Thievery Corporation — The Heart's A Lonely Hunter (Feat David Byrne)
Album: Cosmic GameAvg rating:
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Length: 4:02
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The Truth is unspoken, a promise is broken
I'm under surveillance, they know what my name is
I need some protection, some love and affection
There's 1000 reasons, but one is the number
Welcome to my spaceship
It's beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
Save bottles of water and flour and sugar
Turn off the AC and hang up the bed sheets
Cover up windows, careful where the light goes
Yank out the cable and blow out the candle
Welcome to my spaceship
You're beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
Perfectly molded almost unfolded
Under the counter well, that is your nature
Drip grind or roasted, buttered or toasted
The greater the db's the higher the AC
Psycho acoustics
Down in the black seats
Stereo nation
Amplification
The brave and the righteous
They're safe in their houses
Now one is just a number
The heart's a lonely hunter
One is the number
Heart is a hunter
One is a number
Heart is a hunter
Welcome to my spaceship
You're beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
Welcome to my spaceship
You're beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
I'm under surveillance, they know what my name is
I need some protection, some love and affection
There's 1000 reasons, but one is the number
Welcome to my spaceship
It's beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
Save bottles of water and flour and sugar
Turn off the AC and hang up the bed sheets
Cover up windows, careful where the light goes
Yank out the cable and blow out the candle
Welcome to my spaceship
You're beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
Perfectly molded almost unfolded
Under the counter well, that is your nature
Drip grind or roasted, buttered or toasted
The greater the db's the higher the AC
Psycho acoustics
Down in the black seats
Stereo nation
Amplification
The brave and the righteous
They're safe in their houses
Now one is just a number
The heart's a lonely hunter
One is the number
Heart is a hunter
One is a number
Heart is a hunter
Welcome to my spaceship
You're beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
Welcome to my spaceship
You're beautiful forever
She's right here where you left her
And the heart's lonely hunter
Comments (98)add comment
I despise myself for loving this song so much, given my absolute disdain for anything Talking Heads.
unclehud wrote:
He like bicycles
Well, I like it, especially Mr. Byrne's contribution.
He like bicycles
Well, I like it, especially Mr. Byrne's contribution.
zurcronium wrote:
Love it. Well put.
Warning, DB has been known to outdo a glazed donut in empty calories.
Bill, for the sake of the health of your listeners please limit DB songs to one a week.
Thank you.
Bill, for the sake of the health of your listeners please limit DB songs to one a week.
Thank you.
Love it. Well put. I've never understood the anti-Byrne sentiment, except that everyone is entitled to their opinion of course.
I don't like listening to Bob Dylan's voice, doesn't make him a bad artist.
If nothing else, to be able to say that out of the millions of lead singers in the history of rock-n-roll, some successful and millions more unknown, that when you sing a song, even with another band like TC, people know who you are, almost immediately? You've done SOMETHING right, yes?
Life is short, get involved in as many projects as you can. Doubt he needs the money.
I liked this song, thanks RP.
I don't like listening to Bob Dylan's voice, doesn't make him a bad artist.
If nothing else, to be able to say that out of the millions of lead singers in the history of rock-n-roll, some successful and millions more unknown, that when you sing a song, even with another band like TC, people know who you are, almost immediately? You've done SOMETHING right, yes?
Life is short, get involved in as many projects as you can. Doubt he needs the money.
I liked this song, thanks RP.
Thought that voice sounded familiar!
🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵
Wow, I had the browser shrunk to the dock and when this started I got not only David Byrne right but Thievery Corporation too! Great combination.
Two great tastes that taste great together!!!
terrapin52 wrote:
Uh...yes. I sadly share your sentiment.
I abhor David Byrne. Great song, except for him.
Uh...yes. I sadly share your sentiment.
Proclivities wrote:
I'm surprised no one's written any tunes about all those lonely hot tubs.
Wasn't there a Lonely Hot Tub Band 25 years ago today?
I'm surprised no one's written any tunes about all those lonely hot tubs.
Wasn't there a Lonely Hot Tub Band 25 years ago today?
Warning, DB has been known to outdo a glazed donut in empty calories.
Bill, for the sake of the health of your listeners please limit DB songs to one a week.
Thank you.
Bill, for the sake of the health of your listeners please limit DB songs to one a week.
Thank you.
bmeador wrote:
I'm surprised no one's written any tunes about all those lonely hot tubs.
HAHAHA! I thought he said "Heart's a Lonely Hot Tub!"
Now, THAT would be a weird one.
Now, THAT would be a weird one.
I'm surprised no one's written any tunes about all those lonely hot tubs.
