About the song
David Bowie, a true visionary in the world of music and art, delivered one of his most profound and enigmatic works with “Ashes to Ashes.” Released on August 8, 1980, as the lead single from his critically acclaimed album “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)”, this track is a multi-layered masterpiece that explores themes of introspection, addiction, and the passage of time. It not only marked a pivotal moment in Bowie’s career but also cemented his reputation as an artist unafraid to confront personal and societal issues through his music.
“Ashes to Ashes” revisits one of Bowie’s iconic characters, Major Tom, first introduced in his 1969 hit “Space Oddity.” However, this time, the character is no longer the heroic astronaut lost in space; instead, he is reimagined as a cautionary figure, a metaphor for personal failure and disillusionment. Through lyrics like “We know Major Tom’s a junkie, strung out in heaven’s high,” Bowie offers a sobering reflection on addiction and the darker aspects of fame. This reinterpretation of Major Tom not only deepens the narrative but also provides a stark commentary on Bowie’s own struggles with substance abuse during the 1970s, making the song an intensely personal statement.
Musically, “Ashes to Ashes” is a tour de force of production and innovation. Bowie worked with longtime collaborator Tony Visconti, creating a soundscape that blends art-rock, new wave, and electronic music. The track’s layered arrangement features a hypnotic synthesizer line, a pulsating bass rhythm, and an unconventional drumbeat, all of which create a dreamy yet unsettling atmosphere. Bowie’s vocal delivery shifts between haunting introspection and a sardonic tone, perfectly capturing the song’s duality of beauty and darkness. The instrumental interplay is as intricate as it is mesmerizing, showcasing Bowie’s ability to push the boundaries of contemporary music.
The accompanying music video, directed by Bowie and David Mallet, is equally groundbreaking. With its surreal imagery, including Bowie dressed as a Pierrot clown and wandering through a post-apocalyptic landscape, the video elevated the art form to new heights. It became one of the most iconic videos of the early MTV era, blending visual artistry with the song’s introspective themes.
Socially and culturally, “Ashes to Ashes” is often regarded as a reflection of the end of the 1970s—a decade of excess, experimentation, and eventual reckoning. Its release in 1980 marked a turning point, both for Bowie and for popular music, as it signaled a shift toward introspection and innovation in the emerging new wave movement. The song reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating its immediate impact and widespread appeal.
In conclusion, “Ashes to Ashes” is a quintessential David Bowie creation, blending deeply personal lyrics with groundbreaking music and visuals. It encapsulates the artist’s ability to transform his struggles and insights into a work of universal resonance. Decades after its release, the song remains a touchstone in Bowie’s illustrious catalog, a poignant reminder of his genius and his fearless exploration of the human condition. Whether as a revisitation of Major Tom’s fate or as a reflection on Bowie’s own journey, “Ashes to Ashes” continues to inspire and captivate listeners, standing as a timeless testament to the power of music and art.
Video
Lyrics
[Instrumental Intro: 0:00-0:33][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”[Pre-Chorus]
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
But I’m hoping to kick but the planet is glowing[Chorus]
Ashes to ash and 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[Pre-Chorus]
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