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Then: The Earlier Years

by They Might Be Giants

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samhainian
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samhainian The Essential TMBG Collection: combining The Pink Album, Lincoln, Misc. T and more, Then: The Earlier Years is *the* way to listen to TMBG's early years.
showhornwithteeth
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showhornwithteeth I absolutely love early Tmbg. From their demos to their studio albums. I think that this compilation is perfect to get a taste of both. Tmbg has a unique flavor of music that manages to incorporate alternative pop rock with avant-garde post punk elements. Should you get this? Yes!
Travis White
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Travis White one of the first CDs I bought from them back when this released. this solidified my love of this band. a great collection of songs and the sheer number of tracks makes this a must have to your collection. Favorite track: The World's Address.
buttonerase
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buttonerase Amazing collection of music along with some interesting B-Sides
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1.
Everything right is wrong again Just like in The Long, Long Trailer All the dishes got broken and the car kept driving And nobody would stop to save her Wake me when it's over, touch my face Tell me every word has been erased Don't you want to know the reason Why the cupboard's not appealing Don't you get the feeling that Everything that's right is wrong again You're a weasel overcome with dinge Weasel overcome but not before the damage done The healing doesn't stop the feeling Everything right is wrong again Just like in The Long, Long Trailer All the dishes got broken and the car kept driving And nobody would stop to save her And now the song is over now And now the song is over now And now the song is over now The song is over now Everything right is wrong again Every movement false, every four is waltz again Every five and dime's been gained and spent Tell me that you like my float upstream Draw the line dividing laugh and scream You know everything that I know so I know You've heard the voice that makes the silent noise That says that Everything that's right is wrong again You're a weasel overcome with dinge Weasel overcome but not before the damage done The healing doesn't stop the feeling Everything right is wrong again Just like in The Long, Long Trailer All the dishes got broken and the car kept driving And nobody would stop to save her And now the song is over now And now the song is over now And now the song is over now The song is over now
2.
As your body floats down Third Street With the burn-smell factory closing up Yes it's sad to say you will romanticize All the things you've known before It was not not not so great It was not not not so great And as you take a bath in that beaten path There's a pounding at the door Well it's a mighty zombie talking of some love and posterity He says "The good old days never say good-bye If you keep this in your mind: You need some lo-lo-loving arms You need some lo-lo-loving arms" And as you fall from grace the only words you say are: Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside Put your hand inside Put your hand inside the puppet head Ads up in the subway are the work of someone Trying to please their boss And though the guy's a pig we all know what he wants Is just to please somebody else If the pu-pu-puppet head Was only bu-bu-busted in It'd be a better thing for everyone involved And we wouldn't have to cry Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside Put your hand inside Put your hand inside the puppet head Memo to myself: Do the dumb things I gotta do Touch the puppet head Quit my job down at the carwash Didn't have to write no one a goodbye note That said, "The check's in the mail, and I'll see you in church, and don't you ever change" If the pu-pu-puppet head Was only bu-bu-busted in I'll see you after school Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside Put your hand inside Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside the puppet head Put your hand inside Put your hand inside Put your hand inside the puppet head
3.
Number Three 01:27
There's only two songs in me and I just wrote the third Don't know where I got the inspiration or how I wrote the words Spent my whole life just digging up my music's shallow grave For the two songs in me and the third one I just made A rich man once told me, "Hey, life's a funny thing" A poor man once told me that he can't afford to speak Now I'm in the middle like a bird without a beak 'Cause there's just two songs in me and I just wrote the third Don't know where I got the inspiration or how I wrote the words Spent my whole life just digging up my music's shallow grave For the two songs in me and the third one I just made So I went to the President, and I asked old what's-his-name Has he ever gotten writer's block, or something like the same He just started talking like he was on TV "If there's just two songs in ya, boy, whaddaya want from me?" So I bought myself some denim pants and a silver guitar But I politely told the ladies, "You'll still have to call me Sir Because I have to keep my self-respect - I'll never be a star Since there's just two songs in me, and this is Number Three"
4.
