By Lucie M. Winborne, ReMind Magazine
Since the beginning of time, humans have looked to the stars with fascination and dreamed of what lies beyond them. In that time, many musicians have created their own unique interpretations of the eternal question of how humans might fare in that seemingly endless expanse, as evidenced in these five “celestial” compositions.
“Space Oddity”
David Bowie admitted that he was on a bit of an unearthly journey of his own when inspiration for his 1969 tune struck, thanks to the fact that he was “very stoned” when he went to see 2001: A Space Odyssey. The tale of Major Tom floating ’round his tin can became a hit for the singer, and in 2013 astronaut Chris Hadfield performed it on the International Space Station. On Facebook, an impressed Bowie called the historic video “possibly the most poignant version of the song ever created.”
“Across the Universe”
While John Lennon’s lyrics reflected the Beatles’ interest in Transcendental Meditation, its roots were decidedly earthbound: The line “Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup” was sparked by first wife Cynthia’s nagging. As Lennon later explained, “I was a bit irritated and I went downstairs and it turned into a sort of cosmic song rather than ‘Why are you always mouthing off at me?’”
“Rocket Man”
A short story by Ray Bradbury gets the ultimate credit for this Elton John classic about a lonely man sent to live on Mars as a scientific experiment, torn between dedication to his “job five days a week” and family back on Earth, with lyricist Bernie Taupin noting, “It’s common knowledge that songwriters are great thieves, and this is a perfect example.” The song rose to No. 2 in the U.K. and No. 6 in the U.S., and has been covered by luminaries ranging from Kate Bush to Alvin and the Chipmunks.
“Walking On the Moon”
In a video filmed at the Kennedy Space Center, this reggae-flavored ode to space exploration even featured Stewart Copeland drumming on a Saturn V moon rocket, but the original title and riff owed their existence to Sting’s late-night inebriation in a Munich hotel suite and attempt to clear his head by “walking ’round the room.” Sobered up the next day, he changed what he called “a stupid title” to “something even more stupid.”
“The Final Countdown”
Based on a keyboard riff from the early ’80s, with lyrics inspired by “Space Oddity,” a tune not even originally intended for release as a single hit No. 1 in 25 countries for Swedish rockers Europe and remains a crowd-rallying favorite at sporting events. And though they didn’t make it to Venus, writer Joey Tempest said that here on terra firma, “It does communicate so well with the audience and we really love playing it.”