Bowie Explains Album In 42 Words

David Bowie has offered a hint of insight into his surprise comeback album The Next Day by issuing a 42-word statement on the release.

He was asked by The Rumpus to provide a “workflow diagram” to aid interpretation, and responded with the list of words below.

The Next Day was released in March, after lead single Where Are We Now? was launched without comment on January 8, Bowie’s 66th birthday. It was followed by second track The Stars (Are Out Tonight) in February.

Speculation has continued over whether he’ll tour to promote the album, with even members of his band divided over the issue. Last month his wife Iman, discussing their 12-year-old daughter, said: “We’ll have to go visit but we won’t be on tour with him because she’s in school,” prompting further speculation.

Bowie’s “workflow diagram”

Effigies

Indulgences

Anarchist

Violence

Chthonic

Intimidation

Vampyric

Pantheon

Succubus

Hostage

Transference

Identity

Mauer

Interface

Flitting

Isolation

Revenge

Osmosis

Crusade

Tyrant

Domination

Indifference

Miasma

Pressgang

Displaced

Flight

Resettlement

Funereal

Glide

Trace

Balkan

Burial

Reverse

Manipulate

Origin

Text

Traitor

Urban

Comeuppance

Tragic

Nerve

Mystification