I see the clouds that move across the sky
I see the wind that moves the clouds away
It moves the clouds over by the building
I pick the building that I want to live in

I smell the pine trees and the peaches in the woods
I see the pine cones that fall by the highway
That's the highway that goes to the building
I pick the building that I want to live in

It's over there, it's over there
My building has every convenience
It's gonna make life easy for me
It's gonna be easy to get things done
I will relax alone with my loved ones

Loved ones, loved ones visit the building,
Take the highway, park and come up and see me
I'll be working, working but if you come visit
I'll put down what I'm doing, my friends are important

Don't you worry 'bout me
I wouldn't worry about me
Don't you worry 'bout me
Don't you worry 'bout me

I see the states, across this big nation
I see the laws made in Washington, D.C.
I think of the ones I consider my favorites
I think of the people that are working for me

Some civil servants are just like my loved ones
They work so hard and they try to be strong
I'm a lucky guy to live in my building
They own the buildings to help them along

It's over there, it's over there
My building has every convenience
It's gonna make life easy for me
It's gonna be easy to get things done
I will relax along with my loved ones

Loved ones, loved ones visit the building
Take the highway, park and come up and see me
I'll be working, working but if you come visit
I'll put down what I'm doing, my friends are important

I wouldn't worry 'bout
I wouldn't worry about me
Don't you worry 'bout me
Don't you worry 'bout me...


Lyrics submitted by weezerific:cutlery

Don't Worry About The Government Lyrics as written by David Byrne

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Don't Worry About The Government song meanings
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15 Comments

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  • +2
    Lyric Correction

    "alone with my loved ones" = "along with my loved ones"

    "they own the buildings" = "they all need buildings"

    gementon November 22, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I have to laugh about people thinking this is satirical because it is a blatant attempt to impose their own political biases upon it. David Byrne grew up in suburban Maryland in which there are a lot of government workers, like his parents, and has these type of communities, like Columbia. Hardly a criticism, it is more a celebration of the unsung and unthanked people that make the country run.

    MrCeeon September 05, 2012   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song makes me happy. I get a very nice vibe from it. Talking about living a good life in your own building, seeing your loved ones when they come down to visit, just enjoying everything. It's so cute.

    I did think the last few verses sounded ironic, but can't really pursue that thought. I just enjoy the sound of the song.

    EnduringChillon December 22, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    So satirical. Pure genius.

    clasicrockon September 04, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Worry about the government.

    funkspielon April 23, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    My favorite... Irony 15 years before it was trendy!

    Matty Dubson December 19, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I love this song!!! Here's a video interpretation that you may enjoy (a nice addition to an all-around brilliant song): video.google.com/videoplay

    trevor74on August 25, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Is the best moment of them on stage.

    annazoffon November 26, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's just a song about a simple guy, with little joys. I always imagine a low-ranking government employee that sees all these people running around him do hectic trying to do their jobs that they're employed to do by the public of which he is a part. I think it's hugely satirical in a manner of saying "look all it takes to please these people." Just a little naivete and a building.

    SanjuroSeaCowon November 11, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    There seems to be some discussion about whether this song is ironic or not. I think it\'s both and it\'s intended that way. It reflects the naivety of living the ideal suburban life, and in a way it also celebrates that naivety. The comfort of conformity, while being aware that it\'s artificial. A theme that often returns in Byrne\'s lyrics.

    FunkyMedon January 24, 2022   Link

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