Mesopotamia
B-52’s Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I ain't no student (we're goin' down to meet, feel those vibrations)
Of ancient culture (I know a neat excavation)
Before I talk
I should read a book
But there's one thing
That I do know
There's a lot of ruins in Mesopotamia

Six or eight thousand years ago
They laid down the law
Six or eight thousand years ago (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
They laid down the law (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)

I'll meet you by the third pyramid
I'll meet you by the third pyramid
Ah come on, that's what I want
We'll meet in Mesopotamia, oh-oh-oh

Now I ain't no student (we're goin' down to meet, feel those vibrations)
Of ancient culture (I know a neat excavation)
Before I talk
I should read a book
(Mesopotamia, that's where I wanna go)
But there's one thing that
I do know (Mesopotamia, that's where I wanna go)
There's a lot of ruins in Mesopotamia

Six or eight thousand years ago
They laid down the law
Six or eight thousand years ago (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
They laid down the law (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
In Mesopotamia (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)

They laid down the law (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
In Mesopotamia (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)

Overall Meaning

The B-52’s song “Mesopotamia” is a playful tribute to the ancient region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where civilization first began in the form of Sumerian city-states around 4500 BCE. The lyrics are full of winks and nods to ancient history and archeological discovery, such as references to pyramids (which Mesopotamia did not have), excavations, and laws laid down six or eight thousand years ago.

The singer of the song is excited to visit the ruins of Mesopotamia, but admits to not being a student of ancient culture and needing to read a book before talking too much about it. The chorus reinforces the desire to visit, with a repetition of a call to meet by the third pyramid in Mesopotamia. For fans of the B-52’s, the playful lyrics and upbeat, danceable music are a perfect reflection of the band’s quirky and fun-loving style.

Line by Line Meaning

Turn your watch, turn your watch back
Let's go back in time

About a hundred thousand years
To a time before recorded history

I'll meet you by the third pyramid
Let's meet in Egypt

Ah come on, that's what I want
I really want to experience this

We'll meet in Mesopotamia, oh-oh-oh
No wait, let's meet in Mesopotamia instead

I ain't no student
I'm not an expert

(we're goin' down to meet, feel those vibrations)
(Let's go on this adventure together)

Of ancient culture
About ancient history

Before I talk
Before I speak on the subject

I should read a book
I should educate myself

But there's one thing
But I do have one piece of knowledge

That I do know
I am certain of this

There's a lot of ruins in Mesopotamia
There are many ancient remains in Mesopotamia

Six or eight thousand years ago
During the dawn of civilization

They laid down the law
The people established societal rules

(oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
(Singing in agreement)

In Mesopotamia
During the time period of Mesopotamia

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., SENTRIC MUSIC
Written by: CINDY WILSON, CYNTHIA WILSON, FRED SCHNEIDER, KATE PIERSON, KEITH STRICKLAND, RICKY WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@localandonlinepreciousmeta3575

3y↑24

Turn your watch, turn your watch back
About a hundred thousand years
A hundred thousand years
I'll meet you by the third pyramid
I'll meet you by the third pyramid
Ah come on, that's what I want
We'll meet in Mesopotamia, oh-oh-oh
I ain't no student (we're goin' down to meet, feel those vibrations)
Of ancient culture (I know a neat excavation)
Before I talk
I should read a book
But there's one thing
That I do know
There's a lot of ruins in Mesopotamia
Six or eight thousand years ago
They laid down the law
Six or eight thousand years ago (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
They laid down the law (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
I'll meet you by the third pyramid
I'll meet you by the third pyramid
Ah come on, that's what I want
We'll meet in Mesopotamia, oh-oh-oh
Now I ain't no student (we're goin' down to meet, feel those vibrations)
Of ancient culture (I know a neat excavation)
Before I talk
I should read a book
(Mesopotamia, that's where I wanna go)
But there's one thing that
I do know (Mesopotamia, that's where I wanna go)
There's a lot of ruins in Mesopotamia
Six or eight thousand years ago
They laid down the law
Six or eight thousand years ago (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
They laid down the law (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
In Mesopotamia (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
They laid down the law (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)
In Mesopotamia (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, ooooh)

All comments from YouTube:

@swtv1754

4y↑147

I don't understand why this isn't one of their most popular songs. 100% better than Love Shack!

