A VIBE!| FIRST TIME HEARING Talking Heads - Once In A Life Time REACTION

[@LoPet6225]

Talking Heads were like a combination of New Wave & performance art. David Byrne is a TRUE artist, in every sense of the word. You need to be in that kind of mindset. He's really a musical genius, imo.

[@brettv5967]

Yes. It’s art. Absolutely

[@frankschlanker]

He discovered in his later years that he has Asperger's Syndrome hence his odd personality at times.

[@alamc200]

True maybe that's why something about David Byrne always reminded of David Bowie. Both true artists.

[@lalalarose8197]

Bit of a dick move breaking up the band though.

[@chuck2486]

Could not have said it better myself.

[@brianh9358]

One thing for sure - the song is unique and unforgettable. :) According to David Byrne’s own words, this song (“Once in a Lifetime”) is about how we, as people, tend to “operate half-awake or on autopilot”. Or perhaps a better way of explaining that statement is that we do not actually know why we engage in certain actions which come to define our lives. Thus even though an individual may fulfill certain aspirations, such as acquiring “a large automobile”, “beautiful house” and a “beautiful wife”, at the end of the day he may find himself questioning how he reached that destination and why.

[@octoberguy]

Perfect.

[@janethernandez724]

Thank you for sharing that fact I was about to look this one up too! I hope Jay and Amber read it too.

[@lastfirst5689]

That's far better than my comment and explains it really well. I'm deleting my comment because it's all here. One thing I'd add is his self diagnoses of autism

[@dharris8849]

“My God! What have I done?!”

[@daveland3183]

Exactly!

[@Cadinho93]

I remember the singer David Bryne saying this song is about people who just go through life like zombies, just going through the motions and not taking time to enjoy the small things.

[@kentonkruger8333]

I had always just figured mid-life crisis.

[@marleybob3157]

@@kentonkruger8333 If you ever saw the movie "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" with Nick Nolte, Richard Dreyfus and Bette Midler, that was the theme and this song was featured.

[@nancysmith8626]

@@kentonkruger8333 That's what I always got from this, too. As well as just finding yourself at any point in life asking "What the hell am I doing and why?"

[@Cchan53]

Their best song in my opinion !

[@Cchan53]

Play some B 52's ...LOVE SHACK !

[@ellenphillips1827]

How can you not love that song! The "talking part" is what makes the song pure artistry! I've been singing "same as it ever was" since I was 6 years old. lol!

[@Fit4FunAna]

This is my favourite Talking Heads song. And yes the contrast can be weird but it was always something I expected from them. For me this song was always about that moment of “what now?” We get the education, the career, the family - and we are consumed by “daily life” to the point that we let go or forget who we are. And at some point “when the money’s gone.” It can be a shock, not knowing who we are anymore. But there is still water flowing underground - something inside us waiting to be reconnected to, that helps lead and inspire us to find ourselves and our true joys again.

[@carmenmehringer9765]

Spot on! Even more for us Gen X now that we’re exactly at that age of reflection.

[@Jabberwok28]

This is one of their finest songs, Swamp is also my other favorite. The final verse should explain it all - My God, what have I done?!

[@bencorn8041]

An absolute favorite of mine. There is deep wisdom in this song.

[@xzonia1]

@Wilt Chamberlain is the GOAT Same in mine. Everyone loved them :)

[@amyhon2000]

Yeah this my favorite too. I was sad that they don’t really like it. It’s such an excellent song. ❤️

[@Chris.Davis.2]

Like David Byrne the man, the video defies definition.

[@hellokimmy68]

Imagine being a 14 year old kid in the early 80s and you've never seen anything like this in your entire life. I like to credit Talking Heads with part of the reason I'm such an awesome weirdo now.

[@rjpg]

AGREE, totally weird but so much of an ear worm.

[@annpilgrim7685]

This! 🙌🏼

[@christineobrien7707]

😎👍to the awesome weirdness! You're not alone!

[@hellokimmy68]

@@christineobrien7707 I had such a crush on David Byrne. The first of many art school boys I swooned over in my lifetime.

