Psycho Killer
Talking Heads/Fatboy Slim Lyrics
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I'm tense and nervous and I can't relax
I can't sleep 'cause my bed's on fire
Don't touch me, I'm a real live wire
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away, oh, oh, oh, oh
Ay-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya, ooh
You start a conversation, you can't even finish it
You're talking a lot, but you're not saying anything
When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed
Say something once, why say it again?
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away, oh-oh-oh
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away, oh, oh, oh, oh
Ay-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Ce que j'ai fait, ce soir-là
Ce qu'elle a dit, ce soir-là
Réalisant mon espoir
Je me lance vers la gloire, okay
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
We are vain and we are blind
I hate people when they're not polite
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away, oh-oh-oh
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away, oh, oh, oh, oh
Ai-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya, ooh
The lyrics of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" reveal the inner turmoil of someone suffering from a severe anxiety disorder. The singer is experiencing significant psychological distress and feels tense, nervous, and uncomfortable in their own skin. Unable to sleep, they describe their bed as being "on fire," indicating that they feel trapped and overwhelmed by their own anxiety.
The chorus features the phrase, "Psycho Killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?", which translates to "Psycho Killer, what is it?" This phrase is designed to provoke a sense of unease in the listener and makes them question the actions of the singer. The singer is struggling to communicate effectively, falling back on phrases like "fa-fa-fa-fa" and "run away" to get their point across.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on their own behavior and the futility of their quest for validation. They describe their attempts to achieve fame and glory ("Je me lance vers la gloire") and touch on the themes of vanity and blindness. The repeated refrain of "I hate people when they're not polite" highlights the singer's frustration with the social expectations that contribute to their anxiety.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't seem to face up to the facts
I am trying to avoid or deny the truth about something
I'm tense and nervous and I can't relax
I am feeling anxious and unable to calm down
I can't sleep 'cause my bed's on fire
I am experiencing intense emotions, like fear or anger, that are disrupting my ability to rest
Don't touch me, I'm a real live wire
I am overwhelmed and on edge, so please don't aggravate me further
You start a conversation, you can't even finish it
You initiate a discussion, but then fail to see it through to completion
You're talking a lot, but you're not saying anything
You are being verbose without providing any meaningful information
When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed
I prefer to remain silent when I have nothing of substance to contribute
Say something once, why say it again?
Why repeat something that has already been said?
Ce que j'ai fait, ce soir-là
What I did that evening
Ce qu'elle a dit, ce soir-là
What she said that evening
Réalisant mon espoir
Realizing my hope
Je me lance vers la gloire, okay
I am pursuing glory for myself
We are vain and we are blind
As humans, we are self-centered and often oblivious to our shortcomings
I hate people when they're not polite
I become hostile toward others who are impolite or discourteous
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better
Run, run, run, run, run, run, run away, oh-oh-oh
I am a dangerous individual, so you'd better flee from me as fast as you can
Ai-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya, ooh
Expressing emotions or stress through vocalization
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind