2 contributors. A song originally by David Bowie that Kurt Cobain and Nirvana played at their famous MTV Unplugged show. The song's main character, a man who felt like he had sold his Nirvana's "The Man Who Sold The World" (which was written by David Bowie) focuses on the challenges people face regarding their self identity. Tony Visconti. Official lyric video. "The Man Who Sold The World" [2020 Mix] on YouTube. " The Man Who Sold the World " is a song by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. The title track of Bowie's third studio album, it was released in November 1970 in the US and in April 1971 in the UK by Mercury Records. David Bowie on writing The Man Who Sold The World and about Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) This is part of an interview broadcast in 1996 on Dutch TV. Video start with Lulu's version of the song. Man Who Sold the World Lyrics by Nirvana from the XXII MCMXCIV album- including song video, artist biography, translations and more: We passed upon the stair We spoke of was and when Although I wasn't there He said I was his friend 0QnrkD.