For a long time I felt
Without style and grace
Wearing shoes with no socks
In cold weather
I knew my heart
Was in the right place
I knew I'd be able
To do these things

And as we watch him
Digging his own grave
It is important to know
That was where he's at
He can't afford to stop
That is what he believe
He'll keep on digging
For a thousand years

I'm walking a line
I'm thinking about empty motion
I'm walking a line
Just barely enough to be living
Get outta the way (no time to begin)
This isn't the time (so nothing was done)
Not talking about (not many at all)
I'm turning around (no trouble at all)
You notice there's nothing around you, 'round you
I'm walking a line
Divide and dissolve

Never get to say much
Never get to talk
Tell us a little bit
But not too much
Right about then
Is where she give up
She has closed her eyes
She has give up hope

I'm walking a line
I hate to be dreaming in motion
I'm walking a line
Just barely enough to be living
Get outta the way (no time to begin)
This isn't the time (so nothing was done)
Not talking about (not many at all)
I'm turning around (no trouble at all)
I'm keeping my fingers behind me, 'hind me
I'm walking a line
Divide and dissolve

I'm walking a line
I'm visiting houses in motion
I'm walking a line
Just barely enough to be living
Get outta the way (no time to begin)
This isn't the time (so nothing was done)
Not talking about (not many at all)
I'm turning around (no trouble at all)
Two different houses surround you, 'round you
I'm walking a line
Divide and dissolve


Lyrics submitted by exact

Houses in Motion Lyrics as written by Chris Frantz David Byrne

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Houses In Motion song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    The song is about a man digging his own grave. He is continually running the race, but never really accomplishes anything. That is why the contrast is so evident in the chorus. He is walking a tight line between life and death until all the material things he has built up divide and dissolve. I'm also getting the feeling that the man digging his grave is living a double life. Surrounded by "two houses" and "keeping (his) fingers behind (him)", as in lying about something.

    Inmotion12on February 10, 2009   Link

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