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David Bowie — Ashes to Ashes
Album: Scary Monsters
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3753









Released: 1980
Length: 4:19
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Do you remember a guy that's been
In such an early song
I've heard a rumour 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 to 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

[CHORUS]
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's 4
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 bad things
I never did anything out of the blue,
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now

[CHORUS]

My mother said
to get things done
You'd better not mess
with Major Tom
Comments (367)add comment
The genius of DB distilled into one song. 
Posted 4 months ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

I don't think so.  My 67th birthday  is about 2 months away (2023) so perhaps my perspective is valuable.

Powerful, lasting experiences make for lasting memories.  Rarely are those experiences from emotional vulnerability for me -- which is what I think you meant.  Most of my music-triggered memories are from moments of great pleasure like an excellent meal with good friends;  deep emotion during quiet, still times with my wife; or physical exhilaration like a brisk motorcycle ride through the dark midnight and into dawn.  All of those memories occurred after I turned 50. 

There are music-triggered memories from my late adolescent years (say, 17 to 22) but they're mostly from moments of  serious intoxication where I was able to glimpse our cosmic connectedness -- and yes, you can get there through several drugs including alcohol and others.

Of course, I have many, many, many other deeply emotional memories that aren't related to music --- because music wasn't playing when they happened.  THAT may be something our younger generation, seemingly born with earbuds attached, might never experience.

Here's hoping I can reply to this comment in ten years and give you an update!


i love this comment.  
i feel the same as you, at 54. i hope to have an update in 10 yrs, too!
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Zep wrote:

So many candidates for that honor .. I would go with "Lady Grinning Soul" or "Panic in Detroit" or "Heroes" or most anything from Ziggy Stardust. Or of course "Space Oddity." Oh hell, it's just all awesome.


i like She Shook Me Cold, Width of a Circle and Running Gun Blues best, myself. but yes, all Bowie is fabulous to me.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
oppositelock wrote:
One of my all time favorite songs. This live performance from 2000 Live on the BBC is the best I have ever heard.

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Posted 1 year ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Love. This. Shit. Oh my God, Bowie was the best.
Posted 1 year ago by Stuff_n_Nonsense    [ Reply ]
 cdavies442 wrote:

Is it true that the songs that remind us most of the most vulnerable times in our lives-our adolescence- are then the most dear to us- as we start into the unknowns and vulnerabilities of older adulthood?


I don't think so.  My 67th birthday  is about 2 months away (2023) so perhaps my perspective is valuable.

Powerful, lasting experiences make for lasting memories.  Rarely are those experiences from emotional vulnerability for me -- which is what I think you meant.  Most of my music-triggered memories are from moments of great pleasure like an excellent meal with good friends;  deep emotion during quiet, still times with my wife; or physical exhilaration like a brisk motorcycle ride through the dark midnight and into dawn.  All of those memories occurred after I turned 50. 

There are music-triggered memories from my late adolescent years (say, 17 to 22) but they're mostly from moments of  serious intoxication where I was able to glimpse our cosmic connectedness -- and yes, you can get there through several drugs including alcohol and others.

Of course, I have many, many, many other deeply emotional memories that aren't related to music --- because music wasn't playing when they happened.  THAT may be something our younger generation, seemingly born with earbuds attached, might never experience.

Here's hoping I can reply to this comment in ten years and give you an update!
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 year ago by chiperoo    [ Reply ]
Is it true that the songs that remind us most of the most vulnerable times in our lives-our adolescence- are then the most dear to us- as we start into the unknowns and vulnerabilities of older adulthood?
Posted 1 year ago by cdavies442    [ Reply ]
 eyke wrote:


my thoughts 2 years later. 12/6/22


Still working seamlessly 26th Jan 23 :-)  No visible join
Posted 1 year ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
 planet_lizard wrote:

perfect follow-on from Tehran 1979

#lushsegue



my thoughts 2 years later. 12/6/22
Posted 1 year ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
 rgio wrote:

After hearing the live version "@ the Beeb" here on RP ... this version feels low energy and slow.  



