There are lots of songs about lots of subjects, but I thought I’d try to come up with some related to little green men and spaceships traveling to and from other planets. They used to be referred to as UFOs, not UAPs, but whatever you call them they are fun to talk/sing about.
“C.T.A. – 102” The Byrds (1967)
CTA-102 (Conventional Transit Amplifier) is a highly luminous quasar located approximately 7.6 billion light-years away from Earth. It gained significant attention in the 1960s when it exhibited extreme variability in its optical and radio emissions,
leading to its classification as a blazar—a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN) with relativistic jets pointed directly toward Earth. The observed variations in CTA-102’s brightness across multiple wavelengths are attributed to the Doppler boosting effect caused by the relativistic motion of its jet.
It has undergone several outbursts and flares, making it a valuable object for studying the physics of AGN and relativistic jets. In 1963 Nikolai Kardashev proposed that the then-unidentified radio source could be evidence of Type II or III extraterrestrial civilization on the Kardashev scale[1]. Follow-up observations were announced in 1965 by Gennady Sholomitskii, who found that the object’s radio emission was varying;
a public announcement of these results on April 12, 1965, caused a worldwide sensation. appears on their 1967 album “Younger Than Yesterday.” The Byrds song was written by Roger McGuinn, the lead guitarist, and vocalist of the band, and Robert James Hippard. The lyrics of “C.T.A.-102” touch upon space and cosmic themes, with references to stars, galaxies, and the possibility of contact with extraterrestrial life.
The song presents a blend of psychedelic and folk-rock influences, characteristic of The Byrds’ sound during that era. It features their signature harmonies and melodic guitar work. “Younger Than Yesterday” is regarded as one of The Byrds’ most accomplished albums, showcasing their exploration of different musical styles, including folk-rock, psychedelic rock, and country influences. The album is notable for its lyrical depth and innovative arrangements.
C.T.A. – 1002 Lyrics
C.T.A. 102
Year over year receiving you
Signals tell us that you're there
We can hear them loud and clear
We just want to let you know
That we're ready for to go
Out into the universe
We don't care who's been there first
On a radio telescope
Science tells us that there's hope
Life on other planets might exist
(C.T.A. 102)
(Year over year receiving you)
(Signals tell us that you're there)
(We can hear them loud and clear)
(We just want to let you know)
(That we're ready for to go)
(Out into the universe)
(We don't care who's been there first)
“Hypnotized” -Fleetwood Mac (1973)
“Hypnotized” is a song by Fleetwood Mac from 1973 written by Bob Welch and appeared on their Mystery To Me LP. It is regarded as one of Welch’s most notable compositions during his tenure with Fleetwood Mac. The song has a dreamy and atmospheric sound, combining elements of rock, pop, and folk. It features Welch’s distinctive vocals, layered harmonies, and melodic guitar work.
“Hypnotized” showcases the band’s ability to create a captivating sonic landscape that draws listeners in. Things start innocently enough — two friends are simply having coffee together when something goes by outside the window. Welch then recalls some other strange stories: a pond in North Carolina with sides like glass, a place in Mexico where people can fly about at will without any plane or engine.
Bob Welch told Songfacts: “I was (and still am) interested in the paranormal – UFOs, the Carlos Castaneda[2] books about the Yaqui Indian ‘sorcerer’ Don Juan – so I incorporated a lot of these themes and references into the song. The ‘place down in Mexico’ refers to Castaneda’s Yaqui sorcerer, Don Juan, who is presumably doing ‘astral’ travel ;-). The ‘strange, strange pond’ with ‘sides like glass’ refers to a strange anomalous depression in the North Carolina woods near Winston-Salem, North Carolina which a friend told me about, which, at the time, freaked him (and his dirt-biking buddies) out.”
“Hypnotized” Lyrics
It's the same kind of story
That seems to come down from long ago
Two friends having coffee together
When something flies by their window
It might be out on that lawn
Which is wide, at least half of a playing field
Because there's no explaining what your imagination
Can make you see and feel
Seems like a dream
They got me hypnotized
Now it's not a meaningless question
To ask if they've been and gone
I remember a talk about North Carolina
And a strange, strange pond
You see the sides were like glass
In the thick of a forest without a road
And if any man's hand ever made that land
Then I think it would've showed
That's why it seems like a dream
Got me hypnotized
And I know that's right
Seems like a dream
They got me hypnotized
They say there's a place down in Mexico
Where a man can fly over mountains and hills
And he don't need an airplane or some kind of engine
And he never will
Now you know it's a meaningless question
To ask if those stories are right
'Cause what matters most is the feeling
You get when you're hypnotized
Seems like a dream
They got me hypnotized
Seems like a dream
They got me hypnotized
Seems like a dream
They got me hypnotized
Got me hypnotized
“Starrider” Foreigner (1977)
“Starrider” is a song by Foreigner from their 1977 debut album. It was written by Mick Jones (keyboards, lead guitars, backing vocals, lead vocals) and Al Greenwood (keyboards, synthesizers). The song is a curious listen which sounds more like a song that the Moody Blues might have crafted than a Foreigner song.
