Private Idaho
The B-52's
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Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo You're living in your own Private Idaho Living in your own Private Idaho Underground like a wild potato Don't go on the patio Beware of the pool Blue bottomless pool It leads you straight, right throught the gate That opens on the pool You're living in your own Private Idaho You're living in your own Private Idaho Keep off the path, beware of the gate Watch out for signs that say "hidden driveways" Don't let the chlorine in your eyes Blind you to the awful surprise That's been waitin' for you at The bottom of the bottomless blue, blue, blue pool You're livin' in your own Private Idaho, Idaho You're out of control, the rivers that roll You fell into the water and down to Idaho Get out of that state Get out of the state you're in You better beware You're living in your own Private Idaho You're living in your own Private Idaho Keep off the patio (your own private Idaho) Keep off the path (your own private Idaho) The lawn may be green but you better not be seen Walkin' through a gate that leads you down Down to a pool fraught with danger It's a pool full of strangers Hey, you're living in your own Private Idaho Where do I go from here to a better state than this? Well Don't be blind to the big surprise Swimming round and round like the deadly hand Of a radium clock At the bottom Of the pool I-I-I-daho I-I-I-daho Woah-oh, woah-oh, woah-oh, oh Ah, ah, ah, ah Ah, ah, ah, ah Get out of that state Get out of that state You're living in your own Private Idaho Livin' in your own Private Idaho
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Written by: Cindy Wilson, Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Ricky Wilson
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Origin of the Song"Private Idaho" is a song by American new wave band The B-52's from their second studio album, Wild Planet.
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Release DateThe song was released on September 17th, 1980, as a single from the album.
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Chart Performances"Private Idaho" reached #74 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band's biggest hits. Moreover, it reached the pinnacle on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
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Inspired FilmThe song inspired the title of a 2001 film, "My Own Private Idaho," directed by Gus Van Sant.
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The Band's OriginThe B-52's are from Athens, Georgia, known for its vibrant music scene that also produced bands like R.E.M, and Indigo Girls.
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Critic's ViewThe song is praised for its post-punk, new wave style, surf rock-influenced guitars, and surreal lyrics.
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Music VideoThe B-52's and Ricky Wilson, in particular, are credited with pioneering the 'low-budget' music video style that would later become popular in the 80s. The music video for "Private Idaho," was largely shot in a basement.
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Cultural Impact"Private Idaho" has been used in various films and TV shows, including "The Wedding Singer," and "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," to name a few.
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Live PerformancesThe band would perform the song live on various occasions, including the "Countdown" television show on October 17, 1980.
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Cover versions"Private Idaho" has been covered by several artists over the years, reflecting its enduring popularity. Notably, the Mexican band, Café Tacvba, performed a Spanish version of the song.
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RecognitionIn 2011, Rolling Stone listed the song as one of the greatest songs of all time, and it's frequently cited as a classic example of new wave music from the 80's.
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Song's ThemeWhile its lyrics are not entirely clear, "Private Idaho" appears to be criticizing a sort of cultural isolationism and encouraging the listener to break free from conventional norms.
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Compilation AlbumsThe song has been included in numerous compilation albums, released by The B-52's and other artists, to celebrate the best of the '80s music.
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