Meaning of The Prettiest Star (1970 Version) by David Bowie

"The Prettiest Star" (1970 Version) is a mesmerizing song by the legendary David Bowie that encompasses various themes of love, longing, and the pursuit of beauty. Through its timeless lyrics and captivating melody, the song invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. Let's dive into some standout lyrics that not only enhance the song's narrative but also develop unexpected and imaginative themes.In the opening verse, Bowie sings, "Cold fire, you've got everything but cold fire. You will be my rest and peace child." These lines evoke a sense of yearning for emotional warmth and tranquility. The contrasting imagery of fire and coldness serves to emphasize the intensity of the desire for connection. This theme of seeking solace and finding a home within someone else's embrace resonates deeply throughout the narrative.Moving on to the second verse, Bowie croons, "So tired, it's the sky that makes you feel tried. It's a trick to make you see wide. It can all but break your heart in pieces." Here, the sky serves as a metaphor for the endless possibilities and vastness of life. The fatigue expressed reflects the weariness that can accompany the pursuit of fulfillment and meaning. This lyric explores the theme of existential exhaustion, the struggle to explore the infinite while still holding on to one's emotional stability.The chorus, with its haunting repetition, brings forth the notion of nostalgia. Bowie sings, "Staying back in your memory are the movies in the dark. How you moved is all it takes to sing a song of when I loved the prettiest star." This theme encapsulates the power of memory and the ability to relive moments of beauty through recollection. The metaphor of movies in the dark implies that these memories may be hazy or obscure, yet they hold immense significance. Each flicker of remembrance becomes a song, an ode to the past and the extraordinary beauty it contained.Returning to the final verse, Bowie sings, "One day though it might as well be someday, you and I will rise up all the way. All because of what you are, the prettiest star." This verse delves into the theme of hope and the transformative power of love. It suggests that despite the passage of time or uncertainty in the future, the connection shared with the "prettiest star" will uplift and propel both individuals towards their aspirations. It implies a belief in the enchanting influence of love and the boundless potential it possesses.Overall, "The Prettiest Star" (1970 Version) is a beautiful testament to the human experience of longing, connection, and the pursuit of beauty. Through its evocative lyrics, the song touches upon themes of emotional warmth, existential exhaustion, nostalgia, and hope. Bowie's mesmerizing voice and the ethereal melody combine to create a truly captivating and introspective experience for listeners, making this song a timeless masterpiece in his illustrious discography.