The genre encompasses both acoustic and electronic music. Acoustic new-age music may feature instruments like flutes, pianos, acoustic guitars, and various non-Western traditional instruments. Electronic styles often incorporate sustained synthesizer pads or sequencer-based arrangements. Many artists blend both approaches, resulting in electroacoustic compositions. While early new-age recordings were typically instrumental, the inclusion of vocals has grown over time, sometimes drawing on chant traditions from Native American, Sanskrit, or Tibetan sources, or using lyrics influenced by mythology such as Celtic folklore.
New-age music does not have a universally accepted definition and is often evaluated based on the artist's intent. The Grammy Awards, for instance, assess works in this genre with an emphasis on the artist’s purpose. A 1987 article in Billboard magazine described new-age music as a notably successful genre despite lacking a clear definition. Some view the term as an umbrella concept, more aligned with marketing categories than musical structure, and see it as part of a broader cultural phenomenon.
The development of new-age music was influenced by diverse musical traditions and artists. Tony Scott's album "Music for Zen Meditation" (1964) is frequently cited as an early example of the genre. Paul Horn's album "Inside" (1968) is also considered foundational. Irv Teibel’s "Environments" series (1969–1979) featured recordings of natural soundscapes and other audio intended for relaxation, contributing to the genre's evolution. Steven Halpern’s "Spectrum Suite" (1975) played a significant role in shaping the modern new-age music movement.
The Adults Are Talking
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're complainin', overeducated
You are saying all the words I'm dreaming
Say it after me
Say it after me
They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can't help it if we are a problem
We are tryin' hard to get your attention
I'm climbin' up your wall
Climbin' up your wall
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
You were waitin' for the elevator
You were sayin' all the words I'm dreaming
No more askin' questions or excuses
Information's here
Here and everywhere
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same way as you, and, but
I don't, I don't want anything
I know it's not, it's not your fault
I don't want anyone
Always I do, it's not for you
Ah
Ooh
Stockholders
Same shit, a different lie
I'll get it right sometime
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Hello?
Yeah, boy, here we go
And a-one, and a-two, and a-three
Here we go, friends
Hold on, I can't-
Maybe that's kooky situation
So, let's go back to the old key, old tempo, everything
Okay
The lyrics to The Strokes's song "The Adults Are Talking" seem to be touching on the idea of being misunderstood and judged by others. The opening lines speak to the idea of being labeled as "sophisticated" and "overeducated," which can often lead to criticism and ostracism from others who may not understand a certain way of thinking or living. Despite this, the singer seems to find solace in the fact that the person they are speaking to can understand their words and thoughts, saying "You are saying all the words I'm dreaming / Say it after me."
The second half of the song delves into the idea of conflicted emotions and desires, highlighting the confusion and frustration that can come from trying to do the right thing without receiving any recognition or reward. The lines "And then you did something wrong and you said it was great / And now you don't know how you could ever complain / Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to / But then you want me to do it the same as you" speak to the complex and often contradictory nature of human relationships.
Overall, the song seems to be grappling with themes of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and the complexities of human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
They've been sayin', "You're sophisticated"
People are complimenting us and saying we're smart and polished
They're complainin', overeducated
But others are whining that we're too educated and a little bit annoying for that reason
You are saying all the words I'm dreaming
You're reading my mind and saying everything I'm thinking
Say it after me
Say it after me
Repeat it with me, let's stay in sync
They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can't help it if we are a problem
We are tryin' hard to get your attention
Others are going to attack us and try to make us feel bad, but we can't always help that we're causing disruptions because we're just trying to get people to notice us
I'm climbin' up your wall
Climbin' up your wall
I'm making a lot of effort to get closer to you and get your attention
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
If you start going down this path again, you're going to regret it and never come back. I know you associate me with her, but it doesn't make sense why you're trying so hard to do what's right without getting anything in return. Then you did something wrong but convinced yourself it was good, and now you're confused because you want me to join you but also want me to be exactly like you.
You were waitin' for the elevator
You were sayin' all the words I'm dreaming
No more askin' questions or excuses
Information's here
Here and everywhere
I saw you waiting for the elevator and noticed that you were echoing everything I was thinking. Stop questioning and making excuses; the answer is here and everywhere.
