Don't Worry About The Government Lyrics
"alone with my loved ones" = "along with my loved ones"
"they own the buildings" = "they all need buildings"
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.
You hit the nail right on the head with that. I mean seriously, why would David Byrne write a song that's some ironic delusion about the government? He's been connected to it personally most of his life, so why would he degrade it?
You hit the nail right on the head with that. I mean seriously, why would David Byrne write a song that's some ironic delusion about the government? He's been connected to it personally most of his life, so why would he degrade it?
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.
So satirical. Pure genius.
Haha, I have to agree. My favorite lines are these:
Haha, I have to agree. My favorite lines are these:
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
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
Some civil servants are just like my loved ones They work so hard and they try to be strong
I just think of how hilarious and ironic those statements are, at least coming out of David Byrne's mouth. For example, I think that there are a lot of people in this country that...
I just think of how hilarious and ironic those statements are, at least coming out of David Byrne's mouth. For example, I think that there are a lot of people in this country that are happy go lucky, and simultaneously get their panties up in a bunch if people dare question whether or not the U.S. is the greatest country in the world, yet are content with everything that's going on. I also think in this whole thing he's kind of sending up how "great" we think industrialization and urbanization are, we ignore how mundane and separated from nature we are...but hey, at least we can see it from the highway so we know it's out there, even if we never bother to visit because after all, we have all these great buildings!
Worry about the government.
My favorite... Irony 15 years before it was trendy!
I love this song!!! Here's a video interpretation that you may enjoy (a nice addition to an all-around brilliant song): http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-695561560487131076&q=talking+heads+is%3Afree
Is the best moment of them on stage.
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.
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.