@screwyourhandle

46w↑4

word

@michaelkottler

41w↑6

So say we all!

@briteness

39w↑12

The enduring popularity of Love Shack is one of life's minor mysteries.

@histatimaniples

36w↑2

Not as Danceable

@howiehall4622

36w↑4

Every other one of their songs is better than Love Shack.

By far, this is in my Top 3 of theirs. Along with Channel Z.

Vastly underrated is - Is That You Mo-Dean?

19 More Replies...

@ashleysfukengruven

5y↑260

Easily their most underrated track.

@stjohnsrealtor5609

4y↑13

Most B52 Fans love this song, so that is not really the case

@JiveDadson

4y↑8

Every music video has its "underrated" comment. One suspects there must be a systemic flaw in the rating mechanism.

@gogoyubari366

3y↑3

What makes you believe it's underrated? Did you travel the globe taking a survey from every citizen of the world?

@Burt472

3y↑5

And easily one of their best if not the best

@cpapafunk

Eh…

7 More Replies...

@angelapitts7461

11y↑75

Love this song. It takes me back to the summer of 1982 or 83 in Detroit. The Electrifying Mojo use to play this song every night. He made this song last for about 15 minutes lol!!! I miss those days!!!

@deepstructure

3y↑8

That was Juan Atkins and Derrick May's edits. They did ghost remixing for him. Check out the book 'The Underground Is Massive.'

@danielwasierski7836

3y↑7

Damn, I loved MOJO

@jarrelljimerson3346

3y↑10

I remember The Electrifying Mojo. Used to listen to him almost every night on WGPR (107.5 FM) here in Detroit, Mi.

@jewelm.9953

2y↑8

I think he made it last for an hour .....Deeeeeee-troooooiit!

@genevieveking8819

2y↑8

It was the only B-52s song I knew in high school exactly for this reason! Then I left Detroit for college and heard Rock Lobster for the first time. NO PLACE has ever matched Detroit for DJs and stations.

4 More Replies...

@eldaguadiana6927

4y↑96

This song never gets old.

@farmyardflavours

1y↑4

never !!! i play it constantly

@rare_grooves_shack_1983

44w↑2

don't you mean ANCIENT?

@notsogood9449

2y↑8

The Electrifying Mojo, 98. WJLB, Midnight Funk Association Detroit, Michigan!!!!

@n.b.0212

3w↑1

Hold on tight, don't let go...

@guywashington369

3w↑2

From the d too one love

@lookitsapanther

8y↑796

One of the deepest grooves of all time.

@thomaskenneally219

8y↑55

mariana trench deep

@michaelmatthews9435

7y↑27

Iconoclastic - I agree. This bass-line is very deep!

@MrFrendan

7y↑21

Iconoclastic happy to have got it and danced my ass off to it since it came out, my roommate thought I was crazy! I wanted a full album of this shit. Cake is a cool song too.

@michaelmatthews9435

7y↑18

Sadly this was just an EP. However, the leftovers from this album were later infused into Whammy! And there's plenty to dance to there. . .

@rjsmith8272

6y↑1

..and one of the rubberyist.

31 More Replies...

@a11acce55

2y↑30

This is one of their most mesmerising songs.

@kevinlong5392

2y↑3

Yes, and Planet Claire. Love these guys♥️

@toastecmo

5y↑214

It's amazing how fresh and hip this sounds in 2019. The B-52's are one of a kind. May did we rock it out in my college days in the mid 1980's to the B-52's. Party on!

@nklin6

4y↑5

playing this to bring in 2020!

@stjohnsrealtor5609

4y↑5

Yes we sure did at FSU I saw them with Lenny K & The Cult at U of F we took X and its was XMAZING

@fantomas3066

2y↑1

Et ça sonne toujours aussi frais en 2022

@praisegod3768

2y↑1

yes!!!

@nklin6

@@sahasrarachakra1 yes i concur

2 More Replies...

@CAnative64

7y↑545

"I ain't no student of ancient culture. Before I talk, I should read a book." - Words to live by.

@Burt472

6y↑18

Esp. for politicians.......

@Burt472

6y↑5

Depends on the book author...Just saying.......

