“The filming was interrupted at one point by an old man walking his dog, looking for driftwood. Mallet asked him if he wouldn’t mind moving, and pointed out Bowie sitting outside the catering van. ‘Do you know who this is?’ he asked. Sharp as a tack, the old man responded with, ‘Of course I do. It’s some cunt in a clown suit.’ Sometime later, Bowie remembered, ‘That was a huge moment for me. It put me back in my place and made me realise, “Yes, I’m just a cunt in a clown suit.” ― Dylan Jones, David Bowie: A Life
@@catdealer1144 dude wtf wrong with your about page? You talking about no one cares and yet you write a whole ass paragraph for ppl who don't care ab you 😂 do you even know what spite means little kid
I saw an interview where he talked about this. The crew laughed there asses off. David supposedly asked the guy to be in the video in the background if the beach scene at the end but he declined. Heck for 200$ for 10 minutes work and to meet THE david bowie i would've paid him!!!
@@catdealer1144 Dude check out your discussion page. When Zonal Scar said "Dude you should change now because when you're trying to change in a year its hard to let go of that habit." he meant that you're shit and you need to get better. And if you're having issues about me stalking your page, answer me this: What are you going to do about it?
Absolutely. I've always loved this track but the synth at the end takes it to another level. Ethereal. I've no idea whether it was part of the original composition or an addition in the studio, but whichever it's genius.
Currently struggling with a cocaine addiction. I know it's weird but it's extremely comforting to listen to his songs about cocaine. I have very little support so Bowie's music helps me get through the struggle Edit: I'm 38 days sober as of 2/8/23 and I'm feeling great Edit 2: thank you all for your support. I'm 50 days sober now as of 2/20/23 and still doing good. I won't lie, I still have cravings, but I know better than to throw away everything that sobreity has given me Edit 3: It's been a while since I updated because I was pretty ashamed that I relapsed. My plug had contacted me from a different number and I relapsed on 3/1/23 on my 2 month mark. It wasn't a big relapse though and as of 3/24/23 I'm 3 weeks sober. I really didn't expect to get so much support over all these months from y'all but it has been very helpful and I'm so thankful of y'all
Still listening in 2024 …………unforgettable David Bowie ………now me 72……amazing song,music, amazing artist songwriter,following Him and his music since I was 17 years young ….Thank you David Bowie ..💫💫💫🎶🙏 ..
I saw David Bowie in 1997. I was only 17. It was too unreal to be real. He performed this live. I had no idea what was going on, I wasn’t a fan. My friend had an extra ticket to the show because his girlfriend couldn’t go. Looking back on it the show changed my perspective on life. This man was a genius. RIP.
True of some big names, they were unique (of course some depends on your musical tastes) But Bowie, Lemmy, Mercury, Hendrix, Moon could never be replaced. Lemmy had a unique style of bass playing and Keith Moon behind the drums was a wild thing. There's a German lass who plays drum covers , Sina, who said Moon basically played a series of drum solos to make the drums an integral part of the track as opposed to a time keeper.
There's not a musician today who can reach the level of David Bowie, Freddy Mercury, Mick Jagger, Fleetwood Mac the musicians of the past will always be the greatest. Today's singers are just that.. singers.
“My mother said to get things done. You’d better not mess with Major Tom.” God, that line has stuck with me since I first discovered this song. It’s such a haunting chorus perfectly combined with the synths. Moreover, this music video is a work of art. Having the Blitz Kid clowns in this music video really added to the atmosphere: that quintessential Blitz club look with white foundation, eyeshadow and eyeliner, and the colored highlights. What a haunting, ghostly performance. Bowie was brilliant.
Yes! And the layer after layer after layer of chords as the "my mamma said" gradually fades (or is crushed). "I'm stuck with a valuable friend" is the line that stuck with me. As you say, Bowie was brilliant.
Dont worry be happy is guano? Congratulations! You`ll get the NEXT LEVEL((( Unfortunately, this will NOT help you. This won't help you in any way. Rather, on the contrary, there is a lot of sadness in many knowledge. Everything will pass, and this will pass. (SOLOMON)
Driving home from work the other day around 6 PM I had Sirius XM playing in the car, and ASHES TO ASHES came on....haven't heard the song in over a year and yes, it still sounds fresh and so cool......
My mom used to park me in front of the T.V. of mornings while she got ready for work, put on MTV and turn the volume up for the music. I was probably of pre-school age, and this video was on heavy circulation at the time. It used to scare the hell out of me and I'd have nightmares for years. I was most frightened when the new romantics would appear going "IM HAPPY, HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY TOO.". I still remember having bad dreams being connected to all these tubes after having this group of evil scary people led by a french clown capture me. All of that would change years later after finding this L.P. at a garage sale. Thanks for being a part of my past, present, and future, David Bowie. Rest in Space
I think this is the best song ever. For me, there is no musician, no song, no lyrics, no melody, not any musical creation that can top this piece of art. It's perfect.
@@nakedking6676 Teenage wildlife is another Bowie song from Scary monster, and it's my favourite song. My comment was an allusion to people who take their personal preference as fact, so I said my favourite song is the best Bowie song, well, I didn't say it, but I implied it.
That outro is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. The high pitch synths elevate it to another dimension and the portamento synth is it’s equal.
Sadly, without a massiv ecological wake up, nobody will be listening to music anymore in more than 100yrs.. I say that, and I'm not even defeatist type, because I still hope & I really wish that ppl will be able to listen to music in 100 years or more
Even if he had composed only this single song, Bowie would remain a contemporary music legend. This is quitessential. I could listen to this only piece of music from dawn to dusk, alone on a lonely planet, till the end of time.
