Space Oddity - David Bowie

Artist: David Bowie
Song: Space Oddity
Year: 1969
Album: Space Oddity

David Bowie is nothing, if not an opportunist. This song was made to be released when the Apollo moon landing was happening. Pretty shrewd on ol' David Jones' part. If the song had tanked, it would have been largely forgotten and David would have a boatload of cash.

Instead, the song is still in heavy rotation on the radio and in movies. I'll bet you that anytime a tourist is in a space shuttle simulator, they are thinking of this song. I know I even think of this song when I'm waiting for takeoff in an airplane.

The song is crafted beautifully. It shouldn't work as a song, but it captures the right mood. I think that if the song was released today, it would be forgotten. Because it was done at the precise right time, it is an instant classic that continues to be ingrained in our consciousness.

The video is from the same guy who made the Smurf animated video to Kenny Roger's Lucille. I think this video is a much better result.

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 me 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."