Private Idaho
The B-52’s Lyrics

Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo
Introductory line, conveying the sense of something intriguing and mysterious taking place.

You're living in your own Private Idaho
Addressing the listener, suggesting that they are living in a self-created reality that is distinct and separate from the outside world.

Living in your own Private Idaho Underground like a wild potato
Comparing the listener's isolation to that of a wild potato buried deep underground, emphasizing the sense of being ostracized from society.

Don't go on the patio Beware of the pool Blue bottomless pool It leads you straight, right through the gate That opens on the pool
Warning the listener to avoid the dangers of their self-imposed isolation, with particular emphasis on staying away from the pool as it is both alluring and dangerous at the same time.

Keep off the path, beware of the gate Watch out for signs that say "hidden driveways" Don't let the chlorine in your eyes Blind you to the awful surprise That's been waitin' for you at The bottom of the bottomless blue, blue, blue pool
Further warning the listener about the hazards of their self-isolation, instructing them to avoid the path and gate, watch for warning signs, and not be distracted by the allure of the pool, which holds an unpleasant surprise.

You're livin' in your own Private Idaho, Idaho You're out of control, the rivers that roll You fell into the water and down to Idaho Get out of that state Get out of the state you're in You better beware
Reinforcing the theme of danger, with the listener being portrayed as being swept away by the currents of their own isolation, falling into the water that is their reality, and being urged to get out of that state and be wary of the dangers.

The lawn may be green but you better not be seen Walkin' through a gate that leads you down Down to a pool fraught with danger It's a pool full of strangers
Continuing the theme of warning, stating that even though the outside world may offer an alluring facade, the listener is better off staying hidden and avoiding the danger that awaits them beyond the gate, including unfriendly strangers.

Hey, you're living in your own Private Idaho Where do I go from here to a better state than this?
Returning to the theme of self-isolation, with the singer reaching out to the listener to suggest that there is a better way of life beyond their current situation.

Don't be blind to the big surprise Swimming round and round like the deadly hand Of a radium clock At the bottom Of the pool
A final warning to the listener to be aware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface, with a vivid metaphor about the insidious nature of the pool and the toll it can take on one's health and well-being.

I-I-I-daho I-I-I-daho Woah-oh, woah-oh, woah-oh, oh Ah, ah, ah, ah Ah, ah, ah, ah Get out of that state Get out of that state You're living in your own Private Idaho Livin' in your own Private Idaho
Repeating the refrain to emphasize the urgency of the message, with the singer pleading with the listener to break out of their self-imposed isolation and find a better state of being.