About the song
The Traveling Wilburys, an iconic supergroup formed in the late 1980s, brought together five of the most influential musicians of their time: George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. Their unique blend of talents resulted in a remarkable and enduring musical legacy. Among their memorable tracks is “Inside Out,” a song that exemplifies the band’s ability to create music that is both innovative and timeless.
“Inside Out” was featured on the Traveling Wilburys’ second album, *Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3*, released in 1990. Despite the title, this was actually their second studio album, following the success of *Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1*. The album continued to showcase the group’s collaborative spirit and knack for crafting catchy, well-constructed songs. Though not as commercially successful as their debut, *Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3* still reached number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart, underscoring the enduring appeal of the band’s music.
“Inside Out” stands out as a track that highlights the distinctive contributions of each band member. The song features a rich tapestry of vocal harmonies, with each Wilbury bringing their unique style to the mix. Jeff Lynne’s production prowess is evident in the polished and layered sound, while George Harrison’s guitar work provides a melodic backbone that is both intricate and accessible. Bob Dylan’s lyrical wit and Tom Petty’s straightforward delivery add to the song’s charm, making it a delightful listen from start to finish.
The lyrics of “Inside Out” explore themes of introspection and the complexities of life, delivered with a blend of humor and sincerity that is characteristic of the Wilburys’ work. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody belie its deeper message, creating a contrast that invites listeners to engage both emotionally and intellectually.
The formation of the Traveling Wilburys was a fortunate convergence of talent, and “Inside Out” is a testament to the magic that can happen when great artists come together. The song exemplifies the group’s ability to create music that is greater than the sum of its parts, blending individual genius into a cohesive and captivating whole.
As part of the Traveling Wilburys’ celebrated catalog, “Inside Out” continues to resonate with fans old and new, showcasing the timeless quality of their music. It remains a shining example of the creativity and camaraderie that defined this extraordinary supergroup, reminding us of the enduring power of collaboration in the world of rock and roll.
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Lyrics
Look out your window
That grass ain’t green
It’s kinda yellow
See what I mean
Look up your chimney
The sky ain’t blue
It’s kinda yellow
You know it’s true
And it’s so hard to figure what it’s all about
When your outside’s in (inside out)
And your downside’s up (upside down)
Yeah, your upside’s right (right side up)
Yeah, don’t it make you wanna twist and shout
When you’re inside out?
Look down your drain pipe
What color do you see?
It’s got to be yellow
Don’t try to fool me
And don’t it make you wanna twist and shout?
When your outside’s in (inside out)
And your downside’s up (upside down)
Yeah, your upside’s right (right side up)
Yeah, don’t it make you wanna twist and shout
When you’re inside out?
Be careful where you’re walking
You might step in something rough
Be careful when you’re talking
And saying all that stuff
Take care when you are breathing
Something’s funny in the air
There’s somethings I’m not saying
‘Bout what’s happening out there
It’s inside out
Look into the future
With your mystic crystal ball
See if it ain’t yellow
See if it’s there at all
Ain’t no shadow of a doubt (ah-ah)
Don’t it make you wanna twist and shout?
When your outside’s in (inside out)
And your downside’s up (upside down)
Yeah, your upside’s right (right side up)
Yeah, don’t it make you wanna twist and shout
When you’re inside out?
Inside out, right side up
Yeah, don’t it make you wanna twist and shout
When you’re inside out?
Inside out
Inside out