David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
David Bowie kicked off the great lyrics early in his career. “Space Oddity” from 1969 perhaps isn't as quirky or hard-hitting as some of his later work, but it hits the mark in its poignancy. "For here am I sitting in a tin can / Far above the world / Planet Earth is blue / And there's nothing I can do.”
The story of Major Tom in the space capsule circling the earth brings a real feeling of isolation. Especially as the story unfolds and contact between Earth and the capsule is lost. It’s also worth a mention here of Bowie’s lyrics for “Ashes To Ashes” years later, as he touches on his earlier song. "Ashes to ashes, Funk to funky / We know Major Tom's a junkie / Strung out in heaven's high / Hitting an all-time low.” A nice touch and clever writing.
Pink Floyd – “Time”
One of several peak moments for Roger Waters lyrically. His thoughts on time passing quickly and missing the moment are very thoughtful. He has described the song as realising he wasn't preparing for his life at the time, but was living it. “And then one day you find / Ten years have got behind you / No one told you when to run / You missed the starting gun.”
It’s a grab the moment, don't miss it point for everyone to heed.
Bob Dylan – “Like a Rolling Stone”
Another of classic rock's top poets and lyricists. Bob Dylan is another must-include on any list. Again there could be several of his songs here, but I’ll go with “Like a Rolling Stone.” The words all fit together so well, and go hand in hand with the tune and its slowed-down pace.
Yet it didn't start out that way. Dylan admits it began life as a 10-20 page long flow of words, he has used the word vomit to describe the words, and that process. Not exactly complimentary. But the tone, the aggressive questioning, and the stance in the lyrics all help make the song. “How does it feel / To be on your own / With no direction home / Like a complete unknown / Like a rolling stone?” Instantly recognisable and driving the switch from Dylan as a folk singer to a rock star.
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