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David Byrne — The Cowboy Mambo (Hey Lookit Me Now)
Album: Uh-Oh
Avg rating:
6.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1539









Released: 1992
Length: 3:34
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I can't find my way around this table
And I can't find my way around your face
And I can't find my way around your body
And wasted days turn into wasted nights

Hey lookit me now!
Hey lookit me now!
Hey lookit me now now now now now now!
Lookit me now!

The future isn't quite what you imagined
Ev'rything you valued has been sold
And ev'ry heart that takes a chance is broken
Now I don't see you laughin' at us no more

Hey look at you now!
Hey look at you now!
Hey look at you now now now now now now!
Look at you now!

Green grass grows around the backyard shithouse
And that is where the sweetest flowers bloom
We are flowers growin' in God's garden
And that is why he spreads the shit around

Hey look at us now!
Hey look at us now!
Hey look at us now now now now now now!
Look at us now!

Hey lookit me now!
Hey lookit me now!
Hey lookit me now now now now now now!
Lookit me now!
Comments (137)add comment
If there's one thing RP could use less of, its Talking Heads/David Byrne and Elvis Costello. Good lord they are over played here, seemingly more than other frequently played artists (especially on the Rock channel)!
Posted 6 months ago by cwr    [ Reply ]
 ice-9 wrote:

I love the people who thumb down comments like this.  

Byrne himself says that he is on the autism spectrum.  He says it's a superpower, and I agree, both for him and for the many people I know on that spectrum.

Aren’t we all on the autism spectrum?  I just happen to be on the “almost none” end.
Posted 8 months ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
musical genius-- tedious voice/singer
Posted 1 year ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
 eileenomurphy wrote:



He is probably somewhere on the Autism scale!



I love the people who thumb down comments like this.  

Byrne himself says that he is on the autism spectrum.  He says it's a superpower, and I agree, both for him and for the many people I know on that spectrum.
Posted 1 year ago by ice-9    [ Reply ]
 bugleboy624 wrote:

I guess I'm one of the few wierdos on here that actually likes David Byrne/Talking Heads, B-52's, et al sound. I can deal with that. I like the hook on this one.




I Agree!  You are NOT alone!   ...that is why you get invited to all of the parties!    
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:

I.m.o. there's too much David Byrne an Talking Heads played on RP.
The songs themselves are ok but they're overplayed...




William disagrees but thoughtfully provided other music between David Byrne's songs.
Posted 1 year ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
I.m.o. there's too much David Byrne an Talking Heads played on RP.
The songs themselves are ok but they're overplayed...
Posted 1 year ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
Ok, so has someone from the Chales Schultz estate sued David for his dime-store Snoopy drawing on the cover? In elementary school I drew Snoopy too... but my version was better.  
Posted 2 years ago by VV    [ Reply ]
 Retrograde-orbit wrote:

DB was killing it on this tour in 1992 or 1993.  He did not sell out SPAC, which allowed us to get great seats.  Everyone was up and dancing.  I love this song.



Agreed! I saw him at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, NJ in 1992 (a show that was filmed but never made it to DVD). I loved the name of his backing band: The Ten Car Pileup.  They were fantastic!
Posted 2 years ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
Is that "Hootie" and the Blowfish with the background sounds?  HA!  I'm killin' here!  Spank!
Posted 2 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 bugleboy624 wrote:

I guess I'm one of the few wierdos on here that actually likes David Byrne/Talking Heads, B-52's, et al sound. I can deal with that. I like the hook on this one.



I think there are a lot more of us than you think
Posted 2 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
Hey no fair, you can't use the Rock Lobster sting.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
D.B.'s solo stuff is hit or miss for me.  Good Tune, but, not his best!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 sfoster66 wrote:

I think that we can all agree that DB dances to the beat of his own drummer; good, bad or indifferent, I don't know.  But he certainly hears some weird ass voices in his head.   




He is probably somewhere on the Autism scale!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
I think that we can all agree that DB dances to the beat of his own drummer; good, bad or indifferent, I don't know.  But he certainly hears some weird ass voices in his head.   
Posted 3 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
These Byrne cross cultural forays were quite lame
Posted 3 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 nicknt wrote:
Horrible song, Byrne post TH sucks.
 