@thedevilsinmycar4454

5y↑12

Before you read a book, you should learn how to read s book. Once you have mastered that, it doesn't matter who the author is.

@johncasey1020

5y↑7

I'm not saying it's aliens, but it's aliens...

@bennieknape4857

5y↑2

you know that ain't no shi, this world would be a lot better off if people would take that advice it's simple advice but often times the simplest is the best!

9 More Replies...

@latetotheparty3070

5y↑396

The singer summarized the most important part of Mesopotamian civilization and that is Hammurabi's Laws, which is I think the first recorded instance of laws being laid down. This set the stage for orderly society in general and advancement in areas like in institutions of courts, education, medicine etc. Although I haven't yet read a book about it and really should before I talk.

@fckthepolice8916

3y↑4

All modern civilization are possible because of mesopotamians and their advances in civility and culture.

@dennishoshowsky8692

3y↑5

How do you know all this? I'm fascinated,really,

@latetotheparty3070

3y↑15

@@dennishoshowsky8692 I read about the start of agriculture and the early start of civilization in the world. After many millenia of stone age cultures we started having some pretty amazing cities in Sumeria/ Babylon and leaders like Hammurabi started making and writing down laws. "to make justice visible in the land". This is seen today as a turning point of sorts. And as they say , the rest is history.

@barkmark4479

3y↑2

Funny

@karencooke9977

3y↑1

👏👏😊

40 More Replies...

@gregmorrison3168

2y↑62

There is one thing that I do know -- this is one of the greatest grooves ever laid down by the B52's and that's saying something.

@Jcole000123

2y↑4

FOR REALZ!!!

@hangingwithmatty9465

32w↑1

U laid down the law😂

@csilt

3y↑56

Its insane how ahead of their time they where. Sounds even better today

@kevinlong5392

2y↑3

Yes, this is crazy funky 👍

@a.colleenfray2138

5y↑112

I’ve loved this band since I was seven years old. They taught me how to sing. And my dad surprised me with their concert at the Santa Barbara bowl in 1990 when I was 10 I think I was the only one in the audience that knew every single song and sang it out loud to my hearts delight. 30 years later and I’m still in love with them: best odd group of musicians to ever form a band and explore their weirdness and share it with us.
Love them like no other.
They laid down the law!!

@MrNordlandfahrer

3y↑10

I got an illegal tape from the B52´2 in 1981 and where flashed with 12 Years. I grow up in east Berlin (GDR) and it wasn´t possible to buy such kind of music. They follow me in my life still now :)

@fantomas3066

2y↑3

Bravo, que la jeunesse soit avec toi. :-)

@benrippel8524

2y↑5

Right?!? :-) Similarly, discovered through "Cosmic Thing" then held onto through present.

Some days (I have this data intensive job) it's the only thing that helps me power through and feel joy.
"When the blues whomp you up on the side of the head
Throw 'em to the floor and kick 'em out the door
When the blues kick you in the head
And you roll out of bed in the morning
Just sit on the porch and swing"

@sueann5233

2y↑3

What a awesome story!! Thank you!!

@loulagramoula

1y↑4

Great story! I've been a fan since 9 years old too (Cosmic Thing era) and love them more and more the older I get. For the past year I haven't been able to listen to much else. My happy place!

3 More Replies...

@user-zz5hm1xn6l

22w↑9

Favorite album ever. Can't explain why, it just hit me right years ago and still has impact. Great original artists. Irreplaceable.

@user-ro6er1gm9x

19w↑2

Athens GA, has an embarrassment of riches ! B- 52’s, Can Do No Wrong !!

@mthoodstyle

51w↑10

I still know the words by heart. I loved this song when I was 10. It’s now 2023 and I’m 50!

@elizabethingram9784

1y↑3

I lerve this song and the B52’s so much. ❤️

@davidhuber2076

2y↑11

Long before "Walk Like an Egyptian", was considered hip, the cool kids were groovin' in Mesopotamia.

@giorgiopalmas7934

Do the Hammurabi!

@giorgiopalmas7934

@David Huber The Enkitu Crowd.

@bleuxyeux

13y↑37

This whole album is hypnotic. Love it!