Don't don't don't let's start This is the worst part Could believe for all the world That you're my precious little girl But don't don't don't let's start I've got a weak heart And I don't get around how you get around When you are alone you are the cat, you are the phone You are an animal The words I'm singing now Mean nothing more than meow to an animal Wake up and smell the cat food in your bank account But don't try to stop the tail that wags the hound D, world destruction Over and overture N, do I need Apostrophe T, need this torture? Don't don't don't let's start This is the worst part Could believe for all the world That you're my precious little girl But don't don't don't let's start I've got a weak heart And I don't get around how you get around No one in the world ever gets what they want and that is beautiful Everybody dies frustrated and sad and that is beautiful They want what they're not and I wish they would stop saying, Deputy dog dog a ding dang depadepa Deputy dog dog a ding dang depadepa D, world destruction Over and overture N, do I need Apostrophe T, need this torture? Don't don't don't let's start This is the worst part Could believe for all the world That you're my precious little girl But don't don't don't let's start I've got a weak heart And I don't get around how you get around I don't want to live in this world anymore I don't want to live in this world Don't don't don't let's start This is the worst part Could believe for all the world That you're my precious little girl But don't don't don't let's start I've got a weak heart And I don't get around how you get around
5.
Hide away, folk family Or else someone's gonna get ya (someone's gonna get ya) Someone's gonna get ya Hide away, folk family Better hide away Better hide away Tippy toe to the front door, Mother 'Cause there's a guy with a long, long fuse And the one thing you can't hide Is all the fear you feel inside As the fuse is spelling out these words Hide away, folk family Or else someone's gonna get ya (someone's gonna get ya) Someone's gonna get ya Hide away, folk family Better hide away Better hide away Tippy toe to the flatbed, Father Because they're pouring out our gasoline And sadly the cross-eyed bear's Been put to sleep behind the stairs (sadly) And his shoes are laced with irony Hide away, folk family Or else someone's gonna get ya (someone's gonna get ya) Someone's gonna get ya Hide away, folk family Better hide away Better hide away "Hello, this is Lesley Down with the Daily Home Astrology Report: Taurus, contemplate domestic turmoil Aquarius, abandon hope for future plans..." Hide away, folk family Or else someone's gonna get ya (someone's gonna get ya) Someone's gonna get ya Hide away, folk family Better hide away Better hide away (Hide away) Hide away (Folk family) Folk family (Or else someone's gonna get ya) Someone's gonna get ya Hide away Hide away [fake backwards singing]
6.
32 Footsteps 01:36
32 footsteps leading to the room where the paint doesn't want to dry 32 footsteps running down the road where the dirt reaches the sky 32 feathers in my brand new Indian headdress 32 new moons shining in 32 skies What's the reason? Why'd she go? Where's my baby? I don't know 32 footsteps, counted them myself, 32 footsteps Bing bang bingalong cing cang cingalong Ding dang dingalong day Fing fang fingalong ging gang gingalong Hing hang hingalong hay Jing jang jingalong king kang kingalong Ling lang lingalong lay Ming mang mingalong ning nang ningalong Ping pang pingalong pay What's the reason? Why'd she go? Where's my baby? I don't know 32 footsteps, counted them myself, 32 footsteps 32 lies my ears never saw when the floorboards gave way 32 walls come tumbling down and the night turns to day 32 infantrymen running in place 32 boxcars, all of them have your face What's the reason? Why'd she leave? Don't you know we're on the eve of 32 footsteps? Counted them myself, 32 footsteps (no) 28 (no) 29 30 (no) 31
7.
In the mornin' sun 'round seven o'clock The parking lot fills around Toys-Я-Us And my little girl, she will get away Ride her bike down Toddler Hiway Take your Close'n'Play Toddler Hiway
8.
Rabid Child 01:31
(Lord, please don't take me away.) Rabid child stays at home, talks on a CB Truckers pass calling out their handles to the kid Chess Piece Face and The Big Duluth call her every day "Hammer down" and "rabbit ears" are the only words they know (Hammer down) (Hammer down, rabbit ears) (Hammer down, rabbit ears) (Hammer down, rabbit ears, hammer down) If you pass the rabid child say "hammer down" for me The rabid child The rabid child The rabid child
9.