I like your comment! Song is truly a masterpiece.. came here after listening to Paul’s Buchanan cover... another gem! Very few can cover The Duke, in my opinion only Paul and Peter Murphy do amazing Bowie’s covers ✨
@@deadlymouse6722 No smoking pistol but one flash of light and those comments you raise relate to spiritual enlightenment. Nothing and nobody else dies in Ashes to Ashes. "There's no smoking pistol but one flash of light"
@@SilentReports Actually, @Cosmiques is right. It is a reference to his career. Bowie told Angus MacKinnon on NME that these lines were about his feelings about his own musical career: "Those three particular lines represent a continuing, returning feeling of inadequacy over what I’ve done. I have a lot of reservations about that I’ve done, inasmuch as I don’t feel much of it has any import at all."
I was 14 when this song came out . . . I was big into MTV. This use to come on late at night. I knew of David Bowie, but I always thought this video was very strange. The song was catchy and felt like a children's show song. Now that I am 54 years old, I realize how great of songwriter David Bowie was. This is just one classic song in his arsenal of genius tunes and lyrics. Amazing what I know now, that I didn't catch 40 years ago.
He had artism. I, on the other end, have autism...which is perfectly okay with me. We know what the good stuff is...David's right up there with the best of 'em.
writing a song about addiction, producing it as a demented lullaby, and revisiting the beloved character that brought your fame to heaven highs as an allegory to falling low to the trappings of said addiction. this man had such an ability for world building in his music, and making it feel so real, sonically and visually. something he didn't lose up to his death. a true artist.
Superior & Agree Superfan ... I hope my Bowie songs on YT makes him smile ... Its a personal connection to be able to play his music ... spiritual contact.
My sci-fi loving brain is telling me that Major Tom is stuck in space with his alien best friend ( Starman ) I just can't accept the fact he's a junkie. The world Bowie created is too awesome to have that dark plot twist
Could be interpreted as dying from an overdose, with the dove, the black and white imagery, the electric chair and the religious figures following him.
I love how "Ashes To Ashes" isn't only thematically a send-off to "Space Oddity", it fully commits to that mood musically as well. Whereas Space Oddity sounds grandiose and epic, Ashes To Ashes sounds distorted, low-key and off-kilter. With Bowie's high-pitched wails and the mournful synths, one can downright picture Major Tom crashing down to Earth and hitting the pavement hard. Figuratively speaking, of course. Whatever it was that kept him flying high now out of reach/axed for good - replaced by painkillers and/or the slowly unravelling realization that life "down there" is harsh. His excesses never changed that fact - they only distorted his perception and made him worse for wear. It's a dire song - in the most creative and artistic way. Space Oddity, despite being somewhat of a dirge, has a romantic tinge to it. Ashes To Ashes deconstructed that romanticism, but in the process turned out to be an artistically pleasing successor that resonated with old and new listeners alike. One of the best sequels in popculture history.
@@paulodetarso3198 I am a recovering heroin addict and have ‘My mama said, to get things done, you’d better not mess with Major Tom’ tattooed above my forearm where i used to shoot. It’s a reminder to stay away from it and not ruin my life further and also it’s one of my top 5 Bowie songs. This song and it’s eerie, mournful atmosphere, ashes to ashes (religious people say that all the time during funerals and I get strong funeral, death vibes. It was also a children song during Black Plague. So i think the title itself tells you what this song’s gonna be about) is him finally facing his past, his addiction and anxiety over the upcoming decade. But Bowie songs are often perfectly open to interpretation, which i personally love 💕
This song is such creative genius on so many levels. Few were able to add amazing funky bass and drum lines to alternative rock like David Bowie. There's a reason why he appeared on Soul Train--only one of two white artists at the time. But the artistry of the video itself was on another level. David was like the Andy Warhol of music in terms of video art direction and musical creativity. Let's not forget the before-its-time gender non-binary theme of David Bowie either. This song came out just before MTV made its debut of "music videos" and this video was a big hit on MTV.
Consider his influence on Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics as seen in the video for “Love Is A Stranger” (1982). Her hand grasping at the wall @1:08 + 2:03 (as seen in the middle of “Ashes to Ashes”, 1980). Pulling off her wig twice @1:29 + 1:56 (as seen at the end of “Boys Keep Swinging”, 1979). Her short, dyed haircut recalls the Ziggy Stardust era (1972).
After slipping again into old habits and spending whole night unable to sleep, those words hit too close to my own planet. Especially if you share name with main character. I'm happy that this song came up at the right time for me.
Lyrics Do you remember a guy that's been In such an early song? I've heard a rumor 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" The shrieking of nothing is killing, just Pictures of Jap girls in synthesis and I Ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair But I'm hoping to kick but the planet it's glowing Ashes to ashes, funk to funky We know Major Tom's a junkie Strung out in heaven's high Hitting an all-time low 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 I 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-oh Want an axe to break the ice Wanna come down right now Ashes to ashes, funk to funky We know Major Tom's a junkie Strung out in heaven's high Hitting an all-time low My mother said, to get things done You'd better not mess with Major Tom My mother said, to get things done You'd better not mess with Major Tom My mother said, to get things done You'd better not mess with Major Tom My mother said, to get things done You'd better not mess with Major Tom
I never done good things I never done bad things I never did anything out of the blue, Want an axe to break the ice Wanna come down right now Ashes to ashes, funk to funky We know Major Tom's a junkie Strung out in heaven's high Hitting an all-time low Bowie😍
What is it with Britons naming their boys "David Jones"? Dang...there's The Monkees, too. I wanna move on over there and name my son "Maggie Thatcher". 🤣
Wish I had the time to read all the comments on Bowie's songs. So many people from around the world appreciated him. Imagine if his music wasn't recorded...how could we explain his talent to others? What a phenomenal artist.
