Adam Ant, born Stuart Leslie Goddard in 1954, emerged as one of the most distinctive figures of the late 1970s and early 1980s new wave scene. First gaining attention as the flamboyant frontman of Adam & The Ants, he fused punk energy with theatrical style, tribal rhythms, and a striking visual aesthetic that made the band stand out during the MTV era. With hits like “Antmusic” and the chart-topping “Stand And Deliver” he quickly became a pop culture icon.
Launching a successful solo career in the early 1980s, Adam Ant continued to score hits with songs such as ‘Goody Two Shoes.’ Beyond his music, his bold fashion sense and charismatic persona influenced both style and performance art in the decade. Despite personal struggles and time away from the spotlight, he has remained a respected and influential artist, with his legacy firmly rooted in his ability to combine creativity, individuality, and pop sensibility.
Adam Ant’s “Apollo 9” is a fun, high-energy burst of pop-rock that shows off his flair for theatricality and adventure. Released in 1984, the track rockets forward with a lively beat, playful lyrics, and Adam’s unmistakable charisma, creating a vibrant mix of rockabilly swagger and space-themed imagination.
It became a Top 20 hit in the UK, proving that even as he experimented with new sounds, his knack for catchy hooks and bold style remained firmly intact. “Apollo 9” is a joyful reminder of Adam Ant’s ability to turn pure creativity into an infectious, feel-good anthem.
The song peaked at No. 13 in the UK charts on 6th October 1984.
| A-Side | Apollo 9 (3:22) (Adam Ant, Marco Pirroni) Produced By Tony Visconti |
| B-Side | B-Side Baby (4:41) (Adam Ant) Produced By Tony Visconti |
| Genre | Electronic, New Wave, SynthPop |
| Release Date | September 1984 |
| Label | CBS |
| Catalogue Number | A 4719 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 22nd September 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 13 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 06 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 22nd September 1984 – 27th October 1984 |
Officially Released Versions
Apollo 9 (Single Version) (3:22)
Apollo 9 (Orbit Mix) (5:22)
Apollo 9 (Splashdown Remix) (6:46)
Apollo 9 (Instrumental Splashdown) (5:58)
Apollo 9 (Unreleased Francois K 7” Mix) (3:41)
Apollo 9 (Acappella Reprise) (1:30)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Ten – Dress it up
Nine – Dress it up
Eight – Dress it up
Seven – Dress it up, dress it up
Six
Fa-, fa-, fa-, fa-, fa-, five
(Ooh!)
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Had me a woman, she ran away
Warned me one time, warned me twice
Found me out, and it weren’t too nice
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Had me a woman, she ran away
Can the chatter, bye-bye, dear
Carved me a crimson career
Well, whoopsin-a whoopsin (Dress it up)
Jan-jan-jammering (Dress it up, dress it up)
Yabba-yabba-ding-ding (Dress it up)
Delta hey max nine
We will be fine (We will be fine)
Apollo 9 (Apollo 9)
Even though NASA say
Way out of line (Out of line)
We will be fine (We will be fine)
Apollo 9 (Apollo 9)
Even though NASA say
Way out of line (Out of line)
Well, whoopsin-a whoopsin (Dress it up)
Jan-jan-jammering (Dress it up, dress it up)
Yabba-yabba-ding-ding (Dress it up)
Delta hey max nine
Ten – Dress it up
Nine – Dress it up
Eight – Dress it up
Seven – Dress it up, dress it up
Six
Fa-, fa-, fa-, fa-, fa-, five
(Ooh)
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Had me a woman, she flew away
Climbed onto the nearest star
Miss her lots, but there you are
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Had me a woman, she flew away
I don’t worry, things are fine
Way up there in Apollo 9
Well, whoopsin-a whoopsin (Dress it up)
Jan-jan-jammering (Dress it up, dress it up)
Yabba-yabba-ding-ding (Dress it up)
Delta hey max nine
We will be fine (We will be fine)
Apollo 9 (Apollo 9)
Even though NASA say
Way out of line (Out of line)
We will be fine (We will be fine)
Apollo 9 (Apollo 9)
Even though NASA say
Way out of line (Out of line)
Well, whoopsin-a whoopsin (Dress it up)
Jan-jan-jammering (Dress it up, dress it up)
Yabba-yabba-ding-ding (Dress it up)
Delta hey max nine
We will be fine (We will be fine)
Apollo 9 (Apollo 9)
Even though NASA say
Way out of line (Out of line)
We will be fine (We will be fine)
Apollo 9 (Apollo 9)
Even though NASA say
Way out of line (Out of line)
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Had me a woman, she flew away
Climbed onto the nearest star
Miss her lots, but there you are
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Choochalaben dollaley
You can go, you won’t get far
A-leyben in your capella
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Had me a woman, she flew away
Climbed onto the nearest star
Miss her lots, but there you are
Hey, hey, what do you say?
Blast off time, I’m pleased to say
Write a letter, be home soon
Busy lassoing the moon
Ten
Nine
Eight
Seven
Six
Five
Fa-, fa-, fa-, fa-, fa-, five
Written by Adam Ant, Marco Pirroni
