Houses in Motion

Talking Heads

About Houses in Motion

"Houses in Motion" is the second and final single from Remain in Light, the fourth studio album by American new wave band Talking Heads. An alternate mix of the song was released in vinyl form on 5 May 1981 and peaked at number 50 on the UK Singles Chart.


4:33
40 
#1

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For a long time I felt 
Without style and grace
Wearing shoes with no socks 
In cold weather
I knew my heart 
Was in the right place
I knew I'd be able 
To do these things

And as we watch him 
Digging his own grave
It is important to know 
That was where he's at
He can't afford to stop
That is what he believe
He'll keep on digging 
For a thousand years

I'm walking a line
I'm thinking about empty motion
I'm walking a line
Just barely enough to be living
Get outta the way (no time to begin) 
This isn't the time (so nothing was done)
Not talking about (not many at all)
I'm turning around (no trouble at all)
You notice there's nothing around you, 'round you
I'm walking a line
Divide and dissolve

Never get to say much
Never get to talk
Tell us a little bit
But not too much
Right about then
Is where she give up
She has closed her eyes
She has give up hope

I'm walking a line
I hate to be dreaming in motion
I'm walking a line
Just barely enough to be living
Get outta the way (no time to begin) 
This isn't the time (so nothing was done)
Not talking about (not many at all)
I'm turning around (no trouble at all)
I'm keeping my fingers behind me, 'hind me
I'm walking a line
Divide and dissolve

I'm walking a line
I'm visiting houses in motion
I'm walking a line
Just barely enough to be living
Get outta the way (no time to begin)
This isn't the time (so nothing was done)
Not talking about (not many at all)
I'm turning around (no trouble at all)
Two different houses surround you, 'round you
I'm walking a line
Divide and dissolve

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Talking Heads

Talking Heads was an American New Wave and avant-garde band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. The band comprised David Byrne (vocals and guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass) and Jerry Harrison (keyboards and guitar). Auxiliary musicians also regularly made appearances in concert and on the group's albums. The New Wave style of Talking Heads combined elements of punk, art rock, avant-garde, pop, funk, world music, and Americana. Frontman and songwriter David Byrne contributed whimsical, esoteric lyrics to the band's songs, and emphasized their showmanship through various multimedia projects and performances. more »

7 fans

Written by: DAVID BYRNE, CHRIS FRANTZ, TINA WEYMOUTH, JERRY HARRISON, BRIAN ENO

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Appearance
"Houses in Motion" is a track from Talking Heads' fourth studio album "Remain in Light", which was released in 1980.
David Byrne
As one of the founding members of Talking Heads, David Byrne is the primary vocalist for "Houses in Motion". David Byrne has also been instrumental in lyric composition and production for most of the band's tracks.
Track Inspiration
The song, like many others on "Remain in Light", is heavily influenced by the African musical styles that the band members were listening to at the time. It features funky and syncopated rhythms, as well as layered percussion, guitar, and vocals.
Guest Artist
The renowned jazz musician Jon Hassell was asked to contribute trumpet parts to the initial recording of this track; however, the band chose not to include them in the final album cut. His trumpet parts, though, were included in an instrumental version of the song which surfaced later.
Production Creativity
In line with the rest of the album, "Houses in Motion" was composed using a unique technique by the band. They created a series of instrumental grooves, recorded them, and then composed lyrics to them. This was a departure from their typical songwriting process.
Popular Reception
Although "Houses in Motion" wasn't released as a single, it was met with critical acclaim. It is known for its experimental sound that blends rock and world music.
Influence
The song has been influential in the post-punk and new wave scenes, serving as a touchstone for bands that incorporate world music elements into their sound.
Live Recordings
A live rendition of "Houses in Motion" featuring Jon Hassell's trumpet was included on the compilation album "The Name of This Band is Talking Heads", which was released in 1982.
Cover Versions
This song was covered by several artists, including the Australian band The Avalanches, which released a remix version that included a sample of the track in 2016.
Single Release
A different mix of "Houses in Motion" was also used as a promotional single in 1981. It features a more prominent role for the trumpet parts and the song was extended to over 6 minutes, compared to the album's version at 4:33.

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