@Frostgrl681

7y↑143

The B 52s used to have Detroit on lock..and all the backyard parties had to play Rock Lobster and p,anet Claire. I still remember the dances....

@CamilleCoTV

5y↑28

Yup. Mojo was a BIG part of integrating groups like B52's, Kraftwerk etc..into Detroit urban culture. You would hear this at backyard parties and skating rinks everywhere.

@shirleywilliams8674

4y↑15

Hell yeah this was the shit in the D and still is even though I don't live in Michigan anymore I don't think they know about this out here in Tulsa Oklahoma

@7miledog

4y↑9

When you feel tired...dont go to sleep...tie ah knot..hang on..dont let go.......best Dj in the world..electrifying mojo..

@douglaslang5824

4y↑1

Oh yeah...seen em 3 times in the 80s, 90s and 00s, twice outdoors @ Pine Knob/DTE!! The entire audience would be dancing their socks and shoes off!!

@douglaslang5824

4y↑2

@@7miledog I remember him playing cuts off Pink Floyd's The Wall soon after its release in '79, blew me away that an urban R&B FM radio station did so!!

13 More Replies...

@mkmstillstackin

2y↑26

Some songs just send a vibe of unwavering coolness impossible to unseed. I confirm again in 2022.

@ImCarolB

3y↑19

When I taught ancient civilizations, I'd always start off playing this song to my students. They had to write down everything they learned from the song. We'd listen to it again and again, until the class could sing it by heart, boys doing their part and the girls enjoying the hah-ah-ahs. Fun times!

@amyboone125

2y↑4

That's so awesome!!!

@davidcooper8892

1y↑1

A real teacher

@Sal.Manila

33w↑2

I think that’s so cool. Right on.

@richardhall916

3y↑38

I wore this track out on my record player as a kid 🤣 still love it 40 years later!

@rtqii

1y↑2

I wore out the entire album, and a diamond stylus.

@platinumedgemusic9293

6y↑40

One of the best songs recorded of all time.

@TheGh0st_Cat

4y↑161

My history teacher played this song while learning about Mesopotamia

@pointpoint10

4y↑2

Chapter 3: A Lot of Wooing in Mesopotamia

@DMan-G

4y↑6

Were there really hieroglyphics in Mesopotamia? Or were u too busy groovin to listen?

@mrmarlez7975

Same here

@brianhanson5110

I also brought this in and played it while in school studying anthropology/ancient cultures. 😀

@Cgamer

Same

8 More Replies...

@ashadelic

7y↑155

I've had this song in my head for....30 years now. 🔊✨🤗

@jfotomoto5501

7y↑1

me tooooooo

@RedZoneCLF

6y↑2

Even young Kids can't resist this Genious; I know music and these guys know how to entertain the Human Spirit.

@RedZoneCLF

6y↑1

Don't worry, it's probabley a good thing to remember the good stuff that makes you feel good.

@tjdetroittheysaythetruthhu6190

5y↑1

Exactly!!

@artisticfreedomltd

4y↑1

Me too. An evergreen sonic obsession

7 More Replies...

@NormAppleton

1y↑2

Best thing they ever did. Nice to he hear Ricky jangling like a mad man. This song gives me hope.

@lashellhenry-maivia4464

2y↑43

I'm glad they played this on BMF this was and still the shit. 😊😁❤

@MsAKA45

I’d been looking for this song for 30 years! I heard it back in the day, but I never knew the artist. Thank you BMF!!

@MsAKA45

Big hit in Detroit!!

@-g.k.4389

Lol I'm watching BMF now and I just heard this song

@janicer6683

9y↑142

"B-4 I talk, I should read a book!" - PREACH! - Saw them in concert many years ago around 1981 in Kalamazoo, MI - They literally weakened the balcony structure they rocked so hard! Rock Lobster and Planet Claire! OMG! Never forget it!...fast forward 30 something years later - I see them in Hollywood California - a lil older but still rocking! Amazing.

@RedZoneCLF

6y↑4

Yes Janice, this is real talent at it's best.

@JaeLCR13

6y↑3

I recently saw them in Highland Park, Il and they rocked harder than I could've imagined. But imagine seeing them in the early 80s is all I can do, that must've been something else.

@themersh4064

5y↑2

I saw them in Tampa in the summer of 80. Mind blown.

