Road to Nowhere
KITCHEN - Talking Heads Lyrics

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Well we know where we're going
But we don't know where we've been
And we know what we're knowing
But we can't say what we've seen
And we're not little children
And we know what we want
And the future is certain
Give us time to work it out

Yeah

We're on a road to nowhere
Come on inside
Taking that ride to nowhere
We'll take that ride
I'm feeling okay this morning
And you know
We're on a road to paradise
Here we go, here we go

We're on a ride to nowhere
Come on inside
Taking that ride to nowhere
We'll take that ride
Maybe you wonder where you are
I don't care
Here is where time is on our side
Take you there, take you there

We're on a road to nowhere (ha, ha)
We're on a road to nowhere (ha, ha)
We're on a road to nowhere (ha, ha, woo)

There's a city in my mind
Come along and take that ride
And it's alright, baby, it's all right
And it's very far away
But it's growing day by day and it's all right
Baby, it's all right
Would you like to come along
You can help me sing the song
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
They can tell you what to do
But they'll make a fool of you
And it's all right, baby, it's all right

There's a city in my mind
Come along and take that ride
And it's alright, baby, it's all right
And it's very far away
But it's growing day by day and it's all right
Baby, it's all right, yeah
Would you like to come along
You can help me sing the song
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
They can tell you what to do
But they'll make a fool of you and it's all right
Baby, it's all right

We're on a road to nowhere (hey)
We're on a road to nowhere (ha)
We're on a road to nowhere (ha, ha)

We're on a road to nowhere

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Road to Nowhere" by Talking Heads convey a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity, highlighting the human struggle to make sense of life's journey. The opening lines express a paradoxical state of knowing and not knowing. While the individuals in the song have an idea of their destination, they are unsure of where they have come from. They possess knowledge and understanding, but they cannot articulate what they have actually witnessed. It suggests that even though we may have goals and plans, our past experiences and origins remain somewhat elusive.

The chorus, "We're on a road to nowhere," emphasizes the existential questioning and confusion. It portrays a sense of aimlessness and the futility of searching for a concrete purpose. The invitation to "come on inside" and "taking that ride to nowhere" suggests surrendering to the uncertainty and finding solace in the journey itself. The repetition of "it's all right" throughout the song creates a reassuring mantra, acknowledging that despite the confusion and lack of direction, everything will ultimately be okay.

The mention of a "city in my mind" represents a symbolic destination or a mental construct as the ultimate goal. It embodies the notion of finding peace and fulfillment internally rather than relying on external circumstances. The idea of this city growing day by day signifies personal growth and the exploration of one's own thoughts and emotions.

Overall, "Road to Nowhere" is a contemplative and introspective song that explores the human struggle to make sense of life's journey, finding solace in the journey itself, and seeking fulfillment within.

Line by Line Meaning

Well we know where we're going
We have a sense of direction and purpose

But we don't know where we've been
But we're unsure of our past experiences and how they have shaped us

And we know what we're knowing
And we are aware of what we currently understand

But we can't say what we've seen
But we struggle to articulate what we have witnessed

And we're not little children
And we are not naive or inexperienced

And we know what we want
And we have a clear idea of our desires

And the future is certain
And we are confident in the direction we are heading

Give us time to work it out
We just need time to figure it all out

Yeah
Expressing agreement and affirmation

We're on a road to nowhere
We are traveling towards an unknown destination

Come on inside
Join us on this journey

Taking that ride to nowhere
Embarking on a journey with no specific destination

We'll take that ride
We are committed to undertaking this journey

I'm feeling okay this morning
I am currently feeling content and satisfied

And you know
And you are aware

We're on a road to paradise
We are heading towards a state of bliss or happiness

Here we go, here we go
We are ready to embark on this journey

Maybe you wonder where you are
Perhaps you are curious about your current location

I don't care
But I am indifferent to it

Here is where time is on our side
This is where we have plenty of time at our disposal

Take you there, take you there
Let us transport you to that place

There's a city in my mind
There exists a vivid and imaginative city within my thoughts

Come along and take that ride
Join me and experience that journey

And it's alright, baby, it's all right
And everything is fine, my dear, it's perfectly fine

And it's very far away
And it is distant

But it's growing day by day and it's all right
But it is gradually progressing and that's perfectly fine

Would you like to come along
Would you be interested in joining me?

You can help me sing the song
You can assist me in singing this melody

They can tell you what to do
Others may advise you on your actions

But they'll make a fool of you
But they will make you look foolish

And it's all right, baby, it's all right
But don't worry, my dear, it's all acceptable

We're on a road to nowhere (ha, ha)
We are journeying towards an undefined destination with lightheartedness

There's a city in my mind
There is an imaginative city within my thoughts

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chris Frantz, David Byrne, Jerry Harrison, Tina Weymouth

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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joey garcia

51w↑2

never heard about this band but by pure coincidence I have crashed head on to a powerhouse of pure, raw genious talent. may God bless you with many years of music making. you guys are the best I've seen in the last 20 years of my life. beautifully played.