David Byrne — Tiny Apocalypse
Album: Grown BackwardsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1815
Length: 3:56
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Raise up, shake them lazy bones
Read the T-shirt but still don't understand
Comin' home with a little apocalypse
It comes, now do you have time for this?
A 3-tone carpet and a Jackie Chan spear
Lookin' at a hairdo and a belly full of beer
Well, I ain't no poet, ain't got no rhyme
But I got me a car and I know how to drive
In the event of pressure loss
All our lines are busy now
I will be laughing out loud anyhow
Every day a little apocalypse
Lay down, lay down next to this
Lookin' at the body, well, I don't even know his name
Call me in the morning, was a friend of mine
Well, the wind so strong, it's blowing us all around
Wind so strong, nobody settle down
Every day, another apocalypse
Had a TV but I don't know how deep it is
Please read the print advisory
Would you like to go ahead?
Dancin' wherever she goes, tippy toes
Rhetorical
Memorial
Invisible
Incredible
Unstoppable
Emotional
Illogical
Sensational
Little sister gotta take her medicine
Baby brother, gonna do it all again
Runnin' fast but cannot catch the bus
Funny feelin', this is part of us
And you must take your medicine
Getting better every day
Good for a limited time, feelin' fine
We will return your things to you
When it's time for you to leave
So quiet nobody knows, tippy toes
Read the T-shirt but still don't understand
Comin' home with a little apocalypse
It comes, now do you have time for this?
A 3-tone carpet and a Jackie Chan spear
Lookin' at a hairdo and a belly full of beer
Well, I ain't no poet, ain't got no rhyme
But I got me a car and I know how to drive
In the event of pressure loss
All our lines are busy now
I will be laughing out loud anyhow
Every day a little apocalypse
Lay down, lay down next to this
Lookin' at the body, well, I don't even know his name
Call me in the morning, was a friend of mine
Well, the wind so strong, it's blowing us all around
Wind so strong, nobody settle down
Every day, another apocalypse
Had a TV but I don't know how deep it is
Please read the print advisory
Would you like to go ahead?
Dancin' wherever she goes, tippy toes
Rhetorical
Memorial
Invisible
Incredible
Unstoppable
Emotional
Illogical
Sensational
Little sister gotta take her medicine
Baby brother, gonna do it all again
Runnin' fast but cannot catch the bus
Funny feelin', this is part of us
And you must take your medicine
Getting better every day
Good for a limited time, feelin' fine
We will return your things to you
When it's time for you to leave
So quiet nobody knows, tippy toes
Comments (85)add comment
Honking - Scottish word, terrible.
tedious byrne
Do I admire his talent and abilities? - Yes
Do I enjoy listening to this? - No
Do I enjoy listening to this? - No
Sofa_King wrote:
Doesn't he always look like Bill Nye? I mean, have you ever seen them both in the same room at the same time?
David looks like Bill Nye the Science Guy on this album's cover
Doesn't he always look like Bill Nye? I mean, have you ever seen them both in the same room at the same time?
I really like David Byrne's solo work, but this is NOT one of his best tunes.
thewiseking wrote:
You're being nice.
This is not great
You're being nice.
This is not great
Casual Gods...Yes...But the Cowboy's got to go!
Hmmm ... I really like most of Talking Heads and David Byrne's work ... really really really dislike this one, though ...
ndanger666 wrote:
Easily amused... easily bored.
Boring!
Easily amused... easily bored.
coloradojohn wrote:
I agree with all of this... To be sure, David Byrne is a unique kind of prodigy, but only one part of what was one of the most astounding and original bands ever to emerge on Earth. I bought Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods when it was released; just played it yesterday during a busy dinner rush at work and it blew me away all over again -- had us all rocking in the kitchen, too! Jerry H worked with local heroes Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Beautiful World and is a true studio wizard for lots of other great musicians, as well. The members of Talking Heads were each very visionary, very brilliant artists indeed! Gonna jam some Tom Tom Club now and bliss out to the cool breeze coming through my view of the Flatirons...
