David Bowie's song "Space Oddity" is an otherworldly tale of an astronaut about to embark on his first mission into space. Throughout the song, the tone is apprehensive and foreboding, as if it is telling a cautionary tale against going into space. Bowie uses such ominous language as "may Gods love be with you" to hint at the possibility for disaster and the need for all the help possible when going on a voyage into space. Bowie's wonder for outer space is portrayed when he says "the stars look very different today", talking about the difference between observing the sky from behind the earth's atmosphere and from beyond it. In the chorus of the song, Major Tom talks about how he's "floating in an tin can", expressing the fragility of space travel. In the end, Major Tom appears to become disconnected from ground control and his life back on earth. Concerned, ground control calls to Major Tom, "Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong," frantically trying to alert Major Tom so he can rescue himself from the soul-sucking abyss of outer space. The song's structure, from Major Tom embarking on his journey, having "made the grade", to him floating away from Earth, logically conveys the sentiment at the time of many that the unknown of space was not someplace humans were destined to go.
- Robert
I completely agree with your analysis. Something I had thought about while reading this and listening to the song, was the beat and tone of his voice. Not sure if this completely relates to logos but I felt as though "Major Tom" described space as mesmerizing and enthralling. It seemed as though he was addicted and never wanted to leave. He tells ground control to tell his wife he loves her. He says this almost as if he loved space more than his wife. I felt the song was more inspiring and made me want to venture into space as opposed to ominous as you described it. Just a different interpretation i suppose.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input! I definitely see what you're saying. I suppose the song does contain more wonder than fear, but I feel like the ending with major tom floating off into space might have been meant to serve as a warning, though we're all open to our own interpretations.
ReplyDelete- Robert
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