Lady Stardust 2025 Remaster

Details

Description

Lady Stardust" is a song by David Bowie, featured on his iconic album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. It's often interpreted as a tribute to fellow glam rock icon Marc Bolan. The song, originally titled "He Was Alright (A Song for Marc)", explores themes of androgyny and acceptance, portraying a character who embraces a non-traditional gender presentation. The lyrics depict a figure who, initially ridiculed, finds acceptance and admiration through their music and stage presence.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Inspiration: The song is believed to be inspired by Marc Bolan, the lead singer of T. Rex. Bowie admired Bolan's flamboyant stage presence and androgynous style, which heavily influenced the Ziggy Stardust persona.
Androgyny and Acceptance: "Lady Stardust" presents a character who challenges traditional gender roles, wearing makeup, having long hair, and expressing themselves through music. The song highlights how this character's unique style initially draws mockery but ultimately leads to acceptance and admiration, suggesting a broader message of embracing individuality.
"He was Alright": The original title, "He Was Alright (A Song for Marc)", emphasizes the song's focus on Bolan and the idea of Bowie's character finding his place and confidence.
Not a Trans Character: While the song explores themes of androgyny, it's generally understood to be about a character who challenges traditional gender norms rather than a transgender individual. The androgyny in the song is more about challenging societal expectations than gender identity.
Staged Drama: The song contributes to the overall theatricality of the Ziggy Stardust album, showcasing how Bowie used music to explore themes of celebrity worship and societal pressures

lyrics

People stared at the makeup on his face
Laughed at his long black hair, his animal grace
The boy in the bright blue jeans
Jumped up on the stage
Lady Stardust sang his songs
Of darkness and disgrace
And he was alright, the band was altogether
Yes, he was alright, the song went on forever
Yes, he was awful nice
Really quite out of sight
And he sang all night long
Femme fatales emerged from shadows
To watch this creature fair
Boys stood upon their chairs
To make their point of view
I smiled sadly for a love
I could not obey
Lady Stardust sang his songs
Of darkness and dismay
And he was alright, the band was altogether
Yes, he was alright, his song went on forever
And he was awful nice
Really quite paradise
And he sang all night, all night long
Oh, how I sighed when they asked if I knew his name
Oh, that was alright, the band was altogether
Yes, he was alright and the song went on forever
He was awful nice
Really quite paradise
He sang all night long