Cool! I Agree!
I agree with all of this... To be sure, David Byrne is a unique kind of prodigy, but only one part of what was one of the most astounding and original bands ever to emerge on Earth. I bought Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods when it was released; just played it yesterday during a busy dinner rush at work and it blew me away all over again -- had us all rocking in the kitchen, too! Jerry H worked with local heroes Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Beautiful World and is a true studio wizard for lots of other great musicians, as well. The members of Talking Heads were each very visionary, very brilliant artists indeed! Gonna jam some Tom Tom Club now and bliss out to the cool breeze coming through my view of the Flatirons...
Cool! I Agree!
coloradojohn wrote:
I agree with all of this... To be sure, David Byrne is a unique kind of prodigy, but only one part of what was one of the most astounding and original bands ever to emerge on Earth. I bought Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods when it was released; just played it yesterday during a busy dinner rush at work and it blew me away all over again -- had us all rocking in the kitchen, too! Jerry H worked with local heroes Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Beautiful World and is a true studio wizard for lots of other great musicians, as well. The members of Talking Heads were each very visionary, very brilliant artists indeed! Gonna jam some Tom Tom Club now and bliss out to the cool breeze coming through my view of the Flatirons...
I Agree!! I wish RP would PUT CASUAL GODS ON THE PLAYLIST!!!
I agree with all of this... To be sure, David Byrne is a unique kind of prodigy, but only one part of what was one of the most astounding and original bands ever to emerge on Earth. I bought Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods when it was released; just played it yesterday during a busy dinner rush at work and it blew me away all over again -- had us all rocking in the kitchen, too! Jerry H worked with local heroes Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Beautiful World and is a true studio wizard for lots of other great musicians, as well. The members of Talking Heads were each very visionary, very brilliant artists indeed! Gonna jam some Tom Tom Club now and bliss out to the cool breeze coming through my view of the Flatirons...
I Agree!! I wish RP would PUT CASUAL GODS ON THE PLAYLIST!!!
eileenomurphy wrote:
I agree with all of this... To be sure, David Byrne is a unique kind of prodigy, but only one part of what was one of the most astounding and original bands ever to emerge on Earth. I bought Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods when it was released; just played it yesterday during a busy dinner rush at work and it blew me away all over again -- had us all rocking in the kitchen, too! Jerry H worked with local heroes Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Beautiful World and is a true studio wizard for lots of other great musicians, as well. The members of Talking Heads were each very visionary, very brilliant artists indeed! Gonna jam some Tom Tom Club now and bliss out to the cool breeze coming through my view of the Flatirons...
David's solo work is hit or miss for me. This tune is a HIT! And I am a big time Talking Heads fan! Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods album is also EXCELLENT!
I agree with all of this... To be sure, David Byrne is a unique kind of prodigy, but only one part of what was one of the most astounding and original bands ever to emerge on Earth. I bought Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods when it was released; just played it yesterday during a busy dinner rush at work and it blew me away all over again -- had us all rocking in the kitchen, too! Jerry H worked with local heroes Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Beautiful World and is a true studio wizard for lots of other great musicians, as well. The members of Talking Heads were each very visionary, very brilliant artists indeed! Gonna jam some Tom Tom Club now and bliss out to the cool breeze coming through my view of the Flatirons...
David's solo work is hit or miss for me. This tune is a HIT! And I am a big time Talking Heads fan! Jerry Harrison's Casual Gods album is also EXCELLENT!
jasonthehead wrote:
I have a theory that the Talking Heads/David Byrne is Bill's favorite musician.
More David Byrne and more Talking Heads yes please and thank you... one of my favorite vocalists
I have a theory that the Talking Heads/David Byrne is Bill's favorite musician.
We all deserve a chance to sand off our rough edges
Who can take more than only tiny apocalypses, and only one at a time?
I mean, who?
I mean, who?
