to go out. Rest In Peace, you darn genius.
Man. I've only ever listened to a few Bowie songs before this album (Space Oddity, Let's Dance, etc) but I sat and really listened to this whole album and I gotta say... it fucking blew me away. This was magical, deep and beautiful and perhaps my favourite album of 2016.
Exactly the same here mate!
where the fuck did Monday go?
Welcome to this amazing world, my friend. (:
A Moon Shaped Pool still takes the cake for me, but this is a close second.
great album, i hope you've since gone back and revisited his classic 70's albums. they're just as good or better
RIP Legend David Bowie
my feelings are with you. RIP bowie
I didn't expect to see you here :0
my feelings are with you. RIP bowie
I didn't expect to see you here :0
Paul Dewis God Bless David Bowie,RIP,Ziggy!
agreed :(
+bakerXderek This album is a musical masterpiece, a picasso in sound.
Obviously I've known of Bowie for years, but studying him in Media has only given me an insight of how influential this man has been on the music industry. I don't necessarily enjoy his music, but it's not hard to see why he's been loved for decades on end. The word "legend" gets thrown about too easily these days. R.I.P. David Bowie.
NOVAPOLATION
Ryan Ferg Not now...
+AccidentalBassDrop He was a legend unlike most who are now popular. They will die out soon unlike Bowie, Elvis, Kiss, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith. They have all lived on for DECADES and changed music. I do agree the word LEGEND does get tossed out there a lot but it's by people who don't realize what a true legend is.
+cheryl turo Um. . . Kiss? No. The rest, yes.
+Munedawg the only thing kiss did and does was and is merchandising
My favourite song of Black Star album.
"Seeing more and feeling less. Saying no but meaning yes. This is all I ever meant. That's the message that I sent"
I love and will David Bowie
So he's not sending a message, just creating eloquate confusion. Or am I missing something deep?
@@michavandam It's a nod to the filth that is the illuminati. You have not heard the last of David Bowie.😉
@@michavandam yes u are missing everything sorry but Bowie songs are not to be understood by shallow people who take everything literally
I mójukochany utwór z Blackstar ⭐️...
Without making a corny/shitty feels reference, this song brings me to damn tears. Only David Bowie could have gone out like this.
Echoes of both Robert Fripp and Reeves Gabrels in the guitar solo, but also stunningly original playing. Absolutely gorgeous.
True
If you know your Bowie you can hear every genre of his music in this track R.I.P. , Hope you find Ziggy out there
+Mexicolder Mike thought the same thing...pretty cool, what an amazing artist, so sad today
+Mexicolder Mike Yes! exactly what I thought! it's like all his records come into this song!! absofuckinglutely brilliant!!
+Mexicolder Mike
I am struck by the fact that he gave us Ziggy for 18 months. The exact about of time he battled cancer.
+Aria Luna He was so fucking perfect, even in dying
+Sebastián Zuñiga He will never be dead....ever his legacy is eternal....that's the brilliance... we can go back and listen to the myraid of genres any time we want. The only time that Bowie will be dead for me is when I am.
Just realized that the harmonica quotes 'A New Career in a New Town'.
Ok, David, I get it. Good luck.
One the most hauntingly beautiful songs of the decade.
Hurts too much to listen to this album
Too ouchy , in ten years we can appreciate it better.
The Saxophone parts in the whole album are amazing.
I can't believe David is gone. I thought we would have home forever, like he was immortal. So soon after another musical legend, Lemmy, too. My heart is broken.
The truth is that he is immortal, he'll live on through his music and art for generations to come.
+MrPolishedTurd agreed!! sadness and wow. just watched monday and was like oh cool and today bam.
+MrPolishedTurd FUCK LEMMY! David was so much greater! No fucking comparison!!!
+Number8 what the fuck? Can't you just leave your opinions until after everyone stops grieving over the death of 2 fantastic men. Fuck you.
MrPolishedTurd Nope. I say what the fuck I want! and fuck YOU!
To put out a record and specifically a song like this at 69 while having cancer... Jesus Fucking Christ, music should be divided to before Bowie and after Bowie!! perhaps it already is :)
Hahaha, kinda like Christ before and after the cross
?
Perhaps
sjoker27 Not kinda my friend... exactly like that!
+Fernando Sotomayor I vote for this idea. The international calendar should now be dated with XXXXBB and XXXXAB.
This has to be, without exaggeration, one of the best closers to any album I have ever heard in my life, point blank period. This really truly feels like a final goodbye to the life of such a legendary musical icon. The way this track ended moved me to the point of feeling existential dread because to me, this was a sign that David Bowie was moving towards the light and beyond.
Rest in peace to a legend. I can't believe 2023 will mark 7 years after his death.
This and Motörhead covering “Sympathy for the Devil”.
Love the way the harmonica harks back to Low's 'A New Career In A New Town'.
If you listen to that song, it has similar chord changes as this one. Maybe it's his subtle way of declaring a new career in a new dimension.
My so called friends in 1971 tried to tell me his music was bullshit. Ikept on following his career, He became my hero of music independence. I have seen him 7 times and still miss the next show.
And you didn't listen to them. You witnessed his legend in the making. And now I look back to his music to understand how iconic and talented he was. I'm envy with all of you, senior folks 🥰
@@jannamebaotocuaruneterra6211 hey I'm an actual teenager who fell in love with his music, I've noticed that this generation of young people, don't realize how great his music is, I don't know anyone the same age as me (16) that listens to his music, I've known about his music, probably when I was around 7, and I have loved his music ever since, he had an awesome music career with so much talent
This song breaks my heart in so many little pieces along with Lazarus. This is possibly the best track on his final album. I still can't believe he's gone.
His last song of his last album ever. That's weird to think about
Well said man, and it's perfect.
His last great song. It's so heartfelt and devastating... you can tell that he's aware of what's about to happen. Just gives me chills and threatens to break me down into sobs.
Damn, I cried again when I listened to "I can't give anything away" this morning. This is my first time to open BLACKSTAR vinyl album since I bought it last February after he passed away. But I could't take it to listen to BLACKSTAR because he dealed with death messages in this album. This morning I thought I shall listen to BLACKSTAR after George Michael's death and it's been like the end of 2016. The album surely is a masterpiece and I felt fully content with David's works with surprise. When the last song "I can't give anything away" appeared to my ears and the harmonic section just freaked me out… I just couldn't recall which song he sampled… and then I got the answer from youtube comments.. It's A NEW CAREER IN A NEW TOWN. Dame, I bought LOW 16 years ago and I still listened it sometime until now… I really love the way he sampled his previous material to new songs like LOVE IS LOST sampled the riff from ASHES TO ASHES. I miss you so much David Bowie and the whole world still miss you. Please smile to all of us on earth and we can look up the sky with smiles as well.
Had a lecturer the other day try and tell me that it's "bollocks" that Bowie planned this as his epitaph and turned his death into art. His ignorance made me so, so angry.
I agree with you. However...I hear that David was already planning a follow up album, and there are songs out there.
I would have said his opinion is "bollocks" what a twat!
No guys he obviously exploited his death to get money after he died wait what.
Jame Laugtug: I do believe he said this after he was told his cancer was terminal. They were chatty sidelines to Donny McCaslin (Blackstar) and even to his Lazarus co-writer Enda Walsh (".we must do another one"). And he said something similar to Jazz composer on Sue, Maria Schneider. These were after his treatment had been stopped and there was little road left.
So my guess is it's what Bowie wanted to do, but not necessarily what he planned to do.
From what we read, Bowie owned all his catalogue and , so any releases now will be up to his estate(his wife). She's authorised re-releases for those who've only just started collecting, but we don't know how far she'll go. Unreleased music may also be music that Bowie didn't want to release. I'm sure she's more interested in his legacy rather than making money on work Bowie didn't release. She did sell his art collection (I have the catalogue) but nothing of the paintings he did himself. Tony VIsconti has given us a fair assumption on any new music likely to be released. It's on No Plan.