@charlesodell804

Wish I saw them in person. You are lucky. I am jealous. I'm hoping to sit at the bar with them in the next world. When I do I am going to put flowers in Kate Pierson's hair, because she is my heart throb.

@JohnReall

4y↑1

They did the same thing at the Paramount theater in Springfield Mass.

3 More Replies...

@moniquevl11

8y↑29

I was living in Germany when this song came out, and I was so proud that they were a band from the South. Just magic!!

@Johnnywhamo

8y↑8

You'd be one of the few, back in the day the south rejected them at first called them all sorts of names and wanted nothing to do with them.

@Sam_Lee_

3y↑6

@@Johnnywhamo I can only speak of my personal experience. I grew up in an Atlanta suburb, and have lived in Georgia my entire life. When I was in high school in the 80's, a second show was added at the Fox Theater, which meant the ticket sales very extremely good. They always were very popular with everyone I knew, and to be honest, I have never heard one person call them any kind of name. Maybe you experienced something different, but Georgians have always been very proud of them.

@preciousworcester

7y↑20

Rick on guitar was a stunning genius! RIP, incredible harmonies, harmony with Fred shouldn't work, but it DOES! Fantastic

@I_am1031

2y↑6

Shout out to the BMF series for highlighting this classic!

@mpc3po

2y↑3

Wow--just realize how much this groove sounds like "jeopardy" Greg Kihn Band. Killer groove.

@ninaannhall6636

10y↑105

Getting goosebumps...so many memories. I loved the B-52s back in 1982 and 1983...

@multinaire

10y↑7

Mojo was the man !! and the Benny Hill Show, while smokin REGULAR weed......
By the way, I mainly grew up on the East Side....nice picture Nina

@richardkirkwood8976

9y↑2

D CriderMojo was the man, I knew him when I attended Eastern Michigan University in 1977 and I use to talk with him frequently when he was with WJLB in the Penobscot Building during his breaks, I worked afternoon as a computer operator for First America Bank.

@multinaire

9y↑5

I'd use to honk my horn, flash my lights and look up at the sky anticipating to see the MOTHERSHIP !...hooked lol

@rebjiii

6y↑3

produced by David Byrne of the Talking Heads

@praisegod3768

6y↑1

I'm instantly transported back to the summer of 1983! Awful well water, no AC, I'm young and beautiful and don't even realize it ... Oh, the power of music ....

5 More Replies...

@bobmalack481

1y↑2

Even though Fred can't 'sing', a most underated front man, never a dull moment. Robert at 68.

@reneelemoure4170

37w↑2

This is my favorite B52's song.

@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.

4y↑20

Always loved this track, some great and weird harmonies from the girls in it

@ramjeen

7y↑18

never tire of listening to this. Amazing song. Nice to see Ned Flanders before he ended up in Springfield.

@djcenflo7694

4y↑8

In Detroit back in the day there was a DJ named The Electrifying Mojo on WGPR radio. He used to play this song and Planet Claire by The B-52s. He knew how to dig deep to find the jams. Then again we’re The D and no one do it like us.

@elliottbracken9986

I can remember mojo doing this in Detroit wgpr, Mr electrifying

@roberthemingwayjr2053

4y↑1

You already know

@AngelinaMoreno

10y↑20

One of my favorite B-52s songs! I found this cassette at a local thrift outlet and nabbed it for 25¢...amazing score! The whole thing is just next level, probably my favorite after Dance this Mess Around

@richardnelson2518

31w↑1

Just picked up this EP at a thrift for a buck. cover and media near mint. Enjoying it .

@muhard2219

9y↑64

This is definitely a classic jam

@KidIndigo1

11y↑35

B52s are definite icons, no doubt. I don't think they've gotten the recognition they deserve, but hey, that's how it goes. I LOVE them.

@brittpayne7198

1y↑2

I so much wish that I was in that brainchild moment in the living room or wherever, while this ( and all of their songs) were born. I wanna be a b52, too!!! Wahhhhh!

