What's that all about then?

It's certainly engaging but I haven't got an iota what it is about.

Do you?

rgds

billb

Methinks it's about The Gentleman reflecting on his life

Who is the disco king? I had always thought that Nile Rodgers was the disco king (mastermind funk guitarist/ songwriter/ producer).

The song was written for BTWN, where Bowie was reunited with NIle Rodgers, so it makes sense. Especially as there's another track off BTWN where Bowie is 'Looking For Lester (Bowie)'.

Maybe there was another track called 'Get Me The Crazy Pianist'.

Forgetting the title, the lyrics seem to suggest Bowie's farewell. Maybe that's why it was recorded 3 times (BTWN, Earthling & Reality), but Bowie only ever felt happy to release it when he was (subconciously?) ready to bow out.

This Disco King that Bowie sings of could indeed be Nile Rogers -- but he could also be The Gentleman himself when he was younger

I always thought the disco king was about, well let's see, the disco king symbolizes the way music (and other aspects)
of one's youth seem to promise eternal youth, and how you can feel betrayed by that promise as you grow older--which is why Bowie is angrily calling for the king's head. It links directly to that great line from "Changes": "Look out you rock and rollers / Pretty soon you're gonna grow older." There are also echoes of this theme in "Panic" by Morrissey. How's that for a theory?

yes i think he is reflecting back on past stardom and the damage done. it has been mentioned here before that he pronounces "disco king" very much like "dis cocaine" or "this cocaine" which i am sure is not an accident.