I disagree - I think he's done a lot of good work, and I'd also say he's one of the best performers I've ever seen (even though his work is not in my top favorites). He's prolific and always at least interesting.

I suggest you check out the movie American Utopia and see if you feel the same way.
Posted 3 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
What is that annoying sound? Oy.

A psyched up wobble board?
Posted 4 years ago by SgtBeefheart    [ Reply ]
Hey Bill - I like David Byrne ok, and love Talking Heads from my musically formative years, but do we need to hear David Byrne twice within a dozen songs today?  I don´t want to start an opinon-fight about DB, just request more variety.  When I´m sitting in the office listening for a good portion of the day, I really notice the repetition... 
Posted 4 years ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
Horrible song, Byrne post TH sucks.
Posted 4 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
Where is ole Db now ?   His days with Talking Heads was the bomb, imo. 
Posted 4 years ago by 1957rox    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:


Not yet...
 
When someone like Plant is pairing up with the likes of Allison Krauss, who needs salsa?!!? And, if he so chose, he could likely do it with his eyes closed!! IMHO, Sir Plant could probably do whatever he wishes, in the music biz, in ANY genre!! He's one of the best of the best.
Posted 4 years ago by Signwrtr61    [ Reply ]
 weavus wrote:
Glad that DB has a lick of humor in him: We are flowers in God's garden that's why he spreads the shit around I give it a 9 just for that line
 
Given the manure wagon of a year that is 2020, we  d*** well better have some pretty f***ing amazing flowers come 2021...
Posted 4 years ago by forthbrdge    [ Reply ]
 bugleboy624 wrote:
I guess I'm one of the few wierdos on here that actually likes David Byrne/Talking Heads, B-52's, et al sound. I can deal with that. I like the hook on this one.
 
I have always liked most output from those artists; this tune...not so much.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
A pity you can't dance salsa on this song (it's too slow)
Posted 5 years ago by retropier    [ Reply ]
 ShaunJ wrote:

Really? You better get your hearing checked. Plant doesn't do salsa.
 

Not yet...
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
bouncy fun track and the cover looks like one of my woofers
Posted 5 years ago by dubberdan    [ Reply ]
DB was killing it on this tour in 1992 or 1993.  He did not sell out SPAC, which allowed us to get great seats.  Everyone was up and dancing.  I love this song.
Posted 5 years ago by Retrograde-orbit    [ Reply ]
Can’t believe this season no only had a 6
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Glad that DB has a lick of humor in him: We are flowers in God's garden that's why he spreads the shit around I give it a 9 just for that line
Posted 5 years ago by weavus    [ Reply ]
There is something comical, maybe even pastiche about this song and the big band backing.  I prefer David Byrne with Talking Heads or Brian Eno. This is just too.. I can't find the right word... maybe 'lightweight'?
Posted 7 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
 blotto wrote:
DB is a musical genius.

 
I agree, but with this mess he crossed that fine line to the other side
Posted 8 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
What is that annoying sound? Oy.
Posted 8 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
Every great artist is entitled to a bad song! {#Propeller}

Yet, I do not think it is THAT bad, I heard worse from others! I quite like it, it has this singalong quality about it! 
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
 2020sk wrote:

Is this a joke? Or just a syncopation of the Birdie Song?

David Byrne is quirky, sometimes a genius, frequently thought-provoking, but for me this is an embarrassing mess. What am I missing?



 
what are you missing?
nothing, you got it 
Byrne is music's bad magician
 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Bill, I am thinking this is one of your tributes to Glenn Frey today !   
Posted 8 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
                                    
                                    I'm looking, so I'm surprised.
                                        (Ignorance is a bliss?)
                                  
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
I can find my way to the mute key, right enough. It's fitting that this album should be named "Uh oh" because to me yer man Byrne sounds like a Teletubby. An automute (and I don't even wear a starched shirt).

 
yes precisely
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 KaraokeVox wrote:
david byrne sounds like robert plant.
 
Really? You better get your hearing checked. Plant doesn't do salsa.
Posted 10 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]

Is this a joke? Or just a syncopation of the Birdie Song?

