Ballad Of The Adventurers
David Bowie · Other Songs - David Bowie
A looted wreath crowning his tangled hair
Every moment of his youth apart from its dream was forgotten
Gone the roof overhead, but the sky was always there
Oh you, who are flung out, alike from heaven and from Hades
You murderers who've been so bitterly repaid
Why did you part from the mothers who nursed you as babies
It was peaceful and you slept and there you stayed
Still he explores and rakes the absinthe green oceans
Though his mother has given him up for lost
Grinning and cursing with a few odd tears of contrition
Always in search of that land where life seems best
Loafing through hells and flocked through paradises
Calm and grinning, with a vanishing face
At times he still dreams of a small field he recognises
With a blue sky overhead and nothing else
Ballad Of The Adventurers
David Bowie's 'Ballad Of The Adventurers' stands as a quintessential example of his early rock and roll period, characterized by its driving rhythm and charismatic vocal delivery. Recorded during the mid-1960s, the track exemplifies the raw energy and theatrical flair that would later define his career. While often associated with the broader 'Space Oddity' narrative arc, this song operates as a standalone piece of pop-rock that showcases Bowie's ability to blend traditional rock structures with emerging psychedelic influences. The recording captures a pivotal moment in his evolution from a teen idol to a complex artistic persona, utilizing a straightforward yet memorable composition that resonated with audiences of the era. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the spirit of exploration and adventure, serving as a foundational element in his early discography.