"My records were selling and I was being a man in demand. I thought of Vince Taylor and wrote "Ziggy Stardust" - Bowie (1976).
Special recordings of this song were broadcast on the Sounds of the Seventies (January 1972) and on Top Gear (May 1972).
Ziggy Stardust was performed at all Ziggy Stardust concert tours in 1972 and 1973. It was also performed for the 1978 Stage tour, the 1990 Sound + Vision Tour and on 2000 concert dates.
Ziggy Stardust
David Bowie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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?
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
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
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 © MIMIL LTD, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lissy Quinn
David Bowie was probably the most iconic person to ever walk earth, I love him 💗
Mandy
Agreed and same🥰
Marcos Godoy
Eu também.
USlisa50
Yess!
David Lape
Bowie was the coolest man on earth. There will never be another legend like him. Rest well among the universe Starman.❤️
gianco
He is a moondust now.🌌 We🖤now and then forever Bowie⚡
ru powell
David’s voice was never really celebrated..vocally he was amazing!!!
Steve Hindle
His vocal was incredible and effortless. Each album sounding so different.
Brian Boru
Who before, or since , could pull off that look, with a song as great as that, and the vocals to complete the package
How anyone can say any other singer, or musician was on a par with him, is mind boggling
He was untouchable
jnb432
A true unique icon we'll never see the likes of again. Incredible song and the album itself is one of my favourite albums of all time.❤