Oh! You Pretty Things

David Bowie's 'Oh! You Pretty Things' is a song that delves into themes of change, evolution, and the future of humanity. The lyrics suggest a transformation or a coming new age, which is a common theme in Bowie's work, often reflecting his fascination with space, science fiction, and the unknown. The song opens with a seemingly ordinary morning routine, but quickly shifts to a more surreal vision, with a 'crack in the sky' and a 'hand reaching down to me,' hinting at a cosmic intervention or a significant change on the horizon.

The chorus of 'Oh! You Pretty Things' addresses the younger generation, referring to them as 'pretty things' and suggesting that their very existence is causing turmoil for their parents. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for generational shifts and the anxiety that older generations often feel towards the changes brought about by the youth. The term 'Homo Superior' in the song is a nod to the concept of a new and improved human species, which could be seen as a reference to the next step in human evolution or a more enlightened state of being.

Bowie's lyrics also touch on the idea that the current human species, Homo Sapiens, has outlived its usefulness, and that the children, symbolized by 'faces in golden rays,' are the harbingers of a new race. This could be seen as a commentary on the potential for human progress or a warning about the consequences of our actions on future generations. The song's blend of apocalyptic imagery and hopeful anticipation for the future makes it a complex and thought-provoking piece.