Matt_Maurer wrote:
I believe so. Both David and Elvis (C.) know how to drive, so the line is clear.
Is this Just a numeric tectronic cross with a supper full off Elvis Costello ??
I believe so. Both David and Elvis (C.) know how to drive, so the line is clear.
kcar wrote:
How about Michael Franti?
Doesn't seem like Brian Eno was involved with this album but it definitely has an Eno feel...
How about Michael Franti?
Is this Just a numeric tectronic cross with a supper full off Elvis Costello ??
Rating 6.1? This song is clearly outstanding! :) Points can be deducted from Peter Gabriel and added here ;)
David looks like Bill Nye the Science Guy on this album's cover
Dudes complaining about his voice. Thought it was authentic.
Top Job :)
legend... :) medicine... :)
poetdancer wrote:
Saw his show last year in San Francisco, and it was one of the best concerts I've seen in a few years (and this from someone who sees lots of shows).
David Byrne doesn't put on concert - he does a show! I saw his collaboration with St Vincent twice. Before the show in Baltimore he had a mini-circus going out front. He is an entertainer in the best sense of the word..
Saw his show last year in San Francisco, and it was one of the best concerts I've seen in a few years (and this from someone who sees lots of shows).
David Byrne doesn't put on concert - he does a show! I saw his collaboration with St Vincent twice. Before the show in Baltimore he had a mini-circus going out front. He is an entertainer in the best sense of the word..
More I hear, more I like
rating 8 (just for now...)
rating 8 (just for now...)
I'm not sure it's a "tiny" apocalypse! Love David Byrne and Talking Heads. Big part of my college years. Stay well and stay safe! 
Truly shocked at the lack of love for this unique gem...Byrne is hit or miss for me, but thought this one would be a sure fire RP smash..but that's a lot of 1's...
really cool and musical!
tippi toes! 🕺
unclehud wrote:
Saw his show last year in San Francisco, and it was one of the best concerts I've seen in a few years (and this from someone who sees lots of shows).
Touring the US this summer and autumn. Wow. Could be a mind-blower.
Saw his show last year in San Francisco, and it was one of the best concerts I've seen in a few years (and this from someone who sees lots of shows).
Just more genius from a musical genius
More David Byrne and more Talking Heads yes please and thank you... one of my favorite vocalists
Just heard this a couple of months ago on RP and was immediately hooked.
Touring the US this summer and autumn. Wow. Could be a mind-blower.
Every David Byrne hater that rants on these comments sections while I am enjoying some Talking Heads song, receives some vindication with this one.
sfyi2001 wrote:
E X C R U C I A T I N G
Your pain is our gain. Not by design, of course.
E X C R U C I A T I N G
Your pain is our gain. Not by design, of course.
ziggytrix wrote:
Answer this:
"What moral theory justifies using wire, wall, and weapon to prevent people from moving to opportunity? What moral theory justifies using tools of exclusion to prevent people from exercising their right to vote with their feet?"
Those are not my words, I took them from this article.
However, I was not familiar with this politics. That is my naivety and I will be on the look out for that in the future....
Answer this:
"What moral theory justifies using wire, wall, and weapon to prevent people from moving to opportunity? What moral theory justifies using tools of exclusion to prevent people from exercising their right to vote with their feet?"
Those are not my words, I took them from this article.
However, I was not familiar with this politics. That is my naivety and I will be on the look out for that in the future....
David Byrne is a musical genius!
westslope wrote:
Answer this:
"What moral theory justifies using wire, wall, and weapon to prevent people from moving to opportunity? What moral theory justifies using tools of exclusion to prevent people from exercising their right to vote with their feet?"
Those are not my words, I took them from this article.
Interesting web-site for the artist.
He is in favour of no borders and no controls on migrants. Clearly he does not understand how large demographic movements more often than not lead to violent conflict.
The false generosity of ignorant liberals.....
