10 Popular Songs That Transcend Earth, Visit Mars, and Inspire Us
Mars has long been a fascination not only for astronomers and science fiction authors, but also for musicians. The mysterious and enigmatic nature of the Red Planet has inspired countless songs, offering unique metaphors and imagery for artists to play with. Today, we'll explore 10 popular songs that feature Mars and Space in some capacity.
"Life on Mars?" - David Bowie
This 1971 track from Bowie's "Hunky Dory" album is a cornerstone of pop culture, raising profound existential questions through its poignant lyrics. Bowie often flirted with extraterrestrial themes in his music, and "Life on Mars?" embodies this perfectly."Rocket Man" - Elton John
While Elton John's "Rocket Man" doesn't explicitly mention Mars, it tells the tale of an astronaut feeling isolated in space. The lyrics allow listeners to imagine the far-reaching solitude of our neighboring planet. It's a poetic exploration of the psychological implications of space travel."Drops of Jupiter" - Train
Another song that doesn't explicitly mention Mars but captures the essence of exploring the cosmos. Train's 2001 hit asks the question, "Did you sail across the sun? Did you make it to the Milky Way?" It's a metaphorical journey that Mars falls within, making it a perfect fit for our list."Supermassive Black Hole" - Muse
British rock band Muse has a penchant for the cosmic and the otherworldly, both musically and lyrically. While the title references a black hole, the song's overall vibe speaks to the mystery and vastness of space, painting an image where Mars and other celestial bodies reside."Walking on the Moon" - The Police
Although the title might reference Earth's moon, the lyrics contain a broader appreciation for space and celestial bodies. The Police offer listeners an auditory trip into the cosmos, and Mars is certainly part of that journey."39" - Queen
Queen's Brian May wrote this folk rock song from their "A Night at the Opera" album. It tells the story of a group of space explorers who embark on a year-long voyage, only to return and find everyone they knew aged by a century due to time dilation. Although Mars isn't specifically mentioned, the song creates a captivating sci-fi narrative that could very well include the Red Planet."Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" - The Carpenters
The Carpenters covered this Klaatu song in 1977, telling the story of a broadcast message sent to extraterrestrial beings. The track captures the universal curiosity about what lies beyond our own planet, with Mars being a prime candidate for extraterrestrial life."Space Oddity" - David Bowie
Bowie's "Space Oddity" paints a vivid picture of an astronaut's journey into the great unknown. This classic track leaves listeners with a sense of wonder and melancholy, emotions often associated with the exploration of planets like Mars."Venus and Mars" - Paul McCartney & Wings
Featured on the album of the same name, "Venus and Mars" opens the record with an atmospheric tune that evokes the vastness of space and the exploration of the unknown."Saturn Return" - R.E.M.
While the song references Saturn in the title, its haunting lyrics and otherworldly melodies take the listener on a journey to the stars, Mars included. It's an exploration of the cosmic, personal, and spiritual dimensions of life.
Music has the power to inspire and transport us to different worlds, and these songs are a testament to that fact. They allow us to imagine what it might be like to traverse the vast expanse of space and set foot on the enigmatic surface of Mars. As our knowledge of the universe continues to grow, no doubt so too will the list of songs that find inspiration among the stars.