[@christineobrien7707]

@@hellokimmy68 I can't say I had a crush on Byrne, but I had a thing for Morrissey! He's still a cutie!👍

[@ThaneOfEurmal]

This song has always been a musical Midlife Crisis to me - the dangers of sleeping through life, not thoroughly engaging, and realizing one day that you never really made the choices that led you to NOW. This and American Beauty have always been my "consciously choose" life mantras. The music is beautiful, but the lyrics have helped me stay in love with life. ❤

[@jeuleinefurlong179]

Spot on! Hasn’t everyone had a time in their life where they questioned their life. Love this song ❤️

[@louisb5563]

BOOM!!! 💥

[@user-cs4fg1rm5k]

I remember this song from Down and Out in Beverly Hills. Which is similar thematically

[@michaelccozens]

I can see that, but I think there's another level on which this song is about the degree to which we don't have control of our lives, and can't. One should seize one's agency, as you say, but at the same time you have to remember that we are small creatures caught in large currents. In a way, that's also a celebration of life; who knows what it's going to bring you tomorrow, and how dull would it be if you could absolutely say for certain?

[@pauljohm]

100% got it.

[@cjk5115]

Not just one the best Talking Heads songs, but arguably one of the best songs of the 80s. David Byrne is truly an artist and this song sounds just as good today as it did 40 years ago. Listen to the song a few more times, absorb the message, and do yourself a favor and watch "Stop Making Sense," their concert video - one of the best you'll ever see.

[@Don-lg3oy]

Wow this reaction caught me off guard! Figured they’d love it! I was 10 years old back then when I heard it and it instantly had my attention. The music, vocals, and his movements. It’s a frickin’ classic…come on lol. 42 year old song and some are still not prepared for it. Mind blowing.

[@mirkotc67]

The heads were way ahead of their time. I guess they still are...

[@SophieE-MrD-n-Kaos]

I know! This is one of my all time favorite songs! How can they NOT like it ….. Smh !! It’s a fing MASTERPIECE!

[@bmentlow]

Only us Gen-X’ers really get it. It’s from our time and I wouldn’t expect “kids” today to understand. Now that I’m 50, these lyrics are a trip. You have to have lived a life for it to hit home.

[@Vernon-Robber]

@@bmentlow"My god, what have I done?" always hits hard for me.

[@jasonsabbath6996]

To me, every Talking Heads song forces you to think and not just mindlessly listen. The older I get, the more I identify with the lyrics. I truly love hearing the songs now on a different level then when I was younger.

[@nancysmith8626]

Me too!

[@peterhineinlegen4672]

There is water, at the bottom of the ocean.

[@stephenpemberton85]

Especially "Road to nowhere"😆

[@estoy1001]

"...after the money's gone..." Preach David, preach!

[@grahamsutherland2054]

I completely agree, I hear this an a lot of music I loved as a teen or just younger. You hear different things and I think I am more appreciative of the art and the work that goes into making a great song with people that can actually sing and play their own instruments. While not completely lost, I am fed up of auto-tuned vocals. I could auto-tune my grand mother to sound good and she has been dead for 20 years. Of course I am being flippannt but you the point

[@GoodStuffForeverMore]

David Byrne is a performance artist! He doesn't just sing the song , he feels it, expresses it in a way that causes you to feel a sense of awkwardness, angst. He is projecting what is feels like to question and doubt your choices. So many of us just sleep walk through life. It is definitely bizarre and jarring the first time you are exposed to Talking Heads. It's usually a similar experience, for most people, when they are first exposed to Kate Bush. They are both incredible performance artists who are pioneers in what they do. Give it a little time and a few more listens. I think it will grow on you😍

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

Well said. I was a Fine Art's student in College when this album came out. It kind of became my soundtrack for almost an entire year. I delved into the lyrics and found inspiration in them for my own work. De-constructiing and Re-constructing became my theme.

[@GoodStuffForeverMore]

@@j.kevvideoproductions.6463 Awesome! Good theme to have🤘

[@Serai3]

The Heads were all art students; that's where they met, in school. So their videos, their stage presence, their music, all are multi-layered and referential. Byrne has always been fascinated by older religions and spiritualities. The bits of film you see in the background of this video are recordings of rituals from different groups, notably santeros and Candomble. (Byrne eventually was initiated as a Candomble priest and has written a number of songs influenced by it.) His gestures call up not just the films (you can see him imitating the images in the background) but also movements typical of people who are "ridden" or possessed by the spirits. The other layer of the song that contrasts strongly is the lyrics, that talk of how people commonly just let their lives happen (letting the days go by, let the water hold me down) instead of taking charge of them, and then end up shocked and unmoored (well? how did I get here?) when they realize how far they are from where they started or saw themselves living. (This is not my beautiful house. This is not my beautiful wife!) It's some deep stuff. Like I said, multi-layered. :)

[@dubiousdistinction6500]

good analysis

[@vm4821]

Yours is one of the best summations of the band, the man and the song.

[@dv3507]

I hope Jay and Amber read this! Great analysis.

