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Talking Heads — Houses In Motion
Album: Remain In Light
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3158









Released: 1980
Length: 4:26
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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For a long time I felt without style or 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 outa 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, around 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 outa 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 turn myself around, I'm moving backwards and forwards
I'm moving twice as much as I was before
I'll keep on digging to the center of the Earth
I'll be down in there moving the in the room...

I'm walking a line-Visiting houses in motion
I'm walking a line-Just barely enough to be living
Get outa 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.
Comments (259)add comment
His heart was in the right place
Still outstanding after 35 years
Thanks for keeping the classics alive
Posted 4 weeks ago by michael_crf    [ Reply ]
 MrDill wrote:

Shades of Yello?



Heh. Maybe the other way around. 
Posted 3 months ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Way too much Talking Heads and David Byrne lately! Thank goodness for the skip button!
Posted 4 months ago by The_Avii    [ Reply ]
the album cover gives away the hidden musical nature of David Byrne.  faces all covered in badly thrown red paint.  its as if the band said, make them decide for themselves what the music feels, means, instructs to each listener.  The back of the album is even mystical at this point in history.
Posted 5 months ago by flythe10    [ Reply ]
This whole album was/is so ahead of its time; it STILL is!
Posted 7 months ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
I used to like the talking heads too. 
Today I dont't like the voice anymore and I am also astonished how often they get played on radio paradise.  For me, they where never even close to be the best band in the 80's. But: Everyone is free to have an opinion.
And: Taste can change! 
Posted 8 months ago by Gugelhopf007    [ Reply ]
disagree with Sir Bill, I say BYrne this garbage!   :)
Posted 10 months ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
Just heard Bill's back announcement regarding this track.
100% agree. Talking Heads, the soundtrack to my youth.
Posted 10 months ago by FatYellowDog    [ Reply ]
Talking Heads, Blondie, Ramones, Television et al....part of a very eclectic period of music. Glad I was there.
Posted 10 months ago by romangaslan    [ Reply ]
Shades of Yello?
Posted 10 months ago by MrDill    [ Reply ]
 jukes1 wrote:
Sure it was influential. That doesn't mean it was good. 

It was EXCELLENT!!  
Posted 10 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Still amazing.  Here’s to extremely skilled musicians and artists. 
Posted 11 months ago by ciarataylor    [ Reply ]
 jukes1 wrote:
Sure it was influential. That doesn't mean it was good. 


Doesn't mean it was bad, either.
Posted 1 year ago by derhey9416    [ Reply ]
Sure it was influential. That doesn't mean it was good. 
Posted 1 year ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
 KristinCredit wrote:

i just caught the Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew Remain in Light tour - it was excellent!!



Argh, didn't know about that, bummed to miss it - maybe they didn't make it to Chicago?
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 KristinCredit wrote:

i just caught the Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew Remain in Light tour - it was excellent!!



I saw it as well. So good. The backing band was ridiculously tight too. 
Posted 1 year ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 Johnwayne wrote:

Hated this song in 1980..still do!


Liked this song in 1980..still do!
Solid 7.. 8 from me.

Posted 1 year ago by IvanTheMediocre    [ Reply ]
Absolutely outstanding track from a brilliant album
Posted 1 year ago by RodneyAjax    [ Reply ]
Hated this song in 1980..still do!
Posted 1 year ago by Johnwayne    [ Reply ]
Ahhhh...the elephanticity of Belew - always special.
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 KristinCredit wrote:

i just caught the Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew Remain in Light tour - it was excellent!!



Sweet - did not hear anything about this?
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
i just caught the Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew Remain in Light tour - it was excellent!!
Posted 1 year ago by KristinCredit    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

No kidding.  43 years old now.  Wow.



I was 25yrs old when this was was released. I immediately bought the album. I am now 68yrs old.  I loved it then, & I still love it!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'm sorry, but this simply cannot be 42 years old.


No kidding.  43 years old now.  Wow.
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I'm walking a line - Straight to the Sucko-Barfo rating
I'm walking a line - Can't hit the Skip button quick enough

Posted 1 year ago by buckshot    [ Reply ]
byrned out byrne, ugh
Posted 1 year ago by jjbix37    [ Reply ]
Is that Richie Salomoto on the trumpet?
Posted 2 years ago by Dirkle    [ Reply ]
I'm sorry, but this simply cannot be 42 years old.
Posted 2 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Genius
Posted 2 years ago by donnataplin    [ Reply ]
For the first 35 or so years hearing this song, I never really appreciated the contribution of Adrian Belew to the Talking Heads. I do now. What a unique musician! 
Posted 2 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Certainly one of my Top 10 albums of all time. It was life changing when I heard this for the first time, and I'm as intrigued by it today as then - genius in motion!
Posted 2 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:

Byrne was so much better with Chris and Tina
They kept it funky!


I Agree!!  David Byrne's solo work is hit or miss for me! Although some of his stuff IS great!

Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
On this, in the concert footage in Stop Making Sense, & even moreso, on Casual Gods, Jerry Harrison plays totally bad-ass FUNKY keys!
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 grhorn wrote:
why are people calling this noise "elephant" sounds?  


"Elephant Talk"  1981
Posted 2 years ago by hermance321    [ Reply ]
Byrne was so much better with Chris and Tina
They kept it funky!
Posted 2 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Algelique Kidjo has been touring performing (her version of) this album. Pretty cool concept to merge this brilliant album with African sensibilities. Hard to see this album as anything other than superb.
Posted 3 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
R.I.P. 

Jon Hassell (March 22, 1937 – June 26, 2021)

The man behind brilliant trumpet tracks on this song. Thank you for the music!
Posted 3 years ago by salemorz    [ Reply ]
Of course. The perfect segue from Cracker's "Kerosene Hat". Naturally. 
Posted 3 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
 CosmicDon wrote:



The elephant is Adrian Belew on guitar.


Good to know who the elephant in the room is!
Posted 3 years ago by folkes.tom    [ Reply ]
why are people calling this noise "elephant" sounds?  
Posted 3 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:

I love that huge elephant horn sound which I guess is a synthesizer.  Truly unique which is why these guys were known for being so artistic.  The percussion section was also a master of creativity--so many percussive sounds coming together.  Just love it.




The elephant is Adrian Belew on guitar.
Posted 3 years ago by CosmicDon    [ Reply ]

When listened to Remain in light and My life in the Bush of Ghosts my life changed suddenly.
Posted 3 years ago by baku1964    [ Reply ]
I think that's "Elephant Talk" that Adrian is doing on his freaky guitar
Posted 3 years ago by billybob123    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:
I love that huge elephant horn sound which I guess is a synthesizer.  Truly unique which is why these guys were known for being so artistic.  The percussion section was also a master of creativity--so many percussive sounds coming together.  Just love it.
 

The elephant sound is probably Adrian Belew who is part of the musicians who participated in this record. He's done a similar effects through different other King Crimson and solo records.
Posted 4 years ago by tupicetti    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:
I love that huge elephant horn sound which I guess is a synthesizer.  Truly unique which is why these guys were known for being so artistic.  The percussion section was also a master of creativity--so many percussive sounds coming together.  Just love it.
 

I was thinking it sounds like a vuvuzela myself… a vuvuzela with tonal variation, mind you…
Posted 4 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
 ArrayMac wrote:
Memories of this performed live: Police Picnic 1982 Toronto.
 

Amen fellow Torontonian
Posted 4 years ago by Soopertimes    [ Reply ]
required playing if you had a DJ slot at your college's radio station in the 80's
Posted 4 years ago by Soopertimes    [ Reply ]
god approve  
Posted 4 years ago by netanelpc    [ Reply ]
Memories of this performed live: Police Picnic 1982 Toronto.
Posted 4 years ago by ArrayMac    [ Reply ]
 SeriousLee wrote:
5 -> 6

Even hurt doing it.
 
But Seriouslee, Admit it, felt good to do it!
Posted 4 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
 suwayama wrote:


Was? I don't think so. IS one of their finest, on a par with Fear of Music.
 
And More Songs About Buildings and Food, if you ask me. Three magnificent pieces in a row
Posted 4 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
this is pure music!
Posted 4 years ago by netanelpc    [ Reply ]
5 -> 6

Even hurt doing it.
Posted 4 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
this was some album
 

Was? I don't think so. IS one of their finest, on a par with Fear of Music.
Posted 4 years ago by suwayama    [ Reply ]
 jbuhl wrote:

Album Credits Belew with Rowland Guitar Synth.   I expect that is what we are hearing
 
That's definitely gotta be Adrian doing the elephant sound - it's very much his kind of thing.

Just imagining Adrian and David interacting is delightful. 
Posted 4 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 tinypriest wrote:
Outstanding album.
Endlessly interesting.

I can still listen to the whole thing from beginning to end and be fascinated and exuberated by it, after almost 40 years..
 
100% with you.  This is a musical masterwork top to bottom. If this came out tomorrow I would be as blown away as I was then!
Posted 5 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 IrieTom wrote:


I might be mistaken, but I think that sound came from Adrian Belew's guitar.  



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKIoEr2ZXD8
 
Album Credits Belew with Rowland Guitar Synth.   I expect that is what we are hearing
Posted 5 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
Always love Belew's "elephanticity" on this track.  Iconic album still as good today as then
Posted 5 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Nice segue from HP Lovecraft.  Taking this from a 7 to an 8.  This song is still growing on me after all of these years.
Posted 5 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
What was I thinking giving this just an 8?  The Adjustment Bureau says +1 to a 9!



