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Talking Heads — Burning Down The House
Album: Speaking In Tongues
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1519









Released: 1983
Length: 3:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Ah, watch out, you might get what you're after
Cool babies, strange, but not a stranger
I'm an ordinary guy
Burning down the house

Hold tight, wait till the party's over
Hold tight, we're in for nasty weather
There has got to be a way
Burning down the house

Here's your ticket, pack your bags
Time for jumpin' overboard
The transportation is here
Close enough, but not too far
Maybe you know where you are
Fightin' fire with fire

Ah, all wet, yeah, you might need a raincoat
Shape down, dreams walking in broad daylight
Three hundred sixty-five degrees
Burning down the house, huh

Ah, it was once upon a place
Sometimes I listen to myself
Gonna come in first place
People on their way to work
And, baby, what did you expect
Gonna burst into flames
Ah

Burning down the house

My house, s'out of the ordinary
That's right, don't want to hurt nobody
Some things sure can sweep me off my feet
Burning down the house

No visible means of support
And you have not seen nothing yet
Everything's stuck together
And I don't know what you expect
Staring into the TV set
Fighting fire with fire
Ah
Comments (89)add comment
Shity band, from A to Z.
Posted 2 months ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
Posted 9 months ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
A remastered 40th Anniversary version of the excellent concert film "Stop Making Sense" is now playing at a theatre near you (hopefully). Don't miss this chance to see one of the greatest concert films ever on the big screen!
Posted 1 year ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 sfoster66 wrote:

Trite.




I don't believe you understand the word "trite".Rusted Roots took a shot after TH broke up but came up short. Face it. They're one of a kind.
Posted 1 year ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
 sfoster66 wrote:

Trite.



Yeah.  There were SO many bands that sounded like this back in the 80s.  :eye-roll:
Posted 2 years ago by bc    [ Reply ]
EXCELLENT!! I bought this album right after it was released & almost wore it out. I still love it!! Thanx RP!   
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Trite.
Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
Unbelievable live show in the 80s after 'Remain in Silence'.  Adrian Belew fitting in so well, making amazing music and noise.
Posted 3 years ago by ArthurJames    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

shake in cubicle


Hahahaha!
Posted 3 years ago by krishnakumarv198    [ Reply ]
Loved playing this DJing in the 80s,   great song      that said  it can get overplayed quickly.     GREAT CHANGE OF PACE is to hear TOM JONES singing this song    it is simply fantastic
Posted 3 years ago by slaskey    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
Great 80's music video.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNmU1Yjk0ZWUtODA1NS00NWU5LTk2OTQtYzJjYmU5YjEwOTFmL2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjAyNzI2OTY@._V1_.jpg

Posted 6 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
 LeftShoe wrote:
What an amazingly complex soundscape. I just heard this an a high end sound system and I was truly impressed. I totally overlooked it up until now.
 

For one thing, this has more dynamic range than 10 or 20 average modern recordings. 
Posted 6 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
 Ugh! Can't. Keep. Still! Gotta. Move!
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
Tom Tom Club birthing!?
Posted 6 years ago by dc_zee    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
DEAD FROM OVERPLAY

 
Like Led Zeplen??
Posted 7 years ago by jmpnbob    [ Reply ]
DEAD FROM OVERPLAY
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Bill! You play this song sooo much, can you play other TH tunes once in a while...{#Drunk}
Posted 7 years ago by Bert7    [ Reply ]
 midget wrote:

Indeed!
I was just having such a nice RP work morning until this happened.
Why? Just why? 

 
average rating 7.5 hit PSD move on lmao {#Beat}
Posted 7 years ago by willmcnaught    [ Reply ]
Legendary!{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 7 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
One of the BEST 80s songs in existence!!!  {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananasplit}{#Bananajumprope}
Posted 7 years ago by Larrygrrl    [ Reply ]
I hear the inventiveness, and all. But I still don't dig it.
Posted 7 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
 mafe wrote:
Heh this song makes me shake it in my little cubicle at work.
 
shake in cubicle
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
{#Cheers}    {#Guitarist}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Drummer}
Posted 7 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
 FrankRizzo wrote:

I never really looked into what happen after they all split up. Turns out most of them went on to pretty fulfilling careers. Never know some of the band members started the Tom Tom Club after the break up.

 
Bit late to the reply but... TTC was a side-project from Frantz and Weymouth dating from 81'.

 
Posted 8 years ago by chunkymunky    [ Reply ]
 SeriousLee wrote:
This band always ruin the groove.

 
Indeed!
I was just having such a nice RP work morning until this happened.
Why? Just why? 
Posted 8 years ago by midget    [ Reply ]
This band always ruin the groove.
Posted 8 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
 LeftShoe wrote:
What an amazingly complex soundscape. I just heard this an a high end sound system and I was truly impressed. I totally overlooked it up until now.
 
Yes this album and all of their catalogue sound fantastic on high end audio, and fortunately all of it is available in HiDef!  Highly recommended.
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Genius Album....
 