[@medmon3476]

Great info - didn't know about the religious background of David Byrne - will have to look it up. The art background of Talking Heads is key to understanding this song and video - most people have never been exposed to performance art and it does take art to a whole new level of weirdness (in a good way - not the Rock Lobster way 😜)Amber was perplexed and this is potentially a good response and probably what Talking Heads intended (depends what happens next I guess - either file it away in the 'too weird and too hard ' basket and forget about it or come back to it later on after mulling over it to actually figure out what it means in the wider scheme of things - here's hoping for the latter !).

[@jeffking4176]

Interesting. Cool 📻🙂

[@danoi99]

This is my favourite song of all time. I used to listen to this when I was a young man. I'm now 49, I have a beautiful wife, a beautiful house, a large automobile and I've found myself in another part of the world. I've never lived in a shotgun shack.......but I do own a Wingmstar 870 !

[@Fibonacci64]

This song is a classic, it was so ahead of its time and it will grow on you as you get older. "How did I get here? Same as it ever was." In the middle of life.

[@geoffadavis]

NPR named "Once in a Lifetime" one of the 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lists it as one of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll", and Rolling Stone ranked it at number 27 on its 2021 list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

[@brentlewis2155]

Life During Wartime is a jam! Road to Nowhere. And She Was. Burning Down the House. Keep trying with this band. They're awesome!

[@terryb5803]

I'm an 80s Rock and Heavy Metal guy, but I definitely got into The Talking Heads!! I think they were genius instead of weird!!🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@mirkotc67]

Agree 100%. They should watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/injSl6J-brd3e6M in order to appreciate the Heads talent.

[@wadsworthaaron]

The Talking Heads were geniuses. From their songwriting to musicianship to their multimedia art, very few ever approached their creativity.

[@bobblowhard8823]

You may not have recognized it, but this song is pure genius. You have to really listen to it a few times. David Byrne is a musical genius.

[@mirkotc67]

"Once in a lifetime" is a masterpiece. Such a great song must be experienced being performed live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/injSl6J-brd3e6M

[@DNGINFORMANT]

Agree! This is so good. They were awesome

[@jedmackay5346]

The whole band is genius. And having Brian Eno as producer helped a bit too!

[@schroedingers_kotze]

And maybe you have to reach a point in life where you realize that all the major decisions you've made in the past (often unconsciously) are irreversible. From my point of view, the song is partly a philosophical reflection on this inevitable process, at the same time an ironic commentary on the "american dream".

[@ST1973]

C'mon David Byrne and the taking heads are unique!!! There is nothing wierd about them 😅

[@mikekling]

Talking Heads were like the art school geniuses of music expression in the 80s! So experimental and mind altering! Love it! Please check out their songs "And She Was", "This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody)", Road To Nowhere, Swamp, Slippery People, Stay Up Late, and Love → Building on Fire. Also revisit OINGO BOINGO!! PS. J we all hope for a speedy recovery!! Keep smiling and healing!! 🎶🙏🎶

[@btgiv6009]

I think Amber's face spoke for 99% of us. 😁

[@Shrykespeare]

Yes on Oingo Boing! "Out of Control", "Dead Man's Party" and "Only a Lad" are bangers!

[@xzonia1]

The fun in this group is how odd they are. :) Yes, J please recover well and quickly!

[@QuadRippler]

Can't forget "take me t the river"

[@someoneoncesaid6978]

Sax and Violins

[@kevinsartoris7602]

Talking Heads were a killer band live - especially with their expanded line up. Check out Life During Wartime live from Stop Making Sense. You'll be shook!

[@davidcopson5800]

The Killers were a talking heads live band.

[@caasss8123]

@Kevin I agree. It is considered one of the best concert films ever made, directed by the late great Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia). I would like to suggest you react to the band The Warning for Female Friday. Recommend Survive (at TedTalk) or Dust to Dust (at Lunario). Lzzy Hale and David Draiman (Disturbed) love them. They have been opening for Halestorm throughout 2022.

[@stevesilva2780]

Girlfriend Is Better

[@Chris.Davis.2]

Absolute Classic! I literally walked away stunned.

[@daverice2426]

Man, the version of this song from that movie, with the leaned back singers and Harrison and Worrell hovering above them like gods; one of the most indelible images in any concert film I've ever seen

[@prankman49]

This song deals with the futility of not being happy with the things you have. Like trying to remove the water at the bottom of the ocean, there's no way to stop life from moving on. The forces of nature (like the ocean) keep you moving almost without your conscious effort - David Byrne's choreography in the video was done by the Toni Basil, who had a hit as a singer with "Mickey."

[@frankrice3213]

(Thanks. You stated it perfectly.)

