David Bowie - Space Oddity
David Bowie's iconic song "Space Oddity" was released on July 11, 1969, just days before the Apollo 11 moon landing, a timely coincidence that significantly contributed to its initial success. The song tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who drifts off into space, losing contact with Earth. Bowie was reportedly inspired to write the song after seeing Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey," and the narrative reflects themes of isolation, exploration, and detachment.
The recording of "Space Oddity" took place in June 1969 at Trident Studios in London. The track was meticulously crafted, with producer Gus Dudgeon overseeing the addition of various instruments, including electric guitar, bass, drums, and strings, to create its distinctive psychedelic folk sound. The use of a Stylophone, a miniature electronic organ, for the iconic
buzzing sound became a memorable part of the song's texture. While initially a modest hit, "Space Oddity" gained significant popularity over time, especially after its re-release in 1975, when it reached number one on the UK singles chart. It became one of Bowie's signature songs and introduced the character of Major Tom, who would reappear in later Bowie works, solidifying the song's lasting legacy in popular culture and music history.
David Bowie “Space Oddity” Lyrics
Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills
and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown,
engines on
Check ignition
and may God's love be with you
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Liftoff
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
For here
Am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do
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
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....
Here am I floating
round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do