 "Lady Stardust" was written "within days" of fellow album track "Ziggy Stardust" in early 1971.Unlike "Ziggy Stardust", "Lady Stardust" presents an unfinished tale with "no hint at a denouement beyond a vague air of melancholy".The song uses both 'he' and 'she' in the lyrics, showing a lack of gender distinction.