Psycho Killer
james! Lyrics


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I can't seem to face up to the facts
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 far better
Run run run run run run run away
Psycho Killer, qu'est-ce que c'est
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away

You start a conversation you can't even finish it
You're talkin' a lot, but you're not sayin' 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 far better
Run run run run run run run away
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away

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 OK
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 far better
Run run run run run run run away
Psycho Killer, qu'est-ce que c'est




Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Run run run run run run run away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads are a mix of French and English, contributing to its unique and eclectic style. The song is narrated by someone who is paranoid, fearful, and on the verge of a breakdown. The opening lines suggest that the singer cannot face his problems or calm down, leading to increased tension and anxiety. The reference to a "bed on fire" is a metaphor for his frenzied state, while the line "Don't touch me, I'm a real live wire" indicates the singer's distress and the danger he poses to others.


The chorus of the song, "Psycho Killer, qu'est-ce que c'est", is sung in French, and can be translated to "Psycho Killer, what is this?" The repetition of "run run run away" in the chorus suggests a flight response to danger, mirroring the unstable state of the singer. The third verse mixes French and English and speaks about the singer's desire for glory and his contempt for the "vain" and "blind" people around him.


Overall, "Psycho Killer" is a haunting and memorable song that explores themes of paranoia, fear, and violence through its unique mix of languages and music style.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't seem to face up to the facts
I have trouble accepting reality


I'm tense and nervous and I can't relax
I am constantly on edge


I can't sleep cause my bed's on fire
My mind is racing too much for me to rest


Don't touch me I'm a real live wire
I am highly strung and easily agitated


Psycho Killer, qu'est-ce que c'est
Who am I? What am I capable of?


Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better
Sometimes it's easier to just make noise


Run run run run run run run away
Escape is sometimes the only option


You start a conversation you can't even finish it
You talk a lot but don't really say anything


You're talkin' a lot, but you're not sayin' anything
Chit-chat is pointless and boring


When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed
Silence is golden


Say something once, why say it again?
Repetition is tedious


Ce que j'ai fait, ce soir-là
What have I done?


Ce qu'elle a dit, ce soir-là
What did she say?


Réalisant mon espoir
My hopes are becoming a reality


Je me lance, vers la gloire OK
I am heading for success


We are vain and we are blind
We are all self-obsessed and short-sighted


I hate people when they're not polite
Bad manners are irritating




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, Chris Franz

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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