After the three founding members originally met in high school, a bassist and a drummer were found, and they all moved to a house in Silver Lake in 2008 to record their album. Their debut album as Local Natives, "Gorilla Manor", was released in the UK on November 2nd, 2009, and saw a US release date of February 16th, 2010. The band's sound has been described as "afropop-influenced guitars with hyperactive drumming and hooky three-part harmonies". They started to attract the attention of the music press after playing nine shows at the 2009 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Initial reviews of Local Natives have drawn favourable comparisons to Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend.
Utilizing lots of vocal harmonies and drifting, dreamlike melodies, Local Natives have an intricate sound based around the delicate interconnectedness of all of their parts. This gives the band a sound that is able to be orchestral while still feeling understated, evoking the carefully assembled pop of Grizzly Bear. Their debut, Gorilla Manor, arrived in 2009 through U.K. label Infectious Records (with a domestic release coming by way of Frenchkiss in 2010). In 2011, Andy Hamm left Local Natives, leaving them to continue on as a quartet. In 2013, the band returned with its sophomore album, Hummingbird, featuring the single "Breakers".
Official website: http://www.localnatives.com
Warning
Local Natives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Warning sign
I hear it, but I pay no mind
Hear my voice
Hear my voice
It's saying something
It's not very nice
Pay attention
Pay attention
I'm talking to you
And I hope you're concentrating
I've got money now
I've got money now
C'mon baby
C'mon baby
Warning sign of things to come
Happened before, it'll happen again
Hear my voice
Move my hair
Move it around a lot
I don't care what I remember
Warning sign
Warning sign
Look at my hair
I like the design
It's the truth
It's the truth
Your glassy eyes
And your open mouth
Take it easy, baby
Take it easy
It's a natural thing
So relax
I've got money now
I've got money now
C'mon baby
C'mon baby
Warning sign of things to come
Love is here, but I guess it's gone now
Warning sign of things to come
Love is here, but I guess it's gone now
Hear my voice
Move my hair
Move it around a lot
The lyrics to Local Natives' "Warning" hint at the complications and anxieties that can arise in relationships. The song presents a series of warnings, both external and internal, that are ignored or pushed aside. The first warning is a signal of a potential danger or problem, but it is not taken seriously. Then, the singer warns the listener to pay attention and concentrate, suggesting that they are not focused on the issue at hand. The chorus repeats the idea that the warning signs are indicating something bad that has happened before and is likely to happen again.
In the following verse, the singer seems to be speaking to their partner, telling them to relax and take things easy. The repetition of "I've got money now" could be interpreted as a warning sign in itself, as if someone's newfound wealth could lead to relationship problems. However, the chorus again reminds the listener that love is here but may be gone just as quickly, heightening the tension and uncertainty.
The repeated line "hear my voice, move my hair" could be interpreted as an attempt to get the listener's attention physically or emotionally, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the warning signs before it's too late. Overall, the song presents a feeling of foreboding and unease, with the warning signs being ignored or dismissed until it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Warning sign
The singer recognizes the warning of something negative to come.
Warning sign
The warning sign is repeated to emphasize its importance.
I hear it, but I pay no mind
The singer acknowledges the warning but chooses to ignore it.
Hear my voice
The artist wants to be heard and understood.
Hear my voice
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the artist's request for attention.
It's saying something
The singer's voice has a message that needs to be heard and understood.
It's not very nice
The message conveyed by the singer's voice is unpleasant.
Pay attention
The artist is demanding the listener's focus and concentration.
Pay attention
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the artist's demand for attention.
I'm talking to you
The artist is addressing the listener directly.
And I hope you're concentrating
The singer wants the listener to focus and understand their message.
I've got money now
The artist has financial resources and the confidence that comes with them.
I've got money now
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the singer's newfound financial security.
C'mon baby
The singer is encouraging the listener to take action or make a decision.
C'mon baby
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the singer's urging.
Warning sign of things to come
The artist recognizes that the present situation is an indicator of future negative events.
Happened before, it'll happen again
The artist is recognizing a pattern of negative events and assumes that it will repeat in the future.
Look at my hair
The singer is drawing attention to their appearance.
I like the design
The singer is expressing their personal preference or style.
It's the truth
The artist is claiming their statement to be factual or honest.
Your glassy eyes
The artist is describing the listener with a particular physical attribute.
And your open mouth
The artist is describing the listener with a particular physical attribute.
Take it easy, baby
The singer is calming or reassuring the listener.
Take it easy
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the artist's calming intent.
It's a natural thing
The singer is suggesting that the listener's behavior or feelings are normal and acceptable.
So relax
The singer is urging the listener to calm down or not worry.
Love is here, but I guess it's gone now
The singer acknowledges that love was present at some point but is no longer.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BYRNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacob Carpenter
I love how local natives have a very nice quiet sound and then can burst out into a badass drum solo
LucidDream
I love the Talking Heads, but I think this is an outstanding cover...I've really gotten into Local Natives lately and I think they a solid band. Love everything I've heard so far...
johnnyscifi
The harmonies make this cover beautiful!!
Bruce McWilliams
They've added beautiful harmonies to one of David Byrne's less melodic vocal lines in a way that breathes new life into an already excellent piece of music
En el nido (Nest)
I'm very glad they kept the great bass lines.
Hanako-Chan
They are a solid band. And I too love everything I've heard from them. Thanks for the comment and God bless you!
Aron Lewis
such a rare talent these guys have. an especially underrated group
Frank Fields
I like this song and I dont mind people thinking its better than the original. But what really annoys me is when people don't realise its a cover
Dblaze09
Great cover can't wait for their second album.
Ram Sandwich
Loving the percussion in this song.