I heard this song the first time around when I’d been told my Grandad was on his way to death Unfortunately a few days afterwards, he passed. This was all I listened to during that week. I’m not sure my he would’ve even enjoyed the music, but it’ll always remind me of him now. Rest in peace to both of you
Lisa, I agree! Tried to find more details, but not an easy task. Khandi Alexander appears in the Fashion video. That may well be her as the nun in this video.
When this video first came out, we were all glued to MTV, and being born in'73, this video scared the hell out of me bcuz I didn't understand it. Now, after having gone through addiction and recovery more than a couple of times, it's much, much scarier! To not only be stuck in space, but the horror of being dope sick too.
This song and video are otherworldly. I remember seeing this on MTV in the early days and just being like WTF did I just experience? But in a good way, like I want more. That’s what a true artist does.
I'll do you one better: The 10-minute Blackstar video portrayed an occult ritual that was watched millions of times by millions of people around the world in the days leading up to Bowie's death. Through this distributed expenditure of psychic energy and the repetition of the ritual, Bowie's soul made the leap from being human to being a God in a process called "apotheosis." David Bowie is now a celestial demigod who may be worshipped, prayed to, etc. He was an avid occultist in life, and he planned for this.
Crazy to think all these colour effects would've been done practically when today it would take like 2 minutes with a filter in post. really makes you appreciate it more. Like I'm too young to even fathom how you'd do this without a computer lol
vizualnoizz they did do these effects with a computer though, but it was incredibly expensive to do so at the time. When it came out it was the most expensive music video to date: it cost £250,000.
@@5roundsrapid263 This video even predates MTV by a year. Before MTV, music videos were just promo items produced by the labels to show to industry people. I grew up near Toronto and one independent TV station used to play music videos overnight as filler because they got them for free, well before MTV launched. There weren't even that many. This one (and Bowie's "Fashion") were in heavy rotation, along with the Jacksons' "Can You Feel It", Ultravox "The Voice", Devo's "Beautiful World", and the animated prog rock "Butterfly Ball". I remember how weird and foreign they all were at the time - they were taking TV in a whole new direction. It's difficult to imagine now how radical this all was, because modern culture has been so shaped by music video.
The bulldozer slowly driving behind them is such an excellent idea, like inevitable, rolling doom. You hardly notice it first, but then it becomes frightening as hell.
Possibly Bowie's greatest song for me. A daring statement, I know, given his amazing library. You probably had to be alive, like I was, when this song was released. It was the perfect transition from 70s rock to 80s new wave. It introduced me to a whole new world of music and a whole new way of thinking. The sound and instrumentation were fascinating, the mumbling monk choir in the background was super cool. The rhythm was different and opened up a world of possibilities. The lyrics were appropriately dark for the times (unemployment, hyper-inflation, likely nuclear war, "No Future"). The song was so "uncommercial" - something some of us really appreciated at the time.
2022 and this still looks and sounds like it is from the future. What a genius Bowie truly was, constantly reinventing himself, and his music. RIP, love and respect always! Thanks for all the amazing music.
It was shot on this thing from the past - called lower resolution video. NOT 4k NOT HD, but standard definition. It clearly was NOT shot on film. It was still probably one of the best cameras available, cost $20k at the time.
@@foto21 A higher quality video was on youtube, it just got copyright claimed. The quality was far better, for instance you could clearly see his facy during the "I've never done good things" part. Edit - Found it drive.google.com/file/d/1zrFPW1c3I3lLU44eUGmvxLSm8F_XJc-u/view
This song gives me a sense of sadness and hurt that I can describe. I feel like he’s just so sad and regretful in this video and it almost hurts to watch. I just get a sad feeling in my body I can’t describe
@@carlostarriba7988 He actually aged quite well in the 80's and 90's. I'm sure that can be attributed to his sobriety as we all know practicing addicts usually don't age well.
![David Bowie - Life On Mars? (Original Ending Version) [4K Upgrade]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ft3b1-Cm-0M/mqdefault.jpg)
![David Bowie - Life On Mars? (Original Ending Version) [4K Upgrade]](/img/tr.png)
“The filming was interrupted at one point by an old man walking his dog, looking for driftwood. Mallet asked him if he wouldn’t mind moving, and pointed out Bowie sitting outside the catering van. ‘Do you know who this is?’ he asked. Sharp as a tack, the old man responded with, ‘Of course I do. It’s some cunt in a clown suit.’ Sometime later, Bowie remembered, ‘That was a huge moment for me. It put me back in my place and made me realise, “Yes, I’m just a cunt in a clown suit.”
― Dylan Jones, David Bowie: A Life
@@EasyEnigma noone cares if someone else posted something and how is that fucked up?
@@catdealer1144 dude wtf wrong with your about page? You talking about no one cares and yet you write a whole ass paragraph for ppl who don't care ab you 😂 do you even know what spite means little kid
I saw an interview where he talked about this. The crew laughed there asses off. David supposedly asked the guy to be in the video in the background if the beach scene at the end but he declined. Heck for 200$ for 10 minutes work and to meet THE david bowie i would've paid him!!!
@@catdealer1144 Dude check out your discussion page. When Zonal Scar said "Dude you should change now because when you're trying to change in a year its hard to let go of that habit." he meant that you're shit and you need to get better.
And if you're having issues about me stalking your page, answer me this: What are you going to do about it?
@@catdealer1144 And clearly you understand what I said because you deleted that section of your about page, clown. TAKE OFF THE FACEPAINT
One of the most influential and experimental musical artists ever
And more...
Or maybe the most.
xx
That's very tough to argue with
The most influential and experimental musical artist ever, no question about it and this i his best song.
A true masterpiece.
Freddy Mercury meets Andy Warhol. A true master of his craft.
