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About the Song
Once in a Lifetime is a song by the American new wave band Talking Heads. It was written by the band’s lead singer and guitarist, David Byrne, and appears on their 1980 album, Remain in Light. The song is a Talking Heads classic and is considered one of the best songs of the 1980s. It has been praised for its innovative music, its lyrics, and its music video.
The song’s music is a mix of different genres, including rock, funk, and African polyrhythms. The song’s lyrics are stream-of-consciousness and deal with themes of alienation, anxiety, and the search for meaning in life. The song’s music video, directed by Byrne, is a visually stunning and surreal piece of work.
Once in a Lifetime was a commercial success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song has been covered by many artists, including R.E.M., The Flaming Lips, and Yo La Tengo. It has also been used in several films and television shows.
The song is considered a landmark in the history of rock music. It is a groundbreaking and influential song that continues to be enjoyed by listeners today.
Some of the song’s key themes and ideas include:
Alienation and anxiety: The song’s lyrics express feelings of alienation and anxiety about modern life. The singer feels lost and alone in a world that seems increasingly strange and meaningless.
The search for meaning: The song also explores the search for meaning in life. The singer is trying to find a place to belong and a way to make sense of the world around him.
The absurdity of life: The song also captures the absurdity of life. The lyrics are full of non-sequiturs and surreal imagery that create a sense of the absurd.
The song’s innovative music:
The song’s music is a mix of different genres, including rock, funk, and African polyrhythms. This creates a unique and innovative sound that is both catchy and complex. The song’s music is also notable for its use of repetition and ostinato, which creates a sense of momentum and drive.
The song’s lyrics:
The song’s lyrics are stream-of-consciousness and deal with themes of alienation, anxiety, and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics are full of non-sequiturs and surreal imagery that create a sense of the absurd. The lyrics are also notable for their use of repetition and call-and-response, which creates a sense of urgency and excitement.
The song’s music video:
The song’s music video, directed by Byrne, is a visually stunning and surreal piece of work. The video features Byrne and the other members of Talking Heads performing the song in a variety of strange and surreal settings. The video also features a number of non-sequiturs and surreal images that echo the song’s lyrics.
Once in a Lifetime is a groundbreaking and influential song that continues to be enjoyed by listeners today. It is a classic example of Talking Heads’ unique and innovative sound, and it is a song that is sure to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.