I Zimbra

Talking Heads

About I Zimbra

"I Zimbra" is a song by American new wave band Talking Heads, released as the second single from their 1979 album Fear of Music. According to Sytze Steenstra in Song and Circumstance: The Work of David Byrne from Talking Heads to the Present, the music draws heavily on the African popular music Byrne was listening to at the time.


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Gadji beri bimba clandridi
Lauli lonni cadori gadjam
A bim beri glassala glandride
E glassala tuffm I zimbra

Bim blassa galassasa zimbrabim
Blassa glallassasa zimbrabim

A bim beri glassala grandrid
E glassala tuffm I zimbra

Gadji beri bimba glandridi
Lauli lonni cadora gadjam
A bim beri glassasa glandrid
E glassala tuffm I zimbra

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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 »

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Written by: DAVID BYRNE, BRIAN ENO

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"I Zimbra" is a song that falls under the genres of Post-punk, New wave, and Worldbeat music.
Album Details
The song is part of Talking Heads' 1979 album 'Fear of Music', which is the band's third studio album.
Influence
"I Zimbra" marked the beginning of Talking Heads' exploration of African polyrhythms, strongly influenced by guitarist Adrian Belew, whom frontman David Byrne had recently seen performing with Frank Zappa.
Collaboration
Notably, the song features guest musician Robert Fripp of King Crimson on guitar.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics are based on Dadaist Hugo Ball's nonsensical poem "Gadji beri bimba."
Language
Even though the lyrics make no sense in any language, they are meant to resemble an African or Middle Eastern language to fit with the worldbeat style.
Live Performance
The band's performance of "I Zimbra" on the 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense is one of their most acclaimed live performances.
Cultural Impact
The song is often seen as a pivotal turning point in the band's musical style, shifting from their earlier interest in punk rock to a more experimental and eclectic sound.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "I Zimbra," including Phish who performed it live at their festival, Festival 8.
Remix
In 2005, a classic remix by producer Brian Eno of the song was included in a dual disc remastered edition of 'Fear of Music.'
Chart Performance
Unlike the later singles from 'Fear of Music', "I Zimbra" failed to chart in the US or UK but did become a popular live favorite.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised the song for its avant-garde approach, with Rolling Stone listing it as a key track on the album 'Fear of Music.'

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