I think the computer program he used was modeled after the "cut-up" method that William S Burroughs used when he wrote Naked Lunch, to which the text in outside has more then a passing resemblance

You are right, Dorian. It was a computerized version of the cut-up method. Exactly. So while the CONCEPTS and snippets of verse Bowie fed the computer had some particular meaning or mood he was trying to create, much of the FINAL words used as lyrics were computer-generated versions. This is all immensely interesting, but makes for a heck of a time in coming up with a coherent interpretation.

Zigbot

LOL, LaughingGnoome!

Yeah, Sweet Thing is about chocolate. Why didn't I see that earlier?

Zigbot

In reply to:

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Does it help with the interpretation of the song, or with the interpretation of 1. Outside in general?

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It has been discussed before, and I agree, that "Strangers When We Meet" is about someone who has died of AIDS. There's a pretty big Freddie Mercury link right there.

I have often thought of why he set the whole story in the art world, but this interpretation made me think that mroe of the album was AIDS related than just that song. Because of the stereotypical lifestle many artists lived, AIDS ravaged the art community more violently than other professions. I think the murder of Baby Grace is a reference to the disease's unavoidable conclusion.

The discovery of the Queen reference here adds to this theory.

Don't believe in yourself
Don't deceive with belief
Knowledge comes with death's release

Oh, oh, oh, and "No Control" is about bladder problems. LOL

Zigbot