The meaning of Ashes To Ashes by David Bowie

David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" is a song that has been widely interpreted as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of mortality. Released in 1980, it was the lead single from his album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) and marked a significant departure from his earlier work.

The lyrics of "Ashes to Ashes" are characterized by their surreal, dreamlike quality, with imagery that is both vivid and unsettling. The song's narrator finds himself trapped in a never-ending cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, with the lines "Time will tell if we stand tall / Your Arab boy was executed" serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of human life.

Musically, the song is notable for its use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, which give it a distinctly futuristic feel. The song's distinctive bassline, played by bassist George Murray, has been praised for its innovative use of delay effects to create a sense of space and atmosphere.

The song's video, directed by David Mallett, is also worth noting, featuring Bowie as the Pierrot character from the 17th-century puppet show. The video was groundbreaking in its use of stop-motion animation and helped to cement "Ashes to Ashes" as one of the most iconic and enduring songs of Bowie's career.

Despite its somewhat abstract lyrics, "Ashes to Ashes" has been interpreted by many fans and critics as a reflection on Bowie's own mortality. Recorded during a period of great personal turmoil for the singer, including his marriage troubles and struggles with addiction, the song is often seen as a meditation on the impermanence of human existence.

Throughout the song, Bowie's voice is characterized by its distinctive phrasing and delivery, which adds to the overall sense of unease and disorientation. His delivery is particularly notable in the song's chorus, where he sings "Ashes to ashes / Funk to funky" with a sense of detachment that adds to the song's unsettling atmosphere.

Overall, "Ashes to Ashes" is a song that defies easy interpretation, instead offering a rich tapestry of imagery and sound that invites listeners to draw their own conclusions. As one of Bowie's most iconic and enduring songs, it continues to fascinate audiences to this day.