HAHAHA! I thought he said "Heart's a Lonely Hot Tub!"
Now, THAT would be a weird one.
Now, THAT would be a weird one.
'70's -- meh.
The quirky lyrics, the superb title. It's beautiful forever.
Thin_Air wrote:
I can't agree that DB is a celebrity just because. He has prolific output, which covers a wide range of art forms, not just musical, and whilst you don't have to like any of it (I don't like some of it) I think it does him a huge disservice to trivialise him with a label.
I do agree that his collaborations (old and recent) with Eno have produced his best work.
Fair enough. I actually like this song, and probably would like a fair amount more of his post-Talking Heads stuff if I had a more open mind. I got bored with what I'd heard of Byrne's solo work, though. When he works with Eno, his voice, the lyrics and the music have an aggressive purpose. The rest of the time, he sounds emotionally detached to me.
I can't agree that DB is a celebrity just because. He has prolific output, which covers a wide range of art forms, not just musical, and whilst you don't have to like any of it (I don't like some of it) I think it does him a huge disservice to trivialise him with a label.
I do agree that his collaborations (old and recent) with Eno have produced his best work.
Fair enough. I actually like this song, and probably would like a fair amount more of his post-Talking Heads stuff if I had a more open mind. I got bored with what I'd heard of Byrne's solo work, though. When he works with Eno, his voice, the lyrics and the music have an aggressive purpose. The rest of the time, he sounds emotionally detached to me.
Aren't ALL corps. thievery corporations?
kcar wrote:
I agree with some of what you're saying. I have no problem with DB and the other TH members coming out of art school or whatever impact RISD had on their music. However, it is hard to pigeonhole Byrne—in part because I don't get a sense of logic or continuity in his musical choices or album.
Byrne used to be cutting-edge. The mainstream media sold him as the genius behind the Heads' music and the driving force behind their film. Once he went solo, many people expected him to do bigger and better and things. But he really didn't; without Eno producing his albums, his music didn't have a bite or edge. It was sightseeing without commitment or putting down roots. These days I don't know what he brings to the table as a songwriter or singer.
I liked his voice in early-ish TH albums. The songs didn't really force him to sing that much. When he tries to really sing now, I cringe. These days DB strikes me as a celebrity by dint of being a celebrity, like Kim Kardashian or a young Brooke Shields. They all did something once, but you can't always remember or figure out how it relates to what they're doing now.
I can't agree that DB is a celebrity just because. He has prolific output, which covers a wide range of art forms, not just musical, and whilst you don't have to like any of it (I don't like some of it) I think it does him a huge disservice to trivialise him with a label.
I do agree that his collaborations (old and recent) with Eno have produced his best work.
I agree with some of what you're saying. I have no problem with DB and the other TH members coming out of art school or whatever impact RISD had on their music. However, it is hard to pigeonhole Byrne—in part because I don't get a sense of logic or continuity in his musical choices or album.
Byrne used to be cutting-edge. The mainstream media sold him as the genius behind the Heads' music and the driving force behind their film. Once he went solo, many people expected him to do bigger and better and things. But he really didn't; without Eno producing his albums, his music didn't have a bite or edge. It was sightseeing without commitment or putting down roots. These days I don't know what he brings to the table as a songwriter or singer.
I liked his voice in early-ish TH albums. The songs didn't really force him to sing that much. When he tries to really sing now, I cringe. These days DB strikes me as a celebrity by dint of being a celebrity, like Kim Kardashian or a young Brooke Shields. They all did something once, but you can't always remember or figure out how it relates to what they're doing now.
I can't agree that DB is a celebrity just because. He has prolific output, which covers a wide range of art forms, not just musical, and whilst you don't have to like any of it (I don't like some of it) I think it does him a huge disservice to trivialise him with a label.
I do agree that his collaborations (old and recent) with Eno have produced his best work.
not the best song really
The song does not hold a candle to the novel...
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is the debut 1940 novel by American author Carson McCullers...
Everyone in my bridge club loves this song!
Sasha2001 wrote:
I'm right there with you my New York brother from another mother. Is Byrne's voice THAT much worse than other singers? Or is there something else in play? I think some folks object to his art-school ethos - if I can use that word. Perhaps they see themselves as outsiders to that culture and resent Byrne's representation of it as part of rocks wide umbrella. When you get down to it, music fans are pretty tribal and I think there's always been some question as to where David Byrne fits in. Which is too bad, because he's such an innovator and an historian of world music.
I agree with some of what you're saying. I have no problem with DB and the other TH members coming out of art school or whatever impact RISD had on their music. However, it is hard to pigeonhole Byrne—in part because I don't get a sense of logic or continuity in his musical choices or album.
Byrne used to be cutting-edge. The mainstream media sold him as the genius behind the Heads' music and the driving force behind their film. Once he went solo, many people expected him to do bigger and better and things. But he really didn't; without Eno producing his albums, his music didn't have a bite or edge. It was sightseeing without commitment or putting down roots. These days I don't know what he brings to the table as a songwriter or singer.
I liked his voice in early-ish TH albums. The songs didn't really force him to sing that much. When he tries to really sing now, I cringe. These days DB strikes me as a celebrity by dint of being a celebrity, like Kim Kardashian or a young Brooke Shields. They all did something once, but you can't always remember or figure out how it relates to what they're doing now.
I'm right there with you my New York brother from another mother. Is Byrne's voice THAT much worse than other singers? Or is there something else in play? I think some folks object to his art-school ethos - if I can use that word. Perhaps they see themselves as outsiders to that culture and resent Byrne's representation of it as part of rocks wide umbrella. When you get down to it, music fans are pretty tribal and I think there's always been some question as to where David Byrne fits in. Which is too bad, because he's such an innovator and an historian of world music.
I agree with some of what you're saying. I have no problem with DB and the other TH members coming out of art school or whatever impact RISD had on their music. However, it is hard to pigeonhole Byrne—in part because I don't get a sense of logic or continuity in his musical choices or album.
Byrne used to be cutting-edge. The mainstream media sold him as the genius behind the Heads' music and the driving force behind their film. Once he went solo, many people expected him to do bigger and better and things. But he really didn't; without Eno producing his albums, his music didn't have a bite or edge. It was sightseeing without commitment or putting down roots. These days I don't know what he brings to the table as a songwriter or singer.
I liked his voice in early-ish TH albums. The songs didn't really force him to sing that much. When he tries to really sing now, I cringe. These days DB strikes me as a celebrity by dint of being a celebrity, like Kim Kardashian or a young Brooke Shields. They all did something once, but you can't always remember or figure out how it relates to what they're doing now.
Only 11 more days till I get to see this great band again.
Thanks RP for turning me on to so much great music.
Thanks RP for turning me on to so much great music.
Don't mind this song to bad. Must be Thievery influence. I think the reason for the dislike of DB is his constant need to sound so hip and different. In actuality, I think he sounds silly most of the time. I do like this tune, however.
What a great song and an amazing combo. I could listen for hours to either Byrne or Thievery Corp.
David Byrne has always been right on top of it, still is. Nice to see you can get old and stay so hip.
David Byrne has always been right on top of it, still is. Nice to see you can get old and stay so hip.
really unneccesary song...
lemmoth wrote:
I'm right there with you my New York brother from another mother. Is Byrne's voice THAT much worse than other singers? Or is there something else in play?
I think some folks object to his art-school ethos - if I can use that word. Perhaps they see themselves as outsiders to that culture and resent Byrne's representation of it as part of rocks wide umbrella. When you get down to it, music fans are pretty tribal and I think there's always been some question as to where David Byrne fits in. Which is too bad, because he's such an innovator and an historian of world music.
Why all the hating on David Byrne? I don't get it.
Of course, I saw TH for the first time in 1977 and own all their albums.... so I guess I wouldn't get it.
Of course, I saw TH for the first time in 1977 and own all their albums.... so I guess I wouldn't get it.
I'm right there with you my New York brother from another mother. Is Byrne's voice THAT much worse than other singers? Or is there something else in play?
I think some folks object to his art-school ethos - if I can use that word. Perhaps they see themselves as outsiders to that culture and resent Byrne's representation of it as part of rocks wide umbrella. When you get down to it, music fans are pretty tribal and I think there's always been some question as to where David Byrne fits in. Which is too bad, because he's such an innovator and an historian of world music.
Gotta hand it to the Thievery Corporation; the name pretty much says it all.
Incidentally, I happen to be reading this novel by Carson McCullers at the moment.
I abhor David Byrne. Great song, except for him.
vandal wrote:
Huh? I thought Byne gave them a little ligitimacy.
I love TC, but Byrne ruins an otherwise mediocre song. . .
Huh? I thought Byne gave them a little ligitimacy.
plaice3 wrote:
It's a treat to hear DB's distinctive voice with Thievery Corporation.