It opens with a delicate flute part, played by ex-King Crimson alum Ian McDonald, who had been drafted into the Foreigner ranks. In another curveball, guitarist Mick Jones takes the lead vocal instead of Lou Gramm. But as “Starrider” keeps climbing higher and higher, Gramm steps in at the climax with an appropriately epic vocal part.
“Speed increasing, all control is in the hands of those who know / Will they help us grow, to one day be starriders?” The cosmic tale quickly became a live standout once they hit the road in 1977. Classic Rock critic Malcolm Dome calls Starrider a “beautifully developed, introspective tale of aspiration,” even though it doesn’t sound much like Foreigner and its lyrics “come across as 50s pulp sci-fi.”
“Starrider” Lyrics
I stole a ride on a passing star Not knowing where I was going How near or how far Through years of light, lands of future and past Until the heavenly gates Were sighted at last Starrider, rider, rider Take me to the stars Starrider, rider, rider Show me where you are Northern lights flashed by And then they were gone And as old stars would die So the new ones were born And ever on I sailed Celestial ways And in the light of my years Shone the rest of my days Speed increasing All control is in the hands of those who know Will they help us grow To one day be starriders Starrider, rider, rider Show me where you are Starrider, rider, rider Take me to the stars Speed increasing All control is in the hands of those who know Will they help us grow To one day be starriders
“Let There Be More Light” by Pink Floyd (1968)
“Let There Be More Light” is the opening track on Pink Floyd’s 1968 second album, A Saucerful of Secrets. It was also released in edited form as the fourth American single by the group. The song is written by Roger Waters and begins with an iterative bass line before the vocals start.
The first, gentler vocals are performed by Rick Wright with Waters whispering, and the following, harder refrain is sung by David Gilmour. The last two minutes of the song mark the first appearance of a guitar solo by Gilmour on a Pink Floyd album, though it has been disputed to be former guitarist Syd Barrett by Andrew King, their manager at the time.
“Let There Be More Light” describes the imagined descent of a fantastical spacecraft at RAF Mildenhall[3], northeast of Waters’ hometown of Cambridge. From 1950, RAF Mildenhall primarily supported US Air Force operations, including the Strategic Air Command.
The song shares the theme of benevolent extraterrestrial intervention in human affairs with the 1951 film The Day the Earth Stood Still and Arthur C. Clarke’s 1953 novel Childhood’s End.
“Let There Be More Light” Lyrics
Far far far away way people heard him say say I will find a way way there will come a day day something will be done Then at last the mighty ship descending on a point of flame made contact with the human race at Mildenhall Now now now is the time time time to be be be aware Carter's Father saw it there And knew the Rhull revealed to him The living soul of Hereword, the Wake Oh my, something in my eye, eye something in the sky waiting there for me The outer lock rolled slowly back the servicemen where heard to cry For there revealed in flowing robes Was Lucy in the Sky Oh oh did you ever know? No, no never will they, Ill say! Summoning in his cosmic powers and glowing slightly from his toes The psychic emanations-fly
“Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft” Klaatu (1976)
“Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft” is a power ballad by Canadian rock band Klaatu who named themselves after an ambassador, Klaatu, from an extraterrestrial confederation who visits Earth with his companion robot Gort in the film The Day the Earth Stood Still. The song was written by John Woloschuk and Terry Draper and originally released in 1976 on their first album 3:47 EST.
The song opened the night transmission of the pirate radio station Radio Caroline. The year following its release, the American soft rock duo the Carpenters covered the song, using a crew of 160 musicians. The Carpenters’ version reached the top 10 in the UK and Canada and charted at number 1 in Ireland.
The idea for this track was suggested by an actual event that is described in The Flying Saucer Reader, a book by Jay David published in 1967. In March 1953 an organization known as the “International Flying Saucer Bureau” sent a bulletin to all its members urging them to participate in an experiment termed “World Contact Day”
whereby, at a predetermined date and time, they would attempt to collectively send out a telepathic message to visitors from outer space. The message began with the words…”Calling occupants of interplanetary craft!”
“Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft” Lyrics
In your mind you have abilities you know To telepath messages through the vast unknown Please close your eyes and concentrate With every thought you think Upon the recitation we're about to sing Calling occupants of interplanetary craft Calling occupants of interplanetary, most extraordinary craft Calling occupants of interplanetary craft Calling occupants of interplanetary craft Calling occupants of interplanetary, most extraordinary craft You've been observing our earth And we'd like to make a contact with you We are your friends Calling occupants of interplanetary craft Calling occupants and interplanetary ultra-emissaries We've been observing your earth And one night we'll make a contact with you We are your friends Calling occupants of interplanetary craft Calling occupants of interplanetary, quite extraordinary craft Please come in peace we beseech you Only a landing will teach them Our earth may never survive So do come we beg you Please interstellar policemen Won't you give us a sign Give us a sign that we've reached you With your mind you have ability to form And transmit thought energy far beyond the norm You close your eyes You concentrate Together that's the way To send the message We declare World Contact Day Calling occupants of interplanetary craft Calling occupants of interplanetary craft Calling occupants of interplanetary, most extraordinary craft Ahhh Calling occupants Calling occupants Calling occupants Calling occupants Calling occupants of interplanetary, most extraordinary craft
“Space Invaders” The Pretenders (1980)
“Space Invader” is an instrumental song by the English-American rock band The Pretenders. The song was featured on their album Pretenders in 1980 and includes sound effects from the classic video game. It was written by Pete Farndon (bass) and James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar/keyboards).
Game developer Dona Bailey cited the song as her introduction to video games, stating that it inspired her to play the original arcade game Space Invaders and then join Atari, where she developed the 1980 arcade game Centipede. It appeared in the Miami Vice episode “Trust Fund Pirates”.
Footnotes
- The Kardashev scale is a theoretical framework proposed by astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev to categorize and measure the technological advancement and energy consumption capabilities of civilizations. It consists of three types: Type I, Type II, and Type III civilizations. A Type I civilization can harness and utilize the entire energy resources of its home planet, such as solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy. A Type II civilization can harness the energy output of its entire host star, utilizing technologies like Dyson spheres or stellar engines. A Type III civilization has access to energy on a galactic scale, being capable of harnessing the energy of multiple stars and utilizing it for its own needs. The Kardashev scale provides a framework to contemplate the potential technological progress and energy utilization of advanced civilizations and serves as a reference point for discussions in astrobiology and future technological development. [Back]
- Carlos Castaneda (1925-1998) was an author known for his controversial and influential books on shamanism and the teachings of Don Juan Matus, a Yaqui Indian sorcerer. Castaneda’s most well-known work is “The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge,” published in 1968, which was followed by a series of books documenting his apprenticeship with Don Juan. Castaneda’s writings blurred the line between fact and fiction, presenting his experiences as non-fiction but attracting skepticism and criticism regarding their authenticity. Despite the controversy, his books had a significant impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s and continue to resonate with readers interested in spirituality, altered states of consciousness, and indigenous wisdom. [Back]
- RAF Mildenhall, located in Suffolk, England, is a Royal Air Force (RAF) station that serves as a key base for the United States Air Force (USAF) in Europe. Originally established as a Royal Flying Corps airfield during World War I, it has since evolved into a major USAF installation. RAF Mildenhall is primarily operated by the 100th Air Refueling Wing, responsible for aerial refueling operations using KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The base also hosts other units and capabilities, including the 352nd Special Operations Wing, which conducts unconventional warfare and special operations activities. Furthermore, it serves as a vital transportation hub for USAF aircraft, supporting global airlift and logistics operations. Notably, RAF Mildenhall has been involved in various significant missions, such as supporting operations in the Middle East and refueling aircraft during humanitarian relief efforts. The base is an essential part of the longstanding cooperation between the US and UK militaries, contributing to their joint defense capabilities. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- SongMeanings
- “CTA-102” (Updated April 11, 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CTA-102
- The Byrds. (1967). Younger Than Yesterday [Album]. Columbia Records.
- Unterberger, R. (n.d.). The Byrds – C.T.A.-102. AllMusic. Retrieved from https://www.allmusic.com/song/cta-102-mt0032569994
- Einarsson, L. (2005). The Byrds: Timeless Flight Revisited: The Sequel. The Byrds Flyght. Retrieved from http://ebni.com/byrds/lpplus/yesterday.html
- “Top 30 Songs About UFOS” https://ultimateclassicrock.com/songs-about-ufos/
- Fleetwood Mac – Hypnotized. (n.d.). Songfacts. Retrieved from https://www.songfacts.com/facts/fleetwood-mac/hypnotized
- Erlewine, S.T. Fleetwood Mac Biography. AllMusic. Retrieved from https://www.allmusic.com/artist/fleetwood-mac-mn0000181967/biography
- “Hypnotized (Fleetwood Mac song)” (Updated June 2, 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnotized_(Fleetwood_Mac_song)
- Carlos Castaneda – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Castaneda
- “Foreigner Debut” https://www.superseventies.com/spforeigner.html
- “Foreigner (Foreigner album)” (Updated May 2, 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreigner_(Foreigner_album)
- “RAF Mildenhall.” Royal Air Force. Retrieved from https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-mildenhall/
- “RAF Mildenhall.” United States Air Force. Retrieved from https://www.mildenhall.af.mil/
- “Let There Be More Light” (Updated May 30, 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_There_Be_More_Light
- “Klaatu (band)” (Updated March 28, 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaatu_(band)
- “Space Invader” https://miamivice.fandom.com/wiki/Space_Invader
- “Pretenders (album)” (Updated June 10, 2023) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretenders_(album)
