Space Oddity
David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group Lyrics
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Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Tom (ten, nine, eight, seven, six)
Commencing countdown, engines on (five, four, three)
Check ignition and may God's love be with you (two, one, liftoff)
This is Ground Control to Major Tom
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 my 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"
The lyrics to David Bowie and Pat Metheny Group's song Space Oddity tell the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who is launched into space and experiences a variety of emotions as he floats above the world. The song opens with Ground Control communicating with Major Tom, instructing him to take his protein pills and put on his helmet. As the countdown begins and the engines ignite, Major Tom prepares for liftoff. Once he reaches space, he communicates with Ground Control again and describes his experience of floating in a "most peculiar way" and seeing the stars look different. He acknowledges that he is feeling still and cannot do anything about his situation. As the song progresses, Major Tom's communication signal fades and Ground Control is unable to contact him.
The song can be interpreted as a metaphor for the isolation and detachment that can come with modern technology and scientific advancement. Major Tom's distance from Earth and inability to communicate with Ground Control represents a sense of disconnection from humanity. The lyrics also explore themes of anxiety and loneliness, as Major Tom is left to confront his thoughts and emotions alone. Overall, Space Oddity is a haunting and thought-provoking song that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.
Line by Line Meaning
Ground Control to Major Tom
The beginning of a communication between two persons: Ground Control on Earth and Major Tom, the astronaut in the space capsule.
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control reminds Major Tom to take his protein pills and wear his helmet so that the astronaut can endure and survive the conditions in space.
Commencing countdown, engines on
Ground Control signals the starting of the rocket's countdown to liftoff.
Check ignition and may God's love be with you
Ground Control wishes Major Tom a safe and successful launch into space, hoping that all systems have been checked and are functioning correctly.
You've really made the grade
Ground Control praises Major Tom for his achievement of becoming an astronaut, symbolizing the level of success he has attained.
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
The media is curious about Major Tom's lifestyle and would like to know every aspect about him, including what clothes he wears.
Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare
Major Tom must step out of the capsule or spaceship if he is brave enough to do so and face the unknown in outer space.
I'm stepping through the door
Major Tom leaves the capsule and enters the vast space outside where there is no gravity and no air, a frightening but thrilling experience.
And I'm floating in a most peculiar way
Major Tom experiences weightlessness, which is a strange sensation when compared to his previous experiences on Earth.
And the stars look very different today
Major Tom has a newfound appreciation for seeing the stars from a different perspective, that of an astronaut in outer space.
Planet Earth is blue
In contrast to the vibrant and colorful scenery in space, Planet Earth looks quiet and blue from the astronaut's vantage point.
And there's nothing I can do
Major Tom recognizes his own helplessness and lack of control over events happening on Earth while he is in space.
Tell my wife I love her very much she knows
Major Tom sends his love to his wife, aware that he is in a dangerous situation and uncertain about whether he will survive the space mission.
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Ground Control contacts Major Tom to inform him that there is a problem with the communication system that stops them from contacting him.
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Ground Control tries to contact Major Tom multiple times, asking him whether he can hear them or not.
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Ground Control repeats the same message, but there is no response from the astronaut.
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Ground Control gets no answer from Major Tom, and he is left floating in his tin can with no possibility of communication.
Here am I floating 'round my tin can Far above the moon Planet Earth is blue And there's nothing I can do
The final lines of the song reiterate Major Tom's isolation and helplessness in space, far away from any rational help, and with no chance of possible salvation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind