About the song
David Bowie was no ordinary musician; he was an icon, a trailblazer who perpetually reinvented himself and his music to stay ahead of the curve. One of his most introspective and haunting songs, “Ashes to Ashes,” perfectly encapsulates his ability to blend the deeply personal with the universally relatable, all while pushing the boundaries of what pop music could be.
Released in 1980 as the lead single from his album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), “Ashes to Ashes” sees Bowie revisiting one of his earlier personas, Major Tom, the astronaut from his 1969 hit “Space Oddity.” In “Ashes to Ashes,” however, Major Tom’s story takes a darker turn. The song paints a picture of disillusionment and decay, reflecting both Bowie’s own struggles with drug addiction and a broader societal disillusionment as the 1970s gave way to the more conservative 1980s.
Musically, “Ashes to Ashes” is a masterpiece of production. It features a complex, multi-layered arrangement that includes a driving synth line, innovative guitar work, and Bowie’s haunting vocals. The production, helmed by Bowie and Tony Visconti, is rich with electronic textures and studio effects, showcasing Bowie’s pioneering use of technology in music. This sonic landscape perfectly complements the song’s themes of confusion and despair.
Lyrically, “Ashes to Ashes” is both a continuation and a deconstruction of “Space Oddity.” The line “We know Major Tom’s a junkie” is particularly striking, transforming the once heroic figure into a tragic symbol of failure and addiction. Bowie’s introspection is raw and unfiltered, making the song resonate on a deeply emotional level. The chorus, “Ashes to ashes, funk to funky, we know Major Tom’s a junkie,” is almost nursery rhyme-like in its simplicity, yet profoundly unsettling in its implications.
The song’s accompanying music video, directed by David Mallet, is equally iconic. Featuring Bowie in a Pierrot costume, walking along a beach with an eerie, almost apocalyptic backdrop, the video was groundbreaking in its use of visual effects and surreal imagery. It was one of the most expensive music videos ever made at the time, and its artistic ambition set a new standard for the medium.
“Ashes to Ashes” is more than just a song; it’s a multifaceted piece of art that combines introspective lyrics, innovative production, and groundbreaking visuals. It’s a testament to David Bowie’s unparalleled ability to evolve and reflect the changing times, all while remaining deeply personal and introspective. For fans and newcomers alike, “Ashes to Ashes” offers a poignant glimpse into the mind of one of music’s greatest artists, capturing the essence of his genius in just a few minutes of hauntingly beautiful music.
Video
Lyrics
Do you remember a guy that’s beenIn such an early song?I’ve heard a rumor from Ground ControlOh no, don’t say it’s trueThey got a message from the Action Man“I’m happy, hope you’re happy tooI’ve loved all I’ve needed, loveSordid details following”The shrieking of nothing is killing, justPictures of Jap girls in synthesis and IAin’t got no money and I ain’t got no hairBut I’m hoping to kick but the planet it’s glowingAshes to ashes, funk to funkyWe know Major Tom’s a junkieStrung out in heaven’s highHitting an all-time lowTime and again I tell myselfI’ll stay clean tonightBut the little green wheels are following meOh no, not againI’m stuck with a valuable friend“I’m happy, hope you’re happy too”One flash of light but no smoking pistolI never done good things (I never done good things)I never done bad things (I never done bad things)I never did anything out of the blue, woh-o-ohWant an axe to break the iceWanna come down right nowAshes to ashes, funk to funkyWe know Major Tom’s a junkieStrung out in heaven’s highHitting an all-time lowMy mother said, to get things doneYou’d better not mess with Major TomMy mother said, to get things doneYou’d better not mess with Major TomMy mother said, to get things doneYou’d better not mess with Major TomMy mother said, to get things doneYou’d better not mess with Major Tom