"After All" is a song written by David Bowie in 1971 for the album "The Man Who Sold the World". A gloomy ballad with obscure lyrics evoking a world of childhood. The instrumental break jumps into a higher key and a tivoli/circus-like music style giving the song a creepy ambience. With the line in the final verse "Live til your rebirth and do what you will", Bowie is echoing the occult teachings of nineteenth century diabolist Aleister Crowley, whose maxim was “Do what thou wilt”. David Bowie David Bowie (born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947) is an English rock musician and actor. ... See also: 1970 in music, other events of 1971, 1972 in music, 1970s in music and the list of years in music // Events February 8 - Bob Dylans hour-long documentary film, Eat the Document, premieres at New Yorks Academy of Music. ... The Man Who Sold the World is an album by David Bowie. ... Aleister Crowley Aleister Crowley, born Edward Alexander Crowley (12 October 1875 - 1 December 1947) was an occultist, mystic, sexual revolutionary, and drug user (especially morphine). ...

Cover versions

• Human Drama - "PinUps" (1993)
• The Mission - "Goth Oddity - A Tribute to David Bowie" (1996)
• Ventilator - "Crash Course for the Ravers - A Tribute to the Songs of David Bowie" (1996)