There's a Star That Went Out · 8:28am Jan 12th, 2016
I feel like I'm uniquely unqualified to really talk about the passing of David Bowie, as if he meant something to me. I mean I loved his music, but he was always one of those artists I sang along to whenever he came on, but didn't own a single album by. He wasn't the music of my adolescence (Sting) or the music of my childhood (can't even remember) or of when I first went to junior high (The Aquabats- no, really). But he was always there. Around me. I remember seeing Labyrinth and feeling overwhelmed as I was introduced to him for the first time as a performer, not just a voice on the radio. I remember feeling like I should get to know this man more as an artist.
But mostly, I remember this song.
"Rebel, Rebel" is probably not the song David Bowie is going to be remembered for. Not when his career includes Ziggy Stardust, Space Oddity, an album he timed to his death- he timed an album release to coincide with his oncoming death. I can't even imagine how much it took to pull that off.
But I'm going to remember him for "Rebel, Rebel". Not just for how fun it is to hum. Not just for the catchy guitar riffs. Not just for his delivery, which has a stage actor's bravado on every single track he's ever put out.
I'm going to remember Rebel, Rebel for the first lines. I heard this song in 2011 for the first time, if you can believe that.
And I heard these lines.
"You've got your mother in a whirl,
she's not sure if you're a boy or a girl-"
I really don't think I need to explain why that meant something to me.
...this song has played in the back of my head forever. Every time I've played it I've always told myself that yes, this time I'm going to go out, buy the whole bowie discography, and build a shrine to the man. This time, I said, I'm going to really get to know you, David Bowie.
Well now it's too late in some ways. David Bowie's music will be here forever. David Bowie, apparently, will not.
If there's a heaven I'd pry open its gates until they admitted you, David Bowie. But I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be necessary.