All in all, it was not likely he'd live longer than he did. He would've known that. He was in a hurry.
MJRed: he didn't need money (he was worth $800,000), and he didn't have to push himself to do Blackstar and the play Lazarus. He did it because he was an artist with a passion. You've obviously not known anyone dying of cancer. I know for a fact pain relief is limited and its not pleasant till you take the last opiate that puts you in a coma. He tells us in the song Blackstar. He was already on pain relief.
Your comment is quite crass.
What a sad day. My hero is gone.
RIP Mr. David Jones.
+Cathy T Jones ROFL
+Girly News It really was his last name. His management team changed it in the late 1960's so that he would not be confused with Davy Jones of the Monkees.
+Girly News I hope you feel a bit foolish for laughing.
@@girlynews3216..Thanks for your meaningless contribution
Anyone else have little fits of mourning still? I do well for a bit but then I am drawn back to my sadness at his passing.
You gave everything, Bowie, and even more than that.
You created childhood memories. Good. Bad. The Sad. The Happy. The mourning, and the rejoicing.
You were brilliant. You were a hero. You were an idol. You were so many people's inspiration. You gave so many so much hope.
You gave everything. And we thank you.
Rest in Peace, Bowie, you beautiful, beautiful soul.
This entire album is a beautiful gift to everyone.
He didn’t even know me.
The sax in this song gets me in sort of a dark side of the moon kind of way. RIP David, you brought a lot of joy to this world....well done mate...well done.
Jesus christ, I feel so blind for not figuring out that this was his swan song the first time I heard it. He knew time was running out and blessed us with one more. Bowie, you were the best and will always be the best to ever do it.
this song feels like one final "i love you"
"I can't give everything -
Away"
You don't have to anymore. You've gave the world enough.
Rest in peace Mr. Bowie.
Не могу сдержать слез. Такое чувство, будто перед глазами проносится вся жизнь, а в самом конце Боуи становится частью Вечности.
Титры идут..
David Bowie’s last song is so emotional.
Wow. This album from start to finish is a true masterpiece. David Bowie really put this amazing album together months, possibly weeks before his death. He truly went out with a bang. His ‘No Plan’ EP is just as good. I will miss him creating music and re-inventing himself over and over again. A true legend. Rest In Peace David Bowie ❤️
You have done so much more than give us music. We love you and you will live on in so many ways. x
+Lois Clinton Awwww
i genuinely don't understand how anyone can "dislike" this song especially considering the circumstance
+BabyGirlGubler Great question! I was just wondering the same, while Many bulshits grow in views upon here on RUclips
you’re here too 😭💔
David, where are You now? In Heaven, that's for sure. We need You here so much!
Pure magic.
Notice how he took the intro harmonica line from the song; "a new career in a new town" (from the album LOW).
Have fun in your new town, Mr. Bowie.
What a swan song... Absolutely beautiful! Hope I see you someday again David... R.I.P.
I think the songs represent the stages of grief. I can't remember if there are 5 or 7, but there are 7 songs on this album. It just seems to fit so perfectly: each song is a different stage of grief, which makes this a concept album, one of my favorite things in music.
I'm going to sum up what I think of it. Probably not accurate, but I'll try.
1. Blackstar is "Shock". It's a shocking piece, naturally. And almost distracting, maybe.
2. Denial. 'Tis a Pity was released originally before he was diagnosed, like a reminder of a time before then. It also seems to have little to do with death (unlike pretty much everything else on the album), if anything. Again, denial.
3. Anger. Lazarus doesn't seem angry, but it's definitely not happy and satisfied. "I'll be free", but with this in mind it's more like a "I don't have to like it either" kind of way. He doesn't want to go anywhere, and he's reminiscing of the good and the bad.
4. Bargaining. Again, a song released before his diagnosis, as if saying "if I keep doing this like I always have I'll come through it. I'm going to beat this."