@JeffTheNebraskaDJ

ANOTHER TIMELESS CLASSIC!! 80"S MUSIC RULES!! the dj

@808michiganjedi3

2y↑5

The Electrifying Mojo use to play this and the jams back in Detroit

@bobmalack481

7y↑30

The never ending clear tone voice singing of Cindy, mostly all upper range, solo or harmonizing. That includes most of the assorted shrieks, whoops, and voice oddities that spread throughout their albums catalog. As good as Kate is, its Cindy that pulls all these pieces together that makes the complete duet B-52 sound. Robert at 67.

@Yemaya418

1y↑6

You’re right. Here Cindy hold this track together.

@j.c.9784

51w↑1

Alright Robert!! ❤

@dave7015

48w↑2

Cindy IS the one to watch...from obviously nervously unsure in her younger years to her becoming the icon she actually always was for their finality. Lovely.

@deancothill8922

40w↑2

2023 still loving the B52's ❤

@localandonlinepreciousmeta3575

3y↑24

@jeffankton9175

5y↑8

This song when it came out back in the day was a HUGE!!! RB hit. Especially in Detroit.

@jamesdrogers

1y↑8

I was a senior in high school when this came out, and I listened to it a lot.. I don't think I knew any talking heads at the time other than maybe what I heard on SNL (psycho killer and take me to the river). I only recently discovered that David Byrne produced this, and started noticing his touch on things. Lots of it on this track, like the swelling arpeggios and the croaky clavinet, it sounds like it came right off of fear of music and remain in light. I can totally see how his involvement could have created a rift in the sessions as he seems to be somewhat of a control freak. Too bad that they didn't perservere to get the full album done, I think that what we got was and is fantastic, despite the obvious change in the vibe from the earlier (and later) records, it stands on it's own.

@Ken15643

7y↑11

Thank you for posting this. Love this song. Their sound still holds up today.

@epiphanymeadows3695

Ken15643 American UFO's

@michellefalleur960

17w

Yes, it Really does , ... -- I'll meet you by the third pyramid .... / They're So Brilliant

@johnajda

5y↑24

Recently I bought their “Live Germany 1983” DVD at a local estate sale; their live performance of this song in Dortmund just blew me away...so intensely and excellently performed;

also, the lead singer’s (Fred Schneider) energetic “Mesopotamian funk” style dancing during his vocal breaks was fun to watch and enhanced the entire music experience to the max!

@mrkenboosie

10y↑31

They actually played this on urban radio way back in the day.

@codymeng1580

5y↑13

one of the most underrated bands ever. that chorus is genius

@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.

4y↑7

So off the wall and brilliant

@scifyry

6y↑7

The B-52's...one of the best southern bands of all time.

@leeparham2876

11y↑23

freds voice is so phuckin raw

@autumnriley78

9y↑55

Such a groovy sound

@sierrabird3817

10y↑25

B-52s was my childhood. My mom would play the tapes all the time and I'd sing along having no idea what the heck it was all about. Imagine a 5 year old singing "Good Stuff", "Hot Pants", and "Hot Lava" XD

@aidsofspades7622

10y↑2

Haha my dad would for me

@chrispayne2269

9y↑2

***** dont forget dirty back road , a sex song fore sure

@sierrabird3817

9y↑2

chris payne That too! But I just mentioned the ones I'd listen to repeatedly haha

@aidsofspades7622

9y↑1

I'm listening to these songs years later like "this is so sexual..."

@sierrabird3817

9y↑1

Princess Phantasm It makes me laugh when people say that this generation's music is so sexual and I just sit there and smile and sing "Hot Pants" in my head. But yeah no, JUST this generation is so sexual ;)

5 More Replies...

@jazzytds

10y↑19

A cornucopia of different textures of voices but the end result is always the same, hardcore. They definitely were a special hybrid of my musical upbringing. I can't remember a party that I attended that didn't heat up when one of their tracks were played.

@flywings111

8y↑55

Cool band and a timeless tune. It sounds as good as it probably did 33 years ago.

@dasomnitox3824

6y↑2

...turn back the clock, but less than 10.000 years

@BillBird2111

4y↑9

It sometimes takes a lot of time and reflection to realize what a great recording really is. David Byrne had creative differences with the B52's, which was one main reason this wasn't a full album. Yet, this pairing produced one of the most unique B52 songs ever released. Nobody was happy with the finished product. It was the same story with XTC and Todd Rundgren. Andy Partridge and Rundgren did not see eye-to-eye and Partridge was very unhappy with the finished product on the 1986 album Skylarking. Yet, it spawned one of XTC's greatest singles: Dear God. Today, Partridge sings a different tune about the album and he should. If you were to speak with the B52's today about this effort, they may have the same feelings. They didn't really appreciate what they had accomplished together.