[@debbiechang5781]

Jay is never gonna recover from “Rock Lobster” 😂😂😂. I love the B-52’s and these guys are definitely similar in many ways. 🌺✌️

[@jaccilowe3842]

The sheer brilliance of David Byrne...this is probably my favourite Talking Heads song.

[@sandrahughes8645]

Mine too.

[@alphagt62]

It’s good, but I’ve got to go with psycho killer

[@davidgoldstein1526]

I don't have a favorite-i have a top-5 list of their songs. 😉🙃

[@torpedoboy4]

Mine too

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Road to nowhere is my favourite. And that melody to start with is just magic!

[@johns881]

Your reaction to the “weirdness” is a great example of the power of musical exposure. The band are ARTISTS, and they should not be underminded. This is not music as your used to, and that’s the beauty of it, let it be as it is and appreciate it for exactly that:)

[@mirkotc67]

The Heads were exquisite musicians and performers, their "weirdness" is in fact proof of the average lack of understanding of contemporary art among people.

[@SophieE-MrD-n-Kaos]

They are paying too much attention to the video…. Weird is COOL 😎

[@SophieE-MrD-n-Kaos]

@@mirkotc67 100% agree very well said!

[@BufordT]

Amber, you'll look back one year from now and realize that you absolutely LOVE this song. Don't worry about it, you'll get there eventually.

[@tamcon72]

When they've reached middle age, they'll get it. For real.

[@bethcushway458]

I absolutely love this song. Even as a kid when it came out I knew it was about someone who wasn't satisfied with their life, you've just got to listen to the lyrics. I'm genuinely shocked Amber didn't like this because she has such an affinity for Kate Bush and there's so many parallels. She usually goes for the deep lyrics and artsy videos.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

Same. It's a brilliant song. I've always loved it since the beginning. ❤️

[@staceycoates1418]

I think she needs to listen again, and this time just focus on the words. I think in this case she got a little to wrapped in the sound. And the words are jarring to the sound. That is part of what makes it good, but you need to listen to the words to really understand the song.

[@mirkotc67]

It is a complex, multi-layered composition. Full of hidden meanings and irony, it requires the listeners involvement with the song. Definitively not for casual playing, but infinitely rewarding after listening in the proper context. I love the Heads and this song.

[@robertrosello1964]

The album to check out is "Stop Making Sense" Talking Heads live. Take Me to the River is great

[@EVGriffinJr]

I just left a comment about that! The live version of this song is even better!

[@misterjk]

Same with live version of Life During Wartime

[@susanryan2451]

Oh man yeah. The song Take Me to the River is like fire. I love how effortlessly Tina Weymouth the bassist keeps up with David. It's just magical

[@subwaygoddess1]

I remember when this song came out, FANTASTIC to dance to, and we all walked around saying "same as it ever was" while doing the arm chopping motion. We were in love with this song and with David Byrne's expressions. Psycho Killer is my favorite!! And Jay and Amber, give the B-52s another chance. Rock Lobster was meant to be fun, and the B-52s are all about fun. The girls, Kate and Cindy, have some serious talent, listen to "52 Girls," "Roam," and "Cake," and you'll see

[@bobarnold1706]

Private Idaho, Planet Claire ..

[@jefflast9489]

Love Shack

[@robertg7396]

This is definitely Amber's version of Jay's Rock Lobster feeling. Her expressions are priceless! 🤣🦞

[@aaradia]

LOL! That is exactly what I was thinking watching this!

[@philiphudgens4726]

The term "ignoramus" springs to mind...I mean, I'm not a Talking Heads or David Byrne fan, per se but how can one not appreciate the emotive creativity on show here?!

[@MichaelStoneArt]

I'm surprised at Amber's reaction. If that's not quirky, there is NO quirky. LOL. David Byrne is a genius, and this song is one of the best songs of the 80's. His "dance" was an iconic move. I still do the arm chops and say "same as it ever was," and people completely get my meaning.

[@grahamokeefe9406]

Fun fact: The "arm chops" are a reference to a Rhode Island hot dog chain called "Saugies"

[@tanyaroberson9629]

If you were in the 80s you would be going to parties dancing to Talking Heads, the B-52s, and Devo and it would all seem perfect.

[@Lemons66]

When I first heard Talking Heads it was too weird for me, but once I realized the creative process, this band was ahead of their time. The more I listened to them, the more I liked them. Embrace that beautiful weirdness!! Since we're into the 80's with this one, if you haven't already...check out Eddy Grant- Electric Avenue and Tone Loc- Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina

[@dananichols349]

I'm part of the original MTV generation. And we spent hours, HOURS, sitting around watching waiting for a video like this to come on. And then we lost our minds watching it! And we reacted and danced around and be-bopped like our girl Amber.