I don't, I don't want anything
I know it's not, it's not your fault
I don't want anyone
Always I do, it's not for you
I don't want anything or anyone, and I know that's not your fault or something you can give me. This is something I want for myself, not for you.
Stockholders
Same shit, a different lie
I'll get it right sometime
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Stockholders and businesspeople always say the same things that are never true. I'll eventually get it right, but maybe not tonight or anytime soon.
Hello?
Yeah, boy, here we go
And a-one, and a-two, and a-three
Here we go, friends
Hold on, I can't-
Maybe that's kooky situation
So, let's go back to the old key, old tempo, everything
Okay
Hello? Yes, let's get started. And a-one, and a-two, and a-three - here we go, friends! Wait, I can't quite follow you. Maybe this is a strange situation. Let's revert back to something more familiar and comfortable, okay?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Albert Jr. Hammond, Fabrizio Moretti, Julian Casablancas, Nick Valensi, Nikolai Fraiture
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thegetdown5060
listen to this other good song called - sleep by the impures
is a really good track and underrated band a hidden gem :)
-vvvvvvvvvvvv
-
-vvvvvvvvvvvv
-
-vvvvvvvvvv
-vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
-
v
@lyricsguy8589
They've been sayin', "You're sophisticated"
They're complainin', overeducated
You are saying all the words I'm dreaming
Say it after me
Say it after me
They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can't help it if we are a problem
We are tryin' hard to get your attention
I'm climbin' up your wall
Climbin' up your wall
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
You were waitin' for the elevator
You were sayin' all the words I'm dreaming
No more askin' questions or excuses
Information's here
Here and everywhere
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same way as you, and, but
I don't, I don't want anything
I know it's not, it's not your fault
I don't want anyone
Always I do, it's not for you
Ah
Ooh
Stockholders
Same shit, a different lie
I'll get it right sometime
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Hello?
Yeah, boy, here we go
And a-one, and a-two, and a-three
Here we go, friends
Hold on, I can't-
Maybe that's kooky situation
So, let's go back to the old key, old tempo, everything
Okay
@rosshauler7688
If your here from TikTok and this is the first song of theirs you’ve heard here are some other recommendations : )
“Someday”
“Last nite”
“Under the cover of Darkness”
“Hard to explain”
“80s comedown machine”
@danielmartinez4318
Lyrics...
They've been sayin', "You're sophisticated"
They're complainin', overeducated
You are saying all the words I'm dreaming
Say it after me
Say it after me
They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can't help it if we are a problem
We are tryin' hard to get your attention
I'm climbin' up your wall
Climbin' up your wall
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
You were waitin' for the elevator
You were sayin' all the words I'm dreaming
No more askin' questions or excuses
Information's here
Here and everywhere
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same way as you, and, but
I don't, I don't want anything
I know it's not, it's not your fault
I don't want anyone
Always I do, it's not for you
Ah
Ooh
Stockholders
Same shit, a different lie
I'll get it right sometime
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Hello?
Yeah, boy, here we go
And a-one, and a-two, and a-three
Here we go, friends
Hold on, I can't-
Maybe that's kooky situation
So, let's go back to the old key, old tempo, everything
Okay
@carlosperez6694
[Verse 1]
They've been sayin', "You’re sophisticated"
They're complainin', overeducated
You are saying all the words I'm dreaming
Say it after me
Say it after me
They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can’t help it if we are a problem
We are tryin' hard to get your attention
I'm climbin' up your wall
Climbin' up your walls
[Chorus]
Don’t go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don’t make sense when you're trying hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused, 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 2]
You were waitin' for the elevator
You were sayin' all the words I'm dreaming
No more askin', questions, or excuses
Information's here
Here and everywhere
[Chorus]
Don’t go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don’t make sense when you're trying hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused, 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same way as you, and then
[Bridge]
I don't, I don't want anything
I know it's not
It's not your fault
I don't want anyone
As I do
It's not for you
[Break]
Ah, ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah, ooh, ooh
[Outro]
Stockholders
Same shit, a different lie
I'll get it right sometime
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
[Spoken]
Yeah boy, here we go
And a one, and a two, and a three
Here we go friends (Hold on, I can't)
Maybe that's a kooky situation
So let's go back to the low key, old tempo, everything
@StanThuret
[Intro]
Gm C F Bb
[Verse 1]
F
They've been saying
Dm
"You‘re sophisticated"
F
They're complaining
Dm
Overeducated
F
You are saying
Dm
All the words I'm dreaming
C
Say it after me
Say it after me
[Verse 2]
F
They will blame us
Dm
Crucify and shame us
F
We can‘t help it
Dm
If we are a problem
F
We are trying
Dm
Hard to get your attention
C
I'm climbing up your wall
Climbing up your wall
[Chorus]
Gm
Don‘t go there 'cause you'll never return
C
I know you think of me when you think of her
F
But then it don't make sense when you're trying hard
Bb
To do the right thing but without recompense
Gm
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
C
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
F
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
Bb
But then you want me to do the same as you
[Instrumental]
F Dm x 3
C
[Verse 3]
F
You were waitin'
Dm
For the elevator
F
You were sayin'
Dm
All the things I'm dreaming
F
No more askin'
Dm
Questions or excuses
C
Information's here
Here and everywhere
[Chorus 2]
Gm
Don‘t go there 'cause you'll never return
C
I know you think of me when you think of her
F
But then it don't make sense when you're trying hard
Bb
To do the right thing but without recompense
Gm
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
C
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
F
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
Bb
But then you want me to do the same as you
[Outro]
Gm C
I don't want anything
F Bb
I know it's not
Gm C
It's not your fault
F
I don't want anyone
Bb
As I do in life for
Gm C F Bb
You
@cocorico.
Lyrics :
They've been sayin', you're sophisticated
They're complaining, over-educated
You are saying all the words I'm dreaming
Say it after me
Say it after me
They will blame us, crucify, and shame us
We can't help it, if we are a problem
We are trying hard to get your attention
Climbing up your wall
Climbing up your wall
Don't go there, 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me, when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're trying hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused, 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
You were waiting for the elevator
You were saying, all the words I'm dreaming
No more asking, questions or excuses
Information's here, here and everywhere
Don't go there, 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me, when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're trying hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused, 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same way as you, well, but
I don't, I don't want anything
I know it's not, it's not your fault
I don't want anyone
As I do, it's not for you
Stockholders
Same shit, a different life
I'll get it right some time
Maybe not tonight
Maybe not tonight
Maybe not tonight
Maybe not tonight
@jainascott5093
Lyrics:
They've been sayin', "You're sophisticated"
They're complainin', overeducated
You are saying all the words I'm dreaming
Say it after me
Say it after me
They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can't help it if we are a problem
We are tryin' hard to get your attention
I'm climbin' up your wall
Climbin' up your wall
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
You were waitin' for the elevator
You were sayin' all the words I'm dreaming
No more askin' questions or excuses
Information's here
Here and everywhere
Don't go there 'cause you'll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don't make sense when you're tryin' hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don't know how you could ever complain
Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same way as you, and, but
I don't, I don't want anything
I know it's not, it's not your fault
I don't want anyone
Always I do, it's not for you
Ah
Ooh
Stockholders
Same shit, a different lie
I'll get it right sometime
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Hello?
Yeah, boy, here we go
And a-one, and a-two, and a-three
Here we go, friends
Hold on, I can't-
Maybe that's kooky situation
So, let's go back to the old key, old tempo, everything
Okay
@RistynOfficial
I love how he sings the chorus like it’s a song stuck in his head
@louonthesun3325
that's a really cool description actually
@Rr-pp2fc
yess!!! Love it
@retr0cynik480
Yeah definitely
@Sea_witch_
Well damn said 👏🏼
@theadultsaretalking3939
Yeesssssss!!!! It just makes it stuck in mine
@zackzallie8735
The Strokes: The song is called The Adults Are Talking.
YouTube search: The adulterers Are Talking
@chrisafterhrs7079
I swear I see you everywhere
@manuelvalencia425
omg why
@samuelmaga6025
Hey yt wRoNg