Mike Nesmith - Tapioca Tundra (Better Call Saul Soundtrack)

The song played during the mid-episode montage in Better Call Saul's Season 6, Episode 11 (Breaking Bad).
Reasoned verse, some prose or rhyme
Lose themselves in other times
And waiting hopes cast silent spells
That speak in clouded clues
It cannot be a part of me
For now it's part of you
Careful plays on fields
That seem to vanish
When they're in between
And softly as I walk away
In freshly tattered shoes
It cannot be a part of me
For now it's part of you
Sunshine, ragtime
Blowing in the breeze
Midnight looks right
Standing more at ease
Silhouettes and figures stay
Close to what he had to say
And one more time, the faded dream
Is saddened by the news
It cannot be a part of me
For now it's part of you
Sunshine, ragtime
Blowing in the breeze
Midnight looks right
Standing more at ease
Silhouettes and figures stay
Close to what he had to say
And one more time, the faded dream
Is saddened by the news
It cannot be a part of me
For now it's part of you
It cannot be a part of me
For now it's part of you

[@theunknownuser9609]

Every relapse sounds like this

[@imasexybae4177]

i’m going to have a relapse then

[@SuperTurtle0]

Slippin

[@BatBoy2627]

@@SuperTurtle0Jimmy

[@nont18411]

It’s sad to see a man slowly killing himself.

[@lordmelvin9310]

Damn.

[@papapoot4999]

This is the most painful relapse scene in a series revolving meth and the Mexican cartel

[@Waggamonkey13]

That's exactly how I read the scene too. As someone who struggled with substance abuse in the past, this scene was miserable to watch and made me so angry with Jimmy/Gene

[@WhiteWolf496]

I'd argue that Chuck's relapse in the s3 finale was more painful and tragic. But this is still excellent.

[@OptimalLeisure]

@@WhiteWolf496 I'd say that Chuck's relapse was painful and tragic, while Gene's was disappointing, yet unfortunately unsurprising.

[@soolty1696]

I love how usually the scam montages are so upbeat and fun but this one just kinda makes you feel bad for him as he slowly throws away his life again. He just can’t shake it, slipping jimmy always comes back.

[@TheRealDomiz]

Maybe with good behaviour he'll come back :)

[@fandbwelch3768]

The reason he knew he couldn’t take the short sentence. Slippin Jimmy always comes back.

[@alainportant6412]

@@fandbwelch3768 brabo bince

[@JAKBOT3000]

I don't feel bad for him. Saul is a POS and seeing him destroy himself is good. My only hope was that he didn't somehow wriggle his way out of justice.

[@user-qr5hp4ok3e]

Even the scam montage from Nippy was upbeat and fun. What a difference an episode makes.

[@ianmcclure3936]

Man Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad always know how to choose the perfect songs for their montages.

[@klx6265]

After watching Breaking Bad and BCS, i'm 100% convinced that Vince Gilligan is the prophesized Jesus of Television. i feel so lucky to watch the genius of this storyteller first hand. His understanding of music, emotion and visual motifs on screen is unparalleled. This montage was perfect, as were so many before it. Remember the season opening in BCS with "Address Unknown" by the ink spots? Just storytelling gold.

[@TheGamerThing]

@@klx6265 Peter Gould is co creator with him he deserves the same praise

[@klx6265]

@@TheGamerThing Agreed 👆

[@KbanjoK]

@@klx6265 and Tom Schnauz directed this episode and chose this song

[@klx6265]

@@KbanjoK I didn't know that, assumed it was gilligan. Great job by Tom, really gold class.

[@twenty-fourframedavinci8641]

This song made me feel an emotion I didn’t know existed

[@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475]

It’s called saudade, the word only exists in Portuguese language and it’s very difficult to explain, you just felt what it is…

[@junfa8686]

@@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475 El tiempo no para

[@rachelharvey9346]

@@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475 for that reason I can't stop playing it

[@ShadowKoto]

@@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475 Would it happen to be something like "Melancholy"?

[@romeostars]

@@ShadowKoto It's a noun to describe "The emotion of missing something." It's sort of associated with feeling empty because you long for something that once made you complete.

[@user-hg1oj4op3z]

A man who just couldn’t help himself.

[@strawbarry7834]

Between this obscure acoustic version, the meaning of the song, the montage it plays over, the fact that Mike Nesmith passed recently, and that I'm a huge Monkees fan, I gotta say this was one of the most melancholy and perfect songs for that scene. I've rewatched it about 10 times now, and I get sad each time. Brilliant.

[@johndow7689]

It IS awesome; ain't it? That's TWO Monkees tracks in the mix ("Goin' Down" was in BB).

[@heromaxpower]

So a BTS detail. The writer/director saw Mike’s last concert during the filming of this episode. He wasn’t meant to due to Covid but risked it anyway.

[@strawbarry7834]

@@heromaxpower That's amazing. I wish Nez was around to see the impact this old song is having right now. Never in a million years did I imagine something I loved 50 years ago and something I love now would merge into this beautiful scene. I feel so lucky to be alive at this exact moment.

[@johndow7689]

@@strawbarry7834 Fewer years here. I became a Monkees fan in 85 or so but I completely feel the same way. R.I.P. Mr. Nesmith

[@wlouisharris]

Perfectly timed piece of music. Absolutely gold TV scene.

[@CredibleCommenter]

It cannot be a part of me, for now it’s part of you

[@funky35791]

Thomas schnauz (director of this episode) actually went to a mike nesmith show right before mike died and the filming of this episode

[@funky35791]

@@hexagonist23 no Mike nesmisth died

[@deuce5546]

@@hexagonist23 Kid named iliteracy

[@accidentalpatient4152]

Based ​@@deuce5546

[@milobell5525]

There was something about Mike Nesmiths voice that always felt reassuring.

[@adelaidefinch6197]

It’s soft❤

[@mauromasterx]

Man, this song felt so sad in the episode, between the petty earnings in small 20's compared to the stacks of cash, to an old man hurting himself and others for nothing

[@tankdogization]

I always see something deep in dogs when they’re on TV or in real life. The dog’s face in this episode, especially during this part, was wondering what the hell is his owner doing. It is also true when the dog is barking as Gene barges into Jeff’s garage angry with Buddy.

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

It's the inevitable end of a successful life of crime. He had the up side, and now he's experiencing what he set up for himself.

[@lachlanstaunts]

I used to dislike Tapioca Tundra (the album version), but I loved this version and it actually helped me get into the album version too. Now I enjoy both versions equally. Mike Nesmith was an incredibly talented person. Far more than he ever got credit for.

[@swifty123]

What an incredibly written character. We’ll miss you, Saul.

[@paulisthelegend]

This show is a masterpiece. I don’t want it to end! Great soundtrack for this episode

[@emel6423]

Every show either dies a legend or lives long enough to succumb to seasonal rot.

[@ForeverMaggie420]

It's over :(

[@OBJYN788]

I know the feeling but I’m extremely grateful I got to watch such a beautiful show while it lasted.

[@Nefare1781]

Such a bittersweet song for a bittersweet montage. Gene is ethically and morally deteriorating as he gets off on the high of his Saul persona, he wants more. He keeps doing the same scam but it’s not enough, he needs more money. He’ll do anything to achieve it, regardless of the repercussions. That phone call to Kim was a one-way ticket to the hell that Gene will never bounce back from. For some reason, I still feel bad for him, even though he did scam a bunch of people…his bad choice road never ended, it just keeps going.

[@marilynwheaton9047]

That's the brilliance of the writing. The complexity of the anti-hero characters that keep us rooting for characters we know we shouldn't root for.

[@jimmymadden1419]

You my friend, crafted a brilliant comment. Thank you

[@mhtanks]

Seems it's a bad choice circle for Saul, wouldn't you agree?

[@WesCoastPiano]

This version is so much better than the album version

[@lunch77]

It’s the best version ever made

[@illestvillain1971]

Too true. The og version is fun but when you hear this you can't go back. It never stood out to me. But when I heard in better call Saul I thought it was familiar and indeed it was, better

[@ballz69]

@@illestvillain1971 ALL CAPS

[@martinwhitehouse7263]

Agreed. Wish this version was on spotify 😞 But it's not.

[@Vichedges]

I like the album version better personally but this is great too.

[@catladycc]

Awe miss Michael Nesmith sooo much 💔 glad they played his song on the show.

[@gracestenberg4188]

He’d be so proud…

[@1ofus]

The anniversary is creeping up on us 😳

[@austinbevis4266]

Did he die?!

[@catladycc]

@@austinbevis4266 yes :( in December 2021

[@bittersanddistractions]

MICHAEL NESMITH IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED SONGWRITERS OF ALL-TIME! Everyone, please go listen to his Michael Nesmith & The First National Band “Magnetic South” album! 🤘🏻

[@johndow7689]

The Godfather of Southern rock. The Eagles really owed this guy a massive "THANK YOU."

[@SuperC888]

Not underrated… at all.

[@amylewis1435]

100%! He was amazing and so sorely overlooked!

[@lindasever4416]

I so so agree.

[@patboyle8734]

Been a Nezhead since The Monkees and all through and up until and even after 12-10-22.Papa Nes and his music books videos will always live on

[@benjable7502]

this song invokes a very peculiar feeling, i cant describe it...

[@SuperTurtle0]

This feeling is called “slippin”

[@MalReaver]

I have always loved Mike Nesmith's voice, get so melancholy listening to this.

[@the.robertshow]

The montage was so haunting. One of the scenes that keeps replaying in my head over and over again.

[@bl2578]

I'm not ready to let go of these characters. The most perfect show ever made. 😓😪

[@illestvillain1971]

♥️ love Mike Nesmith. One of the best in the game, Rip a beautiful legend.

[@amymartin9195]

It’s warming my heart how many people recognize this song are also bcs fans!

[@johndow7689]

It is pretty cool.

[@daytondave100]

When this song came on,,,I was mesmerized,,I never, ever thought I would hear that again anywhere except from my own music collection. I was on the verge of tears,,,nort only for the memory of Mike Nesmith,, but also for Saul Goodman, and what is coming for his own end.

[@BuIIet]

@@daytondave100 That's awesome, I could only imagine

[@stephen3511]

As soon as the song kicked in I thought, hang on, that Pappa Nez. Straight away recognised the voice, but took me a few seconds to realise it was a Monkees song…. Well, one Nez wrote while he was in the Monkees. Such a talent and lovely guy. Much missed.

[@heisenberg6142]

@@BuIIet Yh for me it was the first time I heard the song but hearing it paired up with that amazing montage which had probably become my favourite brba universe moment made me love it

[@mazenzwin]

I need this on fucking spotify man

[@paulisthelegend]

same. so badly

[@lordmelvin9310]

Give 'em a week.

[@hexagonist23]

Just listen to it here

[@lordmelvin9310]

@@hexagonist23 He may not have KZbin Premium. However, everyone has Spotify Premium.

[@mr.x5047]

@@hexagonist23 Cause it's nice to add it to playlists or compile it with all your music.

[@El-Mac795]

I only just realised that Saul was also in the crystal blue montage. ✌️

[@lakecityransom]

If you know the meaning of the song, this is Vincent Gilligan Jr. subtley saying his creation is now finished and is now part of you (the fans own it). Thats some feels.

[@bl2578]

I have never felt this way about a TV show. Could genuinely make myself cry on the spot thinking we won't ever get a glimpse into Jimmy and Kim's life again.

[@MyNameIsKayser]

That's a very poetic way to say goodbye to a franchise. It's incredible how well this song fitted into the montage. I'm obsessed with it.

[@BruhMoment-mn9kn]

Bravo Vicente! 😅👏

[@kevinmcintyre7049]

Couldn't agree more

[@fraundakelmbrilpondaprost90]

Just to put credit where it's due, this song was the choice of Thomas Schnauz, writer and director of the episode and a big fan of the Monkees. Source: the BCS Insider Podcast.

[@samisworking]

I love this song so much now

[@klx6265]

And one more time the faded dream is saddened by the news.

[@michaelcoleman7260]

I never get tired of hearing this version of Tapioca Tundra. Love it.

[@neilrobson3064]

Slippin Jimmy - slowly slippin into something he can’t slip out of. Heartbreaking…..

[@illestvillain1971]

Keep coming back to this version. And man the more I mull it over the more apparent it becomes how apt the lyrics are to the story. "And one more time the faded dream Is saddened by the news It cannot be a part of me For not it's a part of you" How Kim left that part of her behind which was woven with him and now festers in the new side of him. Also him hearing on the phone about Kim who was asking about him to no conclusion. Very fitting and poignant in my opinion

[@mariahw.4447]

Had to come back to this one because it is finally over…what a fitting song for that climatic sequence. Miss you Saul, but good to see ya again Jimmy. See ya ❤

[@pixelfuzztv1371]

Another banger from Better Call Saul

[@sacra_456]

it's not FROM better call saul

[@loganb7267]

@@sacra_456 don’t think he meant it like that

[@lordmortimer8055]

Something about the montage this accompanied that felt so much different than the rest of the montages in the show. The final season really knows how to sell Gene's lonlieness and depression.

[@NickNickoso]

Just finished the episode and had this song playing on repeat in my brain. Thank you so much for uploading!!!

[@amidtheruins02]

RIP Mike Nesmith, the amazing Monkee leader and songwriter, what a legend!

[@SuperC888]

I’m glad I found this. I love this song!! “It cannot be a part of me, for now it’s part of you”.

[@nutsucker30001]

Wow. As a huge Monkees fan this was a pleasant surprise. RIP Nezzy.

[@papakelso]

my theme song fr

[@supercarlos2979]

This song makes me feel sad and nostalgic at the same time. I dont know why. I love this series.

[@jimperry4108]

Have never watched the show but have loved the Monkees since they reemerged in the early 70s and I found the Headquarters album at a flea market. Never knew this version existed. :)

[@slayer_west]

better call saul is one of the best shows ever made, i highly recommend taking time out of your day just to watch a couple episodes you won't regret it :)

[@jimperry4108]

@@slayer_west I'm always slow to the party. I plan on watching this and the show ti spun off from. :D

[@dennisreynolds6196]

I like how this version is more toned down and somber represented Gene’s horrible actions.

[@jakeola10]

This was one of my favorite montages out of both shows, and honestly one of my favorite episodes in general.

[@mariahw.4447]

Just came back to this one to hear this wonderful song. I’ve been hit with every melancholic emotion you can think. Oh man the nostalgia I feel, I miss you Saul, but I’m glad Jimmy came back at the end of it all. ❤❤❤❤

[@vicenttas]

... Franchesca, this is a number phone, ok?

[@rigneyte]

Love the guitar work on this version.

[@SnortingMagic]

It’s brilliant of the writers of BCS to chose this song near the end of this story that took on a life of its own, poetically and perfectly encompassing this songs lyrics and meaning while also simultaneously with how big BB and BCS got as a perfect reference to this songs meaning. Amazing 👏👏

[@tankdogization]

Now we know what that red suit jacket is meant for.

[@dorerd]

Funny how it took decades and an applauded show to bring a talent like Nesmith back to the masses. RIP Michael.

[@GabrielPlays10]

The feeling of satisfaction for seeing the show end in such an amazing way after what I would say is the best season of any tv show ever, mixed with the feeling of sadness knowing that there will be no more Jimmy and Kim next monday...

[@hexagonist23]

Fun fact of the day: Mike Nesmith's mother invented whiteout

[@cupur]

Thank you! I was looking for this

[@SuperC888]

Me too!

[@brysteinberg1972]

Reminds me of the Saul version of the Crystal Blue Persuasion montage with the houses where they start making sick money

[@TinyKittenKisses]

Song of the week!

[@adelaidefinch6197]

Ugh. Mike Nesmith. He was so beautiful. Love his voice. I wish I had the chance see him solo or with The Monkees before their passing. We still have Mickey❤❤❤

[@Holidai]

Instantly memorable, an amazing season and it’s such a shame it’s already coming to a conclusion! (Also thanks for uploading this so quickly!)

[@glynkeegan306]

Yes and yes!

[@ibvghgfvbnbc]

BCS aside, I always hear this song on a Sunday radio, and I am just 25. Every time I hear this it reminds me of yesteryear way back before even my parents are born

[@bibitta]

Bro I love this song, if anyone wants to hear it there’s a quicker more weird version in the Monkees catalogue

[@daggy5505]

That’s the album cut but yeah I prefer this version too

[@kobalt6927]

Gaming when you are 30 years old be like:

[@jdbrarg]

The Monkees tocou em Breaking Bad na voz de Micky Dolenz temporada 5 ep 7 (“Going Down”) e agora mais uma vez The Monkees embalando com perfeição uma cena derradeira em Better Call Saul com o Mike. Uma das bandas mais subestimadas de todos os tempos, infelizmente.

[@host_arnold6187]

Breaking Bad introduced me to the Monkees, Going Down is now one of my favorites!

[@pattierichards7391]

Looks like our renegade mike nesmith cannot escape fame via tv show. lol A gorgeous song that i keep coming back to. This mood of jaunty melancholy seems perfect for jimmy.

[@lowellparker216]

So magical. Waiting for the next lyric, then it’s not his anymore. It’s ours. Mind blowing

[@CarrotAtHeart]

wish this was on spotify :(

[@henry_b1230]

it isn't

[@665demondog]

@@henry_b1230 best that it isn't people should buy music

[@ape9469]

@@665demondog says the guy that is listening to music on youtube right now instead of buying it

[@circuitsable]

@@665demondog they dont even have it available for purchase

[@InternetRez]

@@665demondogOutstanding the level of irony in your comment.

[@geraldorivia7153]

This was the final montage in the BB universe. What a way to go out.

[@holidaybros]

god from something stupid like i love you to winner takes it all this shows soundtrack rocks!

[@gregoriofernandezbustos7579]

Wow... saw this yesterday with my dad. I truly believe something i will remember forever.

[@duvanalejandrodiazpachon2334]

I Finaly found it, so much tanks men

[@carlwoodard7276]

What a great jazzy swooner.

[@Stalinflores_21]

Just finished last episode

[@bibitta]

Thanks to my dad, even though I was born in 2003, I grew up with the Monkees. All of these songs are burned into my brain from all those thousands I’ve times I heard them played in the car. So it’s nice to have them get some exposure (although it is a double edge sword as I come off as a little less unique if it’s “the song from better call Saul” and that’s why they think I like it but oh well)

[@forgingviews3401]

This song and it’s original meaning is beautiful, and in Better Call Saul it takes on an entirely new meaning and it’s also beautiful and depressing. Btw apparently this song was inspired by a time Mark Twain was discussing with another author(forget the name) about making a sequel to Tom Sawyer. The other writer urged him not to do this since Tom Sawyer was such a beloved character. So many kids already have their own adventures in their head of what happened to Tom and what he went on to. And writing a sequel would kind of diminish that. So therefore “It Cannot Be A Part Of Me For Now, It’s Part Of You” The songs really just about how once you release a piece of art it’s no longer yours since it means something to everyone who experiences it. And hey I heard this online so this could be bullshit but I still like the story/interpretation

[@ApramitBhattacharya]

I read (probably) the same article explaining the meaning of the song. I found the article a little unclear. You have done a marvelous job explaining it. It makes a lot more sense now. Thanks. :) I am, however, interested in knowing your take on the meaning of this song in the context of Slippin' Jimmy's montage in Better Call Saul.

[@OBJYN788]

@@ApramitBhattacharya I interpreted it almost as slippin Jimmy is a part of Jimmy and could never really shake him. This persona that he created has inevitably just become him.

[@khimaros]

There’s a video of Mike saying exactly this, so it’s not bullshit, it’s spot on! The other author was Rudyard Kipling

[@patboyle8734]

Nes had written this song in response to Peter who said he felt something up on stage and Mike wrote this song but wasn't on their albums till like 68.

[@WARRIORWRESTLING2010]

Rudyard Kippling

[@exoticricket]

I love this montage scene the song goes along with it so well it’s kinda sad but joyful

[@DeutscherPatrick]

Mr. Lowprofile theme song

[@svenmichaelklose5875]

Masterpiece.

[@michaeljordaniii2039]

It would be cool if Mike ehrmantraut canonically knew the monkees

[@lordmelvin9310]

So true.

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

Who would have thought that this song by Michael Nesmith would be perfect for Better Call Saul?

[@gialana850]

FREAKING ME OUT. Saw him and the rest of the gang in 1966. Unbelievable. Michael Nesmith.?!?!?! So very gifted. Did not know The Monkeys were still appreciated!

[@rommix0]

Very much appreciated and respected by the people who are not critics. They had a major impact on pop culture.

[@chy42079]

This is one of the best reflective songs. I, for the most part, don’t care for cover songs, especially songs that have a sentimental connection to from a past experience, but your voice is so unique, it doesn’t diminish like others songs that are covered. Thank you, you sound really good

[@musicman6555]

I mean it's not really a "cover" since Mike Nesmith was a member of the Monkees and actually was the one who wrote this song but yes.

[@VanirTraditionalist]

The album version has always been a favorite Monkees track, so it was extra special for me that they used this in the series. Rest well Mike.

[@ByDraxa72]

It cannot be a part of me For now it's part of you

[@Tiredoldchannel]

Didn’t realize this was a Mike Nesmith song during the first watch. Now it’s so obvious

[@tairygreene8926]

It was so amazing to hear Mike's voice, but so melancholy at the same time. I've been a fan since I was a kid. Gene has become the darkest version now. Brilliant song choice...how do they get everything so perfect?

[@TonyGrand79]

Great scene!

[@TaxEvader00]

"So you were always like this"

[@glumOr]

You know who knew Jimmy well ? Chuck.

[@CynicalT0ast]

kim toes

[@SuperTurtle0]

🥵

[@MrBlue-mm2vd]

Sometimes life feels like this... Black and white, the fun is over, everything was better, but now... Meh 😔✊

[@ShinjiInui91]

yet sometimes the color still comes through if you notice

[@terrylovelace2590]

I LOVE IT !!! Like strawBerry says below, kind of bitter sweet with his passing.

[@groovygirl23]

Love this demo and it worked perfectly on BCS

[@jacklowe3429]

Nes is smiling down at this. . .

[@reinetteyoung8367]

Better Call Saul and this song, what a dream come true.

[@hollygrosshans3529]

Sublime….‘nuff said.

[@RSEFX]

Rhyme?---or is it "rime" as in frozen grass/ground (hoarfrost) that one finds in tundra areas? This was deliberate double-meaning to tie in with the song's title, TAPIOCA TUNDRA (which was, reportedly, MN's spoofing of STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER.)

[@JahsayFace]

I love this

[@m3lash619]

Thanks better call saul for this years❤️

[@sestetz9024]

What an amazing series. A lot of people I've talked to didn't like Nippy very much. But now that we've gotten the last episode? Idk, all those black and white episodes at the end hit a lot differently.

[@bigdoubleu117]

Glad to see the Breaking Bad Universe continuing to use Monkees songs lol. Creator of these shows must be fans. They used Goin' Down in Breaking Bads handing down the tourch cooking scene.

[@austinbevis4266]

Mike was in the Monkees right? Famously being the only member that was an actual musician before the band started. I think his mom invented white out (liquid paper) also.