Life On Mars? By David Bowie Lyrics Analysis

[john]

 

Analysis of David Bowie's "Life On Mars?"

 

"Life On Mars?" is a standout track from David Bowie's album "Hunky Dory," released in 1971. It’s a track I’ve been fascinated by for as long as I can remember. I have notes on this song’s lyrics, melody and chord progressions going back decades. I’m still working through learning to play a few of the piano parts the correct way! It contains my favourite line of lyrics, “Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow” and Rick Wakeman’s piano parts scream “play me, if you can” throughout Hunky Dory. “Life On Mars?” was the first of them I learned, even if that first version I learned was pretty basic.

 

These are the reasons why I chose this song as my first analysis. It’s beautiful, to me, and digging into it allows me to share some of the beauty I see, with you my fellow musicians, songwriters, music producers and music enthusiasts. Hopefully this will go a little way to help deepen your understanding of Bowie’s work.

 

I’ll be looking at the song title, the song form, the lyrics and melody, the use of harmony, arrangement, and the recording and music production techniques used in the song. It’s a lot to cover, but I love this song.

 

 

The Title

 

“Life On Mars?”

 

It seems the sensible place to start this analysis. It’s the first part of the song that most people encounter. We use it to request the song from DJs. It’s the name we use when we look at the song list on playlists. It’s usually the handle we use when talking about a song to friends. Often, it’s related to the main song hook, so it’s what we remember about the song after we hear it. So, it’s worth some dedicated analysis, and it seems like a reasonable place to get started!

 

Title Choice

 

The title "Life On Mars?" is enigmatic and thought-provoking. It immediately grabs your attention. It suggests depth. A possible exploration of existential questions and maybe even the search for meaning beyond our world. The question mark adds a layer of intrigue, implying uncertainty and curiosity, which are themes that resonate throughout the song. It’s a lot to accomplish with a simple punctuation mark.

 

Strengths

The title "Life On Mars?" Is intriguing and mysterious. It immediately grabs your attention with its inherent mystery. The question mark adds an element of curiosity, prompting listeners to wonder about the song’s themes and content.

The title uses evocative imagery to conjure up space and the unknown. It taps into our human fascination with outer space and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. This evokes a sense of wonder and exploration.

By posing a question, “Life On Mars?” suggests deeper philosophical and existential themes. There’s a hint of the search for meaning and answers in life, which are central themes in the song.

 

The title is memorable. It is short, catchy, and easy to remember. Its uniqueness makes sure that it stands out, making it easier for people to recall and discuss the song.

The title uses cultural references to broaden the meaning by subtly referring to the cultural context of the time, with a nod towards the space race and the widespread fascination with space exploration in the 1970s. This places the song at a specific historical and cultural moment, which adds depth through layers of meaning.

 

Weaknesses

While the ambiguity of the title is a strength, from a different perspective it can also be seen as a weakness. Some listeners might find it confusing or might miss its connection to the song’s themes without further listening or context.

 

The title sets expectations that may not be fulfilled by the actual content of the song. For example, it might lead some listeners to expect a song explicitly about space or science fiction, which is not the case.

 

The actual content of the song is more about terrestrial issues and human disillusionment, which could create a disconnect for some listeners.

The title might have a niche appeal. For example, the reference to Mars and outer space might appeal more to fans of science fiction or space exploration, potentially limiting its immediate appeal to a broader audience.

 

What the Title Brings to the Song

The title adds thematic depth to the song. It sets the stage for the song’s exploration of themes like disillusionment, existential questioning, and the search for meaning. It aligns with the lyrical content, which touches on societal issues and personal introspection.

The title provides a conceptual framework for the listener. It suggests a journey or quest for answers, paralleling the protagonist’s emotional and intellectual journey within the song.

The sense of wonder and mystery evoked by the title adds emotional resonance to the song. It enhances the listener's engagement by inviting them to ponder big questions about life and existence.

 

What the Title Conveys to the Listener

The title prompts curiosity and a sense of wonder about what the song will explore. It signals that the song may delve into profound or unusual topics.

By posing a question, the title indicates that the song will address themes of existential inquiry and the human condition. It suggests a search for meaning and understanding in a complex world.

The question mark in the title hints at uncertainty and disillusionment, themes that are central to the song’s lyrics. It conveys a sense of questioning and dissatisfaction with the status quo.

 

All-in-all, the title "Life On Mars?" is a powerful and evocative choice that contributes significantly to the song’s impact. Its strengths lie in its ability to intrigue, evoke imagery, and suggest deeper themes, while its weaknesses are primarily related to potential ambiguity and niche appeal. The title enhances the song by providing a conceptual and thematic framework that resonates with listeners and invites them into Bowie's introspective and questioning world.

 

Song Form/Song Structure

 

"Life On Mars?" has a more complex and varied structure using several key changes. The structure follows a somewhat traditional format with some unique twists. It follows a modified Verse/Chrous or AB song form. It uses an additional Pre-Chorus and a transitional bridge section.

