Major Tom (Coming Home)

Peter Schilling

About Major Tom (Coming Home)

"Major Tom (Coming Home)" (German: Major Tom [völlig losgelöst], 'Major Tom [completely detached]') is a song by singer Peter Schilling from his album Error in the System. With a character unofficially related to "Major Tom", the protagonist of David Bowie's 1969 song "Space Oddity", the song is about the character being caught in an accident in space. The song was originally recorded in German and released in West Germany on January 3, 1983. It reached No. 1 in West Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The English version was first released in the United States on September 24, 1983. It reached No. 1 in Canada, No. 4 in South Africa and peaked at No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart the week of December 24, 1983. The English-language version of the song also reached No. 2 on the dance chart in the US. In 1994, Schilling made and released a remixed version along with Bomm Bastic, titled "Major Tom 94". Another remix was released in 2000, titled "Major Tom 2000", and yet another in 2003, titled "Major Tom 2003". 


Year:
2011
4:10
89 

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Standing there alone, the ship is waiting
All systems are go, are you sure?
Control is not convinced
But the computer has the evidence
No need to abort

The countdown starts, watching in a trance
The crew is certain

Nothing left to chance, all is working
Trying to relax, up in the capsule
"Send me up a drink", jokes Major Tom
The count goes on

4, 3, 2, 1
Earth below us, drifting falling
Floating weightless, calling calling home

Second stage is cut, we're now in orbit
Stabilizers up, running perfect
Starting to collect, requested data
What will it effect, when all is done
Thinks Major Tom

Back at ground control, there is a problem
Go to rockets full, not responding
Hello Major Tom, are you receiving
Turn the thrusters on, we're standing by
There's no reply

4, 3, 2, 1
Earth below us, drifting, falling
Floating, weightless, calling, calling, home

Across the stratosphere
A final message, "Give my wife my love"
Then nothing more

Far beneath the ship, the world is mourning
They don't realize, he's alive
No one understands but Major Tom sees
Now the life commands, this is my home
I'm coming home

Earth below us, drifting, falling
Floating, weightless, coming home
Earth below us, drifting, falling
Floating, weightless, coming home

Earth below us, drifting, falling
Floating, weightless, coming, coming home
Home

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Peter Schilling

Peter Schilling (born Pierre Michael Schilling on January 28, 1956, Stuttgart, Germany) is a German synthpop musician whose songs often feature science-fiction themes (aliens, astronauts, nuclear holocaust, etc.). His 1983 album, Error in the System, generated his only international hit single, "Major Tom (Coming Home)", a retelling of David Bowie's classic 1969 song "Space Oddity". Although the song was originally recorded in German, the international hit version was sung in English. In 1984 and 1985, Schilling released the albums 120 Grad and 120 Grad's English language version, 1985's Things to Come. From 1986 to 1989, Schilling released non-album singles and put out his 1988 compilation The Different Story. In 1990, Schilling suffered from burnout and the… more »

1 fan

Written by: Pierre Schilling

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Major Tom (Coming Home)" was produced by German synthpop singer Peter Schilling. It was first released in German ("Major Tom (völlig losgelöst)") in 1982, and then in English in 1983.
Inspiration
This song was inspired by David Bowie's character Major Tom from his songs "Space Oddity," "Ashes To Ashes," and "Hallo Spaceboy."
Chart Success
It was highly successful internationally, reaching No. 1 in Canada and West Germany, No. 2 in Switzerland, and making it to the top 15 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100.
Anthems of Space Travel
The song is renowned as one of the most significant anthems of space travel, recounting the tale of Major Tom, a fictional astronaut who cuts off communication with Earth to journey into space.
In the Media
The song has appeared in numerous movies, ads, and TV shows, including Breaking Bad, Deutschland 83, and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
Unconventional Style
The music style, categorized as 'Neue Deutsche Welle' (New German Wave) in its German version, was unconventional for its time, blending synthpop with electronic music elements.
Cover Versions
The song was later covered by several artists, including Shiny Toy Guns, which was used in a 2008 Lincoln car commercial in the U.S.
Album Name
The English version of the song is part of the album "Error in the System," which became popular in both North America and Western Europe.
Re-release
The song was again released in English under a slightly different name as "Major Tom 2000" and "Major Tom 2009 and "Major Tom 94". This demonstrates the song's enduring popularity and cultural impact.
Song Theme
Although the upbeat, hypnotic synth melody can mask the somber story, the lyrics deal with the sacrifice and loneliness experienced by astronauts venturing into the unknown.

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    Major Tom (Coming Home)

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

    Billboard #14


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