From Stardust to Ashes: The Poetic Complexity of David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes”
The Legend of David Bowie
David Bowie stands as one of the most influential artists in modern music. He was an icon who dared to challenge conventional songwriting with an innovative sound that would serve as a reference point for musicians for generations to come. Throughout his brilliant career, Bowie was crowned as the King of Glam, Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke, and many more. But “Ashes to Ashes” came later in his career, following a period of transformation in his life and music.
A Return to His Roots
The song “Ashes to Ashes” was released in 1980, as a single from Bowie’s album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). The song served as a significant milestone in Bowie’s musical trajectory and an introspective self-analysis of his past. The track has many layers, and over the years, several interpretations have been proposed, but one common thread remains: it’s a poetic expression of David Bowie returning to himself.
The Meaning Behind The Song
The song opens with a nostalgic reference to Bowie’s 1969 hit “Space Oddity.” The lyrics “Do you remember a guy that’s been in such an early song” mark a return not only to Bowie’s past but also to his character Major Tom, whose story arc was left unfinished in “Space Oddity.”
The chorus of the song “Ashes to ashes, funk to funky, we know Major Tom’s a junkie” speaks to both Bowie’s former drug addiction and the lasting influence of the character. Bowie described Major Tom as a reflection of the “ultimate astronaut,” someone who symbolizes how individuals can become alienated in a superficial world.
The second verse of the song is a sequence of figurative language, with Bowie singing, “My mother said, to get things done, you’d better not mess with Major Tom.” This phrase can be interpreted as a reflection on Bowie’s own life, with his mother being a symbol of stability, and Major Tom representing the unpredictable, self-destructive, and reckless aspects of his personality.
A New Sound
“Ashes to Ashes” is also notable for its music, which marked a departure from Bowie’s previous work. The song features the use of the Roland CR-78, an electronic drum machine that was still new at the time, which Bowie integrated with different elements of rock, funk, and new wave. The result was a fresh, modern, and vibrant sound that would inspire electronic music.
As a visionary artist, Bowie was able to embrace the new technology of the time, but he never forgot his roots in rock and roll. “Ashes to Ashes” is a testament to Bowie’s versatility: an exploration of the thin line between reality and illusion while still keeping the listener engaged through a danceable rhythm.
The Song’s Legacy
The song “Ashes to Ashes” remains a favorite among fans of David Bowie, and it has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song’s legacy is as complex as the man who wrote it, with its many layers of meaning and symbolism. But at its core, it’s a song about self-discovery, nostalgia, and transformation, themes that have touched many. In the words of David Bowie himself, “I’m happy. Hope you’re happy, too.”
Wrapping Up
As an artist, David Bowie remains a towering figure in music, who revolutionized the way we think about songwriting and performance. “Ashes to Ashes” serves as a reflection of his legacy, as well as an acknowledgment of his past. In many ways, it captures the spirit of Bowie himself – an enigma, a performer, and a visionary. From Stardust to Ashes, his music remains as relevant today as it was when he first stepped onto the stage.
