On January 10, musician and activist David Bowie passed away from cancer. Senior Flynne Collins reflects on his lasting impact on her life. Art by Flynne Collins.
By FLYNNE COLLINS – Guest Writer
A reflection on the passing of, and personal goodbye to, David Bowie, England born, nationally renowned, music icon.
“I’m stuck with a valuable friend/ I’m happy/ Hope you’re happy, too.” –David Bowie, Ashes to Ashes
Although I never knew or even once laid eyes on David Bowie, I feel like he knew me better than most of the people I speak to everyday. David Bowie, or rather his music, has been with me at times when I am the most alone and the truest embodiment of myself. When he died this past Sunday I was completely heartbroken and cried listening to “Rebel Rebel” at eight o’clock in the morning before school.
I couldn’t comprehend why the death of a man I had never met was affecting me so deeply. Normally, I would write about these sort of emotions immediately, but at first, I couldn’t even bring myself to do that. Because I didn’t have anything coherent to say.
Maybe it’s because he inspired me as a young musician. Maybe it’s because David Bowie made me more comfortable with the word “freak” through his multiple personas and costumes and raging sexuality. Maybe it’s because I listened to him when I was younger, and his death is like losing a part of my childhood. Or maybe it’s a lot of things. But as I begin to reflect on the deep loss I felt, and still feel, in the wake of David Bowie’s death, I have realized what a deeply personal connection listeners have to music and the creators of music they love.
This isn’t just about me and all the other die-hard David Bowie fans. This is about anybody who listens to music they love and surrenders to their own thoughts and imagination. The mental connection I formed with David Bowie’s music over the years became like a close friend. His lyrics advice and consolation when I needed somebody to be there for me. This is about the bond that musicians create with those who listen and care.
I’ve spent a lot of nights alone in my room listening to David Bowie, those nights wouldn’t have been the same without the music he made. This is goodbye to you, David Bowie. I love you for the music you gave me.