The synthesizer part near the end turns the song from a classic into a masterpiece. Great track.
Absolutely. I've always loved this track but the synth at the end takes it to another level. Ethereal.
I've no idea whether it was part of the original composition or an addition in the studio, but whichever it's genius.
Oh yea rhe end is the best by far, and i looked all over I dont think they ever did that part live!!!
It's a shame that it didn't sound the same when he played it live.
@@chloesmith6714 sur un live à Paris Olympia en 2002 une version géniale avec le grand Mike garson au keyboards .
@@1972Ventura455ho Olympia Paris 2002 .
When pop is art. What a mark he left in music.
Facts. The guy is basically a pop star, but also a serious artist, and avant-garde.
@@aakkoin You can't define David Bowie. He was a genre of his own. A complete individual.
Always ahead of the times.
Currently struggling with a cocaine addiction. I know it's weird but it's extremely comforting to listen to his songs about cocaine. I have very little support so Bowie's music helps me get through the struggle
Edit: I'm 38 days sober as of 2/8/23 and I'm feeling great
Edit 2: thank you all for your support. I'm 50 days sober now as of 2/20/23 and still doing good. I won't lie, I still have cravings, but I know better than to throw away everything that sobreity has given me
Edit 3: It's been a while since I updated because I was pretty ashamed that I relapsed. My plug had contacted me from a different number and I relapsed on 3/1/23 on my 2 month mark. It wasn't a big relapse though and as of 3/24/23 I'm 3 weeks sober. I really didn't expect to get so much support over all these months from y'all but it has been very helpful and I'm so thankful of y'all
I love you because you are human just like me :-)
56, he-he-he. Always love DB!!!! This song - ONE OF THE BEST.
I wish you all the best, Luna. We all have our vices. I'm glad this brings you comfort. 💜
All the best for you Luna. May songs like these light the way for us.
My friend, the best of luck in your struggle; God will give you strength...
Lightyears ahead of his time...his music is timeless
Bowie was class. His music amongst the best produced
Well, he obsolesced Van Halen. That says volumes...thankfully!
Legends never die!
"I don't know where I'm going from here but I promise it won't be boring" - David Bowie
Such a humble man too
a song i wrote for David.
soundcloud.com/jill-cohn/legends
bowie did not die he just went home to his world
pendleton42, i think you're right!! Well said!! Bowie was unique for sure.
My version “ I’ve got a good idea of were I’m going and I promise it will be boring”.
Still listening in 2024 …………unforgettable David Bowie ………now me 72……amazing song,music, amazing artist songwriter,following Him and his music since I was 17 years young ….Thank you David Bowie ..💫💫💫🎶🙏
..
I saw David Bowie in 1997. I was only 17. It was too unreal to be real. He performed this live. I had no idea what was going on, I wasn’t a fan. My friend had an extra ticket to the show because his girlfriend couldn’t go. Looking back on it the show changed my perspective on life. This man was a genius. RIP.
So you're like 40 or smth?
@@Connor-yh5ho clever boy.
@cleetus wow.
What a wonderful story!
Was that the Serious Moonlight tour?
What a hypnotic song I love the cleverness of the lyrics and the melody
Like cocaine
Bowie Fans are ace .. Fantastic ... I love doing his covers on YT such a great artist ... its great to connect with his genius
This Man is beyond time
I'm a bot
The hypnotic melody to the song he puts down to being a huge fan of Danny Kaye and "Inchworm", this song is inspired in part by that song.
There will never be another David Bowie. Such an amazingly unique and talented artist. 🌠
So true. Hard to believe both Bowie and Steve Strange are gone😞
@@maudemathildeh335 It's always the best ones who leave us...
Tyler the creator is a fractel of bowie has the same magik just reflected in a difernt time
True of some big names, they were unique (of course some depends on your musical tastes) But Bowie, Lemmy, Mercury, Hendrix, Moon could never be replaced. Lemmy had a unique style of bass playing and Keith Moon behind the drums was a wild thing. There's a German lass who plays drum covers , Sina, who said Moon basically played a series of drum solos to make the drums an integral part of the track as opposed to a time keeper.
There's not a musician today who can reach the level of David Bowie, Freddy Mercury, Mick Jagger, Fleetwood Mac the musicians of the past will always be the greatest. Today's singers are just that.. singers.
“My mother said to get things done. You’d better not mess with Major Tom.”
God, that line has stuck with me since I first discovered this song. It’s such a haunting chorus perfectly combined with the synths. Moreover, this music video is a work of art. Having the Blitz Kid clowns in this music video really added to the atmosphere: that quintessential Blitz club look with white foundation, eyeshadow and eyeliner, and the colored highlights. What a haunting, ghostly performance. Bowie was brilliant.
Don't we wish the guitar synthesizer solo would've had more time to stretch the outro...
@@richardnunnery5367 No, you can have too much of a good thing. Remember the saying..."always leave them wanting more"
Yes! And the layer after layer after layer of chords as the "my mamma said" gradually fades (or is crushed). "I'm stuck with a valuable friend" is the line that stuck with me. As you say, Bowie was brilliant.
Showing them how it's done.
Christ, this song helped me through some of the darkest times of my life. RIP David. You will live forever through your music.
For me it was Changes. "turn and face the strange...." What a fabulous composer/performer. 😘
Dont worry be happy is guano? Congratulations! You`ll get the NEXT LEVEL((( Unfortunately, this will NOT help you. This won't help you in any way. Rather, on the contrary, there is a lot of sadness in many knowledge. Everything will pass, and this will pass. (SOLOMON)
Hello !! Hmm yes black hawk here
I was with you
Why didn't you take my hand
And now Tina Turner 😢
Me toooo! Pulled me through just like you my friend!❤
2021, 40 years after this was released and it still feels fresh
Driving home from work the other day around 6 PM I had Sirius XM playing in the car, and ASHES TO ASHES came on....haven't heard the song in over a year and yes, it still sounds fresh and so cool......
