David Bowie's final record was a carefully-orchestrated farewell to his fans, his producer has confirmed.
Lazarus, released on the Bowie's 69th birthday just two days before his death, opens with the lyrics: "Look up here, I'm in Heaven!"
Its video, which will be viewed in a very different light by millions of fans today, features the musician in a hospital bed, and finishes with him retreating in to a dark closet.
Tony Visconti, the producer who worked with Bowie to complete his final album, has released a statement saying it was deliberately created and timed as a "parting gift" for his fans.
In a statement on his Facebook page, he said: "He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way.
"His death was no different from his life - a work of Art.
"He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift.
"I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it.
"He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us.
"For now, it is appropriate to cry."
Visconti has previously spoken of creating the album, which was recorded in just three sessions over the course of three months at the beginning of 2015.
It now appears the singer and those closest to him arranged its release at the end of his life, after 18 months of living with cancer.
Music videos for Blackstar and Lazarus both feature a skull motif, with lyrics that will now be read and re-read by fans.
The title of Lazarus refers to the biblical character who was raised from the dead four days after he died by Jesus.
The singer's 25th studio album, which features seven tracks, was the first that did not feature his photo on the cover but instead a black star.
The Telegraph has already given the album five stars, calling it "extraordinary".
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The tracks include:
Blackstar:
Something happened on the day he died
Spirit rose a metre and stepped aside
Somebody else took his place, and bravely cried
(I’m a blackstar, I’m a blackstar)
Lazarus:
Look up here, I'm in Heaven!
I've got scars that can't be seen
I've got drama, can't be stolen,
Everybody knows me now
Look up here, man, I'm in danger!
I've got nothing left to lose
I'm so high, it makes my brain whirl
Dropped my cellphone down below
Ain't that just like me?!
By the time I got to New York
I was living like a king
Then I used up all my money
I was looking for your ass
This way or no way
You know I'll be free
Just like that bluebird
Now, ain't that just like me?
Oh, I'll be free
Just like that bluebird
Oh, I'll be free
Ain't that just like me?
Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime):
Sue
The clinic called
The x-ray's fine
I brought you home
I just said home
Sue, you said you want it written
Sue, the virgin on your stone
For your grave
Why too dark to speak the words?
For, I know that you have a son
Oh, folly, Sue
I Can't Give Everything Away:
I know something is very wrong
The pulse returns the prodigal sons
The blackout hearts, the flowered news
With skull designs upon my shoes
'Tis A Pity She Was A Whore:
Girl Loves Me:
Dollar Days: