Meaning of Width Of A Circle (live 1974) by David Bowie

Title: Exploring the Enigmatic Themes in David Bowie's 'Width Of A Circle'Introduction:David Bowie's song 'Width Of A Circle' (live 1974) is a captivating and thought-provoking journey into the depths of self-discovery and the complexities of human existence. With its intricate lyrics and mesmerizing melodies, it takes listeners on a poetic exploration of various themes. In this article, we delve into the enigmatic themes within the song and how each standout lyric contributes to the overall narrative.Theme: The Illusion of Time and AgingOne of the prevailing themes in 'Width Of A Circle' is the illusion of time and the fear of aging. The opening verse speaks to the protagonist's awareness of their own mortality and the passage of time. The lyrics, "All the roads were straight and narrow, and the prayers were small and yellow, and the rumor spread that I was aging fast," express a sense of urgency and the need to confront one's fears of growing older. This theme is reinforced throughout the song, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own perception of time and the significance they attach to it.Theme: Embracing the Dark SideAnother standout theme in the song is the exploration and acceptance of the darker aspects of one's self. The imagery in the line, "Then I ran across a monster who was sleeping by a tree, and I looked and frowned, and the monster was me," is a metaphorical representation of facing one's own inner demons. Bowie encourages listeners to confront and acknowledge the less desirable parts of their character rather than suppressing or denying them. This theme challenges societal norms of perfection and celebrates the complexity of human nature.Theme: Wisdom from the UnexpectedBowie introduces the theme of gaining insight from unlikely sources through the lyric, "So we asked a simple black bird, who was happy as can be, and he laughed insane and quipped Khalil Gibran." This line suggests that wisdom can be found in unexpected places, and the search for knowledge should not be limited by traditional means. It encourages listeners to broaden their perspectives and embrace unconventional sources of guidance.Theme: The Unpredictability of LifeThe song also touches upon the unpredictable nature of existence. The lyric, "Got laid by a young bordello, who was vaguely half asleep, for which my reputation swept back home in drag," conveys a sense of randomness and unforeseen circumstances. Bowie invites listeners to accept the unexpected and embrace the chaotic and unpredictable moments that life presents.Theme: The Thin Line Between Pleasure and PainThroughout 'Width Of A Circle,' Bowie examines the blurred line between pleasure and pain, hinting at the seductive allure of indulgence. The line, "His nebulous body swayed above, his tongue swollen with devil's love," illustrates the protagonist's willingness to explore the boundaries of pleasure and the allure of temptation. It reminds us that in life, there is often a delicate balance between ecstasy and potential harm, urging listeners to tread carefully on their personal journeys.Conclusion:David Bowie's 'Width Of A Circle' takes listeners on a multifaceted journey, exploring themes of time, self-discovery, acceptance, wisdom, unpredictability, and the thin line between pleasure and pain. Through his imaginative and poetic lyrics, Bowie prompts us to contemplate our own lives, challenging conventional ideas and encouraging us to embrace the complexity of existence. This unforgettable song serves as a reminder to seize the moment, venture into the unknown, and celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience.