Karma Man

"Karma Man"
Song by David Bowie
from the album The World of David Bowie
Released6 March 1970 (1970-03-06)
Recorded1 September 1967
StudioAdvision, London
Length2:58
LabelDecca
Songwriter(s)David Bowie
Producer(s)Tony Visconti

"Karma Man" is a song written and recorded by the English singer-songwriter David Bowie. It was recorded on 1 September 1967 at Advision Studios in London and marked the beginning of Bowie's working relationship with producer Tony Visconti, which would last for the rest of the artist's career. The song expresses Bowie's growing interest in Tibetan Buddhism, concerning a character who is put on display as a "freak" in a carnival tent. The music reflects the Buddhist themes and was likened to the works of the Beatles. Initially proposed as a B-side, it remained unreleased until The World of David Bowie compilation in March 1970. Bowie performed the song during two of his BBC radio sessions, one of which was released on the 2000 compilation Bowie at the Beeb.

Suede used "Karma Man" as an influence for their singles "The Drowners" and "Beautiful Ones". Bowie remade the song during the sessions for the Toy project in mid-2000, along with other tracks he wrote and recorded during the mid-1960s, including the song's original intended A-side "Let Me Sleep Beside You". The remake saw an official release in 2021 with the entire project as part of the Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) box set.


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