Michael Stipe & Karen Elson sing David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" with Paul Cantelon on piano at Carnegie Hall.
John Michael Stipe is an American singer, songwriter, film producer, music video director, and visual artist. He was the lyricist and lead singer of the alternative rock band R.E.M. from their formation in 1980 until their dissolution in 2011.
Karen Elson is an English model, singer-songwriter and guitarist.

lyrics :

Do you remember a guy that's been
In such an early song
I've heard a rumour from Ground Control
Oh no, don't say it's true

They got a message from the Action Man
"I'm happy. Hope you're happy, too.
I've loved. All I've needed: love.
Sordid details following."

The shrieking of nothing is killing me
Just pictures of Jap girls in synthesis
And I ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but the planet is glowing

Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

Time and again I tell myself
I'll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh, no, not again

I'm stuck with a valuable friend
"I'm happy. Hope you're happy, too."
One flash of light
But no smoking pistol

I never done good things
I never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue,
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now

Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."
My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."
My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."
My mama said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom."