Star

David Bowie's song 'Star' delves into the seductive yet often illusory nature of fame and stardom, particularly within the rock & roll industry. The lyrics juxtapose the harsh realities faced by individuals like Tony, who went to fight in Belfast, and Rudi, who stayed home to starve, against the seemingly glamorous life of a rock star. This contrast highlights the escapism that fame offers, suggesting that becoming a rock & roll star could make life 'worthwhile' and provide a transformative escape from mundane or difficult circumstances.

The song also touches on the idea of transformation and identity. Bowie sings about the enticing and inviting nature of playing the part of a rock star, describing it as a 'wild mutation.' This suggests that adopting the persona of a rock star allows for a complete reinvention of oneself, shedding old identities and embracing a new, more glamorous one. The repeated lines about falling asleep and falling in love as a rock & roll star emphasize the comfort and allure that this new identity promises.

However, there's an underlying sense of disillusionment. The repeated mention of needing money and being 'wiped out with things as they are' hints at the financial and emotional struggles that often accompany the pursuit of fame. The desire to 'send my photograph to my honey' and 'c'mon like a regular superstar' reflects a longing for recognition and validation, suggesting that the pursuit of stardom is driven by deeper, perhaps unfulfilled, personal needs. Bowie's portrayal of the rock star life is both a critique and a celebration, capturing the complex interplay between aspiration and reality in the quest for fame.