[@soundcloudofficial5930]

You gotta understand some songs just capture the essence of the time period. This song is the total mood of the 80s lyrics and all. Sometimes you just aren’t going to be able to get it cuz you weren’t there 😁. And that’s ok

[@nancysmith8626]

Exactly!

[@raydoyle45]

Absolutely spot on! I was 21 in 1981 so lived my 20s in the 80s. Nightclubs,radio,mtv,cassettes to cds! It was a blast!

[@meanmistreater1424]

@@raydoyle45 Same here! Loved the '80's🎉🎊

[@mirkotc67]

"Once in a lifetime" is an art masterpiece. It combines African inspired polyrhythms with funk and experimental art rock from the early eighties. The lyrics are a critique of Amercian consumerism and profit oriented evangelical religions. The song describes the point of view of an average person that suddenly becomes aware of his life's lack of ultimate sense. He had tried to fill that lack of meaning with consumerism, but this probes to be useless at the end: You may ask yourself, "What is that beautiful house?" You may ask yourself, "Where does that highway go to?" And you may ask yourself, "Am I right, am I wrong?" And you may say to yourself, "My God, what have I done?"

[@matthewowen2182]

The older you get the more the lyrics make sense, it’s questioning life and what you’ve done with your life, how you get to where you are

[@daveland3183]

Exactly! As I get older, I do ask myself “HOW DID I GET HERE.”

[@surlechapeau]

J&A, You'll love their "Life During Wartime", "Take Me To The River", "Crosseyed And Painless" and many more!!!

[@josephprovencher6345]

I haven't heard Crosseyed and Painless but I love Take Me To The River and I feel that the great Annie Lennox did justice with her cover of Take Me To The River! Omg can u imagine her and David doing the song together?! It would be freaking fire 🔥 💯💗

[@imsirius2]

@@josephprovencher6345 Just listened to the Annie version. She truly puts her own spin on it, but I think I prefer the original.

[@josephprovencher6345]

@@imsirius2 well technically I believe Al Green did the original but yeah I still like Annie's version best but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the live version from Stop Making Sense version ❤️

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Road to nowhere

[@terra274]

Talking Heads were a band from that era along with The Cars ..Devo who were trailblazers producing music that were 25 years ahead of their times..

[@nickitacocat]

After listening to it for a while you'll find yourself talking along with "how did I get here?" The lyrics are infectious.

[@Yowza78]

True story: out of college I answered a Room for Rent ad that read simply: "Talking Head Fan Wanted" with a price and a phone number. Turns out I was the only person who responded knowing that Taking Heads were a band. Some of the guesses people had were hysterical. Lo these many years later, I am still great friends with the couple who rented me that room. Thanks, David Byrne!

[@EgbertWilliams]

There are some songs that never get old. This is one of those.

[@Shrykespeare]

Glad to see you get back to David Byrne and the Heads. "And She Was" is also a vibe, as is "Take me to the River", "Road to Nowhere", "Wild Wild Life", and "Life During Wartime". They are quirky geniuses. No other way to describe them.

[@jeffreyriley8742]

I want them to do Wild Wild Life with the video! It's a blast.

[@stevenblock9712]

Always loved this for my school buddies who got married, bought a house, had kids, etc. I recommend "Take Me to the River" if you haven't heard it already.

[@barr790]

I bloody love Talking Heads! This is a tune! Great reaction guys as usual ❤💙

[@Fakeaorta]

Do you love chimney stacks?

[@javablanca547]

The key to the Talking Heads is the lyrics. Once you have those down like a poem, the music takes you to new understandings... true art.

[@gregd8098]

Way back, before the internet...the story we got here in north Texas was that David was watching late night "preachers" doing their thing. And, boom, Once In a Lifetime was born.

[@Fakeaorta]

One of their best songs! Another ones by them you should check out is 'This Must Be The Place' and 'And She Was'.

[@josephprovencher6345]

The one I personally love the most is Road To Nowhere ❤️

[@nancysmith8626]

Along with "Burning Down the House," these are probably my top favorite Talking Heads songs.