All the people are so happy now Their heads are cavin' in I'm glad they are a snowman with Protective rubber skin But every little thing's a domino That falls on different dots And crashes into everything That tries to make it stop And the mirror, it reflects A tiny dancin' skeleton Surrounded by a fleshy overcoat And swaddled in A furry hat, elastic mask A pair of shiny marble dice Some people call them snake eyes But to me they look like mice And nothing's smellin' like a rose But I don't care if no one's coming up for air 'Cause I know nothing's gonna change my clothes Ever anymore All the people are so happy now Their heads are cavin' in I'm glad they are a snowman with Protective rubber skin But every little thing's a domino That falls on different dots And crashes into everything That tries to make it stop And nothing's smelling like a rose But I don't care if no one's coming up for air I know nothing's gonna change my clothes Ever anymore No no no no Nothing's smelling like a rose But I don't care if no one's coming up for air I know that nothing's gonna change my clothes Ever anymore
10.
Alright! Whoo! Ah-ha-ha-ha! She's got her ear to the walls And she's tappin' the calls If you've got a secret, boy Forget about it, 'cause she's a Hotel Detective My little Hotel Detective Yeah she's a Hotel Detective Why don't you check her out? Ooh! Well the bellhop is funky The dumbwaiter's a monkey If there's a knock at the door, boy Forget about it, 'cause she's a Hotel Detective My little Hotel Detective Yeah Hotel Detective Come on and check her out [High-pitched laughter] She says she likes my face She says she owns the place Forget about it, 'cause she's a Hotel Detective My little Hotel Detective Come on and Hotel Detective Why don't you check her out? Ooh! Hotel Detective Come on and swing with me Hotel Detective From the top of a tree Hotel Detective And make me feel like a bee Hotel Detective That's where I want to know you Ahahahahahahahahahahaha
11.
I met someone at the dog show She was holding my left arm But everyone was acting normal So I tried to look nonchalant We both said, "I really love you" The Shriners loaned us cars We raced up and down the sidewalk Twenty thousand million times Why did they send her over anyone else? How should I react? These things happen to other people They don't happen at all, in fact When you're following an angel Does it mean you have to throw your body off a building? Somewhere they're meeting on a pinhead Calling you an angel, calling you the nicest things I heard they had a space program When they sing you can't hear, there's no air Sometimes I think I kind of like that and Other times I think I'm already there Gonna ask for my admission Gonna speak to the man in charge The secretary says he's on another line Can I hold for a long, long time? I found out she's an angel I don't think she knows I know I'm worried that something might happen to me If anyone ever finds out Why? Why did they send her over anyone else? How should I react? These things happen to other people They don't happen at all When you're following an angel Does it mean you have to throw your body off a building? Somewhere they're meeting on a pinhead Calling you an angel, calling you the nicest things I heard they had a space program When they sing you can't hear, there's no air Sometimes I think I kind of like that and Other times I think I'm already there When you're following an angel Does it mean you have to throw your body off a building? Somewhere they're meeting on a pinhead Calling you an angel, calling you the nicest thing
12.
Youth culture (youth culture) Youth culture (youth culture) Youth culture (youth culture) Youth culture (youth culture) Youth culture killed my dog And I don't think it's fair (I don't think it's fair) And his suicide can be justified By the tastemakers, how they cried and cried and so Bacharach and David used to write his favorite songs Never would he worry, he'd just run and fetch the ball But the night lights and my dog's life aren't exactly one and the same Youth culture killed my dog And I don't think it's fair (I don't think it's fair) And the judgement made in the city of hate Just broke his spirit so Bacharach and David used to write his favorite songs Never, never, never would he worry, he'd just run and fetch the ball But the hiphop and the white funk just blew away my puppy's mind I don't understand what you did to my dog And I don't understand what you did to my dog I don't understand what you did to my dog I don't understand what you did to my dog Youth culture killed my dog (Youth culture killed my dog) And I don't think it's fair (I don't think it's fair) And his suicide can be justified By the tastemakers, how they cried and cried and so Youth culture (youth culture) Youth culture (youth culture) Broke his spirit so (broke his spirit so) Broke his spirit so Youth culture (youth culture) (youth culture) Youth culture (youth culture) (youth culture) Broke his spirit so (broke his spirit so) Broke his spirit so
13.
Boat Of Car 01:15
"Daddy'll sing bass" "Daddy'll sing bass" "Daddy'll sing bass" "Daddy'll sing bass" I took my boat for a car I took that car for a ride I was trying to get somewhere But now I'm following The traces of your fingernails That run along the windshield On the boat of car "Daddy'll sing bass" Traces of your fingernails That run along the windshield On the boat of car On the boat of car On the boat of car On the boat of car
14.