I have rated the live version a 10. This one is only a 9
Posted 2 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Let's all hop in the Quattro and head for the pub!
Posted 2 years ago by keymaster    [ Reply ]
" -- Oh, no, not again/ I'm stuck -- with a valuable 'friend...'" So many souls lost to that bad habit it boggles the mind... But WHAT A WONDERFUL DOSE OF BOWIE THIS IS!  As always, thanks, RP!
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Remember this song from Milton Keynes Bowl in '83. About the only thing I do remember from that day !!!

Posted 3 years ago by gbt    [ Reply ]

THIS PERFORMANCE.


Posted 3 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
After hearing the live version "@ the Beeb" here on RP ... this version feels low energy and slow.  

Posted 3 years ago by rgio    [ Reply ]
My favorite Bowie Era.
Posted 3 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 Zep wrote:

So many candidates for that honor .. I would go with "Lady Grinning Soul" or "Panic in Detroit" or "Heroes" or most anything from Ziggy Stardust. Or of course "Space Oddity." Oh hell, it's just all awesome.
I agree on Heroes...I'd like to add "Sorrow"
Posted 3 years ago by parodyhas    [ Reply ]
GREAT.
Posted 4 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
perfect follow-on from Tehran 1979

#lushsegue
Posted 4 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
 oppositelock wrote:
One of my all time favorite songs.  This live performance from 2000 Live on the BBC is the best I have ever heard.

<iframe xx="560" yy="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lNqo0kIR-TU" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
 
Video is unfortunately not available 
Posted 4 years ago by geonuine    [ Reply ]
 Krispian wrote:
Best Bowie song EVER!
 
So many candidates for that honor .. I would go with "Lady Grinning Soul" or "Panic in Detroit" or "Heroes" or most anything from Ziggy Stardust. Or of course "Space Oddity." Oh hell, it's just all awesome.
Posted 4 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
 WattsUp wrote:
Have to admit, I am finding Bowie more interesting and enjoyable since he passed. What's that about?
 

Same here. A proper artist and collaborator-with-musicians.

Check out the version of this on YouTube - Live at the BBC. Bass sound! The whole gig in fact.
Posted 5 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
would like to hear more tracks from Blackstar - possibly Bowie's best album. 
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Polvere alla Polvere. My dear David. Send a message to Major Tom... I love you.
Posted 5 years ago by RickyRock    [ Reply ]
Have to admit, I am finding Bowie more interesting and enjoyable since he passed. What's that about?
Posted 6 years ago by WattsUp    [ Reply ]
{#Devil_pimp}zesty track ! would love to hear more from this album believe me its no game
Posted 6 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
A Classic 10 . I wish I had heard it live but he didnt play him when I saw him.
Posted 6 years ago by jimmpypowder    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favorite songs.  This live performance from 2000 Live on the BBC is the best I have ever heard.

<iframe xx="560" yy="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lNqo0kIR-TU" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Posted 6 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
strong outro..
Posted 6 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 jbunniii wrote:
This song is a rare perfect 10.

 
could not agree more....the bass part just kills me every time I listen. 
Posted 6 years ago by CyrusPaul    [ Reply ]
This song is a rare perfect 10.
Posted 6 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]
Have always loved the concept/lyric of "Major Tom's a junkie".
Posted 7 years ago by boxofrain    [ Reply ]
 dsz wrote:
No more Dead Bowie Please
 
Boy... you really don't like bowie... what's the beef?

