Road to Nowhere
by Talking Heads
What is “Road to Nowhere” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Talking Heads' 'Road to Nowhere' captures a sense of existential journeying without a clear destination, embracing the uncertainty and absurdity of life with a kind of cheerful nihilism.
So… what’s this song really about?
In 'Road to Nowhere,' Talking Heads offer an audacious yet whimsical reflection on the uncertainties of life. The repetitive refrains and upbeat, marching rhythm evoke feelings of a continuous yet directionless journey. The perpetual motion alluded to in the lyric suggests an existential undertone, where the road symbolizes life's inevitable march forward, despite not knowing where it leads. This theme is juxtaposed against a lively musical arrangement, creating a poignant contrast between the song's existential concerns and its upbeat delivery.
The song's bridge offers a temporary escape, inviting listeners to a 'city in my mind'—a metaphor for an idealistic or imaginative refuge where everything is 'all right.' This part of the song invites reflection on how individuals might mentally construct places or scenarios as coping mechanisms for life's unpredictability. Additionally, the lyrics hint at an anti-authoritarian sentiment, cautioning against blindly following others' directions that might lead to personal ridicule or loss of authentic self-expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What genre is 'Road to Nowhere' by Talking Heads?
It is typically classified as rock, with elements of new wave.
Q: When was 'Road to Nowhere' by Talking Heads released?
The song was released in 1985.
Lyrics to “Road to Nowhere”
44 ContributorsRoad to Nowhere Lyrics
[Chorus]
We're on a road to nowhere (Ha! Ha!)
We're on a road to nowhere (Ha! Ha!)
We're on a road to nowhere (Ha! Ha! Woo!)
[Bridge]
There's a city in my mind
Come along and take that ride
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
And it's very far away
But it's growin' day by day
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
Would you like to come along?
You can help me sing the song
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
They can tell you what to do
But they'll make a fool of you
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
There's a city in my mind
Come along and take that ride
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
And it's very far away
But it's growin' day by day
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
Would you like to come along?
You can help me sing the song
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
They can tell you what to do
But they'll make a fool of you
And it's all right, baby, it's all right
[Chorus]
We're on a road to nowhere (Hey!)
We're on a road to nowhere (Hey!)
We're on a road to nowhere (Hey! Hey!)
We're on a road to nowhere