I was born in a lighthouse, my mother was the sea I crawled to school each morning, when it occurred to me That life's just a mood ring we're not allowed to see And this is what it said to me My room is comfortably small With rubber lining the walls And there's someone always calling my name He calls when I'm alone And he calls when I'm not home And he calls when I'm stuck out in the rain I'm insane I'm insane I'm insane I'm insane Now listen all you swingers, don't you try to tag along I know monkey see, but monkey's dead, for you it would be wrong Put a dime in my jukebox, you'll only hear this song And it won't be fun for long Because my room is comfortably small With rubber lining the walls And there's someone always calling my name He calls when I'm alone And he calls when I'm not home And he calls when I'm stuck out in the rain I'm insane I'm insane I'm insane I'm insane Thank you Thank you My room is comfortably small With rubber lining the walls And there's someone always calling my name He calls when I'm alone And he calls when I'm not home And he calls when I'm stuck out in the rain I'm insane I'm insane I'm insane I'm insane
15.
What's gonna happen to Chess Piece Face? There go I but for my face All I know could be defaced By the facts in the life of Chess Piece Face I don't know where he lives Or if he knows to sail Or if little schemes like this one Ever cross his trail But I don't believe he's dreaming Or if he cares to know So I shudder in my lampshade So what's gonna happen to Chess Piece Face? There go I but for my face All I know could be defaced By the facts in the life of Chess Piece Face Chess Piece Face Chess Piece Face Chess Piece Face
16.
Sometimes I feel like being wispy And once in a while I feel like being dry But we're doomed and we're drowned By this feeling we surround So I hope that I get old before I die Ohhhhh It's a long, long rope they use to hang you soon I hope And I wonder why this hasn't happened Why, why, why And I think about the dirt that I'll be wearing for a shirt And I hope that I get old before I die Clear off the kitchen table darling For on the kitchen table I must lie I'm just tired for my wife Served the banquet of my life And I hope that I get old before I die Ohhhhh It's a long, long rope they use to hang you soon I hope And I wonder why this hasn't happened Why, why, why And I think about the dirt that I'll be wearing for a shirt And I hope that I get old before I die Ohhhhh It's a long, long rope they use to hang you soon I hope And I wonder why this hasn't happened Why, why, why And I think about the dirt that I'll be wearing for a shirt And I hope that I get old before I die
17.
This song is dedicated to all you modern day troubadours out there And I think I know who you are I gotta get a job I got to get some pay My son's gotta go to art school He's leavin' in three days And the TV is in Esperanto You know that that's a bitch But alienation's for the rich And I'm feelin' a-poorer every day A-hey hey hey Well I ain't feelin' happy About the state of things in my life But I'm workin' to make it better With a six of Miller High Life Just drinkin' and a-drivin' A-makin' sure my dues get paid Because alienation's for the rich And I'm feelin' a-poorer every day A-hey hey hey Ah hahahaha! Well I ain't feelin' happy About the state of things in my life But I'm workin' to make it better With a six of Miller High Life Just drinkin' and a-drivin' A-makin' sure my dues get paid Because alienation's for the rich And I'm feelin' a-poorer every day A-hey hey hey A-hey hey hey A-hey hey hey Ah hahahahahahaha!
18.
The Day 01:27
The day Marvin Gaye And Phil Ochs got married The trees all waved Their giant arms And happiness bled From every street corner And biplanes bombed With fluffy pillows The day Marvin Gaye And Phil Ochs got married The trees all waved Their giant arms And happiness bled From every street corner And biplanes bombed With fluffy pillows
19.
In a world we call our home there's lots of room to roam Plenty of time to turn mistakes into rhyme There's a place for those who love their poetry It's just across from the sign that says, "Pros Only" So if you like a band with a chick singer, Say your cup of tea is a wall of trombones If you dig Menudo, or MDC we salute you the way we know For every one with dollar signs in his eyes There must be hundreds that look at you as if you're some kind of Rhythm section want ad No others need apply to the rhythm section want ad I'll tell you why Hats off to the new age hairstyle made of bones Hats off to the use of hats as megaphones Speak softly, drive a Sherman tank Laugh hard, it's a long way to the bank Do you sing like Olive Oyl on purpose You guys must be into the Eurythmics For every one with dollar signs in his eyes There must be hundreds that look at you as if you're some kind of Rhythm section want ad No others need apply to the rhythm section want ad And here's the reason why Hats off to the new age hairstyle made of bones Hats off to the use of hats as megaphones Speak softly, drive a Sherman tank Laugh hard, it's a long way to the bank Do you sing like Olive Oyl on purpose You guys must be into the Eurythmics For every one with dollar signs in his eyes There must be hundreds that look at you as if you're some kind of Rhythm section want ad No others need apply to the rhythm section want ad And here's the reason why Rhythm section want ad No others need apply to the rhythm section want ad And here's the reason why Why Why
20.
