Talking to the Universe
Yoko Ono Lyrics


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Hey, Yoko, imagine a grapefruit and squeeze it on me
Ah

You say mustn't do this and that
You say can't do this and that
While you're losing your pants in a bullet proof car
Losing your hair in a downtown bar
Forget it, just forget it
It's the curse, you're my curse, it could be worse

I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe, ooh, listen

You say mustn't have this and that
You say can't have this and that
While you're losing your apple and squeezing our balls
Losing your mind and crawling up the walls
Forget it, just forget it
It's the curse, you're my curse, it could be worse

I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe, ooh
I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe, ooh, listen

Ooh, yeah, do you wanna touch me? Oh yeah
Do you wanna break your mind, boy?

You're a dildo, I'm a whore
I'm a Barbie, you're a whore
Living in a glass house, having fun
Lying in a glass house watching the sun
Forget it, just forget it
It's the curse, you are my curse, it could be worse

I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe
I'm just talking to the universe

Ooh




Ooh
Ooh

Overall Meaning

The song "Talking to the Universe" by Yoko Ono is a playful and somewhat nonsensical conversation. The opening lines, "Hey, Yoko, imagine a grapefruit and squeeze it on me" sets a surreal and dreamlike tone. The next lines address some imagined restrictions and frustrations that Yoko faces from others, such as "You say mustn't do this and that / You say can't do this and that."


The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm just talking to the universe" as a way of expressing a desire for freedom and a sense of having a larger purpose beyond the limitations imposed by others. The nonsensical and absurdist imagery in the lyrics seems to reflect a desire to break free from conventional ways of thinking and to explore new possibilities.


The song also includes a playful use of language, with puns and wordplay throughout. For example, the line "Losing your apple and squeezing our balls" is a play on the idiom "losing your marbles." Overall, the song creates a sense of whimsy and freedom, encouraging the listener to let go of constraints and embrace the possibilities of the universe.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey, Yoko, imagine a grapefruit and squeeze it on me
Addressing Yoko Ono to use her imagination and squeeze a grapefruit on the singer as an act of expression and communication with the universe.


You say mustn't do this and that
Yoko Ono prohibits certain actions, indicating limitations and restrictions in life.


You say can't do this and that
Yoko Ono imposes more restrictions on actions the singer cannot take, hence limiting their freedom.


While you're losing your pants in a bullet proof car
Yoko's actions seem contradictory, acting protective in a bulletproof car, but losing her pants - a sign of instability.


Losing your hair in a downtown bar
Yoko is losing control of her life with her hair falling out in public, indicating a lack of control and chaos.


Forget it, just forget it
The singer suggests ignoring Yoko's restrictive ideals and limitations, implying that they are burdensome and of little benefit.


It's the curse, you're my curse, it could be worse
Acknowledging their reliance on Yoko, the singer expresses that the situation is not ideal but could be worse as well.


I'm just talking to the universe
The artist shares that they are only trying to converse and seek guidance from the universe which may offer solutions and insight.


Ooh, listen
The artist urges the audience to pay attention to their words and take note of the message conveyed in the song.


While you're losing your apple and squeezing our balls
Continuing the contradiction in Yoko's actions, she is losing control with a damaged apple while causing pain to someone else, again indicating a sense of instability and chaos in her life.


Losing your mind and crawling up the walls
Yoko is struggling and losing the battle with their sanity, as well as expressing frustration and anxiety through their actions.


Ooh, yeah, do you wanna touch me? Oh yeah
The artist poses a question, perhaps to the universe or audience, with a sense of urgency and excitement in their tone, implying the eagerness to seek contact with the universe.


Do you wanna break your mind, boy?
Further questioning the listener's intentions, the singer asks if they are willing to take risks and break the barriers set in their mind.


You're a dildo, I'm a whore
Using provocative language, the singer and Yoko use terms with a negative connotation, implying that they are objects of pleasure and exploitation, respectively.


I'm a Barbie, you're a whore
Continuing to objectify and degrade themselves, the singer and Yoko undermine their own self-worth and gender stereotypes by referring to themselves as a toy and a sex worker.


Living in a glass house, having fun
The artist and Yoko are living in a vulnerable and exposed state, but still having a good time and enjoying life despite outside opinions.


Lying in a glass house watching the sun
Finally, they speak of relaxation and joy, lying in the glass house and enjoying the beauty of watching the sunlight.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: YOKO ONO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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