@jocelyng7991

2y↑4

One of my favorites!!

@TuckFwitter

8y↑16

this song cured one of the worst hangovers i ever had, the people next door were booming it out so loud the walls shook and the couch was jumping at like 7:00 am

@mindyw782

4y↑6

Kids distance learning at home about Mesopotamia. Mom: "Hey I remember that song by the B-52's. Let me play it!"

@Redcom001

11y↑105

Every now and then my dad randomly says "They laid down the LAW!"

@bobsaget815

6y↑7

Redcom001 I wanna meet that dad

@NormAppleton

4y↑4

Your Dad has the kind of senility I can agree with.

@donnarawlinsfrench220

4y↑2

@@NormAppleton Me too! Go senile but groovy dad (which may or may not be me as well) !

@praisegod3768

4y↑2

HILARIOUS :)!!!!

@dannyhengel7645

4y↑3

you know he cracked his neck a little and the acid flashbacks kicked in. that's who you know.

2 More Replies...

@valv1048

4y↑7

When Music is Art and Poetry.... the B52'S and David Byrne ☺

@swmorganfinehomedesign1501

8y↑21

B-52s concert in 2008 was one of the highlights of my life! Kate was as hot as she was in the 80s

@northerncalifornia1969

7y↑4

I saw them at The Gorge in Washington State one time, they played this song, it was great

@Pebo1956

7y↑5

They performed on the beach in Gulf Shores Alabama in August 2012. Now THAT was awesome and they opened with this song!

@Romantina333

10y↑6

Damn, this song is unbelievable! How have I not heard this one before? It's addictive.

@maggienbob1304

Addictive! That's the perfect word for this song!

@fantomas3066

Il n'est jamais trop tard :-)

@RealmsofPixelation

4y↑1

Hot damn ol’ Fred puttin’ some stank on this one. Get funky....in MESOPOTAMIA.

@TheRealTommyRock

2y↑1

"before I talk, I should read a book" lol! yes Fred, there's a lot of ruins there! always loved the girls harmonies!

@Dreamz19

10y↑7

I love this song so much! Just discovered it a few weeks ago.

@davidwak680

3y↑14

I can hear producer David Byrne's influence all over this great tune.

@dondiclemons2650

Not on this one. If you listen to Byrnes solo work then listen to the Tom Tom club you’ll know where the groves came from.

@davidwak680

3y↑1

@@dondiclemons2650 How about the intro to Angels on his solo record where he has long hair? Very similar. Also similar to early Heads like Not in Love. No, that scratchy rhythmic thing is very Byrne and I hear it on this track.

@TheLooktouch1

10y↑2

I played the album all the time and I'm not even from Detroit. Love the B-52's this brings back so many, wonderful memories. Thanx :)

@Bob-fz4es

1y↑2

The legendary Electrifying Mojo played this all the time on wgpr

@JGPT1681

9y↑34

My favorite B52s song for sure. Heavy sounds!

@bkthelegend

10y↑119

THIS WAS MY JOINT BACK IN THE DAY WHEN I WAS IN DETROIT

@leeparham2876

10y↑25

only my Detroiters know about this shit.yea us brothers listen to the b 52's in case yall didn't know

@bkthelegend

10y↑34

The Electrifying Mojo on WGPR

@multinaire

10y↑18

Dude...cruisin Belle Isle, Jefferson, and 7mile
Sweet Memories smokin' them REGULAR treez

@leeparham2876

10y↑10

dam i miss da "D"

@k.isaacking3173

7y↑9

So true #7MileForLife

17 More Replies...

@kaylawashburn5321

33w↑1

This is 10000000% better than love shack, not cutting on love shack. This just jams harder. Js ❤

@fatalcoolfatalcool

49w↑1

Cannot get enough of the harmony

@fjzucco

5y↑8

One of my favorite grooves to play on guitar--the wild crowd--live version--rocks even deeper than this!