Hi, we're the Replacements (hi) Hi, we're the Replacements (hi) Hi, we're the Replacements (hi) And we're playing in a rock'n'roll band (We're playing in a rock'n'roll band) We're having a good time (we're) We're having a good time (we're) We're having a good time (we're) Rock'n'rollin' 'til the break of dawn (Rock'n'rollin' 'til the break of dawn) Hey, where's Tommy? Someone find Tommy We're out on the road Moving equipment Where's the equipment? Soon we're going home Then we'll have a party (then) Then we'll have a party (then) Then we'll have a party (then) Rock and rollin' 'til the break of dawn (Rock'n'rollin' 'til the break of dawn) Hi, we're the Replacements (hi) Hi, we're the Replacements (hi) Hi, we're the Replacements (hi) And we're playing in a rock'n'roll band (We're playing in a rock'n'roll band)) I DON'T WANNA! Hi Hi Hi We're playing in a rock'n'roll band We're We're We're Rock'n'rollin' 'til the break of dawn
21.
There's a knock at the door that I adore There's a face at the window, a smiling yellow face There's a knock at the door And if I were at home, they'd find me there There's a note on the door that I would see And the furniture's barely been moved from where it was There's a note on the door And the note would say when it rains, it snows When it rains, it snows I wonder why And now I know That when it rains, it snows There's a nut with a shotgun -- bang bang bang There's a doctor, a waitress, a fireman with a hat There's a nut with a gun There's enough so they'll never know which one When it rains, it snows I wonder why And now I know That when it rains, it snows
22.
Hey! Hey! Wait! A famous person wears the same size water skis as me She's got three cars as many years I've lived in this city Her hair is blonde and mine is brown; they both start with a "b" But when the phone inside her ribcage rings, it's not for me But when the phone inside her ribcage rings, it's not for me Hey!
23.
(Untitled) 02:33
Gloria: What do you think--what do you make out of that recording? Guy on Phone: I don't know, Gloria, I just do-- Gloria: Some kind of singing. They sound like all kinds of people, right? Guy on Phone: Yeah. Gloria: And then it says, "Another child is born in India every time you call this number," right? Guy on Phone: Yeah, right. Gloria: Does that make any sense to you? Guy on Phone: No, it doesn't make no sense to me. Gloria: Bu--and the guy that spoke--I don't know who he is. Guy on Phone: Yeah. Gloria: But that--that--it doesn't sound like no answering machine, right? Guy on Phone: No, it ain't an answering machine because they're not saying anything; they just-- Gloria: But what does he get--how does he make money on this? Whatever he's advertising in the paper. This is the part that don't make no sense. Guy on Phone: Oh, he's advertising this in the paper you saw it. Gloria: In the Village Voice, yeah. They got--that's where the Kiss Clinic, but they give you another number if you wanna join it. Then I got the "intellectuals meet with other intellectuals..." Guy on Phone: Yeah. Gloria: "...speak another language." Guy on Phone: Yeah. Oh. Gloria: They meet at La Met--La Maisonette restaurant. They give you the price. Then they give you another number to call if you're interested. This guy... all you get is this here recording, but u-w--I don't see how he makes money. Guy on Phone: Yeah, yeah. Gloria: You know what I'm saying? It's just.... They got the craziest things in that paper. Guy on Phone: Yeah, yeah. Gloria: They come over with all--they got the craziest things. But this one here-- "There Must Be Giants," it's called. And it says "call machine," and they got the phone number. Guy on Phone: Yeah. Gloria: But what kind of money does he make? It don't make no sense. Well, he don't make any money, right? Guy on Phone: No. Gloria: But, that's--then he's a nut, right? Do you see--do you see any sense to that? "There May Be Giants?" That reco--that recording I have on. The new one. Did you hear it? I changed it. I took off the intellectuals. I put on There May Be Giants. Guy in Background: What? Gloria: Who's They May Be Giants? Guy in Background: What are you talking about? Gloria: That's what's on my--the phone, There May Be G-- well I can't explain it, 'cause I don't know what it is. Guy in Background: (unintelligible muttering) you could make sense once in a while. Gloria: Look in the paper! Don't blame me if the guy's a nut.
24.
For Science 01:19
There has been a spacecraft sighted Flying high above the sky Sirens declare there's one among us from Venus Volunteers We need volunteers Soldiers to meet them Have no fear Have no fear You will be killed right away I will date the girl from Venus Flowers die and so will I Yes, I will kiss the girl from Venus for science I'm so brave I'm so brave I'll be her love slave He's so brave He's so brave He'll be her love slave forever YES! I will date the girl from Venus Flowers die and so will I Yes, I will kiss the girl from Venus for science Let's get those missiles ready to destroy the universe!
25.
Rock, rock, rock The water running down that pipe Looks like a snake to me By "Doc's Sugar Bowl" my coffee gets cold 'Cause I don't want to see That I've got no one to blame but my fat self I've got no one to blame but my fat self I'm the biggest one I'm the biggest one I've got no one to blame but my fat self Should have changed that stupid lock Should have thrown away the key No, no, not I, I will survive Right down here on my knees 'Cause I've got no one to blame but my fat self I've got no one to blame but my fat self I'm the biggest one I'm the biggest one I've got no one to blame but my fat self
26.
I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage Called the blood of the exploited working class But they've overcome their shyness Now they're calling me Your Highness And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God" I destroyed a bond of friendship and respect Between the only people left who'd even look me in the eye Now I laugh and make a fortune Off the same ones that I tortured And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God" I look like Jesus, so they say But Mr. Jesus is very far away Now you're the only one here who can tell me if it's true That you love me and I love me I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage Called the blood of the exploited working class But they've overcome their shyness Now they're calling me Your Highness And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"
27.
Mr. Klaw 01:19
A, a claw is a claw And... and... and nobody has seen a... a talking claaaAWWW Nobody has seen a talking claaaAWWW Uh, unless... unless that claw is the famous... the famous U-u-unless that claw is the famous Mr. Klaw Mr. Klaw Mr. Klaw Mr. Klaw Mr. Klaw (Mr. Vanity Klaw) Mr. Klaw (Mr. Lightning Bulb) Mr. Klaw (Mr. Vanity Klaw) Mr. Klaw (Mr. Dental Flaw) Mr. Klaw (Mr. Vanity Klaw)
28.
Critic Intro 01:37
"Every once in awhile, a band comes along that changes the course of human history, and that band is They Might Be Giants!" —Tom Poston, The New York Times "Like so many things I can't understand, they left my teeth chattering for more!" —Peggy Cass, Aquarian Weekly "Maestro, I say right on!" —Orson Bean, Sky and Telescope "If you hear only one song this year, there's something terribly wrong with you!" —Kitty Carlisle, Easy Riders Ladies and gentlemen, do not be alarmed. Please, remain perfectly still. What you are about to see is real. The performers are not grinning scarecrows sent here to torture and manipulate you. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce the Twin Quasars of Rock. Please give a warm, friendly hand to They... Might... Be... Giants!
29.
[Flansburgh intro:] Hi, this is John of They Might Be Giants. Ya know, a lot of people ask us, "What was the first song on your first demo?" Well, we like to say, "It was entitled 'Now That I Have Everything.'" And then often they say, "Where can I hear this song that was the first song on your first demo?" And we say, "Well, there's only one place." And that place has to be They Might Be Giants's Dial-A-Song service - 25 hours a day, 6 days a week, dial music at the end of the tunnel for a new generation. Brooklyn's ambassadors of love - They Might Be Giants performing their very first tape, their very first song on their very first demo, and it was called "Now That I Have Everything" - coming up live on They Might Be Giants's Dial-A-Song service. The mirror on the wall Won't talk to me at all Now that I have everything The place inside the frame Just doesn't look the same Now that I have everything I wasn't always so fortunate But I knew what I had to do to be well-to-do And it had to do with the things I had to do And I don't want anything I don't want anything Now that I have everything I can't tell things apart I don't know where they start Now there's everything Don't remind me of yesterday Put down that surfboard, no Please don't say all the things I think I know that you're about to say Everything is everything Is what you're just about to say There was a program Sort of an inquiry Into what would be just the thing for me If it came to be I would have to wait and see And I don't want anything I don't want anything Now that I have everything I can't tell things apart I don't know where they start Now that I have everything And the mirror on the wall Won't talk to me at all Now that I have everything The place inside the frame Just doesn't look the same Now there's everything Don't remind me of yesterday
30.
As I rode the subway this morning (can I have this last dance, my darling?) There was a man with a book beside me (can I have this last dance with you?) And he tapped out rhythms with a smile on his face (I wanna dance the whole night tonight) And the tip of his finger (can I have this last dance, my darling?) That he found on the floor (can I have this last dance with you?) And these are the words that he told the fellow next door Mainstream U.S.A. I flipped that guy the bird Mainstream U.S.A. It's all I wanna say Mainstream U.S.A. I flipped that guy the bird Mainstream U.S.A. It's all I wanna say We are the world (back off, boogaloo) We are (I'm talking) We are the world (back off, boogaloo) Mainstream U.S.A. I flipped that guy the bird Mainstream U.S.A. It's all I wanna say Mainstream U.S.A. I flipped that guy the bird Mainstream U.S.A. It's all I wanna say
31.
Fake out Fake in Fake it to me What is fake? Fake T.V. Land of a thousand fake outs Fake worse than death In Buenos Aires In Buenos Aires Fake out Fake in Faker's delight Fake your claim Fake around the clock Winner fake all Three fakes, you're out In Buenos Aires In Buenos Aires
32.
Greek No. 3 01:29
I just have two songs and a third one when it comes out* I don't know where I found the body** since then it was there Now I'm wandering around music's grave For the two songs and the third one when it comes out A rich guy told me "bring a chicken and juice" A poor guy told me that he can't tell And now I'm waiting like a chicken for God on earth I just have two songs and a third one when it comes out I don't know where I found the body since it was there then Now I'm wandering around music's grave For the two songs and the third one when it comes out I went to the White House and asked the rocket If he ever had a complex or something of the sort but he started babbling like he was on TV "I don't have just two songs What do you want from me?" I bought some new, tight bluejeans and a 'baglama'*** And I told the ladies to be nice to me So that I won't feel guilty for not going far For the two songs and the third one when it comes out
33.
Sometimes I feel like being wispy And once in a while I feel like being dry But we're doomed and we're drowned By this feeling we surround So I hope that I get old before I die Ohhhhh It's a long, long rope they use to hang you soon I hope And I wonder why this hasn't happened Why, why, why And I think about the dirt that I'll be wearing for a shirt And I hope that I get old before I die Clear off the kitchen table darling For on the kitchen table I must lie I'm just tired for my wife Served the banquet of my life And I hope that I get old before I die Ohhhhh It's a long, long rope they use to hang you soon I hope And I wonder why this hasn't happened Why, why, why And I think about the dirt that I'll be wearing for a shirt
34.
I'm Def 01:08
Can we do that? Can we do that? I'm def I'm def I'm def I'm listening to the radio Got a job as a test pilot Yes I got a job as a test pilot I'm def I never listen to the I never listen to I never listen to the ra- I'm def Got a job as a test pilot Yes I got a job as a test pilot I'm listening to the radio We have our own song and we want to get it recorded We have our own song and we want to get it recorded We have our own song and we want to get it recorded
35.
Don't, don't, don't let's start This is the worst part I could believe for all the world That you were my precious little girl But don't, don't, don't let's start I've got a weak heart And I don't get around how you get around Don't, Don't! I don't want to live in this world anymore I don't want to live in this world anymore Don't, don't, don't let's start This is the worst part I could believe for all the world That you were my precious little girl But don't, don't, don't let's start I've got a weak heart And I don't get around how you get around
36.
Hello. They Might Be Giants are happy to be on a radio program for the first time in their long, illustrious careers. 1985 has been a very good year for They Might Be Giants. In January, Bill began at a new school. Everyone liked him, and he likes everything. In March, we were all trapped deep inside a subway car racing down tracks going faster, much faster, until they never let us out a full ten blocks later. In April, we all sang a duet with Tina Turner. In a way it was nice, and it was our favorite song. But we spent the entire summer resting up, looking for some vital link missing in the big picture. Bill said he had found it, but in fact he had lost it. Well, in September Bill chipped a tooth skywriting far above the planet Earth, and then came the end of the year when we were on our very last radio show, which we are glad that you have become a part of. Thank you for listening to They Might Be Giants. We do have a Dial-a-Song service at 718-387-6962. (Sound of tape rewinding) service at 718-387-6962. Thank you.