David Byrne is quirky, sometimes a genius, frequently thought-provoking, but for me this is an embarrassing mess. What am I missing?


Posted 10 years ago by 2020sk    [ Reply ]
david byrne sounds like robert plant.
Posted 10 years ago by KaraokeVox    [ Reply ]
I was a fan of Talking Heads, so David's salsa turn has left me a little cold.  I guess I am not a fan of salsa.  There are many good latin/Brazilian bands, however.
Posted 10 years ago by Gardenbabe    [ Reply ]
 Jeff09 wrote:
Like this album, but love Rei Momo!

 
I feel Rei Momo more stylistically. His consistent embrace of the absurd lyrically,coupled with musical experimentation make it easy to understand why not everyone catches his brilliant spark. 
Interestingly, his rather active journal on DavidByrne.com is very lucid, frequently interesting and explores some heavy themes with refreshing intellectual openness. If the music relishes not making sense, the journal is the 'sensible' counterpoint.

But then, you probably knew that.  
Posted 10 years ago by afrixluvguy    [ Reply ]
I have no idea why everyone hates DB. I like this as much as I like all of his TH stuff. He's weird and wonderful and sarcastic and ironic.  Aha! that's it. Americans have a problem with irony....OK...'nuff said.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
 fatmacje wrote:
David Byrn is smart music. Just listen. Can you do. Better?
 
Well, no. But while this is a fun song, a better singer would vastly improve it. 

I used to love the TH. But I get tired of David Byrnes as Yodeling World Music Tourist.  
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
DB is a musical genius.
Posted 13 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
David Byrne never was worth a crap.  He had one hit with Talking Heads and if you listen to it, everything is great except the vocals.
Posted 13 years ago by terrapin52    [ Reply ]
It's like a Jimmy Buffet song...from one of his crappy, recent albums.
Posted 13 years ago by Forest267    [ Reply ]
I can find my way to the mute key, right enough. It's fitting that this album should be named "Uh oh" because to me yer man Byrne sounds like a Teletubby. An automute (and I don't even wear a starched shirt).
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
David Byrn is smart music. Just listen. Can you do. Better?
Posted 13 years ago by fatmacje    [ Reply ]

We don't dance BUT we be dancin' NOW NOW NA NA NA NA NA NOW !!

 


Posted 13 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
 jbunniii wrote:
It would be neat to have a David Byrne filter.  When engaged, it would automatically detect incoming David Byrne on RP (or any stream) and replace it with pretty much anything else at random.
 
Oh, wait - lemme guess. You have a starched white shirt, pressed pants, and no sense of humor. And I really hope you're not in a cubicle, too. Gee - kinda sorry for you, but I just KNOW there's an Iggy Pop in you somewhere.

I'm teasing. Not all of David Byrne's stuff is easy on the ears, but it almost always demands to be heard. Your single-mindedness regarding Byrne is intriguing. 'Scuse me while I go see what you think is worthy of airplay...{#Mrgreen}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Like this album, but love Rei Momo!
Posted 14 years ago by Jeff09    [ Reply ]
Happy Face
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 bob_sponge wrote:
great song for dancing in this fucking boring office
I need some drinks!!!

 
Yes oh yes - Happy Friday!

Posted 14 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
It would be neat to have a David Byrne filter.  When engaged, it would automatically detect incoming David Byrne on RP (or any stream) and replace it with pretty much anything else at random.
Posted 14 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]
 Droidac wrote:

Guess I'll be back in 5 minutes.....


 
Take your time.

Posted 15 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

Ditto
 

Coffee time!
Posted 15 years ago by mirland    [ Reply ]
 Droidac wrote:

Guess I'll be back in 5 minutes....

 
Ditto
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]

Guess I'll be back in 5 minutes.....


Posted 15 years ago by Droidac    [ Reply ]
{#Eh}
Posted 15 years ago by coffee-eyes    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananajam}{#High-five}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananajam} bob_sponge wrote:
great song for dancing in this fucking boring office
I need some drinks!!!

 


Posted 15 years ago by Taraincognito    [ Reply ]
 Gednabb wrote:
sucko-barfo for sure. I'm learning how much I dislike him thanks to RP.
 
That's a HUGE 10-4, Gednabb.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
That's enough, David Byrne...
Posted 15 years ago by bmeador    [ Reply ]
I'm thinking "all right".  Anything Byrne-related is guaranteed to bring out the cranks.  So glad that BillG ignores y'all.
 Hannio wrote:
I'm thinking "shite".
 


Posted 15 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
{#Cowboy}
Posted 16 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
I guess I'm one of the few wierdos on here that actually likes David Byrne/Talking Heads, B-52's, et al sound. I can deal with that. I like the hook on this one.
Posted 16 years ago by bugleboy624    [ Reply ]
sucko-barfo for sure. I'm learning how much I dislike him thanks to RP.
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
Mr. Byrne has been running on the monotony treadmill for quite a while now. It would sure be nice to hear him deviate from the familiar, once and a while. Perhaps Bill, you might play anything off of "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts" that he did with Eno. Fantastic album!
Posted 16 years ago by bizon    [ Reply ]
Maybe Radio Paradise should change its name to "All David Byrne and Talking Heads - All the Time!" I love you guys but MAN! David Byrne should own stock in Radio Paradise!
Posted 16 years ago by mamerjamer    [ Reply ]
copymonkey wrote:
One of the funniest album covers of all time.
I think I posted a similar comment on another song off this album! Uh-oh, somebody up there's dyslexic... Or somebody down here!
Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
copymonkey wrote:
One of the funniest album covers of all time.
I would have to agree.
Posted 16 years ago by Jack_Straw    [ Reply ]
One of the funniest album covers of all time.
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Is that a pidgeon I hear in there?
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
jjbix wrote:
How come the word "trite" pops into my head when I hear this song?
I'm thinking "shite".
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Bad. Real bad. David was best when he was a cabeza parlante. Stick to your knittings.
Posted 17 years ago by saulpena    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by crushedvelvet    [ Reply ]
How come the word "trite" pops into my head when I hear this song?
Posted 17 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
great song for dancing in this fucking boring office I need some drinks!!!
Posted 17 years ago by bob_sponge    [ Reply ]
Darkmatter wrote:
Anyone care to join me...?
Posted 17 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
Alright, now you've done it. This song is now officially #1 on my "songs I want to dance to" list. Anyone care to join me...?
Posted 17 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
I have a good friend that is almost my double. There is only one thing that separates us in all our tastes. One musician. Its enough of a disparity that it has actually threatened that friendship on several occasions. That's how I feel about RP when I hear Byrne. Same musician.
Posted 17 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
This was Byrne's follw-up to Rei Momo. What an extreme let down after such a masterwork. Some of it's tolerable, but much of it is downright embarassing in the most-of-Paul McCartney's-solo-career sense.
Posted 17 years ago by buddy0407    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
Bill loves Byrnin' down the house.
Awesome!
Posted 17 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Hey they can't all be great, but David does seem to have a good time whoever he's playing with.
Posted 17 years ago by bobdylan    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
SpaceCase wrote:
I really like this song, but I like the vesion on his album with no title a good deal more....
Which album is that?
Posted 17 years ago by bobrk    [ Reply ]
I really like this song, but I like the vesion on his album with no title a good deal more....
Posted 17 years ago by SpaceCase    [ Reply ]
i really dont like this
Posted 17 years ago by mrryzy    [ Reply ]
Hey lookitme now! Impossible not to tap my foot during this song.
Posted 17 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
byrne is a god, one of my all time heros. he can do no wrong imo, and this song has so much life, i'm dancing in my seat!
Posted 17 years ago by babagaga    [ Reply ]
Bill loves Byrnin' down the house.
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
I think Bill is sending us a subliminal message to buy a shirt while the music is playing.
Sorry, what? I was buying 10 gross of t-shirts for some reason.
Posted 18 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
Actually I think Bills chatting in the background actually made this song better...
Posted 18 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
