Ashes To Ashes

David Bowie's 'Ashes To Ashes' is a song that serves as both a sequel and a thematic evolution to his earlier work, 'Space Oddity'. The song revisits the character of Major Tom, who was introduced as a sort of space-age everyman. In 'Ashes To Ashes', Bowie paints a much darker picture of Major Tom, now depicted as a 'junkie', strung out and disconnected from reality. This transformation can be seen as a metaphor for Bowie's own experiences with fame and addiction, as well as a commentary on the disillusionment of the post-1960s era.

The lyrics of 'Ashes To Ashes' are filled with surreal imagery and references that reflect Bowie's eclectic style. Phrases like 'pictures of Jap girls in synthesis' and 'the little green wheels are following me' evoke a sense of paranoia and alienation. The song's chorus, with its haunting refrain 'Ashes to ashes, funk to funky', suggests a cycle of destruction and rebirth, and the line 'We know Major Tom's a junkie' shatters the heroic image of the astronaut, revealing the human flaws and vulnerabilities beneath.

The song also touches on themes of redemption and the struggle for purity, as seen in the lines 'Time and again I tell myself I'll stay clean tonight'. Bowie's reference to his mother's advice, 'You better not mess with Major Tom', serves as a cautionary note, perhaps warning of the dangers of losing oneself to escapism or addiction. 'Ashes To Ashes' is a complex and layered work that encapsulates Bowie's artistry and the cultural zeitgeist of its time, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and popular culture.