 

Complexity and Structure

 

Multiple Sections Beyond AB

 

"Life On Mars?" features several distinct sections beyond a simple verse (A) and chorus (B). The song sections include verses, a pre-chorus, chorus, an instrumental bridge, and an outro. This complexity is beyond that of a simple AB form, which typically involves just two main sections repeated throughout the song.

 

Pre-Chorus

 

The pre-chorus that builds tension and bridges the verse and chorus. This pre-chorus serves as a distinct section that is crucial for transition between the musical keys of the verse and chorus.

 

Bridge (Instrumental Section)

 

The instrumental break or bridge in "Life On Mars?" provides a departure from the verse and chorus sections, offering a new musical idea and adding to the song’s dynamic range.

 

The Sections

 

• Verse 1 (A)
• Pre-Chorus
• Chorus (B)
• Bridge (Instrumental Break)
• Verse 2 (A)
• Pre-Chorus
• Final Chorus (B)
• Outro

 

Verse

 

Each verse introduces new lyrical content while maintaining the same melodic framework, ensuring consistency and coherence.

 

Pre-Chorus and Chorus

 

The pre-chorus and chorus provide a dynamic shift from the verses, with rising melodies and anthemic qualities that highlight the song's emotional peaks.

 

Instrumental Bridge

 

The instrumental break adds variety and maintains listener interest, offering a moment of reflection before the final chorus.

 

Tension and Release

 

The pre-chorus and chorus sections create tension and release with the pre-chorus serving to heighten the sense of anticipation before the chorus.

 

The song’s dynamics shift significantly between sections, particularly from the verses to the pre-chorus, and pre-chorus to chorus. This dynamic shift adds to the song’s complexity.

 

"Life On Mars?" uses a more sophisticated song structure that includes multiple distinct sections beyond the basic verse-chorus (AB) form. The inclusion of a pre-chorus, instrumental bridge, and varied outro, along with dynamic shifts and complex transitions, place the song in a more advanced structural category. This complexity contributes to the song’s enduring appeal and emotional impact, setting it apart from simpler AB forms.

 

Lyrics

 

David Bowie's lyrics in "Life On Mars?" are complex and known for their use of vivid imagery, surrealism, and social commentary. Bowie uses a mix of direct narrative, cultural references, and abstract imagery to create a multifaceted lyrical experience. The song paints a picture of disillusionment with modern life and media.

 

The AB form is a classic structure in songwriting, but Bowie's use of extended verses, pre-chorus, varied lyrics, and the instrumental bridge adds complexity and depth, making "Life On Mars?" a standout example of his innovative approach to song composition.

 

Verse 1

 

"It's a god-awful small affair,

To the girl with the mousy hair,

But her mummy is yelling 'No',

And her daddy has told her to go"

The opening line sets a tone of disillusionment, dissatisfaction and triviality. The description "god-awful small affair" suggests that the subject matter is insignificant or mundane. The protagonist, a girl is then characterized by her unremarkable, "mousy" hair, implying she is ordinary or overlooked. Her mummy “yelling no” suggests conflict at home, with the girl's mother forbidding something, contributing to her feelings of oppression or frustration. The theme continues with her father rejecting or dismissing her, exacerbating her sense of alienation.

 

"But her friend is nowhere to be seen,

Now she walks through her sunken dream,

To the seat with the clearest view,

And she's hooked to the silver screen"

 

The story continues with the girl feeling isolated, with no support from friends, underlining her loneliness and helplessness. "Sunken dream" implies her aspirations have been crushed or diminished, and she is navigating through her failed hopes, reinforcing her sense of being trapped. She seeks clarity or escape, metaphorically represented by finding the best seat to view something, likely a movie or television. "Silver screen" refers to cinema, indicating she finds solace or distraction in movies, escaping reality through fantasy.

 

Pre-Chorus/Rise 1

 

"But the film is a saddening bore,

For she's lived it ten times or more,

She could spit in the eyes of fools,

As they ask her to focus on"

 

The pre-chorus builds tension by describing the girl's disillusionment with media and entertainment. Even the movies fail to provide true escape or satisfaction, reflecting her disillusionment with escapism. It perhaps intones that the story of the girl itself is an old story, heard many times before. It is boring. The suggested repetitiveness and predictability in her life and in the films she watches, only emphasizes her boredom and dissatisfaction. There’s an implied contempt for those who are satisfied with superficial entertainment or those who don't see the world as she does. She resents societal pressure to conform or pay attention to trivial matters.

 

Chorus

 

"Sailors fighting in the dance hall,

Oh man! Look at those cavemen go,

It's the freakiest show

Take a look at the Lawman beating up the wrong guy,

Oh man! Wonder if he'll ever know,

He's in the best selling show,

Is there life on Mars?"

 

The chorus shifts to a broader social commentary, using vivid and surreal imagery. It juxtaposes images of sailors (order, discipline) with a dance hall (chaos, frivolity), reflecting the absurdity and contradictions in society. By adding "Cavemen" it juxtaposes the modern with primitive or regressive behavior, critiquing how modern people act primitively despite advances. It hints at the cyclical nature of human behavior, and the absurdity of society is highlighted as a spectacle, something bizarre and unsettling to watch. Critiques authority figures (the Lawman) for misusing their power, suggesting corruption or incompetence. Expresses doubt that those in power (or society at large) will ever realize or correct their mistakes.