"Treat" isn't the word I'd use. This was a solid 8 until yer man Byrne started warbling. He surely has a distinctive voice, but such voices usually have lovers and haters, and I certainly don't love DB. On the plus side, he at least doesn't sound like a Teletubby in this one as he does in so many TH numbers (eh-oh, eh-oh). 5 from the Nottingham jury (usually 8+ for TC)
It's a treat to hear DB's distinctive voice with Thievery Corporation.
"Treat" isn't the word I'd use. This was a solid 8 until yer man Byrne started warbling. He surely has a distinctive voice, but such voices usually have lovers and haters, and I certainly don't love DB. On the plus side, he at least doesn't sound like a Teletubby in this one as he does in so many TH numbers (eh-oh, eh-oh). 5 from the Nottingham jury (usually 8+ for TC)
khw77 wrote:
Saw them a Lolla in '06 and they brought the house down. Frank Oral of Poi Dog Pondering covered the vocals for this one. I remember him doing laps around the stage . . .
Saw them at the Aragon in Uptown and was blown away again. See this act live—they put on quite a party!
I love anything Thievery Corporation does. They are amazing! I have all their albums. They are always great at Lollapalooza or in an indoor music venue alike.
They are my favorite music artists hands down.
They are my favorite music artists hands down.
Saw them a Lolla in '06 and they brought the house down. Frank Oral of Poi Dog Pondering covered the vocals for this one. I remember him doing laps around the stage . . .
Saw them at the Aragon in Uptown and was blown away again. See this act live—they put on quite a party!
lemmoth wrote:
Me, neither. Me, too. I saw them in Hampton Beach, NH, probably in '77.
It's a treat to hear DB's distinctive voice with Thievery Corporation.
Why all the hating on David Byrne? I don't get it.
Of course, I saw TH for the first time in 1977 and own all their albums.... so I guess I wouldn't get it.
Of course, I saw TH for the first time in 1977 and own all their albums.... so I guess I wouldn't get it.
Me, neither. Me, too. I saw them in Hampton Beach, NH, probably in '77.
It's a treat to hear DB's distinctive voice with Thievery Corporation.
Why all the hating on David Byrne? I don't get it.
Of course, I saw TH for the first time in 1977 and own all their albums.... so I guess I wouldn't get it.
Of course, I saw TH for the first time in 1977 and own all their albums.... so I guess I wouldn't get it.
Always amused to see the polarizing effect DB has on the RP audience. I like him and Thievery personally,
I love anything Thievery Corporation does. They are amazing! I have all their albums. They are always great at Lollapalooza or in an indoor music venue alike.
They are my favorite music artists hands down.
They are my favorite music artists hands down.
johncartlidge wrote:
If you mean you don't want this particular song played anymore, I'm going to have to go ahead and respectfully disagree with you.
Digging this.
TC yes please, DB no thanks
If you mean you don't want this particular song played anymore, I'm going to have to go ahead and respectfully disagree with you.
Digging this.
yum 
omg I am so sick of this song!
johncartlidge wrote:
my sentiments exactly.
TC yes please, DB no thanks
my sentiments exactly.
Through one really good 5.1 this sounds 
öööööhhhhhhh.. like some guys singing.
gave it an 8 thou...
öööööhhhhhhh.. like some guys singing.gave it an 8 thou...
zaknafein wrote:
When these guys are good, they are very, very good. At times, I find them a bit nice-ho-pleasant-hum, but not here. If this is just a 7, I gotta hear the rest of the set.
Probably my least favorite cut on this album, but a solid 7 just the same.
When these guys are good, they are very, very good. At times, I find them a bit nice-ho-pleasant-hum, but not here. If this is just a 7, I gotta hear the rest of the set.
baltimorelovejoy wrote:
+1
TC = shiznit
DB = icing on the cake
DB = icing on the cake
+1
OK, David is a genious and all, but I am suffering from David Byrne/Talking Heads overload now. Somebody didn't massage the music log.
TC = shiznit
DB = icing on the cake
DB = icing on the cake
TC yes please, DB no thanks
I like TC. And DB. This is cool.
my old man and i agree on most music, but he really likes talking heads and i can't dig em at all. this is a good tune though. i wonder if he knows about this tune, as it is the first time i've heard it. good one!
Quite possibly the first tolerable song I've heard David Byrne participate in.
Honestly, I thought that the vocals sounded more like Cy Curnin of The Fixx.
I like their music, they should not sing though.
It's like smooth jazz for the hipster generation. Bleccchh.
byrne's voice STILL sucks
I still really dig this disc. The remixes of this disc are pretty cool too.
Normally I'm not a fan of Byrne but he is actually pretty good, here.
Probably my least favorite cut on this album, but a solid 7 just the same.