He is in favour of no borders and no controls on migrants. Clearly he does not understand how large demographic movements more often than not lead to violent conflict.
The false generosity of ignorant liberals.....
Answer this:
"What moral theory justifies using wire, wall, and weapon to prevent people from moving to opportunity? What moral theory justifies using tools of exclusion to prevent people from exercising their right to vote with their feet?"
Those are not my words, I took them from this article.
That's painful.
David oh David - where did it all go wrong? I loved Talking Heads in "More Songs about Buildings and Food" and "Remain in Light" and even the collaboration with Brian Eno in "My Life in the bush of Ghosts" but then it all started to go wrong in the "Little Creatures" and "Naked" albums. Other commentators in RP say you are ahead of the curve and we have to "catch up" but I think you just lost your direction. Maybe you will find your muse again some day.
E X C R U C I A T I N G
Cool. Never heard it before.
Doesn't seem like Brian Eno was involved with this album but it definitely has an Eno feel...
westslope wrote:
A lot of the time it's:
Rich guy "I like the idea of helping immigrants. That's good."
Government: "Nice! We are going to build a refugee centre in your neighbourhood!"
Rich guy "Ehm. No thank you. They are poor and cause all sorts of trouble. Ill use my powerful connections to get the refugee centre elsewhere."
Interesting web-site for the artist.
He is in favour of no borders and no controls on migrants. Clearly he does not understand how large demographic movements more often than not lead to violent conflict.
The false generosity of ignorant liberals.....
He is in favour of no borders and no controls on migrants. Clearly he does not understand how large demographic movements more often than not lead to violent conflict.
The false generosity of ignorant liberals.....
A lot of the time it's:
Rich guy "I like the idea of helping immigrants. That's good."
Government: "Nice! We are going to build a refugee centre in your neighbourhood!"
Rich guy "Ehm. No thank you. They are poor and cause all sorts of trouble. Ill use my powerful connections to get the refugee centre elsewhere."
Interesting web-site for the artist.
He is in favour of no borders and no controls on migrants. Clearly he does not understand how large demographic movements more often than not lead to violent conflict.
The false generosity of ignorant liberals.....
He is in favour of no borders and no controls on migrants. Clearly he does not understand how large demographic movements more often than not lead to violent conflict.
The false generosity of ignorant liberals.....
Hmmmmm, actually tolerable.
Bill pulled this from the vault! Last played in 2004?! Not my favorite but appropriate for RP.
overplayed for a song that's not that interesting...
david byrne can always be counted on for a great, unusual rhythm and amazingly poetic lyrics. don't stop playing this one!
As my esteemed colleagues have said in previous posts.... Nothing against Byrne, but enough please. Thank you.
Seems like this should be the voting public's theme song for the day after the Presidential debates.
mikedill wrote:
too much of this guy.
don't flame me... just my opinion.
Yup. Byrne is quite full of himself.
mikedill wrote:
too much of this guy.
don't flame me... just my opinion.
you read my mind.
too much of this guy.
don't flame me... just my opinion.
ANNE_MARIE wrote:
so cool the way he seems to reinvent himself every few years. love it all!
Me too. Aren't we cool for understanding that?
MrBoyo wrote:
I've always thought David Byrne had a unique voice and have often tried to categorize exactly what made it so, now I know.
Very interesting song. Nice arrangement and production. I just wish Byrne didn't have a voice like a donkey.
I've always thought David Byrne had a unique voice and have often tried to categorize exactly what made it so, now I know.
Very interesting song. Nice arrangement and production. I just wish Byrne didn't have a voice like a donkey.
I had heard Lazy & bought the album, and it was not what I expected either. But it has grown on me.
Perhaps it is because DB is just a little ahead of us and we need to catch up to him to get used to it.
Each listening of the CD I seem to like it a little more. Tosca started out playing weekly Tango gigs here in Austin and they are a delight to see as wel as hear. Try and catch them while they are still with him.