5. Depression. Girl Loves Me is dark and weird, more so than any other song on the album, except maybe the title track. I think of Station to Station, also written out of desperation and I would assume some depression. The lyrics are deliberately cryptic and delirious, like the depression David's feeling that no one can relate to, no matter how much pain they might be feeling for him.
6. Testing. Dollar Days' refrain uses the phrase "push their backs against the grain". Experimentation and testing the waters have always been Bowie's way, and now he's having to apply them elsewhere by seeking a solution out. And then...
7. Acceptance. "I Can't Give Everything Away" is definitely about acceptance, even upbeat in a way. This is David saying "I'm going, but it was worth it. Every second. Goodbye."
Probably very wrong, but it's just how I'm choosing to see it.
A great analysis which is extremely fitting on this masterpiece.
@@ScisaacFisaac Perfect, my friend. Thankyou.
That has actually settled me quite a lot. Went through it with both my amazing Parents within 2 years of each other, and your piece of writing describes the journey with great understanding and compassion.
David's music 🎶 has always been my "restoration" throughout everything good and bad.
Now you have just confirmed that he understood the stages of grieving for one's own life and others... Damn it, he is even helping us to grieve for him!!! Because of what we meant to him... His worldwide extended Family 💔 Like a letter to each of us... Saying "It's time for me to go on ahead now, I am at peace within myself, let me help you to feel the same, as my way of saying thankyou..."
Coming up to 3 years. This is the first time have been able to listen to "Blackstar."
Darling David. A Gentleman to the very end of his adventure on earth.
God bless Iman, Duncan and Lexie...
Once again, Thankyou so much. Take care...
(And I'll be darned if that ain't one heck of a band up in heaven!!! With my Papa in the middle of it saying "Fancy doing Diamond Dogs there David?!!)" He adored that song and was a fantastic Singer... Aw man, tearing up again. 9 years gone January 14th. Love on ya everyone and turn those flippin' guitars down 🤣!!!
We won't scatter your sorrow to the heartless sea.
You'll always be with us.
You've planted your roots in us.
We won't see you end as ashes.
You're a diamond.
A shining light, even in death.
*We Are Diamond Dogs*
RIP David Bowie
phenomenal guitar solo at the end by Ben Monder
ABSOLUTELY !
Musically, by far my favorite song off the album. It's epic... Death...a letting go of everything... I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been getting this album and the videos produced while being so sick. What a great ending to a legacy of music left here on earth for our listening enjoyment... True artistry through and through... Eternal rest Mr. Jones, "Let the Wind blow through your heart" ...
Shit, I just listened to this and it made me weep, my heart just broke. RIP Bowie
+Jéssica Teixeira feeling you so sad R.I.P
Listening to Bowie's whole discography then hearing Blackstar, then hearing this masterpiece to finish it all of... Absolute perfection, emotional potency, truly the credits of Bowie's discogaphy.
I want to praise Bowie for recognizing the beauty of Jazz as an art form.
when Bowie left us here and ''went back home...''I cried uncoutlessly listening to it.
I listened to the entire album for the first time the night before I lost my cat Smokey of 15 years to cancer. Haven't listened to it since. But I wanted the last music she heard to be the best.
'May sound dumb, but David Bowie was my Friend, even tho I never met him. He got me thru awful times in H.S., & in life. He was my idol since 1969 & Hunky Dory. Thank U David; For even when u were dying, u cared enough to give ur fans one last gift; BlackStar. C u in Heaven XoXo
+TheMs Geralyn Not dumb at all. He's a massive loss to many of us.. i got bloody tears in my eyes listening to this now. I cant accept that he's gone. x
Never dumb, always Black Star.
A new career in a new life.
The saxaphone is awesome
That saxophone player deserves much credit during this album.
I said this the day after David Bowie died, and I think this every day since...."The world suffers from an absence of genius."
