via Paddle8Music / NewsDavid Bowie lyrics are going on sale, starting bid $43,000A piece of paper with 18 handwritten lines by the icon will be auctioned on Paddle8ShareLink copied ✔️March 17, 2016MusicNewsText Dominique Sisley A single sheet of paper featuring the handwritten lyrics for David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” is heading to the auction house. The 18 lines, which have been titled, dated and signed by the icon, are set to fetch between $50,000 to $70,000 – with a staggering starting bid of $43,000 (£35,000). “This is the only set of complete handwritten lyrics to have come to auction,” reasons the item’s description on Paddle8. “Bowie is believed to have kept almost all of his original lyrics, notes, and manuscripts, creating an archive that spanned his entire career. As a result, major pieces of memorabilia rarely come on the market, and only a handful of key items have sold at auction over the years.” Obviously, spending thousands of pounds on a crumpled sheet of paper – even if it is, as the description notes, “cream lined” – would require you to be dangerously dedicated. Given that “The Jean Genie” is such a major part of Bowie history, though, the fuss feels understandable. Described by the icon as “a smorgasbord of imagined Americana”, it was the first single to be released from the 1973 classic Aladdin Zane – making it a pretty major piece of music history. If you’re interested (or insanely rich and a bit bored) make your bid here before March 31. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingThe most loved photo stories of June 2026This month, your favourite photo stories explore the ‘crazy’ streets of New York at night, the spiritual ceremonies of Mexico City, the world of Mumbai’s beauty influencers, and much more...Art & PhotographyBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaMusicBjörk on nature, new music and working with AI: ‘I’m a digital craftswoman’Dazed LeagueInside Dazed League, a tribute to soccer in North AmericaFashionOnlyFans and Louis-Gabriel Nouchi are stripping off for round twoReplitLife & CultureJoin Spike Jonze, Reshma Saujani and more at vibeconBeautySearching for Shane: London’s lesbians get their own lookalike contestFashionRagebait runway cameos are fashion’s most embarrassing trendFashionManon and fakemink make for unlikely frow-mates at JacquemusEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy