Strange Overtones

The music geek in me strikes again! I recently discovered the song "Strange Overtones" by David Byrne and Brian Eno who are both very inspirational to me. The lyrics of David Byrne have helped me to make sense of things many times in my life. This song seems to have such a wonderful message about communing and living with others as we all grow together.

I looked up what others thought about the meaning of the song on songmeanings.net and there was a blurb from a user named "shadowhope". It is so beautiful and poignant that I had to post it.

"I should have made "Longwinded' my user name.....This is a song of affirmation as demonstrated by the uplifting percussion and melody. The lyrics provide metaphors for common life (hear feet on stairs, next apartment) connecting or recognizing in other people positive aspects (I hear you singing over there), specifically compassion. Age, life experience, teach us to know ourselves - our faith in mankind is bolstered when we recognize something appealing in others - compassion specifically addressed with "I saw you lend a hand to the ones out standing in the cold". The use of metaphor throughout regarding music and song is clever. This groove is out of fashion is a way of saying this person has life experience, may not be popular or trendy or successful by someone else's definition of success but it works for them and the theme of following your heart, being compassionate - even being attracted to someone because of it is nothing new i.e. "these beats are 20 years old."


The person being sung about is either younger and; or, still finding their way - they may not believe in themselves yet, still developing their confidence and sense of self. it is hard to follow your gut all the time. Recognizing this in ourselves and others; Being supportive of someone else who is on their own journey, appreciating it even in simple ways, allowing that to inspire your own mood or life is expressed with "I'll harmonize". We can't deny that others affect us. As we all know, there is a common misperception that nice people are stupid or naive. Why can't you be nice, a warm person, non threatening but still sharp and shrewd? Are we all struggling to find that balance to assert ourselves but find a way to fit in somewhere? Things that make you go Hmmmmm. Sorry wrong song.


We also know that there are times in life you have to harden yourself, ("put on your socks and mittens") use your logical brain, not just emotional brain, which we have accepted in common culture as our "heart". But in doing all that, don't lose faith, don't get too jaded, don't change...take time to contemplate, make informed decisions, do the right thing - there's an old Ojibway saying about having a snowball in the hut - a problem, something troubling you. You talk it out, work it through. I think it's directly related. There's another related Ojibway saying about chopping your own wood and it will warm you twice - just thought I'd throw that in as a bonus for reading all this so far. "I see the music on your face" : Just say faith instead of face and get the meaning, you can see people's integrity, faith, in their demeanor and expression. "Your song still needs a chorus" getting through your life challenge, finding your way, strange overtones, but be true to yourself, be open to learning and taking from the world that surrounds you on a daily basis "the rising of the verses" - that can be risky - but new perspective can be the key to... happiness, resolution, decision instead of indecision... as we add life experience we grow wiser, hopefully....."we are not alone" the more things change the more they stay the same, strange overtones but the beat is timeless.


It is written in such a way that you can take the interpersonal relationship between singer and subject to different levels. A romantic attraction, admiration from a mentor, grand/parent to child - Oh yeah David and Bryan, very cool - I love song lyrics that live up to their melodies' intricate musical arrangements."

I hope you all enjoy this song as much I do.

Strange Overtones by David Byrne and Bryan Eno

I wake up every morning
I hear your feet on the stairs
You’re in the next apartment
I hear you singing over there

This groove is out of fashion
These beats are 20 years old
I saw you lend a hand to
The ones out standing in the cold

Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
I’ll harmonize
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough
Put on your socks and mittens
It’s getting colder tonight
A snowball in my kitchen
I watched it melt before my eyes

Your song still needs a chorus
I know you’ll figure it out
The rising of the verses
A change of key will let you out

Strange overtones though they’re slightly out of fashion
I’ll harmonize
I see the music in your face
That your words cannot explain

Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
We’re not alone
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough