About the song
Let’s delve into the mesmerizing sounds of “Once in a Lifetime” by the renowned band Talking Heads. This captivating track, featured on their 1980 album “Remain in Light”, is a testament to the band’s experimental spirit and innovative approach to music-making.
Penned by the band’s enigmatic frontman David Byrne, along with collaborators Brian Eno, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, and Tina Weymouth, “Once in a Lifetime” stands as a shining example of Talking Heads’ ability to blend elements of rock, funk, and world music into a seamless sonic tapestry.
Upon its release, “Once in a Lifetime” garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. It peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of the band’s most commercially successful songs. Its innovative music video, directed by Toni Basil and choreographed by David Byrne, further cemented its status as a cultural touchstone of the 1980s.
One of the defining features of “Once in a Lifetime” is its thought-provoking lyrics, which touch upon themes of existentialism, consumerism, and the search for meaning in modern life. With its infectious chorus and Byrne’s trademark deadpan delivery, the song invites listeners to contemplate the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing the moment.
Despite its initial success, “Once in a Lifetime” has endured as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its innovative musicality and thought-provoking lyrics have solidified its place as one of Talking Heads’ most beloved and enduring songs.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a sonic journey that will leave you questioning the very fabric of existence, join Talking Heads and experience the magic of “Once in a Lifetime”.
Video
Lyrics
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself, “Well, how did I get here?”
Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by, water flowing underground
Into the blue again, after the money’s gone
Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground
And you may ask yourself, “How do I work this?”
And you may ask yourself, “Where is that large automobile?”
And you may tell yourself, “This is not my beautiful house”
And you may tell yourself, “This is not my beautiful wife”
Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by, water flowing underground
Into the blue again, after the money’s gone
Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was
Water dissolving and water removing
There is water at the bottom of the ocean
Under the water, carry the water
Remove the water from the bottom of the ocean
Water dissolving and water removing
Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by, water flowing underground
Into the blue again, into the silent water
Under the rocks and stones, there is water underground
Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down
Leting the days go by, water flowing underground
Into the blue again, after the money’s gone
Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground
You may ask yourself, “What is that beautiful house?”
You may ask yourself, “Where does that highway go to?”
And you may ask yourself, “Am I right, am I wrong?”
And you may say to yourself, “My God, what have I done?”
Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by, water flowing underground
Into the blue again, into the silent water
Under the rocks and stones, there is water underground
Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by, water flowing underground
Into the blue again, after the money’s gone
Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was
Same as it ever was, look where my hand was
Time isn’t holding up, time isn’t after us
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was (I couldn’t get no rest)
Same as it ever was, hey let’s all twist our thumbs
Here comes the twister
Letting the days go by (same as it ever was, same as it ever was)
Letting the days go by (same as it ever was, same as it ever was)
Once in a lifetime, let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by, water flowing underground