The 7 year old was stunned. The 5 year old was visibly upset. The 4 year old burst into a rousing rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star when they heard that their hero the Starman had died. Here are a few things that Bowie can teach my boys:
- Steer clear of the men who try to sell you the world….
- ….They have no power over you.
- You can beat them, forever and ever.
- You can be heroes.
- It’s not really about being the richer man. It’s more about being a different man.
- Your differences are what make you utterly alluring.
- Beware the girl with the long blond hair and the eyes of blue.
- It’s OK if she’s not sure if you’re a boy or a girl.
- Dance whenever you can. Red shoes? Optional.
- Dancing in the street is all it takes to make the world a better place.
- In fact, let all the children boogie.
- Beware the followers of fashion (Oh Bop).
- If you do what you do with conviction, you will always look fabulous.
- Saying that the skin-tight lycra legging look is possibly best left to the King of the Goblins.
- Your Mum says, to get things done, you’d better not mess with Major Tom.
- There are people out there, starmen if you like, keen to meet you. However, they don’t say ‘hi’ because they are worried that they might blow your mind due to them being a little ‘out there’, a little strange.
- Turn and face the strange.
- Modern love worked out quite nicely for your Mum and Dad but it might not be your cup of tea. That is fine.
- Someone can move you, speak to you sing to you, even when you haven’t got a clue what they are actually talking about. There is no contradiction in that.
- I don’t know where you are going to from here kids, but let a little Bowie in your life and I promise you it won’t be boring.
Gone but never forgotten David and I have no idea how I am going to navigate the Labrynth of the modern world without you.
Cogito Ergo Mum 
Love this. Love Bowie – sad day, but am celebrating his brilliance with his music up LOUD! xx
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Amen to that Sonya. I’m not often stunned when famous stars pass away but this has knocked me for six. Let’s sing and dance the day away x
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We had tears this morning from my 7 year old boy. His fave track amongst many of Bowie’s was Changes. He too lost his hero today. As I told him though, boys and girls of his age will keep the music alive for many years to come, will spark the next gen of those who turn and face the strange.
A lovely post.
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Thank you – I just love how much the kids all love him. They are really affected by it. The 5 year old didn’t really want to go to school.
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No mine neither- the only thing that made him go is the school has a drum workshop with a drummer from Status Quo today, so I gently reminded him of that so he could ask him about playing at Live Aid with Bowie.
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Perfect. My 9 year old chose Hunky Dory for the school run this morning. A sad day indeed.
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I’ve always loved the quote that you’ve paraphrased in your final point – such a great maxim for life. I loved a lot of Bowie’s music and was indifferent about some but there’s no denying that he was a true original. Sorely missed.
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Ab-sa F*king Lootly!
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