UltraNurd wrote:
I think Bill hit play a bit early; he's still talking about t-shirts.
Yes, either that or this is the T-shirt Emporium remix of this song.
Posted 18 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
UltraNurd wrote:
I think Bill hit play a bit early; he's still talking about t-shirts.
Hah, ...blah blah shirts... fading in and out...
Posted 18 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
I think Bill is sending us a subliminal message to buy a shirt while the music is playing.
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
I think Bill hit play a bit early; he's still talking about t-shirts.
Posted 18 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
David Byrne - the once and future King of the Absurd. I'm still likin' him. Keeps things, including us, shook up. 7 for this one.
Posted 18 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
what happened to this man? this. is. so. bad.
Posted 18 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
I can't stand it. I just can't stand it...
Posted 18 years ago by renlat    [ Reply ]
Bouncy and fun!
Posted 18 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
catbirdman wrote:
As a devotee of early TH this just sounds like a mess to me. It's okay -- just about every great pop star flourishes then flames out.
As another fan of virtually everything Head through about 1/3 of Speaking in Tongues, I'm with ya. Sometimes when I hear stuff like this it's hard for me to believe that I ever liked anything this guy did.
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
This song is so perky it's irritating. And repetitive. And repetitive. And repetitive. David Byrne definitely deserves to have his thoughts rearranged by a blunt object for bringing this song into the world.
Posted 18 years ago by ethajn    [ Reply ]
As a devotee of early TH this just sounds like a mess to me. It's okay -- just about every great pop star flourishes then flames out. As Elliott Smith wrote, "They called your failures art. They were wrong, though." BTW, I hear precious little ES on RP -- how can that possibly be?!?
Posted 18 years ago by catbirdman    [ Reply ]
I love this entire album.
Posted 18 years ago by roens    [ Reply ]
sounds strangely like phish's "back on the train"
Posted 18 years ago by snowak    [ Reply ]
annoying
Posted 19 years ago by bmo    [ Reply ]
First time I heard this, I thought 'meh'. But second time around, I'm really into it. Great stuff.
Posted 19 years ago by Filofox    [ Reply ]
ANything that makes me want to dance deserves a 10
Posted 19 years ago by Drunkenlilacwine    [ Reply ]
goofy
Posted 19 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Ya hafta rate this one as Godlike... just take look at the cover art for heaven's sake. I love my dogs.
Posted 19 years ago by am    [ Reply ]
Patrick wrote:
Is that a little Sponge Bob squeak I hear in there? Great brass.
You oughtta know, Patrick!
Posted 19 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
TonyT wrote:
Exuberant, bursting with energy and motion, like so many of the songs on this album. The horns are like rhythmic artillery. If you listen carefully, there are a lot of little flourishes to the arrangement, too (like the "pigeon" sound). Byrne provides overwhelming evidence here that he has totally mastered pop songcraft, with outstanding results. Not to be over analyzed, just enjoyed.
oh god - THAT sound is making me nauseous, and physically ill. I had to turn it off.
Posted 19 years ago by pdhski    [ Reply ]
Exuberant, bursting with energy and motion, like so many of the songs on this album. The horns are like rhythmic artillery. If you listen carefully, there are a lot of little flourishes to the arrangement, too (like the "pigeon" sound). Byrne provides overwhelming evidence here that he has totally mastered pop songcraft, with outstanding results. Not to be over analyzed, just enjoyed.
Posted 19 years ago by TonyT    [ Reply ]
AMEN! brulie wrote:
Definitely one of my favorite lines from DB. Setting it up: Green grass grows 'round the backyard shit house -- That is where the sweetest flowers bloom We are all flowers growing in God's garden. That is why He spreads the shit around. The more Talking Heads or David Byrne, the better!
Posted 19 years ago by Paco3000    [ Reply ]
Boom_Air wrote:
"spread the shit around"
Definitely one of my favorite lines from DB. Setting it up: Green grass grows 'round the backyard shit house -- That is where the sweetest flowers bloom We are all flowers growing in God's garden. That is why He spreads the shit around. The more Talking Heads or David Byrne, the better!
Posted 19 years ago by brulie    [ Reply ]
WAY too much DB and TH on RP! (Though this one is at tolerable on account of the horns and "island beat"; DB isn't quite as **obnoxious** as he usually is...)
Posted 19 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]