.... ¿ fresh ? ....wtf .... as in fresh milk .....
Still better than the Sesame Street lyrics and beats from the simplistic minds now.
Yep, my mum got me into Bowie, and my daughters love him too 🖤
It does. His magic is timeless. An angel
of music. Strung out in Heavens High, I feel sure, feeling high and happy
My mom used to park me in front of the T.V. of mornings while she got ready for work, put on MTV and turn the volume up for the music. I was probably of pre-school age, and this video was on heavy circulation at the time. It used to scare the hell out of me and I'd have nightmares for years. I was most frightened when the new romantics would appear going "IM HAPPY, HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY TOO.". I still remember having bad dreams being connected to all these tubes after having this group of evil scary people led by a french clown capture me. All of that would change years later after finding this L.P. at a garage sale. Thanks for being a part of my past, present, and future, David Bowie. Rest in Space
I love this song because it takes me to a time when everyone in my family was alive and all in the world was right for me
Marty Procaccio 😂
😂😂
i was like you with the nightmare...when the clip started i was scared...
Are you sure it wasn't drugs
@Minami Uchida Not just a strange quality, but a STEVE STRANGE quality to it (also Darla Gilroy and Judith Frankland, who designed the costumes).
🎵 "Ashes to ashes, funk to funky,
We know Major Tom's a junkie--" 🎶
I think this is the best song ever. For me, there is no musician, no song, no lyrics, no melody, not any musical creation that can top this piece of art. It's perfect.
i agree.
Jah, sul on õigus!
Teenage wildife begs to differ....
If you like this song, it's okay. It's awesome.
Marcelo Katayama teenage wildlife begs to differ? what does that mean
@@nakedking6676 Teenage wildlife is another Bowie song from Scary monster, and it's my favourite song. My comment was an allusion to people who take their personal preference as fact, so I said my favourite song is the best Bowie song, well, I didn't say it, but I implied it.
That outro is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. The high pitch synths elevate it to another dimension and the portamento synth is it’s equal.
I was just thinking the same it's my favorite moment in music ever
I guess that this is a new mix/master. Sounds so cool!
@@arturom628 I recall it being on the fancy new “CD” I bought back in Autumn of ‘84… but I could be wrong.
One of my favorite clips of pop music ever.
It's up there for GOAT outros. The end of Sufjan Stevens - Drawn to the Blood is pure musical ecstasy and another one that comes to mind.
A hundred years from now, Bowie will be thought of in the same way as Mozart or Beethoven.
Totally agree with your sentiments.
If he isn’t thought of that way, I don’t want to be on this earth
He already is for many people
Sadly, without a massiv ecological wake up, nobody will be listening to music anymore in more than 100yrs..
I say that, and I'm not even defeatist type, because I still hope & I really wish that ppl will be able to listen to music in 100 years or more
More like jesus
With music videos like this, Bowie virtually invented the MTV era.
I think besides the melodies and chord progressions... his aesthetic is so uniquely impeccable. A true original.
What I like is that Bass Guitar riff...
True Genius
His Signature
"I'm collecting personalities"-David Bowie
"I'm collecting personalities"-David Bowie
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low....
RIP David Bowie...
ite Missea est ...
Jose Orta you know that mate so ahead of his time a modern day prophet imho RIP God speed x
Brilliant lines..
puhaku ta rahus!
Even if he had composed only this single song, Bowie would remain a contemporary music legend. This is quitessential. I could listen to this only piece of music from dawn to dusk, alone on a lonely planet, till the end of time.
I like your comment! Song is truly a masterpiece.. came here after listening to Paul’s Buchanan cover... another gem! Very few can cover The Duke, in my opinion only Paul and Peter Murphy do amazing Bowie’s covers ✨
Alice inchains
My favorite Bowie tune... I don't "understand" the song but I feel it in my bones...
Never tire of listening to this. It’s a work of art.
@@luizahm I like the comment too
Listening to this exactly 44 years after it was released on August 23, 1980
what a masterpiece ;;
1980
David Bowie always ahead of his time, already had an ipad in the 80s S2
Compltely compelling to play and sing Bowie songs on YT as a one man band ... its spiritual and a priviledge.
1980
I was crying and then I saw this comment
He might have left Planet Earth, but David Bowie will continue to inspire those who feel a bit different forever and ever.
Just sayin' The Man Who Fell To Earth.
Ground Control to Major Bowie
True
He seriously is, I really appreciate his music and am glad I can experience it and love it today
Compltely compelling to play and sing Bowie songs on YT as a one man band ... its spiritual and a priviledge.
One of the most famous songs by David Bowie
Bowie singlehandedly gave birth to the 80s with this clip/song 🙌🖤✨️
Gary Numan would like a word with you. Step into his car please.
1980
I remember the day. I think I recorded it on a compact cassette in 1980. Still have it, for the record.
@@migangelmart -- And when Gary's done, Sting and the boys would like a word with _Gary,_ please... 😉
I grew up with David Bowie .im now 67 David is gone and i miss him still. His music was and is the best you,ll ever hear. What a star(man)xx
One of the most emotional songs ever. Bowie was a genius.
@Hunter Vonnegut not very underground if accounts like yours are plugging them on every comment on every music video you can find
@@solidifiedmilk571 lol beautifully said.