[@xzonia1]

This right here is the pure joy of watching reaction channels! I am laughing so hard right now! X) Absolutely love Amber's meltdown over this song. LOLOLOL :D I've always liked this song, but now I have a new reason to love it. Thanks! Y'all definitely made me smile today! :D :D :D

[@messiahmoose]

This song was such a huge hit. It was on repeat on MTV, imagine being a parent and being like wtf? 😂

[@bmentlow]

I was 8 or 9 years old when this song came out. I’ve heard it throughout my entire lifetime. I’m now 50 years old and these lyrics hit so damn hard and is quite profound. You never know what life has in store for you, it’s so unpredictable and there are no guarantees. When you’re young or a kid you think you “know” exactly how your whole life is gonna be. LOL…”My God…HOW DID I GET HERE!”

[@SaltyDog1967]

I first heard this song in 1981 as a 14 year old teen when MTV first came out. They didn't have many videos so you saw what few they have a lot. Like Amber, I was not a fan in the beginning, but the more I heard it, the more I liked it and now I love it long with most of their other songs. They are so weird that their music almost needs to grow on you.

[@jfox9126]

It’s funny how you listen to something so many times even though it’s weird you crave the sounds, the cadence of the voice, anticipating little moments when the talking floats over the instruments and joins together at very specific spots. Even though it’s just a bunch of talking, if you hear it enough it becomes a familiar part of the music.

[@zerofactor7871]

Oh man, I'm so glad you guys did this one. It's one of the most unique pieces of music ever made, and is a legendary song because in its time it was a trailblazing sound and popularized a style of music that had only been limited to a small base of enthusiasts in the 80's. As a massive Talking Heads fan who's turned many others on to their awesome work, here's a couple recommendations I think you might not have done yet. 1. Burning Down The House (absolute barn-burner of a song, guaranteed head banger) 2. This Must Be The Place (the most artful love song I've ever heard) 3. Take Me To The River (another very unique song that pays homage to American folk music)

[@trufflehund]

This is one of the greatest songs I have ever heard and seen. It challenges you. You just don't get it first time. Songs like this, "Are Friends Electric" and, yes, "Rock lobster" were absolutely necessary in breaking new ground.

[@duncanation]

These guys were great! They were ahead of their time....from the future! Love them! Psycho killer was fabulous!

[@Davidhjrick]

This is a genius song. Breaking most pop music ‘rules’. About what life is really all about and mid-life crisis. Amazing.

[@deborahvernarelli6394]

The expression on Amber's face when he first started talking, was priceless..then when he started singing with that beat, she got into the groove, lol..thankx you 2 wonderful youngsters 💖💖

[@RandoReport]

Easily their best-known song, from 1980. David Byrne was long chastised for lifting African rhythms for his songs, but they are really well-used here. This has been sampled many, many times.

[@lbh002]

The Talking Heads were the avant-garde of the New Wave of 1980s music. Bands that followed and were more pop and included the Cars, Human League, Flock of Seagulls, Tears for Fears, Soft Cell, Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Joe Jackson, ABC, Culture Club, and Gary Numan. But DEVO preceded the Talking heads.

[@HisboiLRoi]

Devo indeed formed about two years before Talking Heads. However, the Talking Heads released their first two LPs before "Q. Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! " came out.

[@steveh7508]

false gary numan lead the punk phase, then switched up and lead the synth instrumental phase of music , a huge influence on 2 decades of music that ppl dont realize

[@mikeharvey3551]

Another unique song from the 80's is "Mexican Radio" by Wall of Voodoo

[@SovereignNational]

I was born in '74 but i grew up in the 80's. I remember this song playing on MTV with another back to back popular song at the time, Video Killed The Radio Star (i guess when everyone was transitioning from listening music from radio to television (MTV).... i was only 6 years old listening to this stuff.) Ok, back to the weirdness... lol I would have to say what reminds me of this guy in this video singing actually reminds me of a charater in a movie called Napolean Dynamite. The character fit to sing this song would be Kipland Dynamite who is Napoleon Dynamite's older brother in the movie. 😂

[@brian52763]

It was weird back in the eighties too, but its super catchy! They are "artsy" types, they met as students at the Rhode Island School of Design! They were and are very" Progressive"

[@eljobo3258]

Awesome! Life During Wartime is also a must from them. Do the live version from Stop Making Sense.

[@kona883]

Totally agree!

[@resurrectionwaiting9294]

And you must see THE BIG SUIT!

[@misterjk]

Absolutely has to be seen. Been hoping for a reaction to that live performance of Life During Wartime. So good!

[@jacklewis5452]

I just said the same thing.....I guess I should have scrolled down before commenting! You have great taste!

[@tbjfsu]

👍👍👍👍

[@willredding3859]

I was never a Talking Heads fan, but then some friends insisted we go see them. It was AWESOME, been a fan ever since.

[@oddespenjenssen2236]

I played in a band in 1980 and left that band instantly when my guitarist disparaged this single. How could he?! This is one of the best singles ever released.