Some hated ex-girl/boyfriend's fav?
Posted 7 years ago by debobasu    [ Reply ]
 dsz wrote:
No more Dead Bowie Please
 
There is no such thing... Bowie lives on... forever.
Posted 7 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
 dsz wrote:
No more Dead Bowie Please
 
 - Plead for 99 years, 'dsz', and in one hundred, Bowie will still be played everywhere.
Who will be listening to YOU?  {#Biggrin} ~
Posted 8 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
He was singular.
Posted 8 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Love this song so much...
exceptionally creative—elements of funk, as in the bass line, syncopated drum beat, then comes the crazy pronounced new wave synthesizer then the melodic chorus.  Crazy combination that only a creative genius could pull off and pull together...let alone come up with the idea.  Video is trippy and so cool as well!  Will miss Bowie!
Posted 8 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
No more Dead Bowie Please
Posted 8 years ago by dsz    [ Reply ]
sublime and wonderful
Posted 8 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
My second favorite Bowie album after Low
Love this song 
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now
Posted 8 years ago by Kassbomb    [ Reply ]
Two of the greatest innovators in music, lost too soon, back to back

David Bowie — Ashes to Ashes 
Posted 8 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 1guysomewhere wrote:

I'm asking myself the same question. When it comes to this song, and a couple others, it feels like I am listening to AM radio! {#Sick} Otherwise, this station is the best.

 
I don't really understand this statement. AM radio is capable of playing music that is good, isn't it? I pretty much never listen to AM but can recall a time when that's where the Rolling Stones were initially played. Obviously AM is saturated with dreck, but that does not therefore mean that everything played there is second rate, does it? The first Stones I ever heard was Mothers Little Helper, apparently mediocre since it was on AM radio. Maybe you didn't mean this.
Posted 8 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Magnificent. How to write a pop song. This is it.
Posted 8 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
11 hours ago RP played the live version of this
fine with me
but am i listening to RP to much? 

 
I'm asking myself the same question. When it comes to this song, and a couple others, it feels like I am listening to AM radio! {#Sick} Otherwise, this station is the best.
Posted 8 years ago by 1guysomewhere    [ Reply ]
What a great record, so many interesting things going on. I still remember hearing this in a hipster bar on a chilly afternoon in Camden Town, London, in 1995. Every time I hear it it brings me back there.
Posted 8 years ago by boontonite    [ Reply ]
Chyna Girl coming up next?
Posted 8 years ago by Milk5Cents    [ Reply ]
 Definitely.  

robertomiller wrote:
Oh so apropos...
 

 


Posted 8 years ago by barsaec    [ Reply ]
 leafmold wrote:
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky.

Love you you, Mr. Bowie.

 
Yes

Love Prince too 
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
2016 can just suck it.


Posted 8 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
Oh so apropos...
 
Posted 8 years ago by robertomiller    [ Reply ]
damn Bill,...after 2 Prince songs you remind us of  Bowie
and this one no less,....{#Meditate} 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Interesting how this follows Prince...
Posted 8 years ago by raewah    [ Reply ]
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky.

Love you you, Mr. Bowie.
Posted 8 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
Love David Bowie, hate this song.
Posted 8 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
11 hours ago RP played the live version of this
fine with me
but am i listening to RP to much? 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 8 years ago by kanga311    [ Reply ]
I saw him on TV do a version of Space Oddity in high school in 78-79 and wanted to know more. Then started listing to ChangesOne. Scary Monsters was the first album of his I listened to in proper context I suppose in that I heard it as it was released. I never turned back on my expectation of musicians and "rock stars" that they should be well rounded artists...which rarely happens. He set the bar so high for my interests I suppose he made it difficult for me be to enjoy just regular ol' rock n roll. :)
Posted 8 years ago by JohnnySockhead    [ Reply ]
 the_dude_abides wrote:
Bill, does Bowie have ANY other songs?   This a good one however it needs some rotation. 
 
I agree on rotating Major Tom. GREAT song, but it has floated in the tin can of my brain soooo many times...
Posted 8 years ago by 1guysomewhere    [ Reply ]
I'm in denial. He will never die.
Posted 8 years ago by flyboy50    [ Reply ]
 pwilster wrote:
RIP David Bowie, thank you for a lifetime of great music.

