David Bowie

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh yeah

[Verse 1]
Now Ziggy played guitar, jamming good with Weird and Gilly
And the Spiders From Mars
He played it left hand, but made it too far
Became the special man, then we were Ziggy's band

[Verse 2]
Ziggy really sang, screwed up eyes and screwed down hairdo
Like some cat from Japan
He could lick 'em by smiling, he could leave 'em to hang
He came on so loaded, man, well-hung and snow-white tan

[Chorus 1]
So where were the spiders
While the fly tried to break our balls?
Just the beer light to guide us
So we bitched about his fans
And should we crush his sweet hands?
Oh yeah

[Verse 3]
Ziggy played for time, jiving us that we were voodoo
The kids were just crass, he was the nazz
With God-given ass, he took it all too far
But boy, could he play guitar
[Chorus 2]
Making love with his ego
Ziggy sucked up into his mind (ah)
Like a leper messiah
When the kids had killed the man
I had to break up the band

[Bridge]
Oh yeah
Ooh

[Outro]
Ziggy played guitar

David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust is an iconic song featuring the character of Ziggy Stardust, a mythical rock & roll messiah. The track may be described as the climax of Bowie's reinvention in the early 70s, and its impact is still felt today. The song showcases Ziggy's rise to fame and the growing animosity between him and his band, the Spiders from Mars.

About Ziggy Stardust

Ziggy Stardust is a character that was inspired by Vince Taylor, a driving force in rock and roll until his decline due to drugs. Taylor's mental health declined, and his career came to an end. Bowie saw in Taylor both an inspiration and a cautionary tale, and Ziggy Stardust was born.

The song, Ziggy Stardust, tells the story of Ziggy's rise to fame, the growing tension between him and his bandmates, and his eventual fall from grace. It is a complex narrative that touches on themes such as fame, addiction, and the pressures of the music industry.

Bowie's reinvention as Ziggy Stardust was revolutionary. The character allowed him to explore his artistic vision and to push the boundaries of what could be done in popular music. The album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, marked a turning point in Bowie's career and cemented his status as a cultural icon.

The song features intricate guitar work, thunderous drums, and a driving bassline that propel the narrative forward. Bowie's vocals are emotional and raw, conveying the pain and desperation that Ziggy feels as he spirals out of control. The song's lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Ziggy's world and the events that lead to his downfall.

Ziggy Stardust has been covered, cloned, and reinterpreted countless times since its initial release. The song's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Its legacy is a testament to Bowie's creativity, vision, and ability to tap into the pulse of his time.

Overall, Ziggy Stardust is a remarkable song that encapsulates the spirit of David Bowie's reinvention in the early 70s. Its complex narrative, intricate instrumentation, and emotional vocals make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a fitting tribute to the legend that was David Bowie and a testament to his enduring legacy.

• Release Date: June 16, 1972
• Artist: David Bowie