Still one of my favourite David Bowie songs it's just brilliant
Happy Heavenly Anniversary Mr Bowie 🕯️💖🕯️
2:28 Can't get enough of when the song gets to this point! 💯❤️😎👏🕺
“I’ve never done good things, I’ve never done bad things, I never did anything out of the blue” = about not being in control of your fate.
this is my favorite part of the song
@@deadlymouse6722 No smoking pistol but one flash of light and those comments you raise relate to spiritual enlightenment. Nothing and nobody else dies in Ashes to Ashes. "There's no smoking pistol but one flash of light"
Bowie said those 3 lines were in reference to his music career actually. I think a lot of lines in this song get misconstrued
@@Million900 and you have misconstrued them x
@@SilentReports Actually, @Cosmiques is right. It is a reference to his career.
Bowie told Angus MacKinnon on NME that these lines were about his feelings about his own musical career:
"Those three particular lines represent a continuing, returning feeling of inadequacy over what I’ve done. I have a lot of reservations about that I’ve done, inasmuch as I don’t feel much of it has any import at all."
Bowie is the Ultimate Artist !!!!!
Bowie picking up the future, telling us about it and changing like a magician with a mysterious smile. Simply genius.
I was 14 when this song came out . . . I was big into MTV. This use to come on late at night. I knew of David Bowie, but I always thought this video was very strange. The song was catchy and felt like a children's show song. Now that I am 54 years old, I realize how great of songwriter David Bowie was. This is just one classic song in his arsenal of genius tunes and lyrics. Amazing what I know now, that I didn't catch 40 years ago.
I was also 14 and seeing this video just blew my mind and made me a lifelong fan.
@George Prince dude . . . it says 1980?
@George Prince no worries my friend . . . ha
Well said
I feel honored to have existed for a time on this earthly plane with this man.
Yes, never realized 'til lately, that's true.
Jamming good with Weird and Gilley...
Dude he had sex with 13 year old girls pedophile its not hard to do the research
RIP David - RIP Steve Strange 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
What a hell of a talented man he was very artistic.
He had artism. I, on the other end, have autism...which is perfectly okay with me. We know what the good stuff is...David's right up there with the best of 'em.
The ending and fade out of this masterpiece is the best ever.
This is the sequel and resolution of major tom...
Totally agree. I love it.😌
There will never be another David . Pure Genius
He isnt dead just pretended to die getting a new life away from people
Bowie really was a genius.
writing a song about addiction, producing it as a demented lullaby, and revisiting the beloved character that brought your fame to heaven highs as an allegory to falling low to the trappings of said addiction. this man had such an ability for world building in his music, and making it feel so real, sonically and visually. something he didn't lose up to his death. a true artist.
Truth
It's there in Lazarus, too.
very astute. so true. i never could put my finger on WHY i love this as my favorite Bowie song and video but I couldn't have said that better.
The lyrics of David Bowie songs were amazing!
And the music... :-)
Superior & Agree Superfan ... I hope my Bowie songs on YT makes him smile ... Its a personal connection to be able to play his music ... spiritual contact.
He is laying it out there. I have junkie friends. True
They are still amazing
"I'm stuck with a valuable friend." Damn, that is such a weird and clever way to say drug addiction.
We know Major Tom's a junkie
My sci-fi loving brain is telling me that Major Tom is stuck in space with his alien best friend ( Starman )
I just can't accept the fact he's a junkie. The world Bowie created is too awesome to have that dark plot twist
@@raspberrycrowns9494 Looking for some wreckage to surf home on. :)
I'm fairly certain Bowie said that is one of the only lines which doesnt refer to his drug use, instead Iggy Pop who he claims "resurrected" him
Could be interpreted as dying from an overdose, with the dove, the black and white imagery, the electric chair and the religious figures following him.
I love how "Ashes To Ashes" isn't only thematically a send-off to "Space Oddity", it fully commits to that mood musically as well. Whereas Space Oddity sounds grandiose and epic, Ashes To Ashes sounds distorted, low-key and off-kilter. With Bowie's high-pitched wails and the mournful synths, one can downright picture Major Tom crashing down to Earth and hitting the pavement hard. Figuratively speaking, of course. Whatever it was that kept him flying high now out of reach/axed for good - replaced by painkillers and/or the slowly unravelling realization that life "down there" is harsh. His excesses never changed that fact - they only distorted his perception and made him worse for wear. It's a dire song - in the most creative and artistic way. Space Oddity, despite being somewhat of a dirge, has a romantic tinge to it. Ashes To Ashes deconstructed that romanticism, but in the process turned out to be an artistically pleasing successor that resonated with old and new listeners alike. One of the best sequels in popculture history.
Good assessment. I call the synth sounds and overall mood of the song kind of eerie in the best way possible...
And both musics speak about Bowie's drug addiction too!
@@paulodetarso3198 I am a recovering heroin addict and have ‘My mama said, to get things done, you’d better not mess with Major Tom’ tattooed above my forearm where i used to shoot. It’s a reminder to stay away from it and not ruin my life further and also it’s one of my top 5 Bowie songs. This song and it’s eerie, mournful atmosphere, ashes to ashes (religious people say that all the time during funerals and I get strong funeral, death vibes. It was also a children song during Black Plague. So i think the title itself tells you what this song’s gonna be about) is him finally facing his past, his addiction and anxiety over the upcoming decade. But Bowie songs are often perfectly open to interpretation, which i personally love 💕
@@SlavicRusa Hey, thanks for sharing. Stay strong, you got this!
But how does Black Star fit into it?
Incredibly beautiful song. Packs a massive punch. One of the greatest songs ever recorded. An amazing musical achievement.
This song is such creative genius on so many levels. Few were able to add amazing funky bass and drum lines to alternative rock like David Bowie. There's a reason why he appeared on Soul Train--only one of two white artists at the time. But the artistry of the video itself was on another level. David was like the Andy Warhol of music in terms of video art direction and musical creativity. Let's not forget the before-its-time gender non-binary theme of David Bowie either. This song came out just before MTV made its debut of "music videos" and this video was a big hit on MTV.