 
Amen and rest easy!
Posted 8 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
RIP David Bowie, thank you for a lifetime of great music.
Posted 8 years ago by pwilster    [ Reply ]
he is beautiful as ever
Posted 8 years ago by irma_in_goma    [ Reply ]
          
                                        Knight Morpheus  8 Traumfrau  Iris
   

                                    He knows and hopes the same for me,
   .
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
blast from the past 
Posted 9 years ago by laup    [ Reply ]
Fabulousness.
Posted 9 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
Could this man have been more ahead of his time? Brilliant.
Posted 9 years ago by Majestic    [ Reply ]
This is when I met Bowie, so to me this is Bowie even though there is much more to his body of work.
Posted 9 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Great song ... turning it UP!
Posted 9 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
Never tire of this classic.

Sheer genius. Amazing production. 
Posted 9 years ago by zigzag    [ Reply ]
 ekin wrote:


 
Get outta here with that kid's stuff. Thanks.
Posted 9 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]

Posted 9 years ago by ekin    [ Reply ]
 JohnnySockhead wrote:
Major Tom for 1980. This whole album is my fave of DB. Still creepy and strange. Yet fun. LOL.

 
"Still creepy and strange" describes the video perfectly.
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Reporting back. The Bowie exhibit is amazing! Hightly recommended to all Bowie fans. Worth the trip to Chicago. Ends Jan 4. 
Posted 9 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Bill, does Bowie have ANY other songs?   This a good one however it needs some rotation. 
Posted 9 years ago by the_dude_abides    [ Reply ]
I'd never in a million years want to be in the junkie state he's talking about, but I'm glad he can make such a powerful message about it!
Posted 10 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Ah YES!  It's actually - officially - "Bowie Day" here in Chicago, declared by the mayor, as the "Bowie Is" exhibit opens today at the MCA.  Will be awesome to check out the exhibit.  It's the only place in the USA it will be exhibited.  Perhaps I may see a few of you in my backyard!  Cheers.  BTW - one of my top 3 Bowie albums

 

Dang. Wish I still lived a couple hours away so I could (easily) go see this. : \
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
Ah YES!  It's actually - officially - "Bowie Day" here in Chicago, declared by the mayor, as the "Bowie Is" exhibit opens today at the MCA.  Will be awesome to check out the exhibit.  It's the only place in the USA it will be exhibited.  Perhaps I may see a few of you in my backyard!  Cheers.  BTW - one of my top 3 Bowie albums
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 hencini wrote:


Hmm... That's the second extremely negative comment I've seen from you today. Maybe RP isn't the station for you? {#Stupid}

 
Nothing new for our resident musical misanthrope, oldfart48. I'm surprised he didn't use one of his favorite, self-invented disparaging labels - "bubblegummi" - to describe this great song. Whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. lol

{#Rolleyes}

LowPhreak says: GET A LIFE, NINCOMPOOP48.
Posted 10 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Zounds.....Can't believe its 30 some years I've been listening to this collection.  I don't feel the years.
Posted 10 years ago by jjfflyboy    [ Reply ]
Major Tom for 1980. This whole album is my fave of DB. Still creepy and strange. Yet fun. LOL.
Posted 10 years ago by JohnnySockhead    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:

Who is Major Tong? A Chinese soldier?
 

Major Tom - space oddity...
Posted 10 years ago by pcc    [ Reply ]
 Lauriea wrote:
my mother says to get things done ya better not mess with major tong- good good album

 
Who is Major Tong? A Chinese soldier?
Posted 10 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
This was one of the most danceable albums of the early eighties.
Posted 10 years ago by PeterMC3    [ Reply ]
When you turn your stereo up, it sounds so much better.
 
Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Still Outstanding.
Posted 10 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
Perfect mixing, right after the Yuri song :)
Posted 10 years ago by gigikent    [ Reply ]
Saw him on the Station to Station tour. Great show/band.
Posted 10 years ago by dkwalika    [ Reply ]
bowie--------
Posted 10 years ago by nochesdad    [ Reply ]
my mother says to get things done ya better not mess with major tong- good good album
Posted 10 years ago by Lauriea    [ Reply ]
Outstanding - my favorite Bowie album...and thankfully I don't have to choose.  Actually no...Ziggy Stardust is....well on second thought....
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
D/B at his Funky best...................{#Bananapiano}
Posted 10 years ago by sportskid    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
twice in 4 hours is twice to many times, bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.
 
