"Moonage Daydream" is a song written by David Bowie in 1971, first released as a single with the band Arnold Corns. A re-recorded version, featuring Bowie and his band The Spiders from Mars, was released in 1972 on The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

The song tells of an alien messiah and hints at his destiny to save the world from the impending disaster described in Bowie's "Five Years", as well as his fate as the quintessential "soul lover". "With Bowie, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to sci-fi-inspired songs," observed Tim Wheeler of Ash. "But 'Moonage Daydream' is my favourite. It's got a great riff and it sounds really pretty in a weird kind of way, even though the lyrics are quite dark."

In the story arc of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, this is one of the most important songs. It describes the creation of Ziggy from a combination of religion, romance, sexual freedom, rebellion, and passion; he metamorphoses into the archetypal rock star.

Moonage Daydream: The Life and Times of Ziggy Stardust is the title of a book written by Bowie, published in 2002 by Genesis Publications, named after this song. It documents the years 1972-73 and is fully illustrated with the photography of Mick Rock. Bowie and Rock met in 1972 and formed a working relationship and lasting friendship. Subsequently, Rock was the only photographer authorised to record the two-year career of Ziggy Stardust.

The Arnold Corns version of "Moonage Daydream", recorded on 25 February 1971, was released by B&C as a single in the UK on 7 May 1971. "Hang on to Yourself" was the B-side. The official band line-up, fronted by dress designer Freddi Buretti, was a total fabrication; Buretti was at the session but his contributions were simply lost alongside Bowie's.

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