Strange Overtones
Brian Eno & David Byrne Lyrics
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I hear your feet on the stairs
You're in the next apartment
I hear you singing over there
This groove is out of fashion
These beats are 20 years old
I saw you lend a hand to
Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
I'll harmonize
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough
Put on your socks and mittens
It's getting colder tonight
A snowball in my kitchen
I watched it melt before my eyes
Your song still needs a chorus
I know you'll figure it out
The rising of the verses
A change of key will let you out
Strange overtones though they're slightly out of fashion
I'll harmonize
I see the music in your face
That your words cannot explain
Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
We're not alone
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough
The lyrics of Brian Eno and David Byrne's "Strange Overtones" describe an intimate interaction between two neighbors, one of whom can hear the other singing from the next apartment. The song's opening lines suggest the singer's familiarity with this ritual and their connection to the other person, even though they may not know them personally. The lines "You're in the next apartment/I hear you singing over there" highlight the theme of connection and the potential for a deeper relationship based on appreciation of music.
As the song progresses, Eno and Byrne explore the idea of music as a form of communication that can transcend barriers of language and culture. The lyrics "Strange Overtones in the music you are playing/I'll harmonize" suggest a willingness to collaborate and connect with the other person's music, even if it is "slightly out of fashion." Despite the song's upbeat rhythm and positive message, the chorus emphasizes the idea that "a heart is not enough" to sustain a meaningful relationship or create a powerful work of art. Rather, it takes effort, skill, and creativity to make something truly great.
Overall, "Strange Overtones" is a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and create something beautiful. The song's lyrics offer a hopeful message about the potential for human connection, even in a world that can seem disconnected and fragmented.
Line by Line Meaning
I wake up every morning
Every day starts with a new beginning
I hear your feet on the stairs
I am aware of your presence nearby
You're in the next apartment
You live within my neighborhood
I hear you singing over there
I am captivated by your melody
This groove is out of fashion
This rhythm is outdated
These beats are 20 years old
The sound is reminiscent of a time long past
I saw you lend a hand to
I observed your altruistic act
The ones out standing in the cold
You helped those in need
Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
Unusual harmonies emerge from your compositions
I'll harmonize
I will complement your music with my voice
It is strong and you are tough
Your music is powerful and you are resilient
But a heart is not enough
Emotion alone cannot sustain you
Put on your socks and mittens
Bundle up to combat the chill
It's getting colder tonight
The temperature is dropping rapidly
A snowball in my kitchen
There is a cold, uninvited guest in my home
I watched it melt before my eyes
I witnessed the fleeting nature of life
Your song still needs a chorus
Your composition requires a catchy refrain
I know you'll figure it out
I am confident in your ability to solve this musical puzzle
The rising of the verses
The crescendo of the song's lyrics
A change of key will let you out
Transposing the music will provide a sense of release
We're not alone
Others share our experience
I see the music in your face
Your passion for music is evident in your expression
That your words cannot explain
Your music evokes feelings that cannot be conveyed through speech
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brian Peter George Eno, Leo Matthew Kevin Abrahams, David Byrne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@starzver
I wake up every morning
I hear your feet on the stairs
You're in the next apartment
I hear you singing over there
This groove is out of fashion
These beats are 20 years old
I saw you lend a hand to
The ones out standing in the cold
Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
I'll harmonize
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough
Put on your socks and mittens
It's getting colder tonight
A snowball in my kitchen
I watched it melt before my eyes
Your song still needs a chorus
I know you'll figure it out
The rising of the verses
A change of key will let you out
Strange overtones though they're slightly out of fashion
I'll harmonize
I see the music in your face
That your words cannot explain
Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
We're not alone
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough
@biglove269
The opening to this song has been the ringtone on my phone for years. One day somebody will recognize it and we'll have a great conversation. Such a great song.
@jasonvogue4487
Mine is Iām in love 10 cc
@karenka77
You are a dreamer and you are not the only one.
@miguelreyes8173
Great song.
@anthonymusto3537
Not so much a conversation as I would call you a pretentious ahole and walk away!
@milestonowhere
@Jason Vogue not in love š
@Janohiomom22
Such a haunting melody.
Davidās voice is on point!!!
Love this one so much and have played it nonstop since first finding it a week ago. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
@starzver
I wake up every morning
I hear your feet on the stairs
You're in the next apartment
I hear you singing over there
This groove is out of fashion
These beats are 20 years old
I saw you lend a hand to
The ones out standing in the cold
Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
I'll harmonize
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough
Put on your socks and mittens
It's getting colder tonight
A snowball in my kitchen
I watched it melt before my eyes
Your song still needs a chorus
I know you'll figure it out
The rising of the verses
A change of key will let you out
Strange overtones though they're slightly out of fashion
I'll harmonize
I see the music in your face
That your words cannot explain
Strange Overtones in the music you are playing
We're not alone
It is strong and you are tough
But a heart is not enough
@sh-ki8we
Iāll never forget where I was when I first heard this song. Early 20s, early morning on my way to a mundane job that I hated. Everything way grey outside to match, but this song lit everything up. For me, itās hopeful.
@Katiekay.
i love your comment,,,, I know that exact feeling. It's like when the Wizard of Oz goes from b&w to color... I hope things flourished for you. Sending good vibes xoxo