Yes, the rumours allege rather strongly that Mr. Bowie has both blown and sucked in his private life.  I submit that he has boatloads of talent, however.
Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
twice in 4 hours is twice to many times, bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.

 

Hmm... That's the second extremely negative comment I've seen from you today. Maybe RP isn't the station for you? {#Stupid}
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
Who is the keyboard/synthesizer player?  The closing of this song gives me chills every time.

Edit: found it on Wikipedia: Andy Clark
Posted 10 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
Bill's slickest seque yet!  Wow!   From Oi Va Voi -- "Yuri"  to   David Bowie -- "Ashes to Ashes"

 * Amazing * 

      {#Notworthy}


Posted 10 years ago by Hasan    [ Reply ]
he farts, he write, i don't smell the différence
oldfart48 wrote:
twice in 4 hours is twice to many times, bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.

 


Posted 10 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
funny, woke up with this song in my head this morning. just a few days ago watched this - very cool doc on ziggy/bowie: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjdpSUEHyY
 
Posted 10 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
The very first ''Major Tom'' (astronaut) was a monkey--not a junkie.
Posted 10 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
wow!!!!{#Music} David the great!
Posted 10 years ago by cebadores    [ Reply ]
{#Heartkiss}{#Heartkiss} .......... v nice
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
I like Bowie in part because of how this song sounded on Swiss pop radio in the mid-80s alongside Falco's Rock Me Amadeus and such. 
Posted 10 years ago by afrixluvguy    [ Reply ]
Crank it up!
Posted 10 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]

Hmmm.  sucks, blows and pretends...

Thank you for your intelligent words.


 
oldfart48 wrote:
twice in 4 hours is twice to many times, bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.

 


Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
twice in 4 hours is twice to many times, bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.

 


Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
 bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.

 
Ridiculous statement, says a non-Bowie fan!

The "outro" of the song is perfect!


Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
One of Bowie's best songs - and albums.
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Zillions of people would disagree with you, oldfarthead. Even spiders on Mars, scary monsters, and heathens would. {#Wink}
Posted 10 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
When I was much younger, back in the 70's, we'd say; "Eat shit and die".
 
oldfart48 wrote:
twice in 4 hours is twice to many times, bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.

 


Posted 10 years ago by bstevens1951    [ Reply ]
twice in 4 hours is twice to many times, bowie sucks. blows and pretends to have talent.
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Nice rebound from Dave here after the stinkbomb that was "Lodger".  Fashion is another decent cut off this album I'd like to hear here on RP.
Posted 11 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:
And ''My momma said, 'To get things done, you better not mess with Major Tom'.''

 JeffGuyett wrote:
Gets a 9,

just for the line:


"...We know Major Tom's a junkie..."


{#Wink}     

 



 
"One flash of light but no smoking pistol." So many great lines, really.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
David Bowie Is 

Art Exhibit currently at the AGO, Toronto, until Nov.27, 2013! It takes two and a half hours to go through it! A prolific artist, indeed.
Posted 11 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
And ''My momma said, 'To get things done, you better not mess with Major Tom'.''

 JeffGuyett wrote:
Gets a 9,

just for the line:


"...We know Major Tom's a junkie..."


{#Wink}     

 


Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Outstanding.  
Posted 11 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
you gotta be kidding......
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
Everybody is so fond of the recent Bowie album! I find it as boring as anything he did the past 25 years! This song is one of the few exceptions!

 
This comment is so like, meditative, of you, Stingray.  What, did you like go and join some Zen monastery?   
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Great album sleeve... by my mate Edward Bell who was paid a paltry £500.
Posted 11 years ago by Chingachgook    [ Reply ]
Love this version.
Posted 11 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
Strong contender for the best Bowie song overall. Rare 10 from me.
Posted 11 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]