Great observation!! Kudos to you 💗
Consider his influence on Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics as seen in the video for “Love Is A Stranger” (1982). Her hand grasping at the wall @1:08 + 2:03 (as seen in the middle of “Ashes to Ashes”, 1980). Pulling off her wig twice @1:29 + 1:56 (as seen at the end of “Boys Keep Swinging”, 1979). Her short, dyed haircut recalls the Ziggy Stardust era (1972).
David was a pioneer in the industry. His inventiveness will always be regarded as chameleon genius.
He & Gabriel. And ... who can identify the common thread (or 6 strings) that connect these 2 pioneers?
This one of his greatest songs makes my skin crawl
What's he doing looking at Pictures of Jap Girls and Synthesis - Theres a little bit of The Whore in all of us .
He left before the whole world turned to shit. Impeccable timing as always . X
maybe him passing turned the world to shit his presence was the only thing stopping literal chaos
2 weeks ago ha this sucker aint even started the race war side quest yet
Lol, THAT was classsic Richard
When there was less traffic
Soooooooo True 🍷👍🍷
After slipping again into old habits and spending whole night unable to sleep, those words hit too close to my own planet. Especially if you share name with main character. I'm happy that this song came up at the right time for me.
David bowie is a massive inspiration to me and if I ever have kids I hope I can share the same memories with my kids
I shared Bowie with my son starting when he was a baby and now at 18 years old he listens to Bowie as much as me. It can happen! 💜
dont bring kids on this hideous world - adopt. please adopt an innocent child. PLEASE.
@@MARSBELLA1 i would consider adopting more than having my own kids because I have no interest in sex at this moment in life
Lyrics
Do you remember a guy that's been
In such an early song?
I've heard a rumor 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"
The shrieking of nothing is killing, just
Pictures of Jap girls in synthesis and I
Ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but the planet it's glowing
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
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
I 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-oh
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
My mother said, to get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom
That bass line!!! And the synth at the end.
Timeless song.
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Greatest artist and composer ever.
No one will ever come close to his genius.
the way he sings "want an axe to break the ice" just brings chills down my spine
I never done good things
I never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue,
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
Bowie😍
The best damn lines of the song!
That bass. Wow. One of my all time favorites from David Jones!!!!
@Hunter Vonnegut I've started flagging you as spam, you've posted that comment 50 times all over this video
Yeah man, that bass is slappin’. Stone cold groove.
What is it with Britons naming their boys "David Jones"? Dang...there's The Monkees, too. I wanna move on over there and name my son "Maggie Thatcher". 🤣
Wish I had the time to read all the comments on Bowie's songs. So many people from around the world appreciated him. Imagine if his music wasn't recorded...how could we explain his talent to others? What a phenomenal artist.
His greatest song ever without a doubt.
The laughing gnome is his better song
I heard this song the first time around when I’d been told my Grandad was on his way to death
Unfortunately a few days afterwards, he passed. This was all I listened to during that week.
I’m not sure my he would’ve even enjoyed the music, but it’ll always remind me of him now.
Rest in peace to both of you
Personally, this is my all time favorite song. Can't shake how great it is.
One of the best composers, singers ever in rock history. Great Bowie. We miss you so!
Outro with the synth and bass is beyond magical.
You can never get tired of this video....I just love how cool they look walking together especially the nun...
Lisa, I agree! Tried to find more details, but not an easy task. Khandi Alexander appears in the Fashion video. That may well be her as the nun in this video.
@@ottowes Thanks good to know....
Totally agree ... I'm lucky to be able to play as a one man band and drop out some Bowie Covers on youtube ... I have to say Bowie fans are amazing!
An absolute masterpiece. ❤
One of thee best musical visionaries of the terrestrial world. Heartwarming moment. The elderly lady at the end is Bowie's mom.
Never knew that, but thanks 👍
@Hunter Vonnegut 🤣🤣🤣 great Segway
Ziggy Stardust now travels amongst the stars.....
+Kevin Jones So does Starman and Major Tom...so sad right now...:(
+Kevin Jones I'm smoking 'herbal remedies' as i watch this right now. R.I.P. Dave
+Paul Curtis - You've paid a proper homage.
+Paul Curtis Good lad. me too!
Many comments, mine means nothing. Miss him, plain and simple.
That voice! good lord! love you always Bowie..
When this video first came out, we were all glued to MTV, and being born in'73, this video scared the hell out of me bcuz I didn't understand it. Now, after having gone through addiction and recovery more than a couple of times, it's much, much scarier! To not only be stuck in space, but the horror of being dope sick too.
Scary Monsters is still my favorite Bowie album after all these years. This song is transcendental.
This song and video is probably one of the best pieces of art ever made.
It's right up there. Best video he ever made, although the scene in "Fashion" when the circle appears around the dog's face gets me every time.
Plus it as Steve strange in the video ❤
@@darrenjones3871 proto new romamtics
No. No its not.
@@missmiagi2147 keep listening your shitty artists
One of the Top Ten songs in Rock history,and, quite arguably, Bowie's best song.
This song and video are otherworldly. I remember seeing this on MTV in the early days and just being like WTF did I just experience? But in a good way, like I want more. That’s what a true artist does.
David didn’t die. He went home.
You're right 😇
Yeah. On his tesla, strapped to a rocketship.
Let's pray David went to heaven, his music was surely inspired. On his last album he sang something about being in heaven.
