David BowieIt is Space weirdness has maintained a lasting cultural legacy since its release in 1969, resonating deeply with listeners who identify with its themes of isolation and exploration. Recently, the song even appeared in Venom: The Last Danceadding yet another layer to its evolving importance in modern storytelling. Today, the song’s relevance has taken on new dimensions, as it has also become a ‘go-to song’ for the tech billionaire. Elon Musk has Donald TrumpIt is Mar-a-Lagowhere Musk became a prominent figure. Musk’s influence on Trump has become notable, as the two are regularly seen together, and Musk’s presence now plays a central role in Trump’s inner circle.
The choice of Space Oddity as Musk’s backing song is appropriate. Known for his ambitious space adventures with SpaceX, Musk embodies the respect, ambition and ambivalence that David Bowie expressed through Major Tomthe astronaut protagonist of Space Oddity who loses contact with Earth and drifts alone in space. Major Tom’s fate reflects the tensions surrounding exploration and the unknown, and Musk, like Major Tom, is often seen as someone navigating uncharted territory with both vision and a degree of isolation. His work pushes technological boundaries and reshapes industries, but his presence often raises questions about the implications of his influence and ambitions.

When Space Oddity was first released, it coincided with a cultural fascination with space exploration. The song was released just five days before the Apollo 11 moon landing, as the United States and the Soviet Union vied for milestones in the space race, reflecting national pride and scientific progress. The moon landing, the culmination of this quest, represented optimism about the potential of humanity. Yet Bowie’s Space Oddity presented a darker, introspective vision, focusing on the psychological and existential consequences of space exploration rather than his triumphs. Major Tom’s journey into the unknown reflected societal ambivalence about the promises and risks of technological progress and the human cost of exploration.

A key theme of Space Oddity is alienation. Major Tom’s journey reflects the individual experience of drifting in an increasingly complex and changing world. As he loses contact with Ground Control and becomes detached from Earth, Major Tom embodies a sense of isolation and the human desire for connection in the midst of a vast and indifferent universe. Bowie’s lyrics, “And I’m floating in a very peculiar way, and the stars are very different today,” speak to this particular disconnect. The song has become a metaphor for the modern life experience, as people navigate a world of technological connectivity while paradoxically feeling isolated.
The song’s title was a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, a historical science fiction film released in 1968 that explored themes of evolution, artificial intelligence and of the unknown. Kubrick’s film and Bowie’s song examine the psychological and existential challenges of space travel, reflecting society’s fascination and fear of the cosmos. Kubrick’s depiction of space as both awe-inspiring and intimidating found a parallel in Bowie’s Space Oddity, with Bowie using innovative production techniques like the Stylophone and Mellotron to create a strange and otherworldly soundscape that matched the atmosphere of the film. Like Kubrick, Bowie created an experience that invited listeners to confront the vast and mysterious cosmos through Major Tom’s fateful journey.

Space Oddity marked a pivotal moment in David Bowie’s career, shaping his public persona and artistic direction. Although it wasn’t his first release, it made him a groundbreaking artist who isn’t afraid to explore unconventional themes. Bowie used Space Oddity as a springboard to explore identity and transformation, themes he would revisit through characters like Ziggy Stardust and Thin White Duke. Major Tom allowed Bowie to experiment with his character, embodying the outsider’s point of view in a way that resonated with audiences. Bowie’s exploration of alienation and otherness established him as a voice for those who also felt marginalized or disconnected, making Space Oddity a powerful anthem of empathy and introspection.
In recent years, Space Oddity has found new relevance. In addition to becoming Musk’s song, it was notably featured in Venom: The Last Dance, connecting the song’s themes to a new generation and a broader context of alienation and inner conflict. This appearance reflects the song’s continued resonance with audiences, as it encapsulates the universal themes of isolation, exploration, and the unknown. Space Oddity has also been widely mentioned in other films, covered by many artists and even performed in space by astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard the International Space Station, bringing the song full circle as it reached the cosmos that she describes so hauntingly.

Through these continued references, Bowie’s Space Oddity transcended its era of origin, capturing both the spirit of its era and the timeless questions about humanity’s place in the universe. In today’s cultural landscape, Space Oddity speaks to modern figures like Musk and movie characters like Venom, adding new layers of meaning to its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. Major Tom’s drift into the unknown endures as a metaphor for the human experience: our curiosity, our vulnerability, and our desire for connection in a world of rapid change and technological advancement. Whether through its use in Venom, its symbolic connection to Musk, or its timeless appeal, Space Oddity remains a powerful meditation on what it means to explore, be isolated, and search for meaning in the midst of an ever-expanding universe.