@richardbradbyrn1209

8y↑318

Hard to imagine this stuff is over 30 years old. It really hasn't dated AT ALL.

@kathryntitus9647

8y↑16

+Richard Bradbyrn good music is so evergreen!!

@xxdrzombiexx

8y↑24

+Richard Bradbyrn Fine example of "light-years ahead of their time".

@slantsix6344

7y↑3

1982

@DontTalkLoud

6y↑10

I bet you if you gathered 1,000 Pitchfork readers and played them this song, half of them would think this came out in 2017

@zeph6439

6y↑4

Maybe in 100 000 years we'll be listening to it again ;)

14 More Replies...

@lavernetaylor9218

Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!!!🎉

@donajuan9421

5y↑5

Um a Detroit og 43 years old this was the jam back in the days all the east side ogs use to be playing this in there lowrider trucks and the dj mojo always played this on his show.

@alanheath7056

5y↑4

I use to love this in 80s took ages to Find out what I was punk mod biker hippy I was all and loved everything but B52s is my electric shot to get heart thumping

@phoebexavier7050

This is my fucking childhood. Crystallized in a B-52s song. Driving in my mom's black Nissan with the sunroof around NJ & PA.

@MrCarl0s27

12y↑1

David Byrne produced this, it sounds like a child of The Talking Heads "Cities" and the 52's "Rock Lobster" played through George Clinton's braids, this is what is called a GROOVE, young 'uns, THIS is GREAT music.

@iwrestledafeloniousoysteronce

5y↑5

The best album artwork of all time.

@ministryundertaker6662

4y↑19

This was (and always has been) my favorite B52's track. My dad introduced me to this band in his car over a decade ago when YouTube was a new thing. So that gives you a bit of a time frame. Anyway, he would always love Rock Lobster, Private Idaho and Love Shack. While all those tracks are great, he never listened to my favorite. Mesopotamia. I actually had to show him the song when I was old enough to learn how to type, and I was appalled that he had never heard it before...This will forever be my favorite B52's track. In my opinion, BETTER than Planet Claire, BETTER than Rock Lobster, BETTER than Love Shack, better than any of their tracks. There's something about this song that just hits the mind & heart differently... Such a beautiful harmony of vocals, strings and rhythm. Man... The B52's was somethin' different... <3

@juliegower3132

38w↑3

Mine too..

@antonionorwood8572

2y↑1

Glad to know I wasn't the only one that looked for this after BMF straight typed in "turn your watch back" on here once the episode went off 😂😂😂

@stevengraham1813

5y↑6

A great, great band. Impossible not to like them.

@solomanneil

3y↑5

As a history teacher. I approve of this song.

@jennifercoralie9158

11w

Amazing harmonies, singers and guitar.

@reneelemoure4170

33w↑2

This song totally rocks!

@jeffryturner2740

7y↑1

They killed it! ...just so easy... listen to that harmony. Wow we had no idea how good we had it back then. What a wonderful time machine. Much love.

@lindaoglesby4489

30w↑3

YESSSSS!!!

@diktatoralexander88

9y↑18

I am in love with this song. I really enjoy the male singers voice, ' I should read a book.'
It is so random. Which is why I like it.

@WrathchildNH

9y↑4

Diktator Alexander try monster by fred schneider

@diktatoralexander88

9y↑3

I just did. And their indeed is a monster in his pants..

@anisonroberts2445

8y↑1

+Diktator Alexander bad monster!

@erikfreitas7093

4y↑3

His vocal delivery is so humorous and distinctive — “I ain’t no STUdent ... of ANCient CULTURE!” Lol

@eyeheartsushi2212

4y↑1

Erik Freitas LOL it’s great

@alexlink1547

47w

real music real pourpose of life !! I lived this new wave !! the best wave of my life !!

@jjparrish

8y↑12

Thank you! From my first semester in college. I love the B-52's, since the New Wave invasion in 1979-1980!

@awokadzia

7y↑3

its so damn futuristic and fresh, i love this band :) i wish i could live my youth in the 80's

@mr198221

5y↑4

Just heard this on Tony Smith Presents on Studio 54 Radio. I was like 'Is that the B-52's?' How did I never hear this until 2019? This is pretty damn good!