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In doing so, it has become a beloved piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners around the world. The song’s appeal to a wide range of people, regardless of their political or cultural background, speaks to the universal themes it touches upon. By tapping into the visceral emotions of rebellion, lust, and joy, the Talking Heads created a song that remains relevant today.
The Influence of Funk and R&B
Still, others have connected the song to the experience of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with the line “Watch out, you might get what you’re after” alluding to temptation and loss of control. Jay-Z was going to ask Mary J. Blige to duet on "Empire State of Mind," but he decided on Alicia Keys when he heard the piano stabs on the track. In Australia it peaked at a modest No. 94, while in the UK, where Talking Heads would release 14 charting singles, it failed to chart.
The Meaning Behind The Song: “Burning Down The House” by Talking Heads
Vegetarian Fred Schneider of the B-52's got the idea for "Rock Lobster" at an Atlanta disco when a projector displayed images of lobsters on a grill. The "Don't Stop Believin'" resurgence started when the Journey song was used in a roller skating scene of the 2003 movie Monster. "Burning Down the House" is a song by new wave band Talking Heads, released in July 1983 as the first single from their fifth studio album Speaking in Tongues. As music critic Chris Molanphy has noted, “Burning Down The House” is a song that manages to be both catchy and meaningful. It reflects the cultural and political context of its time while also tapping into universal and timeless themes.
More Talking Heads Lyrics
In September of 2023, commemorating the film's 40th anniversary, a remastered version was released across America in IMAX theaters, and later in conventional theaters worldwide. Today, “Burning Down The House” is considered a classic of the 1980s and an enduring part of the Talking Heads’ legacy. It has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, from Tom Jones to Bon Iver, and its place in popular culture has endured. Some people have interpreted the song as a commentary on societal upheaval and rebellion. Others have seen it as a metaphor for sexual desire, with lines like “Hold tight, we’re in for nasty weather” suggesting an impending storm.
“Burning Down The House” is notable for its use of funk and R&B elements, including a driving bassline, punchy horns, and syncopated rhythms. David Byrne has said that he was inspired by the work of funk legends James Brown and George Clinton, and the song reflects his fascination with the genre. The addition of horns, played by funk musician Wayne Shorter, gives the track an irresistible energy that complements the powerful vocals and intricate percussion.
Music, Songs & Lyrics
The first line of "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" is "It was the 3rd of September," which is the day lead singer Dennis Edwards' father died. The track was released as the lead single from Reload on September 13, 1999, and became a hit across Europe and Australia, reaching No. 1 in Iceland, No. 2 in Sweden, and the top ten in Australia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Norway and the United Kingdom. The single was backed with Jones' live recordings of the EMF song "Unbelievable" and the Beatles' "Come Together", as well as remixes of "Burning Down the House" by Delakota, Pepe Deluxé and DJ Scissorkicks. Welsh singer Tom Jones recorded a version of "Burning Down the House" with Swedish pop band the Cardigans for his 1999 collaborations album, Reload. In common with the other tracks on the album, the recording was made with the collaborators' choice of producer and studio, in this case Tore Johansson and Tambourine Studios in Malmö, Sweden. A year later, an extended live version of the song is a highlight of the band's landmark concert film Stop Making Sense.
“Burning Down The House” came at a time when many people were feeling disillusioned and frustrated. It spoke to a desire to break free from constraints and embrace a sense of spontaneity and abandon. This sentiment was reflected in the music video, which featured the band performing frenetically in front of a backdrop of flames and explosions. This infusion of funk and R&B into a rock format was not typical at the time, but it helped the Talking Heads stand out from their peers. The band’s fusion of different genres appealed to a wide range of listeners, and it helped them become one of the most popular and influential bands of the 1980s. Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.
Track listings
Paramore Cover Talking Heads' "Burning Down The House" For 'Stop Making Sense' Tribute Album: Preview - Stereogum
Paramore Cover Talking Heads' "Burning Down The House" For 'Stop Making Sense' Tribute Album: Preview.
Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Lead singer David Byrne has said that he intentionally left the lyrics vague in order to create a feeling of warmth and excitement rather than frustration or anger. It didn’t appear in the UK Singles Chart at all until Tom Jones and The Cardigans covered it and made it a Top 10 hit in 1999. As one of the major hits of Jones' later career, it appears on numerous compilations of Jones' work.
Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge. Ian talks about his 3 or 4 blatant attempts to write a pop song, and also the ones he most connected with, including "Locomotive Breath." The inspiration for Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" came from the songwriter worrying about his girlfriend, who was out at bars all day while he was at home penning songs. A young boy resembling Byrne takes his place from time to time; eventually, younger counterparts start moving the arms of all four band members to play the music.
After the screen goes blank, both young and adult Byrne leave the stage, and the video ends with an extended close-up of Byrne's face projected on a highway at night. “Burning Down The House” by Talking Heads is a song that speaks to the complexity and richness of the human experience. Its fusion of different musical genres, its use of deliberate ambiguity in the lyrics, and its reflection of the historical and cultural context of its time all combine to create a piece of music that is both meaningful and enjoyable. As we continue to revisit the music of the past, “Burning Down The House” remains one of the most beloved and significant songs of its era.
Max Illidge (credited as Max Loving), vocalist of the band 40 Below Summer, and Rockets Redglare appear as the younger selves of Byrne and Jerry Harrison, respectively. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers. The early 1980s were a time of great change in American society, with the rise of Ronald Reagan and conservative politics leading to a backlash against progressive values. The music of the era reflected this shift, with many artists struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing landscape. One of the most interesting aspects of “Burning Down The House” is its use of deliberate ambiguity in the lyrics. While the chorus (“Burning down the house!”) is clear, the verses are more mysterious and open to interpretation.
