Song meaning of Ashes to Ashes by Tears for Fears

"Ashes to Ashes" by Tears for Fears is a song that delves into themes of addiction, self-destruction, and the struggle to maintain a clean and stable life. The lyrics reference a character named Major Tom, who is portrayed as a junkie and serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own struggles.

The song begins with the line, "Do you remember a guy that's been in such an early song?" This line suggests a nostalgic reflection on the past, possibly referring to a time when the narrator was more innocent or carefree. However, the following line, "I've heard a rumour from Ground Control, oh no, don't say it's true," reveals that something has changed and the narrator has received news about Major Tom's downfall.

The chorus, "Ashes to ashes, fun to funky, we know Major Tom's a junkie, strung out in heaven's high, hitting an all-time low," captures the essence of the song's meaning. The phrase "ashes to ashes" is a reference to the cycle of life and death, suggesting that Major Tom's addiction has brought him to a point of self-destruction. The line "strung out in heaven's high, hitting an all-time low" further emphasizes the contrast between the euphoria of drug use and the devastating consequences it brings.

Throughout the song, the narrator expresses their own struggles with addiction. In the second verse, they sing, "Time and again I tell myself I'll stay clean tonight, but the little green wheels are following me, oh no, not again." This line portrays the constant battle the narrator faces in trying to resist their own temptations. The mention of "little green wheels" could symbolize the allure and persistence of addiction, always lurking in the background.

The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's desire for change and a fresh start. In the second pre-chorus, they sing, "I've never done good things, I've never done bad things, I've never done anything out of the blue, woah. I want an axe to break the ice, I wanna come down right now." These lines express a longing for a drastic shift in their life, a desire to break free from the cycle of addiction and start anew.

In the outro, the repetition of the line "My mama said, to get things done, you'd better not mess with Major Tom" suggests that the narrator's mother serves as a voice of reason and caution, warning against getting involved with Major Tom's destructive path.

Overall, "Ashes to Ashes" is a poignant exploration of addiction, self-destruction, and the constant struggle to break free from destructive patterns. The song's lyrics and imagery paint a vivid picture of the consequences of addiction and the desire for change.