I like this collaboration - David's voice really suits their music.
Bet this sounds great on speakers.
like it.
If you like this song, you should check out the radio three-sixty podcast ((click here), also on iTunes). Thats where I first heard this song, and they play a lot of eclectic music like this. There's about 40 episodes now, they're all pretty good but I prefer the earlier ones.
Not my favourite Thievery tune, but it does feature David Byrne. Wait -- that may be what I don't like about it...hmmm....
rluking wrote:
If this had been arranged and performed by Talking Heads on Remain in Light, it would have been much more appealing. As it is, it is, well, meh....
ya, the Talking Heads rhythm section would CRUSH this record ...
For some reason this reminds me of the Fleetwood Mac tune, Hypnotized.
fun groovy tune.
Norge1 wrote:
As much as I like DB I would have to agree...let the music speak for itself
I rather enjoy DB's input on this song. One of the reasons I purchased this album. And I love this entire album.
I really like this album, although this is not one of my faves because I don't care that much for DB.
The whole album is a commentary on 9/11.
you can't beat a song with the lyric:
"welcome to my spaceship..."
rascal420 wrote:
I'd buy this for the cover picture alone.
And based on the cover, I know I'd never listen to it.
Yeah. She's a real looker.
It's interesting how everyone is dissing Dave for this, when it's a Thievery Corporation song using Dave's voice.
David Byrne music usually receives a "stop playing" click from me and this song is no exception.
yuck. Too much synthetic percussion, and david needs a new schitck.
If this had been arranged and performed by Talking Heads on Remain in Light, it would have been much more appealing. As it is, it is, well, meh....
MissIncendium wrote:
Love the music, but wish David would shut up
As much as I like DB I would have to agree...let the music speak for itself
Mari wrote:
Cosmic Game:...The Heart's A Lonely Hunter... 
...(9)
David Byrne!
...(9)
Love the music, but wish David would shut up
Uninspired, David. Shame, shame on you. Now call Richard Thompson again and get back to collaberating with someone who will produce better results.
rascal420 wrote:
I'd buy this for the cover picture alone.
And based on the cover, I know I'd never listen to it.
So are you one of those who's life is to busy to sit and READ A BOOK.
Cool Afro-beat kind of rhythm... For those of you who dig this kind of beats, check out Fela Anikulapo Kuti, his son Femi Kuti, and also Fela's drummer Tony Allen.
Too bad this Byrne dude is trying to sing on this one... never liked him; annoying voice.
ElizabethBoody wrote:
Going to their first of 3 shows at the 9:30 Club in DC tonight! Can't Wait!
Hello Elizabeth, Not often jealous, but tonight I'm jealous. Only found out about TC's Manchester (UK) show 24 hours beforehand and I was already committed to a wedding 'do' (not mine, that happened many years ago). Maybe next time. Cheers, bryan199
"This is not a lovesong!" (PIL) 
rgj13 wrote: 
I'd buy this for the cover picture alone.
And based on the cover, I know I'd never listen to it.
Going to their first of 3 shows at the 9:30 Club in DC tonight! Can't Wait!
Also, you can read a review of their album, The Cosmic Game, that I wrote on my website here:
https://musiccapitol.blogspot.com/2005/06/thievery-corporation-cosmic-game.html
Look for my review of the show at https://musiccapitol.blogspot.com/2005/07/review-thievery-corporation-930-club.html
g1lgam3sh wrote:
David, not just a talking head 8) :D
you've been breeding on this one 'till the right moment came along haven't you... ;)
8) :D David, not just a talking head 8) :D
8) :D this is great!
This is a fun song. Phooey on those who don't like it, for you obviously have no taste!!! :crown.gif: (King Mugro says). 
(Of course, I am just kidding, so don't send me nasty replies!!)
(Of course, I am just kidding, so don't send me nasty replies!!)BKardon wrote:
Kept thinking this sounds awfully like David Byrne...turns out it is.
Then I won't bother to mention that this sounds like David Byrne. Thanks for the info.
Kept thinking this sounds awfully like David Byrne...turns out it is.
radioparadisehead wrote:
Looking in iTunes radio under Eclectic, I noticed that radioDavidByrne is another station just above RP.
Same guy?
yup
Looking in iTunes radio under Eclectic, I noticed that radioDavidByrne is another station just above RP.
Same guy?
Great beat--makes me want to get up and dance.
YAY!
WHAT! now I have to go out and buy this?
Oh well, I can think of worse things!
WHAT! now I have to go out and buy this?
Oh well, I can think of worse things!
Another fruitful collaboration with Byrne! Kickin'!!