I'll do you one better: The 10-minute Blackstar video portrayed an occult ritual that was watched millions of times by millions of people around the world in the days leading up to Bowie's death. Through this distributed expenditure of psychic energy and the repetition of the ritual, Bowie's soul made the leap from being human to being a God in a process called "apotheosis." David Bowie is now a celestial demigod who may be worshipped, prayed to, etc. He was an avid occultist in life, and he planned for this.
David didn’t home. He went die.
Simply one of the best songs ever, by the master David Bowie
Crazy to think all these colour effects would've been done practically when today it would take like 2 minutes with a filter in post. really makes you appreciate it more. Like I'm too young to even fathom how you'd do this without a computer lol
vizualnoizz they did do these effects with a computer though, but it was incredibly expensive to do so at the time. When it came out it was the most expensive music video to date: it cost £250,000.
This is actually still one of the most expensive videos made to date.
remember oliver tree?
J O Wow. Hard to believe it was made in 1980. It looks better than some videos a decade later!
@@5roundsrapid263 This video even predates MTV by a year. Before MTV, music videos were just promo items produced by the labels to show to industry people. I grew up near Toronto and one independent TV station used to play music videos overnight as filler because they got them for free, well before MTV launched. There weren't even that many. This one (and Bowie's "Fashion") were in heavy rotation, along with the Jacksons' "Can You Feel It", Ultravox "The Voice", Devo's "Beautiful World", and the animated prog rock "Butterfly Ball". I remember how weird and foreign they all were at the time - they were taking TV in a whole new direction. It's difficult to imagine now how radical this all was, because modern culture has been so shaped by music video.
What an amazing talent. Quirky, original and magnificent.
The bulldozer slowly driving behind them is such an excellent idea, like inevitable, rolling doom. You hardly notice it first, but then it becomes frightening as hell.
Possibly Bowie's greatest song for me. A daring statement, I know, given his amazing library. You probably had to be alive, like I was, when this song was released. It was the perfect transition from 70s rock to 80s new wave. It introduced me to a whole new world of music and a whole new way of thinking. The sound and instrumentation were fascinating, the mumbling monk choir in the background was super cool. The rhythm was different and opened up a world of possibilities. The lyrics were appropriately dark for the times (unemployment, hyper-inflation, likely nuclear war, "No Future"). The song was so "uncommercial" - something some of us really appreciated at the time.
Born in 92 and it's my favourite too, definitely wasn't alive
yielding Glass Spider
Beautiful view, thanks for sharing Steen.
The ending melody is so powerful. 2:42
Still excites me, sometimes i cry listening, DEFINITION OF GENIUS!!!
One of the greatest David Bowie songs ever....."My Momma said, to get things done, you better not mess with Major Tom....."
👍
My Mom said the same 🌻🎶
@@KAZ132 lollllllllll
@@KAZ132 !
God damn
This song has like the coolest sound ever.
I want to have it on my funeral 💫greetings from Germany
This song is one of the best British songs of all time! Production was way ahead of its time. I love how it gets darker from 2:40 onwards.
The only really good thing Bowie ever did
th-cam.com/video/mdfVfVjwAEA/w-d-xo.html&start_radio=1 listen to this cover please!
@@zootsoot2006 besides the other really good things he did
2022 and this still looks and sounds like it is from the future. What a genius Bowie truly was, constantly reinventing himself, and his music. RIP, love and respect always! Thanks for all the amazing music.
the note , key , tempo , change at 2 mins in is one of the most genius bit of music you are ever likely to hear , wow ;
The most innovative musical artist of our time.
one of my favorite bowie songs
Yes , me too. It was the first song in 1980 i've heard from Bowie. More than 40 years later i love his music all time.
“I’m happy hope you’re happy too...”
i’m crying i listened to this song in 2019 the best year of my life and i’m watching it rn and i’m crying thats my fav line
Thanks for asking
@@sharkwatchgir1 best Bowie song
How that line's meaning changes now that he's gone onward.
HUNKY DORY 😷👌
David Bowie es el mejor sin duda alguna me encanta su música el más grande
I will never forget Bowies great talent and never stop listening to his songs ❤❤❤
RIP David Bowie. You were perfection.
This video deserves a better resolution.
The EMI channel upload has better resolution but the sound is bad. This one is the other way round. It's frustrating how often that happens on TH-cam.
I recall seeing o ne somewhere, but I can't find it anywhere now. Did it get copyright-removed?
@@Panzer0 Yes
It was shot on this thing from the past - called lower resolution video. NOT 4k NOT HD, but standard definition. It clearly was NOT shot on film. It was still probably one of the best cameras available, cost $20k at the time.
@@foto21 A higher quality video was on youtube, it just got copyright claimed. The quality was far better, for instance you could clearly see his facy during the "I've never done good things" part.
Edit - Found it drive.google.com/file/d/1zrFPW1c3I3lLU44eUGmvxLSm8F_XJc-u/view
David Bowie at his evocative best. Creative genius.
Man, seeing Bowie always reminds me of Marc Bolan. RIP to both of them geniuses
I woke up with this song playing in my head. I love his voice 😍
Totally Agree .... I wrote 'No Doubt Man" by Space Boy ..... there's nothing like our David .... thanks to all the nice people.
We love You, David
Miss him :(
What a legend and a hero, we sure miss him Bowie🫶🏼
This song gives me a sense of sadness and hurt that I can describe. I feel like he’s just so sad and regretful in this video and it almost hurts to watch. I just get a sad feeling in my body I can’t describe
Those eyes could haunt a person.
it is a redemption song, to survive a. a fueled incontrolable creativity, after that he quit drugs and started the comercial bowie era
@@carlostarriba7988 He actually aged quite well in the 80's and 90's. I'm sure that can be attributed to his sobriety as we all know practicing addicts usually don't age well.
When he sings “want an axe to break the ice, wanna come down right now”, you can just hear it in his voice.
Same bro!! But a great song