Honestly, if you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you probably have a very specific, glitter-coated core memory of a man in spandex and a gravity-defying wig singing to a room full of puppets. That man was David Bowie, and the movie was Jim Henson’s 1986 cult masterpiece, Labyrinth.
While the film didn't exactly set the box office on fire when it first dropped, the David Bowie songs in Labyrinth have taken on a life of their own. They aren't just background noise; they are the literal heartbeat of the story. Bowie didn’t just show up to play Jareth the Goblin King; he basically built a mini-album within the movie. He wrote five original songs that range from synth-pop bangers to soulful gospel, and people are still obsessed with them decades later.
The Big Five: Every Bowie Track in the Labyrinth
When we talk about the soundtrack, we’re looking at a collaboration between Bowie and composer Trevor Jones. Jones did the atmospheric, moody synth score, but Bowie handled the "hits."
1. Magic Dance
This is the one. The "You remind me of the babe" song.
Interestingly, while the song is a massive fan favorite, the "baby" sounds you hear in the recording aren't actually Toby Froud (the baby in the movie). They’re David Bowie. Legend has it the actual baby wouldn't gurgle on cue in the studio, so Bowie just did it himself. It’s a chaotic, upbeat track that perfectly captures Jareth’s restless, playful, and slightly menacing energy.
2. As The World Falls Down
If "Magic Dance" is the party, this is the hangover—or rather, the dream. It’s a lush, romantic ballad that plays during the masquerade ball scene. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful things Bowie recorded in the 80s.
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You’ve got Jennifer Connelly’s Sarah wandering through a hazy, bubble-filled dreamscape, and Bowie’s voice is just… silky. It’s been a popular wedding song for decades, which is kind of funny when you realize it’s being sung by a Goblin King who kidnapped a baby.
3. Underground
This track bookends the movie. You hear a stripped-back version during the opening credits, and the full-blown, gospel-infused version at the end.
Bowie went all out on the production here. He brought in heavy hitters like Cissy Houston (Whitney’s mom), Luther Vandross, and Chaka Khan for the backing vocals. It’s a song about escaping a world that’s "all gone wrong," which is basically the entire theme of the movie.
4. Within You
This is the "villain song" that happens right at the climax. It takes place in that wild M.C. Escher-inspired room with the endless staircases.
Musically, it’s tense and rhythmic. It’s Jareth finally dropping the "fun" act and showing his obsession with Sarah. The lyrics are actually pretty dark: "I can't live within you." It’s a stark contrast to the catchy pop of earlier scenes.
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5. Chilly Down
Here is a bit of trivia that catches people off guard: David Bowie wrote this song, but he doesn't sing lead on it. The vocals are performed by the "Fire Gang" actors, including Kevin Clash (who you might know better as the original voice of Elmo). It’s a weird, reggae-ish track that usually gets a polarized reaction. Some people love the "disorderly" vibe, others find it the most skippable part of the film.
The Secret Ingredient: Trevor Jones and the Synth Score
You can't really appreciate the David Bowie songs in Labyrinth without acknowledging Trevor Jones. At the time, Henson and Jones actually went to Bowie’s home in Switzerland to map out how the pop songs would mesh with the score.
Initially, Jones wanted a big orchestral sound. However, the production ended up leaning into a 100% synth score. Why? Because they felt an orchestra would clash with Bowie’s 80s rock aesthetic. It was a gamble that paid off, creating a cohesive, "otherworldly" soundscape that feels like it belongs in a dream.
Why the Music Still Hits in 2026
It’s been 40 years since the movie came out. Yet, you still see Jareth cosplayers at every convention, and "Magic Dance" is a staple on 80s throwback playlists.
There’s a reason for that. Bowie was at a weird transition point in his career. He was moving away from the massive global superstardom of Let’s Dance and experimenting with theatricality again. In Labyrinth, he found a perfect outlet for his more "alien" persona.
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The songs work because they aren't just "movie music." They feel like genuine Bowie tracks. "Underground" could have easily been a radio hit on its own. "As The World Falls Down" is a masterclass in songwriting.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into this specific era of Bowie's work, here is what you should actually do:
- Track down the 30th Anniversary Vinyl: It was reissued by Universal and includes the original liner notes. The sound quality is significantly better than the old cassette tapes.
- Listen for the Bass: Look up Matthew Seligman. He played bass on several tracks, including "Chilly Down" and "Underground." He was a legendary musician who worked with Bowie on Live Aid, and his work on this soundtrack is frequently overlooked.
- Watch the Music Videos: The music video for "Underground" is basically a mini-sequel to the movie, featuring Bowie interacting with various puppets and even turning into a cartoon at one point. It’s 80s kitsch at its absolute finest.
- Check the Credits: Take a second to look at the backing band. It’s a "who's who" of 80s session legends, from Albert Collins on guitar to Steve Ferrone on drums.
The music of the Labyrinth isn't just nostalgia. It’s a testament to what happens when two geniuses—Jim Henson and David Bowie—decide to make something purely for the sake of imagination.
To get the full experience of these songs, listen to the soundtrack in its original running order. Start with the "Opening Titles" and let the transition into "Magic Dance" remind you why the 80s were a singular moment for experimental pop.