[@MstaMark]

It seems that nobody has mentioned that the Talking Heads focus was World Music and Punk Rock, and was also the mainstream's gateway to a new sound and introduction to World Music.

[@Raiderblack]

Such a great song and video... You listen to it more than 2 or 3 times and you will have this ear worm 🪱 stuck! The lyrics are stellar.

[@Raiderblack]

Talking Heads = New Wave

[@keithcarper8809]

I always thought this song was about the uncontrolled insanity around us and grabbing a moment of the peace within us and flowing with it. ☮🧡🎶

[@rockandrollpaddy]

From '80-'81, everything about this is seminal.The riff, hook, melody, lyrics, production, video. Massive in the punk/new wave/new romantic clubs in London. Fab tune, fab days.

[@incredulousdisbelief9841]

I was around 13 when this song came out and I felt the same way as Amber, kind of a forced oddity with a catchy chorus. But now after 40 years of listening to this, it's grown on me in a profound way. It's become prophetic to me in it's scope. An anthem of sorts to our limited time in this blue orb of life and our place in it. Same as it ever was, but different to every individual based on the time and place we exist. How do we begin to ask ourselves the really big questions? How did we get here? Let the water hold me down. Into the blue again, after the money's gone. The metaphors this invokes are multiple, the fish in the sea, the humans on land, each locked into our universe by the top of the water and the sky. Once in a lifetime, things are beyond great. But then they aren't, and things have changed. How did we get from here to there? And life repeats, same as it ever was. The soul of this song is incredible to me, and I love it in ways I couldn't even begin to describe to my 13 year old self. And that's part of the lived experience.

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

This is one of the best eighties new wave/art rock bands ever! This song was a mega-hit and one of my favorite Talking heads’ tunes! I think he’s talking about the stress and drudgery of life!❤❤

[@Musicvegan01]

There's a new song by New Kids On The Block with En Vogue, Rick Astley, & Salt-N-Pepa called "Bring Back The Time". In the music video there are tributes to a few 1980s videos. Rick is doing this one. Since Amber has said she's a Michael Jackson fan, the video also has a "Beat It" gang fight.

[@marleybob3157]

Your next Talking Heads reaction simply has to be their live version of "Life During Wartime" from their "Stop Making Sense" movie. You''ll get more personality from the band in that one video than you do from anything else.

[@kevinparker2375]

First off...Psycho Killer is my absolute favorite Talking Heads song. I really didn't care for the Talking Heads back in the day, but now that I am older, I really appreciate David Byrne as a creative talent much more. Once you get past the outlandish action in the videos and listen to the music and composition, it is (was) truly innovative. David Byrne reminds me a lot of Frank Zappa...not everyone's cup of tea, but very talented musician and creator. I highly recommend watching the DVD (Blu-Ray) that comes with the Stop Making Sense 20 Anniversary Edition. Pure gold!

[@algomaone121]

I believe every different jerk motion in his dance represents a full day passing in life.

[@TheBigAnchor]

My mom used to have me listen to Talking Heads, especially this song. It looks like you watched the 3:45 minute version instead of the 4:20 minute version. The 4:20 minute version has a lyric that says, "worked a job in water removal. There is water at the bottom of the ocean. Under the water, carry the water. Remove the water from the bottom of the ocean. Water dissolving and water removing." The lyrics tell a story about a man (or woman) who is working as a water removal worker. He/she is letting the days go by. Same as it ever was. Letting the water hold them down, water flowing underground, into the blue again after the money's gone, water flowing underground. He talks about waking up one day and saying, "this is not my car, this is not my wife, this is not my house." This is because he's been on autopilot his whole life working a complete redundant job (water removal from the ocean) and letting life pass him by. When the money's gone, he goes back to his life sucking job. The song takes a unique approach to say don't get stuck in a boring routine and let life pass you by, or else you'll wake up one day and not recognize who you are.

[@afoolandhiscameras7658]

I think one thing that frustrates me is that you can't always have your mind made up on a first listen. I know it's a reaction channel, but give it several chances. A lot of these unique songs have a way of growing on you, given the chance.

[@nancysmith8626]

YES!

[@rebeccarockchik6704]

And the video throws some people off as well. I love this song!! 💜

[@alphagt62]

I love that they are honest, and don’t just pretend to like everything. They gave it a fair shake, it’s OK for Amber to say it’s not her.

[@inglbrute]

Yeah, Ithink they're caught up in the music the first time. The lyrics come 2 or 3 listens later. That's how it is with me anyhow.

[@daisy9664]

I have a feeling that they never listened again 99% of the songs they reacted to. Also I wonder if they really love and listen to any of the artists they discovered here. I am curious to know what you guys think

[@ManicSalamander]

This is what it looks like when the biggest nerd on the planet gets the Funk, and totally owns it. I am so glad David Byrne did all these things. He is completely committed and he makes it work.

[@drwalker6517]

Goodness… cut the B52s some slack. Their first 6 albums are wonderful. The B52s, Devo and the Talking Heads are giants of the new wave movement. Their songs have meaning to them, and are quite serious and critically acclaimed. What we think is inconsequential to them.

[@SciFiPi]

Best reaction ever, because we didn't get it in the 80's. But now it makes sense. Love it!

[@theosiemens6261]

David turns his autism into something so beautiful and inspiring! My all time favourite leading man! 🇨🇦🥰🙏

[@54nomore]

David Byrne is one of the best singer/songwriters out there. He also did a solo album with various Latin rhythms title "Rey Mono." He features on that album some of the biggest Latin musicians and singers. And his hit "Make Believe Mambo" went over well in Latin America and the world. David Byrne and The Talking Heads were inducted into the "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame"20 years ago in 2002.

[@minxiv7]

I love, love, love The Talking Heads ❤️ the song was the opening for the 80’s film Down and Out in Beverly Hills.

[@markadolph8715]

This is the song that started me on the road to becoming a Head head; it's pretty much my favorite Talking Heads song. Seeing the live version in the movie Stop Making Sense sealed it. Many have recommended Life During Wartime. Let me go further and recommend the live version of that song from the movie. (The live version of this one is absolutely epic).

[@fpl_mccolby]

When you've been hearing this song for 40 years, you don't even think about the "weirdness" of it. It's just another of the creative songs from the '80s.

[@douglasbriel6103]

The Talking Heads are always talking about life in a very intellectual lense.

[@stevehamilton8824]

Love the Talking Heads. One of the original bands from the CBGB days.

[@sydhamelin1265]

David Byrne is extremely visceral and avante garde, definitely not for everyone. I f'ing love these guys (and gal). Their live show is unreal.

[@sieglindeeilserv8799]

From songfacts: Some critics have suggested that "Once In A Lifetime" is a kind of prescient jab at the excesses of the 1980s. David Byrne says they're wrong; that the lyric is pretty much about what it says it's about. In an interview with NPR, Byrne said: "We're largely unconscious. You know, we operate half awake or on autopilot and end up, whatever, with a house and family and job and everything else, and we haven't really stopped to ask ourselves, 'How did I get here?'"

[@shauntempley9757]

I get what he is saying in this song. The world we live in does everything it can to turn off our perceptions of where our daily lives are heading. This is a song about what happens when life has gone down a path to far, and the person realises this is not what he wanted, but life and the world forced on him notheless.

[@DocRock71]

I love the verses on this song, as much as the chorus. If you just listen to the song without the video distracting you, this song is simply amazing.

[@kevinsmith4429]

My intro to this band was when they first came out. My girlfriend had a way of digging up new unheard of bands & making me take her to see them. Metallica,A/C- D/C,Scorpions,Stevie Ray Vaughn etc. Obviously still grateful but these guys were INSANE. She couldn't believe I liked them, said she only took me to piss me off.

[@janna2245]

This song owes everything to African pop music of the 1970s

[@Yowza78]

The weirdness of Talking Heads is what first attracted me to them. They were weird and misunderstood, and so was I. But at the end of the day, strange videos aside, they made great music, with funk and groove. They were great musicians and arrangers and their live shows were top notch.

[@rjpg]

THATS a good question! How can you like this one and not like Rock Lobster. Everyone has the same reaction watching David Byrne (WTF?!?) but its actually a choreographed dance performance. This is my FAV Talking Heads song of all time.

[@paulmargett9360]

"Road to Nowhere" is a must listen. It is so infectious. Much love from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TheManwithaview]

The b side Television Man was far better

[@DavidBroadley-tw7ks]

Davy born in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davidheath5282]

The woman's reaction is pure gold. I've never seen this video before and yet I've heard the song 100 times. Really love TH and David Byrne.

[@NLMountainMan-me9rg]

They were talked about when they first came out. Their music and videos were weird. That’s what made them stand out and popular. Another band you should check out- Teenage Head. Ya that’s what it means lol

[@helindove2237]

“How can you not like Rock Lobster but like THIS?” 😄😄 Your reaction made me laugh. I think I even woke up the neighbors. You got to see a live performance video of them! For the next Talking Heads please do the live version of Life During Wartime. Take care of yourself! 🖐