Ziggy Stardust
David Bowie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh yeah
Ziggy played guitar
Jamming good with Weird and Gilly
And the Spiders from Mars
He played it left hand
But made it too far
Became the special man
Then we were Ziggy's band
Now Ziggy really sang
Screwed-up eyes and screwed down hairdo
Like some cat from Japan
He could lick 'em by smiling
He could leave 'em to hang
They came on so loaded, man
Well-hung and snow-white tan
So where were the Spiders
While the fly tried to break our bones
With just the beer light to guide us
So we bitched about his fans
And should we crush his sweet hands? (Oh)
Mm-hmm
Ziggy played for time
Jiving us that we were voodoo
The kids were just crass
He was the nazz
With God-given ass
He took it all too far
But, boy, could he play guitar
Making love with his ego
Ziggy sucked up into his mind, ah
Like a leper messiah
When the kids had killed the man
I had to break up the band
Oh, yeah
Ooh
Ziggy played guitar
The lyrics to David Bowie's song Ziggy Stardust describe the rise and fall of a flamboyant and otherworldly rock star named Ziggy Stardust. The first verses introduce the character Ziggy, a left-handed guitarist, who is part of a band called the spiders from Mars. The chorus suggests that they all worked together to create the persona of the “special man” Ziggy. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Ziggy is more than just a musician – he’s a powerful figure who influences the youth culture of the time.
The second verse describes Ziggy’s appearance, with references to his "screwed-up eyes" and "screwed down hairdo." His ability to charm his fans (or "lick 'em by smiling") is also highlighted. This section also includes references to his drug use, with the line "Came on so loaded man, well hung and snow white tan." The third verse is more introspective, revealing that the character has become consumed by his own fame and ego. Ziggy is compared to a “leper messiah,” which suggests that his influence is both healing and destructive. The final verse reveals that the band has broken up, possibly due to Ziggy’s untimely death at the hands of his fans.
Overall, the song is open to interpretation, but it’s clear that it’s a commentary on the nature of stardom, the power of music to transform lives, and the dramatic rise and fall of those who become part of the cultural zeitgeist.
Line by Line Meaning
Ziggy played guitar
Ziggy, the main character of the song, played guitar as his way of expressing himself and connecting with others through music.
Jamming good with Weird and Gilly and the spiders from Mars. He played it left hand but made it too far. Became the special man, then we were Ziggy's band
Ziggy played guitar collaboratively with his bandmates Weird, Gilly, and the Spiders from Mars. Despite being left-handed, he excelled in his craft and ultimately became known as a unique and special musician, with his bandmates following his lead.
Now Ziggy really sang, screwed up eyes and screwed down hairdo. Like some cat from Japan, he could lick 'em by smiling. He could leave 'em to hang. 'Came on so loaded man, well hung and snow white tan
In addition to his guitar skills, Ziggy was a talented singer who affected a unique and memorable appearance. He was charismatic and could charm his audience with his smile, but at the same time be aloof and detached. Despite his indulgent lifestyle, he maintained a fit and healthy physique.
So where were the spiders, while the fly tried to break our balls. With just the beer light to guide us. So we bitched about his fans and should we crush his sweet hands?
The lyric speaks to the tensions and disagreements between Ziggy and his bandmates. The phrase 'where were the spiders' implies that the band was not around to support Ziggy when he needed them. The group experiences conflict, unsure of how to deal with fans who could be too demanding.
Ziggy played for time, jiving us that we were voodoo. The kid was just crass, he was the nazz. With God given ass. He took it all too far but boy could he play guitar
Ziggy was known for his elaborate stage performances, often dancing and interacting with the audience in ways that some saw as 'jiving' or insincere. Despite some negative opinions regarding his attitude and behavior, his talent with the guitar was undeniable and praiseworthy.
Making love with his ego Ziggy sucked up into his mind. Like a leper messiah. When the kids had killed the man I had to break up the band
The song concludes with a metaphorical portrayal of Ziggy's downfall. His obsession with himself and his own persona, represented by his ego, led to his own demise. The line 'when the kids had killed the man' alludes to the negative impact of fame and stardom, ultimately leading to the end of the band.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garfieldfan77
Hi, I'm a 16-almost-17 year old girl in 2024 and I think a lot about how teenagers in the 60s, 70s were just discovering such wonderful music, and how decades later, people like me in new generations can still enjoy it. Surely it was life-changing for them too! I'm really grateful that this art is so accessible to people all round the world today!
@Lauralulu-442
I’m 12 and agree
@piffny6666
I just turned 16 and I concur
@TypeOneg
Girl, there is so much good music out there. Keep mining for gold...
@helenbaumander3953
The way the industry works these days, I don't know how someone like Bowie would be able to make it anymore. It's really sad. I was fortunate to be at one of the last concerts he ever did in Canada.
@reversefulfillment9189
I'm 55, and space oddity came out around when I was born. A magical time. David left us with a great catalog, and some cool movies too. Lots for you to explore!❤
@menace7310
You guys can rest easy, the new generation loves david bowie.
@morningstar9233
Felt the same way at 17 in '87 when i turned onto Bowie. Welcome aboard!
@menace7310
Thank you, brother. We just really want music.
@zayjacksontv8035
NO WE DO NOT