Space Oddity
Ground control to Major Tom
Ground control to Major Tom
Lock your Soyuz hash and put your helmet on.
Ground control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown engines on
Detach from station and may God’s love be with you
This is ground control to Major Tom
You’ve really made the grade
and the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
But it’s time to guide the capsule if you dare
This is Major Tom to ground control
I’ve left forevermore
And I’m floating in most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today
For here am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
The planet Earth is blue and there’s nothing left to do
Though I’ve flown one hundred thousand miles
I’m feeling very still
And before too long I know it’s time to go
Our commander comes down back to earth, and knows
Ground control to Major Tom
The time is near, there’s not too long
Can you hear me Major Tom?
Can you hear me Major Tom?
Can you hear me Major Tom?
Can you hear…
Here am I floating in my tin can
A last glimpse of the world
The planet Earth is blue and there’s nothing left to do
artist: Commander Chris Hadfield of the International Space Station
songwriter: David Bowie
date released: 2013 by Chris Hadfield
Commander Chris Hadfield of the International Space Station was the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space. As a former RCAF fighter pilot, Hadfield flew two space shuttle missions and served as capsule communication and commander of the International Space Station (ISS).
On May 12, 2013, Commander Hatfield turned over command of the ISS and returned safely to Earth aboard the Soyuz spacecraft on May 13, 2013.
Canada's superstar astronaut was born in Sarnia, Ontario. Hadfield was raised on a corn farm in southern Ontario and became interested in flying at a young age, and he came to the idea of being an astronaut when he was nine on the day of Apollo moon landing, which he had seen on TV then. He is married to his high-school girlfriend Helene, and they have three adult children together.
Adding to his already glowing curriculum vitae, Hadfield liked to sing. His musical prowess was noticed by Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies where they collaborated on the song, "Is Somebody Singing?"
At first, when David Bowie, the original songwriter/performer of Space Oddity, was approached by producer Em Gryner about the space video project, there was some apprehension. Bowie responded positively, and he gave his blessings enthusiastically. He said, "The idea sounds thrilling, and you should go for it." The rest is history.
A heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, and pilot, Colonel Hadfield's many awards include the Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Cross, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He was named the Top Test Pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy, and was inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame. Already the recipient of numerous awards and special honours, Chris Hadfield "made the grade" in appearing in this songbook. As the editor, I can't tell you how proud I am of this true renaissance man who just happens to be Canadian!
It is the mark of a truly extraordinary person when he takes his talents from outer space onto Sesame Street. Really — how cool is this video. Hope you kids will watch this, smile and dream of flying to the moon with their ambitions.
https://youtu.be/TJIZlAehgJY