David Bowie

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Do you remember a guy that's been
In such an early song?
I've heard a rumour from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true
They got a message from the Action Man
"I'm happy, hope you're happy too
I've loved all I've needed love
Sordid details following"
The shrieking of nothing is killing
The shrieking of nothing is killing
Just pictures of Jap girls in synthesis
Just pictures of Jap girls in synthesis
And I ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
I ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but the planet is glowing-owing-owing-owing-owing-owing-owing-owing
But I'm hoping to kick but the planet is glowing

[Chorus]
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

[Gibberish]
[Verse 2]
Time and again I tell myself
I'll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh no, not again
I'm stuck with a valuable friend
"I'm happy, hope you're happy too"
One flash of light, but no smoking pistol
I've never done good things
I've never done good things
I've never done bad things
I've never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue, whoa whoa
I never did anything out of the blue, whoa whoa
Want an axe to break the ice
I want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now
I want to come down right now

[Chorus]
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

[Outro]
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
My mama said to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
My mama said

David Bowie was a musical icon known for his innovative and ever-changing style throughout his career. One of his most iconic tracks, "Ashes to Ashes," is a follow-up to his previously released song "Space Oddity." The song delves deep into the world of drug addiction, alluding to Bowie's personal experience with cocaine and heroin addiction. In this post, we will explore the story behind the song "Ashes to Ashes."

About Ashes to Ashes

Released in 1980, "Ashes to Ashes" is a song about Major Tom, a space travel who appears in other Bowie songs, including "Space Oddity" and "Hallo Spaceboy." However, in this song, Bowie reinterprets Major Tom as a drug addict struggling with substance abuse. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK charts and remaining in the top 100 for eleven weeks.

The song is often seen as a statement about Bowie's addiction to cocaine, which he famously struggled with during the late 1970s. Bowie had previously alluded to drug use in "Space Oddity," and "Ashes to Ashes" functions as a continuation of that story. The song depicts the character of Major Tom as lost and scared, unable to find his way back to reality after succumbing to the temptations of drug use.

Despite the dark and heavy subject matter, the song is musically playful and upbeat. The music video, which features Bowie dressed in his iconic Pierrot costume, is equally surreal and playful, with the singer and other characters dancing in front of a backdrop featuring footage of an astronaut.

Furthermore, "Ashes to Ashes" is a reference to a funeral rite usually performed by the Catholic Church, during which the priest would sprinkle ashes on the coffin while reciting the phrase, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust." This adds another layer to the song's already complex meaning, drawing a parallel between death and addiction.

The Berlin Trilogy

The late 1970s were a tumultuous time for Bowie. His cocaine addiction had spiraled out of control, leading him to adopt the persona of the Thin White Duke, a character that many mistakenly believed to be an advocate for fascism. In an effort to escape from the negative publicity surrounding this period, Bowie took refuge in Berlin with his friend and fellow musician, Iggy Pop.

While in Berlin, Bowie was determined to get clean and started recording music with Brian Eno. The result was the critically acclaimed trilogy of albums, "Low," "Heroes," and "Lodger." These albums are all heavily influenced by Bowie's experiences in Berlin and are collectively known as the Berlin Trilogy.

The Berlin Trilogy was a departure from Bowie's previous work, with a more experimental sound and a focus on electronic music. The songs on these albums deal with themes of alienation, displacement, and self-discovery, reflecting Bowie's personal struggles during the turbid years of his addiction.

Conclusion

"Ashes to Ashes" is a deep and layered song that combines complex themes of addiction and death with playful and upbeat music. The song is a continuation of Bowie's fascination with Major Tom and his personal battle with drug addiction. Furthermore, the track is a part of the critically acclaimed Berlin Trilogy, which brought a new sound to Bowie's music and dealt with themes of isolation and self-discovery. As one of Bowie's most iconic songs, "Ashes to Ashes" stands as a testament to his talent and enduring legacy as a musical innovator.

• Release Date: September 12, 1980
• Artist: David Bowie