Anyone see Byrne on Bob Costa's show last week? Great interview, then he performed. Incredible.
Patrick wrote:
Good comment, 999_99_999. But once this is done, is it then a rock album? (By the way, this is a very cool song.)
I find myself having to fight off the urge to give you my SSN.
I spoke a little soon, the album does employ some of the traditional rock instruments, but only minimally. The musicianship on the album is impeccable. In each song, the instruments seem to be chosen with thought given to the impact of the instruments voice on the song. Even though GB has not discarded guitar and bass entirely, he has discarded the traditional structure of a 4 piece rock band.
As to whether the songs are still rock or not, it seems like the attitude is still rock. The songs are in a short, motifed format like rock songs. I feel like GB references the history of rock or, more accurately, punk music, in terms of the audience he seeks. However, the approach is cerebral and non-traditional.
I've really been enjoying it.
999_99_999 wrote:
I got this album. I haven't fully digested it, but it is different from what I expected. There is hardly any of the traditional rock n' roll instruments. It's almost all strings accompanying some other instrument I typically associate with an orchestra, including a xylophone and what I believe is a probably a piccolo trumpet. Interesting idea, discard the guitar and drums and make a rock album.
Good comment, 999_99_999. But once this is done, is it then a rock album? (By the way, this is a very cool song.)
I find myself having to fight off the urge to give you my SSN.
999_99_999 wrote:
I got this album. I haven't fully digested it, but it is different from what I expected. There is hardly any of the traditional rock n' roll instruments. It's almost all strings accompanying some other instrument I typically associate with an orchestra, including a xylophone and what I believe is a probably a piccolo trumpet. Interesting idea, discard the guitar and drums and make a rock album.
Your description really piques my interest. Thanks. I may have to grab this one.
999_99_999 wrote:
This song is really growing on me. I have never been a real solid DB fan, but I have always enjoyed what I heard. I'm thinking I'm going to be a DB fan in the near future.
You know, that is exactly it about David Byrne songs -- they really do grow on you more and more, as you pick up on the various nuances.
Pyro wrote:
Ditto!
I got this album. I haven't fully digested it, but it is different from what I expected. There is hardly any of the traditional rock n' roll instruments. It's almost all strings accompanying some other instrument I typically associate with an orchestra, including a xylophone and what I believe is a probably a piccolo trumpet. Interesting idea, discard the guitar and drums and make a rock album.
oooo soooo goood. Different rythm from Byrne. Very good.
i dig most everything from David Bynre, usually... but this one seriously smacks of easy listening.
i prefer him in the band its not bad but maybe getting older does mellow you out some.
masterhead wrote:
What a difference from Lazy included in the same album...a 200% better song...Very intellegent apocalypse
Absolutely. if there's more like this on the album, bring it on please.
999_99_999 wrote:
This song is really growing on me. I have never been a real solid DB fan, but I have always enjoyed what I heard. I'm thinking I'm going to be a DB fan in the near future.
Ditto!
weirdly catchy. i find myself dancing at my desk...
His voice sounds different during the verses. I didn't know it was him at first.
What a nice song, though the lyrics make about as much sense as "Blinded By The Light".
I loved the heads, and all the latin stuff Byrne has done, but recently I've been pretty bored listening to him. This reverses the trend, I like it a lot.
What a difference from Lazy included in the same album...a 200% better song...Very intellegent apocalypse
u sing it, Bill !!!!!
I can't help thinking about all the annoying things about MS Windows when I hear Byrne's voice.
(Like Humans Do was included in some version of Media Player, so first time you started MP after a fresh install of Windows, it would play Like Humans Do..)
This song is really growing on me. I have never been a real solid DB fan, but I have always enjoyed what I heard. I'm thinking I'm going to be a DB fan in the near future.
Boring!
I though David was gone forever without bringing a great new song.. I love this one
Hmm . . . strangely appealing. Punk meets calypso? Plus lyrics, at certain points, remind me of Tom Waits. I like it.