 

The actions of the Lawman and societal absurdities are not only accepted but celebrated as popular entertainment.

The central existential question, questioning the existence of life (or a better life) elsewhere, reflects deep disillusionment with earthly life.

 

Verse 2

 

"It's on America's tortured brow,

That Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow,

Now the workers have struck for fame,

Cause Lennon's on sale again"

 

This verse introduces more explicit social and political commentary, with references to American culture and iconic figures. There is a suggestion that the country (America) is under strain or facing significant issues, personified as a "tortured brow.". Mickey Mouse, a symbol of innocence and entertainment, is contrasted with a cow, implying something beloved has become mundane or corrupted. The absurdity of "Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow" highlights the distortion of ideals and innocence. The reference to labor strikes, with workers seeking recognition or fame, not just better conditions, highlights a shift in societal values. The Lennon line refers to John Lennon, symbolizing how even counterculture icons are commercialized and commodified.

 

"See the mice in their million hordes,

From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads,

Rule Britannia is out of bounds,

To my mother, my dog, and clowns"

 

Imagery of masses of mice suggests a dehumanized, overcrowded, and overwhelming population. Geographical contrast between the hedonistic Ibiza and the more sedate Norfolk Broads, representing a wide societal scope.

Implies the decline of British imperialism or national pride, indicating change and disillusionment with former glories. Personalizes the narrative, acknowledging close relationships (mother, dog) and absurdity (clowns), blending personal and societal critique.

 

Pre-Chorus/Rise 2

 

"But the film is a saddening bore,

‘Cause I wrote it ten times or more,

It's about to be writ again,

As I ask you to focus on"

 

Again the pre-chorus builds tension. It repeats the theme of disillusionment with escapism through media and entertainment. The repetition ("ten times or more") draws attention to her boredom and frustration. The cycle of predictability and boredom is about to repeat, again. This echoes the earlier line, emphasizing the pressure to pay attention to trivial matters.

 

Chorus 2

 

"Sailors fighting in the dance hall,

Oh man! Look at those cavemen go,

It's the freakiest show,

Take a look at the Lawman beating up the wrong guy,

Oh man! Wonder if he'll ever know,

He's in the best selling show,

Is there life on Mars?"

This repeat of the chorus has slight variations. It reinforces the song’s central themes and brings it to a powerful conclusion. It repeats the imagery of societal contradictions and restates the critique about primitive behavior in modern society. It emphasizes the absurdity of the spectacle and again critiques authority figures. It questions whether awareness or change will occur and comments on the commercialization of the issues of society. It repeats the question about existence, and underscores the deep dissatisfaction with life on Earth.

 

Themes and Imagery

 

The recurring theme of disillusionment with modern life and media is prevalent throughout the song. The main character’s sense of boredom and entrapment reflects a broader existential angst.

 

Bowie employs surreal and absurd imagery to critique societal norms and behaviors. The use of characters like sailors, cavemen, and Mickey Mouse in bizarre contexts highlights the absurdity of societal values and conflicts.

 

The song is rich with cultural references that provide context and depth. These references serve as anchors, grounding the surreal imagery in recognizable elements of pop culture and politics.

 

The transformation of Mickey Mouse into a cow symbolizes the loss of innocence and the corruption of ideals. This juxtaposition is a powerful commentary on the changes in society and culture.

 

Song Hooks

 

Bowie uses several lyrical hooks to make the song memorable and impactful. The lyrical hooks reinforce the existential questions and themes.

 

"Life on Mars?"

 

The title itself, used in the pre-chorus, acts as a central hook. It's a thought-provoking question that encapsulates the song's themes of exploration and existential inquiry.

 

Phrases like "Is there life on Mars?" serve as lyrical hooks that anchor the song’s themes and are easily recognizable.

 

"Oh man! Look at those cavemen go"

 

This line in the chorus is a standout hook, combining a catchy rhythm with striking imagery. It’s both a critique and an observation of human behavior.

 

"It's the freakiest show"

 

Another chorus hook, this line emphasizes the surreal and absurd nature of the world as depicted in the song. It’s memorable for its vividness and encapsulation of the song’s tone.

 

"Sailors fighting in the dance hall"

 

This line juxtaposes conflicting images, creating a hook that draws attention through its unexpectedness and vividness.

 

“Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow”

 

Mid-verse is not prime real estate for a hook. This one is not repeated but it still acts as a hook. It is a wonderfully surreal visual that creates a great verse hook through the absurdity of the image. It draws attention to the loss of innocence and the corruption of ideals and emphasises it using the absurd contrast. Still, it's probably my favorite individual line in a song!

 

 

I'd love to hear any thoughts opinions or feedback on this analysis. I have a second topic in development, a musical analysis of "Life On Mars?". It's an interesting song!

 

Cheers

 

John