In December 2007, David Byrne announced on the BBC Radio music show, The Weekender, that he was working Brian Eno on a brand new album of "proper songs", describing it as a "completely different thing" from My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, which was mostly experimental. Eno had invited Byrne to finish some songs that he had written but that did not have lyrics, some of which were eight years old. The resulting album, Everything That Happens will Happen Today, was self-released on August 18, 2008 through the official album's website. No record label was involved, and it available for stream or download at EverythingThatHappens.com.
America Is Waiting
Brian Eno & David Byrne Lyrics
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Takin' it again. Again! Again! Takin' it again.
Well now... no, no... now, we ought to be mad at the government not mad at the people.
Takin' it again. Again! Again! Takin' it again.
I mean, yeah, well... wha... what're you gonna do?
America is waiting for a message of some sort or another.
No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever! Absolutely no integrity.
No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever!
I haven't seen any any any citizen over there stand up and say "hey, just a second."
No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever! i mean, yeah, so... wha... what're you gonna do?
America is waiting for a message of some sort or another.
The lyrics to Brian Eno and David Byrne's song America Is Waiting are an incisive commentary on the political state of the United States. The repeated phrase 'America is waiting for a message of some sort or another' highlights the waiting game that the American people are playing with their government. They are waiting for some kind of message, a sign that their government is paying attention to them, but nothing is forthcoming. The repetition of the phrase 'Takin' it again. Again! Again! Takin' it again.' emphasises the frustration and powerlessness that people feel, as if they are trapped in a cycle of constantly waiting for things to change but nothing ever does.
The next section of the song is a critique of the government itself. Phrases like 'No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever! Absolutely no honor' and 'No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever! Absolutely no integrity' cast doubt on the motives of those in power. The final lines, 'I haven't seen any any any citizen over there stand up and say "hey, just a second."' suggest that people are not speaking out against the government, despite their awareness of its shortcomings.
Overall, the song reflects the disillusionment and frustration of the American people with their government. They feel like they are trapped in a cycle of waiting and are powerless to effect change.
Line by Line Meaning
America is waiting for a message of some sort or another.
The people of America are eagerly anticipating any kind of message or communication, hoping for some direction or guidance.
Takin' it again. Again! Again! Takin' it again.
This line repeats to emphasize frustration and being stuck in a cycle of repetition, feeling like nothing is changing or improving.
Well now... no, no... now, we ought to be mad at the government not mad at the people.
Instead of turning anger towards fellow citizens, we should direct it towards the government as they are the ones with power and responsibility to bring change.
No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever! Absolutely no honor.
This line conveys a sense of hopelessness regarding the lack of motivation or commitment to do the right thing or act with integrity, ultimately resulting in a lack of trust in those in power.
No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever! Absolutely no integrity.
Again, the repetition and emphasis on the lack of will and integrity reinforces the message of hopelessness and mistrust towards those in positions of authority.
No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever!
Yet another line that emphasizes the absence of any will or drive towards changing the status quo.
I haven't seen any any any citizen over there stand up and say "hey, just a second."
This line reflects on the lack of courage or confidence in the citizens to speak up against the government or question their actions and decisions.
No will whatsoever. No will whatsoever! i mean, yeah, so... wha... what're you gonna do?
The repeated line again stresses the lack of motivation and direction, expressing a feeling of helplessness and questioning what can be done to change the current state of affairs.
America is waiting for a message of some sort or another.
The song returns to its opening line, reemphasizing the people's eagerness and anticipation for any kind of guidance or sign of hope.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BYRNE, BRIAN ENO, BILL O LASWELL, TIMOTHY WRIGHT, DAVID VAN TIEGHEM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind