Yeah, we are the noise
The noise between stations
Yeah itsa kinda strange
Oh boy! A strange situation

I walk like a building
I never get wet
I'm looking at ladies
I'm talking like men

I don't work for the city
I don't work for the state
It's none 'a' your business
I'm doin' all right

Marching through the wilderness
Crying out for tenderness
They call me Mr. Pitiful
But everything is wonderful

I'm workin' real steady
I'm workin' real hard
I'm building a monster
In my backyard

Money doesn't matter
Babies never lie
I'm going in the out door
I'm doing all right

Marching through the wilderness
Crying out for tenderness
They call me Mr. Pitiful
But everything is wonderful

I walk like a building
I never get wet
I'm looking at ladies
I'm talking like men

Marching through the wilderness
Crying out for tenderness
They call me Mr. Pitiful
But everything is wonderful

Marching through the wilderness
Crying out for tenderness
They call me Mr. Pitiful
But everything is wonderful

Soy el galan de las penas
Llorando
Sin compasiÃ³n

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of David Byrne's song "Marching Through the Wilderness" appear to capture a sense of alienation from society, but also a sense of constant movement and striving. "Yeah, we are the noise / The noise between stations" suggests a sense of not quite fitting into one's surroundings, while "I walk like a building / I never get wet" and "I'm going in the out door" suggest a sense of mobility and fluidity. The repetition of the lines "Marching through the wilderness / Crying out for tenderness / They call me Mr. Pitiful / But everything is wonderful" suggest a sense of contradiction, with the singer simultaneously expressing a desire for human connection (tenderness) and a sense of being misunderstood or pitied by others. Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of restlessness and a search for meaning in a world that might not always be kind.

One possible interpretation of these lyrics could be that David Byrne is commenting on the experience of being an artist or creative person in society. The sense of not quite fitting in or being part of the "noise between stations" suggests a sense of being outside of dominant culture, while the image of "building a monster / in my backyard" suggests the creation of something new and perhaps even frightening. The repetition of the line "They call me Mr. Pitiful / But everything is wonderful" could suggest a sense of pride in being different or misunderstood, while still acknowledging the challenges that come with this position. Ultimately, the song seems to be about the struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, we are the noise
We are the sound that fills the space between radio stations

The noise between stations
The static sound that interrupts radio transmissions when tuning into a new station

Yeah itsa kinda strange
Our existence and purpose may seem unusual or hard to understand

Oh boy! A strange situation
This scenario might elicit surprise or excitement

I walk like a building
My movement is stiff and mechanical, as if I am a structure walking

I never get wet
I seem to be immune to the rain or other elements

I'm looking at ladies
I am observing women and their actions

I'm talking like men
I use language or mannerisms that are typically associated with men

I don't work for the city
I do not have a job working for the local government

I don't work for the state
I am not employed by the state government either

It's none 'a' your business
My work situation is private and not your concern

I'm doin' all right
I am managing my current situation adequately

Marching through the wilderness
I am venturing through life's challenges

Crying out for tenderness
I long for affection and care from others

They call me Mr. Pitiful
Others may see me as hopeless and pathetic

But everything is wonderful
Despite external perceptions, I am content with my life

I'm workin' real steady
I am putting in a consistent and reliable effort in my work

I'm workin' real hard
I am pushing myself diligently to achieve success

I'm building a monster
I am creating something powerful, possibly even dangerous

In my backyard
I am working on this project in my private space

Money doesn't matter
Financial status has no significance to me

Babies never lie
Infants are honest and pure in their expressions

I'm going in the out door
I am challenging the established norms and codes of behavior

Marching through the wilderness
I am navigating through unfamiliar and difficult terrain

Crying out for tenderness
Still seeking kindness and affection despite hardships

They call me Mr. Pitiful
Others continue to view me as hopeless and unsuccessful

But everything is wonderful
Yet, I remain optimistic and satisfied with my life

Soy el galan de las penas
I am the handsome man of sorrows, crying out without compassion

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BYRNE, JOHNNY PACHECO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Manu Vera

4y↑2

Es tan infravalorado este álbum. Recién este año he empezado a escuchar su discografía solista. Y para haber debutado con esta tremenda obra, maestrazo. Esta canción se me pegó como no tienen idea.