Take-Off and Ground Control’s First Words
The song begins with a faint strum of a guitar that gradually increases and is meant to create a sort of “take-off” sensation. We then hear the first words between Ground Control and Major Tom: “Take your protein pills and put your helmet on.”
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This could be taken as literal instructions, but many believe the pills to be a symbol of getting high. Bowie never confirmed this, but the whole drug theme fits pretty well as the song progresses.
After a few more lift off instructions, Tom finally makes it into space.