Language Is a Virus
Laurie Anderson Lyrics

Paradise
A place or state of great happiness or satisfaction.

Is exactly like
Is identical to.

Where you are right now
The current state of being.

Only much much better.
Paradise is more perfect and joyful than the current state.

I saw this guy on the train
Observation of an individual.

And he seemed to gave gotten stuck
The individual appeared to be trapped in a particular state of consciousness.

In one of those abstract trances.
A state of altered or limited awareness detached from reality.

And he was going: Ugh...Ugh...Ugh...
The individual was uttering a cry or noise of pain.

And Fred said: I think he's in some kind of pain. I think it's a pain cry.
Implication that the individual is experiencing physical pain.

And I said: Pain cry?
Questioning what a pain cry means or entails.

Then language is a virus.
A metaphorical statement that the use of speech creates or infects individuals with limitations or harmful influences.

Language!
Emphatic declaration of the subject matter of the song.

It's a virus!
Reiterating the metaphor that language infects or harms individuals.

Well I was talking to a friend
Personal anecdote and dialogue between individuals.

And I was saying: I wanted you.
Expressing the desire or need for another person.

And I was looking for you.
Attempting to locate or find another person.

But I couldn't find you.
Unable to locate or find another person.

He said: Hey!
Acknowledge attention from the other person in dialogue.

Are you talking to me?
Questioning which person is being addressed in the conversation.

Or are you just practicing
Implication that the person is rehearsing or preparing for a performance.

For one of those performances of yours?
Asking if the person is rehearsing for a specific show or event.

Huh?
Interjection of confusion or misunderstanding.

He said: I had to write that letter to your mother.
Dialogue of an individual detailing their responsibility or obligation.

And I had to tell the judge that it was you.
Detailing an individual's admission of something on behalf of someone else.

And I had to sell the car and go to Florida.
The individual's actions or decisions to demonstrate affection for someone else.

Because that's just my way of saying
Clarifying the reason or method of their actions as an expression of emotion.

(It's a charm.)
Adding clarification to the previous line framing it as if it is a charm.

That I love you.
Expressing dedication or affection for the other person in the dialogue.

And I (It's a job.)
Individual clarifying that their actions were undertaken out of obligation, like a job.

Had to call you at the crack of dawn (Why?)
Detailing a specific task or responsibility that had to be done at the earliest possible time.

And list the times that I've been wrong.
Detailing an individual's actions and accountability for their past mistakes.

Cause that's just my way of saying
Reiterating that these actions are expressions of an underlying emotion or affection.

That I'm sorry. (It's a job.)
The purpose or motivation behind the admission of fault is out of duty or obligation like a job.

You know?
Asking for confirmation or agreement from the other person in the dialogue.

I don't believe there's such a thing as TV.
Making a statement about the nature of television or skepticism about its existence or nature.

I mean - They just keep showing you
Continuation of the previous line.

The same pictures over and over.
Making a statement about the nature of the media that is repetitive and predictable.

And when they talk they just make sounds
Making a statement about the superficial nature of dialogue and monologues.

That more or less synch up
Making a statement about the fake consistency and lack of originality in all aspects of the media industry.

With their lips.
Clarifying where the sounds originate from.

That's what I think!
Assertion that the artist's point of view is trustworthy and accurately describes reality.

Well I dreamed there was an island
Narrating a dream sequence.

That rose up from the sea.
Describing the landscape of an imaginary place.

And everybody on the island
Description of the inhabitants of this imaginary location.

Was somebody from TV.
Indication that characters from the television media were present in this imaginary location.

And there was a beautiful view
Description of the aesthetic aspects of the location.

But nobody could see.
Indication that the characters could not appreciate the beauty of their location.

Cause everybody on the island
Explaining why no one could appreciate the view.

Was saying: Look at me! Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!
All attention is directed towards themselves and their own self-fulfillment, creating a deep sense of narcissism.

Why?
Questioning the reason behind this behavior.