` 
Posted 5 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Love it 
Posted 5 years ago by kanga311    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:
I love that huge elephant horn sound which I guess is a synthesizer.  Truly unique which is why these guys were known for being so artistic.  The percussion section was also a master of creativity--so many percussive sounds coming together.  Just love it.
 

I might be mistaken, but I think that sound came from Adrian Belew's guitar.  



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKIoEr2ZXD8
Posted 5 years ago by IrieTom    [ Reply ]
Will someone please swat that fly!
Posted 5 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
Outstanding album.
Endlessly interesting.

I can still listen to the whole thing from beginning to end and be fascinated and exuberated by it, after almost 40 years..
Posted 5 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
The Heads were so inventive, much of their work held no generational boundaries - this song is one such example; it could have been released in the 70's,it could have been released in the new millennium. 
Posted 5 years ago by jhoward    [ Reply ]
Angelique Kidjo recently released a track-by-track version of this album.  Worth a listen!
Posted 5 years ago by jvalatka    [ Reply ]
People who love this can't be bad.
Posted 5 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
For the folks who don't like this, let me recommend the Muzak version.
Posted 5 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Anyone else think this sounds like a really squeaky fart? 
Posted 5 years ago by Chewie    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
this was some album
 


Just a lot. 

Posted 5 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Siberian_snowman wrote:
 
+1 Arggghhhh
Posted 5 years ago by brollo    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by Siberian_snowman    [ Reply ]
Really bad...
Posted 5 years ago by macpeck    [ Reply ]
I love that huge elephant horn sound which I guess is a synthesizer.  Truly unique which is why these guys were known for being so artistic.  The percussion section was also a master of creativity--so many percussive sounds coming together.  Just love it.
Posted 5 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
I can't see many albums in the coming remainder of my lifetime jazzing me this hard the first time I hear it. Just a fact of a shortening life of listening. 
Posted 6 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
This was quite a record. Nobody plays this track. Forgot how much I like this stuff. Thanks, RP!
Posted 6 years ago by dmiklitz    [ Reply ]
The sound of GENIUS! F'n BRILLIANT!  
Posted 6 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Bumped that one from 4 to 5.

I think I'm going senior. Or senile. Take your pick.
Posted 6 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
E - fu_king - G A D S
Posted 7 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 alezz_ua wrote:
Tonnes of remarks here on RP about how TH music was innovative back in 80s.
But today listening to TH really feels like visiting in museum of IT.
You know what was also innovative in 80s? IBM PC. Nostalgic in museum. Useless on daily basis.
Please don't make TH a daily experience.

IBM PC
 
{#Clap}
Posted 7 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I used to play this and KC "discipline" back to back while cleaning the shop. 
Posted 7 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
this was some album
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 LPCity wrote:

Well said.  And yet, reading and listening to the lyrics today I had to laugh because it reminds me of many conversations with my teenage daughter: half sentences, changes of direction mid-stream of consciousness rambling and, occasionally, an actual reply to the question I originally asked her.

I dig the song. 

 
It still rules. 

Your daughter is channeling early TH, I'm guessing.  
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 andycollingridge wrote:
Byrne's poetic lyrical genius shines particularly brightly through this one. Always loved his determined use of clean, simple language to conjure up unique, slightly off-kilter little worlds. 
 
Well said.  And yet, reading and listening to the lyrics today I had to laugh because it reminds me of many conversations with my teenage daughter: half sentences, changes of direction mid-stream of consciousness rambling and, occasionally, an actual reply to the question I originally asked her.

I dig the song. 
Posted 8 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
Pure garbage.  Put that Dada-ist offal back in the midden heap where it belongs.
Posted 8 years ago by Floatinghawk    [ Reply ]
 SeriousLee wrote:
I'm sure that was a great tune 36 years ago.

 
It wasn't
Posted 8 years ago by Chrisjea    [ Reply ]
I'm sure that was a great tune 36 years ago.
Posted 8 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
Just a noise....
Posted 8 years ago by tambu    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:


 
pheeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww - a - pheeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww !!!!!!!  cool tune man
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
I've always thought that this is one of the trippiest songs ever, from maybe THE trippiest album ever. That warble-horn effect wows me!
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Nothing like some good Head. makes me want to get up and move.
Posted 8 years ago by MTboy    [ Reply ]
I seem to be in the minority on RP but I love this album and also More Songs About Buildings and Food.  However I don't like some of TH later stuff.  This particular song reminds me of a road trip from New South Wales to Queensland in Australia in the early 1980's.  Unusual music for a wonderful experience.
Posted 8 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
 andycollingridge wrote:
Byrne's poetic lyrical genius shines particularly brightly through this one. Always loved his determined use of clean, simple language to conjure up unique, slightly off-kilter little worlds. 
 
Good to read your comment
Posted 8 years ago by ambrebalte    [ Reply ]
Sucko Barfo only scrapes the surface of how bad this song is. 
Posted 9 years ago by daniel_rusk    [ Reply ]

OMG, what a day for such an annoying cackle.

 


Posted 9 years ago by daveinnj    [ Reply ]
{#Guitarist}{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}
Posted 9 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Tonnes of remarks here on RP about how TH music was innovative back in 80s.
But today listening to TH really feels like visiting in museum of IT.
You know what was also innovative in 80s? IBM PC. Nostalgic in museum. Useless on daily basis.
Please don't make TH a daily experience.

IBM PC



Posted 9 years ago by alezz_ua    [ Reply ]
Byrne's poetic lyrical genius shines particularly brightly through this one. Always loved his determined use of clean, simple language to conjure up unique, slightly off-kilter little worlds. 
Posted 9 years ago by andycollingridge    [ Reply ]
 Kaw wrote:

I agree.

 
I agree as well
Posted 9 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

I understand this song is a bit... challenging... but RP has probably been playing TH since day 1.  Maybe you need to find a different free internet radio station?

 
Or, you could find some tolerance for people who disagree with you.
I loathe the Talking Heads (with one or two very minor exceptions) — and U2, for that matter — but I would neither give up on the often inspiring Radio Paradise on that basis, nor would I urge you to move on simply because you don't understand the "challenging" Rickie Lee Jones.


Posted 9 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:

I understand this song is a bit... challenging... but RP has probably been playing TH since day 1.  Maybe you need to find a different free internet radio station?

 
I've been listening to (and promoting) RP for over 12 years, so don't be lecturing me.

I'm entitled to my complete and total disdain for TH and DB.
Posted 9 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Maybe it's the hops, but this has been a great set this evening....
Posted 9 years ago by NuggetNectar    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
No.Talking.Heads.here.thanks.    {#Naughty}

 
I understand this song is a bit... challenging... but RP has probably been playing TH since day 1.  Maybe you need to find a different free internet radio station?
Posted 9 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:


 
I agree.
Posted 10 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
Was listening to this album earlier today while running, and, as it always has and shall ever continue to do so, the brilliance shines on...
Posted 10 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 yep absolutely brillant.
Ahnyer_Keester wrote:

Couldn't agree more! 10 all the way!!

 


Posted 10 years ago by dookie    [ Reply ]
No.Talking.Heads.here.thanks.    {#Naughty}
Posted 10 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]

Posted 10 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
brilliant!  {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 10 years ago by FRP    [ Reply ]
Oh shi(f)t... :-)
Posted 10 years ago by rgabriel    [ Reply ]
I want to listen to quite good songs.,,,,, how do i find them
Posted 10 years ago by pravinalpha    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Perplexing to me how this is a 6.6 with the quality of listeners on RP?! This is/was some the most innovative music of then and even now! A clear 10! 

 
Couldn't agree more! 10 all the way!!
Posted 10 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
Perplexing to me how this is a 6.6 with the quality of listeners on RP?! This is/was some the most innovative music of then and even now! A clear 10! 
Posted 10 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
10, next one
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 LowPhreak wrote:
Belew's guitar and Weymouth's bass on this record is the shit. {#Guitarist}

 
Oh, I thought it was quite good.
Posted 10 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
Belew's guitar and Weymouth's bass on this record is the shit. {#Guitarist}
Posted 10 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 gekkosan wrote:
Is that John Hassel in the trumpet?
   

nagsheadlocal wrote:

I've always wondered who was playing in the horn section on this -  has a nice feel. If you find out let us know (teh Googles are silent on this).

 
My friends and I always thought it was Jon Hassell playing. And golly yes, Wikipedia says it is so: ""Houses in Motion" incorporates lengthy brass performances from Jon Hassell, while "Listening Wind" features Arabic music elements."

This song was just mind-blowing when it came out...the whole album really. This is My Fave Song from one of the best albums of all time, even if it has spots that haven't really stood the test of time.
Posted 10 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:
This is white funk; distilled, concentrated, minimized, amplified, stretched, perforated, strained, crystallized, purified, radiated, treated, bombarded, refined, liquified, titrated, analyzed, chlorinated, magnified, compounded, extruded and recorded. 100% pure fun!
 
You forgot glorified and magnified (edit, I see you did include magnified).  ; )

https://images.artistdirect.com/Images/Sources/AMGCOVERS/music/cover200/drr200/r214/r21489pmxqz.jpg
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Whole album is outstanding.
Posted 11 years ago by Wizzo_oz    [ Reply ]
{#Eh}
Posted 11 years ago by TheBorgBuilder    [ Reply ]