David Bowie

David Bowie avatar image
checked
Lady Stardust album cover

Lady Stardust

David Bowie

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
People stared at the makeup on his face
Laughed at his long black hair, his animal grace
The boy in the bright blue jeans jumped up on the stage
Lady Stardust sang his songs of darkness and disgrace

[Chorus]
And he was alright
The band was all together
Yes, he was alright
The song went on forever
Yes, he was awful nice
Really quite outta sight
And he sang all night long

[Verse 2]
Femme fatales emerged from shadows to watch this creature fair
Boys stood upon their chairs to make their point of view
I smiled sadly for a love I could not obey
Lady Stardust sang his songs of darkness and dismay

[Chorus]
And he was alright
The band was all together
Yes, he was alright
The song went on forever
And he was awful nice
Really quite paradise, and he sang
All night, all night long
[Bridge]
Ooh, how I sighed
When they asked if I knew his name

[Chorus]
Oh, it was alright
The band was all together
Yes, he was alright
And the song went on forever
He was awful nice
Really quite paradise, he sang
All night long

[Outro]
(Get some pussy now)

David Bowie image

If there's one thing to know about "Lady Stardust" by David Bowie, it's that it's a tribute to the iconic Marc Bolan. It is a testament to the lasting impact that the two had on each other, and how their music continues to influence musicians and fans over 50 years later. With its androgynous themes and catchy lyrics, "Lady Stardust" is a song that has stood the test of time and become a beloved track in Bowie's extensive discography.

About Lady Stardust

"Lady Stardust" is a song that was first released on David Bowie's classic album, "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," in 1972. The song is a tribute to the legendary Marc Bolan, who was the frontman of T. Rex, and who had a profound impact on Bowie's career and personal life. Bowie was known for his chameleon-like ability to reinvent himself throughout his career, and his Ziggy Stardust persona was no exception. The song is a nod to both Bowie and Bolan's androgynous style, which was ahead of its time and paved the way for future generations of artists.

The tongue-in-cheek lyrics of "Lady Stardust" describe an androgynous man who is desired by both men and women, a reflection of both Bolan and Bowie's own fluid sexuality. The song highlights the impact that music and the arts can have on people's lives, and how it can inspire and influence others to create something truly magical. The lyrics also touch on themes of fame and the price that comes with it, as the character of Lady Stardust struggles to maintain their identity in the glare of the public eye.

The song is driven by an unforgettable piano riff, courtesy of Bowie's longtime collaborator, Mick Ronson. The instrumentation is sparse yet effective, with the piano and electric guitar interweaving to create a shimmering wall of sound that perfectly complements Bowie's emotive vocals. The song's chorus is particularly catchy, with Bowie's voice soaring over the upbeat melody, making it impossible to resist singing along.

It's worth noting that "Lady Stardust" was released during a time when androgyny and fluid sexuality were not as accepted or celebrated as they are today. Bowie and Bolan's willingness to embrace these themes, both in their lyrics and in their personal lives, was groundbreaking and helped pave the way for a more open-minded society. The song continues to inspire and influence artists from all genres, and its legacy continues to grow each year.

Conclusion

In summary, "Lady Stardust" by David Bowie is a tribute to the legendary Marc Bolan, and a celebration of androgyny and musical inspiration. The song is a testament to Bowie's and Bolan's impact on each other and how their music continues to inspire and influence artists and fans alike. The lyrics touch on themes of fame, identity, and fluid sexuality, and the instrumentation is both catchy and emotive. "Lady Stardust" is a classic track that has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved song in Bowie's extensive catalog.