What's Happening?
David Bowie's iconic 1980 single 'Ashes To Ashes' was unexpectedly inspired by the children's song 'Inchworm,' performed by Danny Kaye in the 1952 film musical 'Hans Christian Andersen.' Bowie revealed in 2003 that the melody of 'Inchworm' had stayed
with him since childhood and influenced many of his songs. He described 'Inchworm' as 'extraordinary' and 'melancholic,' noting its childlike and fairy-tale quality, which he explicitly linked to 'Ashes To Ashes.' The song also saw the return of Bowie's character Major Tom from 'Space Oddity,' reimagined as a drug addict, reflecting Bowie's personal reckoning with his past.
Why It's Important?
This insight into Bowie's creative process is important because it reveals the complex and often unexpected sources of inspiration for groundbreaking art. It demonstrates how seemingly disparate elements—a simple children's tune and a sophisticated pop-rock track—can converge to create something profoundly original. For musicologists and fans, it offers a deeper understanding of Bowie's artistic evolution and his ability to weave personal history and cultural references into his work. The reintroduction of Major Tom with a darker narrative also highlights Bowie's continuous reinvention and his use of existing characters to explore new themes, making 'Ashes To Ashes' a landmark track in his discography.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of 'Ashes To Ashes' and its 'Inchworm' inspiration extends beyond musical trivia, touching on broader themes of memory, childhood influence, and artistic transformation. It suggests that the foundations of creativity are often laid in early experiences, which can resurface and be reinterpreted in mature works. Bowie's ability to transform a melancholic children's melody into a complex exploration of disillusionment and addiction speaks to the power of art to convey profound messages through unexpected forms. The song's accompanying video, featuring Bowie as Pierrot and incorporating figures from London's emerging New Romantic scene, further cemented its cultural impact, illustrating how music, fashion, and visual art converged in the early 1980s.
