Karma Man
David Bowie · Deram Anthology 1966-68
At coconut furs that hide behind coloured shades that blind your eyes
Every child's mother holds an ice cream cone, they circle round
Perceived unknown by an eye that peers from a hole in a tent where no one goes
A figure sitting cross-legged on the floor
He's clogged and clothed in saffran robes, his beads are all he owns
Slow down, slow down
Someone must have said let's slow him down
Slow down, slow down
It's pictured on the arms of the karma man
Fairy tale skin depicting scenes form human zoos
Impermanent toys like peace and war, a gentle face youve seen before
Karma man tattooed on your side, the wheel of life
I see my times and who I've been, I only live now and I don't know why
I struggle hard to take these pictures in, but
All my friends can see is just the pinkness of his skin
Slow down, slow down
Someone must have said let's slow him down
Slow down, slow down
It's pictured on the arms of the karma man
Karma Man
Karma Man stands as a distinctive song in David Bowie's early discography, capturing the artist during his formative years before achieving global superstardom. Recorded in the mid-to-late 1960s, the track reflects the eclectic experimentation that characterized this period of his career. The song showcases Bowie's developing vocal style and his willingness to explore diverse musical textures, ranging from folk influences to proto-psychology. As part of a broader collection of recordings from this era, it highlights the creative energy that would eventually define his legendary status. The work remains a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of a musician who would soon revolutionize rock music, offering listeners a chance to appreciate the raw talent present before his most famous transformations.