You bet! The Heads at their best. I remember seeing them on SNL in the 70s and finding them interesting but I didn't really get into them that much till this song. Then I started really paying attention. Wish I'd have gotten on board earlier!
Posted 8 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
Genius Album....
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
If you have heard this somewhat recently, then it is super annoying song to hear again.

If you haven't heard this in awhile, then the first few notes will make you turn it up to 11 and wiggle your butt throughout the whole track. 
Posted 8 years ago by amb599    [ Reply ]
 VH1 wrote:
{#Dancingbanana}

 
What he said!
Posted 8 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
 LeftShoe wrote:
What an amazingly complex soundscape. I just heard this an a high end sound system and I was truly impressed. I totally overlooked it up until now.

 
So true!

Also, this song is a perfect example of how context while listening can really change the meaning...either having a house party or a pre-game/test/whatev listening to get jamming...this tune rocks!


Posted 8 years ago by heyjoe3577    [ Reply ]
What an amazingly complex soundscape. I just heard this an a high end sound system and I was truly impressed. I totally overlooked it up until now.
Posted 8 years ago by LeftShoe    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

Yes, I had UP TO HERE to TH/DB years ago. It ceased being even slightly amusing after the 3rd hearing.

 
So did you.
Posted 8 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
My house, s'out of the ordinary
I've a radio on home TV set.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 Shimmer wrote:
Man, this brings me right back to 1983. I can't believe it's been nearly 20 years. Yikes.
 
And now it's well over 30.
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

Yes, I had UP TO HERE to TH/DB years ago. It ceased being even slightly amusing after the 3rd hearing.

 
Agreed. Except for a few tunes heard a lot less often — here and on FM — there is not a lot of there there. 
Posted 9 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:

One of those unremarkable songs that would be ok if rarely heard but when saturated becomes quite loathsome.

 
Yes, I had UP TO HERE to TH/DB years ago. It ceased being even slightly amusing after the 3rd hearing.
Posted 9 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 radioparadise wrote:
this is just another take on the classic party song, just like "louie louie" or "shout" from animal house. sure it's cheesy, but it IS 80's syth-pop. you just have to enjoy it for what it is...
 

I read that this track was a reaction against the electronic scene at the time - ie burning down 'house music'. There was a lot of strong opinion at the time and many people saw the new electronic dance scene as soulless. I always thought that it was rather interesting when David Byrne then embraced electronic music later in his career when joining forces with mainstream house bands for tracks like 'Lazy'.
Posted 9 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Thanks, Dave - that's a much nicer listen than David "Teletubby" Byrne. Cute animals too :)

 
Absolutely hilarious.  
Posted 9 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:


 
Thanks, Dave - that's a much nicer listen than David "Teletubby" Byrne. Cute animals too :)
Posted 9 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Not my favorite version, but always a solid offering. 
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]

One of those unremarkable songs that would be ok if rarely heard but when saturated becomes quite loathsome.


Posted 10 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:


 ziakut wrote:
This is not my beautiful home!




Adjustable rate mortgage and the house is still underwater five years later? Sorry, it's all yours! Betcha didn't know they made ball and chains that big!  

 
This is not my beautiful wife. (Divorce will do that)   {#Eh}
Posted 10 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
bigtime memories here! THANKS!
Posted 10 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
This is not my beautiful home!

 
Adjustable rate mortgage and the house is still underwater five years later? Sorry, it's all yours! Betcha didn't know they made ball and chains that big!  
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Bargamon wrote:

One of their best! 

This band had so much left in its tank. 

 
I never really looked into what happen after they all split up. Turns out most of them went on to pretty fulfilling careers. Never know some of the band members started the Tom Tom Club after the break up.
Posted 11 years ago by FrankRizzo    [ Reply ]

Posted 11 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Tom Jones and the Cardigans do a wonderful cover of this song.  
Posted 11 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]

One of their best! 

This band had so much left in its tank. 
Posted 12 years ago by Bargamon    [ Reply ]
This is not my beautiful home!
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Playin' with matches here. Hey David Byrne...come over here...c'mon...open your mouth. Wait you already did! {#Fire}

Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Bill loves Byrnin' down the house.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
I was shocked to discover that the Talking Heads final tour was actually their 1983 one. I could have sworn that they last toured in 86' or 88'. You know, as support for Amnesty Int. or something. Too bad.
Posted 17 years ago by siloco    [ Reply ]
amazing song...phrasing, drumming heavy...great. what a freaking shame that I cringe everytime I hear it for the 12,000,000,000th time. not your fault RP, the damage is done. deeper cuts please?
Posted 17 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
At least an 8.
Posted 17 years ago by kerr    [ Reply ]
ButterFingers wrote:
If I hear this song one more time on Radioparadise, I'm gonna do the unthinkable and switch to another webcast
Did you move? LOL Oscar
Posted 18 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
mafe wrote:
Heh this song makes me shake it in my little cubicle at work.
There's gotta be a better way of saying that
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
I LOVE THIS SONG! LOVE THIS LP!!! Nicely played!!! Thanks Bill!!
Posted 18 years ago by princeofpeoria    [ Reply ]
Thank GOD i was very small when ths song was overplayed ... that gives me the pleasure of enjoyinment!! I love this song! Oscar
Posted 18 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
Heh this song makes me shake it in my little cubicle at work.
Posted 18 years ago by mafe    [ Reply ]
ladybinnath wrote:
I hated this the first time I ever heard it. Time and excessive airplay (what *do* people see in this?) have done nothing to improve my opinion. If you must play Talking Heads, please stick with early albums like Fear of Music or Remain in Light. This makes me want to smoke crack.
I actually enjoyed this track the first few thousand times, but I'm well over it now. Maybe play the live version from Stop Making Sense instead? I completely agree that TH material gets pretty dodgy beginning with the very uneven Speaking in Tongues, and it's a rapidly accelerating downhill trip from that point into the insufferable black hole that is Byrne's post-TH career. However, Fear of Music, Remain in Light, and especially the very fantasmagorical Name of This Band is Talking Heads (esp that thunderous expanded lineup) are all loaded with great stuff.
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Some crazy percussion and superfunk keyboards that makes me happy. Can't speak for anyone else tho.
Beat me to it though, Scott. Stop speaking for me!
Posted 19 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
stradaduro wrote:
Can't see what people like about this...
Some crazy percussion and superfunk keyboards that makes me happy. Can't speak for anyone else tho.
Posted 19 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
radioparadise wrote:
this is just another take on the classic party song, just like "louie louie" or "shout" from animal house. sure it's cheesy, but it IS 80's syth-pop. you just have to enjoy it for what it is...
= Shout. = Louie, Louie. = Talking Heads.
Posted 19 years ago by Mangoman    [ Reply ]
If I hear this song one more time on Radioparadise, I\'m gonna do the unthinkable and switch to another webcast
Posted 21 years ago by ButterFingers    [ Reply ]
this is just another take on the classic party song, just like \"louie louie\" or \"shout\" from animal house. sure it\'s cheesy, but it IS 80\'s syth-pop. you just have to enjoy it for what it is...
Posted 21 years ago by radioparadise    [ Reply ]
one of the top three 80\'s songs...
Posted 21 years ago by radioparadise    [ Reply ]
I hated this the first time I ever heard it. Time and excessive airplay (what *do* people see in this?) have done nothing to improve my opinion. If you must play Talking Heads, please stick with early albums like Fear of Music or Remain in Light. This makes me want to smoke crack.
Posted 21 years ago by ladybinnath    [ Reply ]
No need to hear this here - we have Clear Channel for that.
Posted 21 years ago by chris    [ Reply ]
Great band with a vast library of material to choose from.. so please give this one a rest! Already overplayed to death on commercial radio.
Posted 22 years ago by MM    [ Reply ]
ARGH!!! Please refrain from playing this crap anymore. I can hear this on my local FM station and I hate that station...
Posted 22 years ago by Heathen    [ Reply ]
This is an excellent song to ride my horse to. He loves it!
Posted 22 years ago by noladq    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by ChanceM3: Yep
Nope
Posted 22 years ago by Spalted    [ Reply ]
Love the Talking Heads (especially \"Remain In Light\"), but this song\'s never done anything for me. To me it\'s just a radio-ready single that lacks the drive and intellegence that their best works contain.
Posted 22 years ago by llazare    [ Reply ]
Good classic song...
Posted 22 years ago by gatesofthenorth    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by seawolf: tired of this...overplayed.
Yep
Posted 22 years ago by ChanceM3    [ Reply ]
brings back a lot of fun memories
Posted 22 years ago by srey    [ Reply ]
The talking heads rule.
Posted 22 years ago by ze_stom    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by RParadise: Bonnie Raitt does a cover of this song on her live CD, Road Tested, that really does burn the house down. It contains some of the hottest slide guitar work I've ever heard. Those who have engaged in the running debate about covers of famous originals should give it a listen. It's a powerful argument.
Bonnie's version is the only version of this song that I like.
Posted 22 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
Bonnie Raitt does a cover of this song on her live CD, Road Tested, that really does burn the house down. It contains some of the hottest slide guitar work I\'ve ever heard. Those who have engaged in the running debate about covers of famous originals should give it a listen. It\'s a powerful argument.
Posted 22 years ago by RParadise    [ Reply ]
This IS a good tune, but it\'s been overplayed and - I can\'t believe I\'m saying this - it\'s beginning to sound a little dated.
Posted 22 years ago by rmurray248    [ Reply ]
Man, this brings me right back to 1983. I can\'t believe it\'s been nearly 20 years. Yikes.
Posted 22 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
tired of this...overplayed.
Posted 22 years ago by seawolf    [ Reply ]