David Bowie – Space Oddity – 1969

About The Song

“Space Oddity” is a seminal song by the iconic British musician David Bowie, released in 1969. It’s a poignant and atmospheric ballad that tells the story of an astronaut named Major Tom, reflecting themes of isolation, introspection, and existential exploration.

Five facts about “Space Oddity” by David Bowie:

Inspiration from Space Exploration: The song was inspired by the space race and the Apollo 11 moon landing, which occurred just days after its release. Bowie was fascinated by the idea of space exploration and used the character of Major Tom to explore themes of isolation and existentialism.
Re-release Success: Although “Space Oddity” initially achieved moderate success upon its release in 1969, it became a commercial hit when re-released in 1973 after Bowie’s breakthrough with “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” The re-release reached the top five in the UK Singles Chart and solidified Bowie’s status as a major musical innovator.
Groundbreaking Music Video: The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, was one of the first of its kind. It featured Bowie performing as Major Tom in a surreal and visually striking space-themed set, setting a new standard for music videos as a medium for artistic expression.
Cultural Impact: “Space Oddity” is widely regarded as one of Bowie’s signature songs and a defining moment in his career. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and atmospheric production have cemented its status as a classic of both the psychedelic and glam rock genres.
Legacy: “Space Oddity” has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has been covered by numerous artists across different genres. Bowie himself revisited the character of Major Tom in later songs, including “Ashes to Ashes” and “Hallo Spaceboy,” further solidifying the song’s place in the pantheon of Bowie’s iconic creations.

Video

Lyrics

Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on

Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown, engines on
Check ignition and may God’s love be with you

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Lift off

This is Ground Control to Major Tom
You’ve really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Now it’s time to leave the capsule if you dare

This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I’m stepping through the door
And I’m floating in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today

For here
Am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do

Though I’m past one hundred thousand miles
I’m feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much she knows

Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you…

Here am I floating round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do