David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, was a well-known English singer, songwriter, and actor. His work was fresh and unique, with his notable character Ziggy Stardust showing his skill in performance and change. Bowie shaped glam rock and left his mark on art and fashion, becoming a key figure of the 1900s.
His work earned him six Grammy Awards, and he joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. His albums “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” and “Young Americans” brought hits like “Space Oddity” and “Fame.” Having sold over 100 million records worldwide.
About the Song
“Space Oddity,” released on July 11, 1969, is a well-known David Bowie song about Major Tom, an astronaut lost in space.
The song took ideas from Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey, mixing folk music with a story about being alone. It became Bowie’s first big UK hit and won him an Ivor Novello Award for his original work.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 11, 1969 |
| Album | Nothing Has Changed |
| Writers | David Bowie |
| Producers | Gus Dudgeon |
Space Oddity Lyrics by David Bowie
Intro
Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
(Ten) Ground Control (Nine) to Major Tom (Eight, seven)
(Six) Commencing (Five) countdown, engines on
(Four, three, two)
Check ignition (One) and may God’s love (Lift off) be with you
Verse 1
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
Chorus
For here, am I sitting in a tin can
Far, above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do
[Instrumental Break]
Verse 2
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
Bridge
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-
Chorus
Here, am I floating ’round my tin can
Far, above the moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do
Live Performance of Space Oddity on Serious Moonlight Tour in 1983
Similar Songs Like Space Oddity
Here are some songs by David Bowie that share similar themes, musical elements, and emotional tones with “Space Oddity“:
- “Life on Mars?”: A rich, big-band ballad with clear word pictures and wonder, much like the space focus in “Space Oddity.”
- “Starman”: With a similar space theme, this rock song tells about a strange visitor from space, mixing sweet tunes with light sadness.
- “Ashes to Ashes”: A follow-up to “Space Oddity,” looking back at Major Tom’s tale with deep thoughts and odd, spacey sounds.
- “Moonage Daydream”: A bold, space-themed song with strong singing and creative words, showing the same free spirit as “Space Oddity.”
- “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide”: Though more down-to-earth, this song has the same strong feelings and deep story-telling as “Space Oddity.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Space Oddity Banned?
The BBC first stopped playing “Space Oddity” because its serious themes didn’t fit with the happy feeling around the Moon landing in 1969.
Is Space Oddity About Overdosing?
While not directly about drug use, many people think Major Tom represents drug use, especially when mentioned later in the song “Ashes to Ashes.”
Who was Major Tom Written About?
Major Tom is a made-up person Bowie created after watching 2001: A Space Odyssey. The character shows what it’s like to be alone and far from home.