The final song of the final album... a real gem, which i would have found moving even if he hadn't passed away... ! An immense loss for music...May your soul float in eternal bliss, David !
Well, this being the last song David will ever put out, in means so much.
I will never be able to listen to this without shedding a tear.
I remember when Bowie realised this album a couple of years ago. I didn’t give it much attention and didn’t know he was dying neither. But I heard this song for the first time today and man it really hit me so hard I found myself in tears. My grandfather died at 90 a couple of weeks ago, as soon as I heard this song I felt all of my memories with him, he was my best friend as a child. There’s no doubt Bowie was one of the greatest musicians ever and the way he touched our souls makes him an extraordinary human being. Thanks Mr Bowie for giving everything to us.
In order to live one must die. We all go through the process and Bowie did it with grace and dignity. BOWIE FOREVER
A final admission that he wanted to say so much but couldn't. A beautiful, funny and talented man - such a strange fascination. Loved ya - such an inspiration.
I've been listening David Bowie for last 20 years and can say this song is the last stairs to heaven and space the true agent provocateur, artist and courageous person give us to the rest of the world. Thank you, David. Héroe. FOREVER LOVE.
Anyone else hear the harmonica from Career In A New Town?
+My Autobiography A Fanfic oh yes and the Heroes style guitar solo
Yes I picked that up too!
You guys might also appreciate he does the Lodger pose in the newest video. As well as the obvious Thin White Duke costume.
+My Autobiography A Fanfic 100%
hermione00801 What album? that never happened. It goes Lodger, Scary Monsters, Black Tie, White Noise.... obviously.
He died with such grace. I think the essence of his being is still existing with grace.
Very Much Love for Bowie!
Never wanted David to give everything away, he gave enough.
Thanks for saying goodbye to a life long fan........... I love you RIP
Mr
B you have been my companion in a very hard world and i will Love you Forever
This is the greatest swan song I've ever heard. Gets me emotional every time. R.I.P.
The king is gone but is not forgotten. So long, David.
What a beautiful song--yes, Bowie never gave everything away, which allows his audience to make discoveries in perpetuity
I just read an article about where David Bowie's ashes were scattered & what his final wishes were via his Will. After reading what he left everyone - including his long time personal assistant - all I gotta say is even in death Bowie is amazing.
This song immediately came to mind after reading that article.
Rest In Peace David. You will live on forever in your music.
This album will being getting several Grammy nods.
this is his swan song x RIP the Man
still cryin now..even after all rhis time...the fella is pure class... even now the pain i feel losing this utter talent of a man... there will NEVER be anyone like this man on this earth EVER..... XXX GOD BLESS..
+Stephan Jackson I'm 100% with you!! Beautifully said.....still heartbroken same as year ago
Beautiful song to end his legacy, you will we missed David Bowie....
of all the late artists this decade David Bowie is second to none
The person who is reading this comment , i wish you great success , health, love and happiness
Happy birthday Bowie!! Please clone yourself
I wish he cloned himself earlier. R.I.P David Bowie.
+Jai Guru :'( my hero has died. The hero of my heros has died... what would be of this gray world :'(
+Juan Carlos Avila I'm sorry bud :(
:(
+Juan Carlos Avila a gray gray world my friend
Best song on the album. Makes me cry uncontrollably one day, and smile uncontrollably the next.
You never needed to give everything away David. What you gave to us all during your life was more than enough ☆
dammit crying all over again
This song has such upbeat and energetic vibes, but a sad message, evoking destiny
You've already given us a lot, this is the last song...thank you Mr. Bowie
Yes, Bowie is full of surprises!!
LEGEND
His anniversary of his death already.. 1 year.. and i remember saying this.. even the best performance art in his death as he planned it turned out perfect. Bows to one of the Masters of the stage. bravo. RIP see you again someday. RIP the goblin King.
Someone notice the harmonica from "A New Career in a New Town" in this track and said "It's Bowie's way of saying he's entering a new career in a new town"
rest easy Bowie. You've given us more than we deserve.