37.
Ana Ng 03:23
Make a hole with a gun perpendicular To the name of this town in a desktop globe Exit wound in a foreign nation Showing the home of the one this was written for My apartment looks upside down from there Water spirals the wrong way out the sink And her voice is a backwards record It's like a whirlpool, and it never ends (An—) Ana Ng and I are getting old And we still haven't walked in the glow Of each other's majestic presence (Listen An—) Listen Ana hear my words They're the ones you would think I would say If there was a me for you All alone at the '64 World's Fair Eighty dolls yelling "Small girl after all" Who was at the DuPont Pavilion? Why was the bench still warm? Who had been there? Or the time when the storm tangled up the wire To the horn on the pole at the bus depot And in back of the edge of hearing These are the words that the voice was repeating: (An—) Ana Ng and I are getting old And we still haven't walked in the glow Of each other's majestic presence (Listen An—) Listen Ana hear my words They're the ones you would think I would say If there was a me for you When I was driving once I saw this painted on a bridge: "I don't want the world, I just want your half" They don't need me here and I know you're there Where the world goes by like the humid air And it sticks like a broken record Everything sticks like a broken record Everything sticks until it goes away And the truth is we don't know anything (An—) Ana Ng and I are getting old And we still haven't walked in the glow Of each other's majestic presence (Listen An—) Listen Ana hear my words They're the ones you would think I would say If there was a me for you (An—) Ana Ng and I are getting old And we still haven't walked in the glow Of each other's majestic presence (Listen An—) Listen Ana hear my words They're the ones you would think I would say If there was a me for you (An—) Ana Ng and I are getting old And we still haven't walked in the glow Of each other's majestic presence (Listen An—) Listen Ana hear my words They're the ones you would think I would say If there was a me for you (An—) Ana Ng and I are getting old And we still haven't walked in the glow Of each other's majestic presence (Listen An—) Listen Ana hear my words They're the ones you would think I would say If there was a me for you
38.
Cowtown 02:21
I'm going down to Cowtown The cow's a friend to me Lives beneath the ocean And that's where I will be Beneath the waves, the waves And that's where I will be I'm gonna see the cow beneath the sea The yellow Roosevelt Avenue leaf overturned The ardor of arboreality Is an adventure We have spurned, we've spurned A new leaf overturned It's a new leaf overturned And so I'm going down to Cowtown The cow's a friend to me Lives beneath the ocean And that's where I will be Beneath the waves, the waves And that's where I will be I'm gonna see the cow beneath the sea We yearn to swim for home But our only home is bone How sleepless is the egg Knowing that which throws the stone Foresees the bone, the bone Our only home is bone Our only home is bone And so I'm going down to Cowtown The cow's a friend to me Lives beneath the ocean And that's where I will be Beneath the waves, the waves And that's where I will be I'm gonna see the cow beneath the sea Yes I'm going down to Cowtown The cow's a friend to me Lives beneath the ocean And that's where I will be Beneath the waves, the waves And that's where I will be I'm gonna see the cow beneath the sea Yes I'm gonna see (I'm gonna see) The cow (the cow) Beneath the sea
39.
Lie still, little bottle, and shake my shaky hand Black coffee's not enough for me, I need a better friend One pill at the bottom is singing my favorite song I know I must investigate I hope that I can sing along "There's no time for metaphors," cried the little pill to me He said, "Life is a placebo masquerading as a simile." Well, I knew that pill was lying Too gregarious, too nice But as he walked I had to sing this twice Lie still, little bottle Don't twist, it ain't twistin' time With every move you make you just disintegrate my ever-troubled mind Lie still, little bottle, and shake my shaky hand Black coffee's not enough for me, I need a better friend One pill at the bottom is singing my favorite song I know I must investigate I hope that I can sing along Lie still, little bottle Lie still Lie still, little bottle Lie still Lie still Lie still
40.
I remember the year I went to camp I heard about some lady named Selma and some blacks Somebody put their fingers in the President's ears It wasn't too much later they came out with Johnson's wax I remember the book depository where they crowned the king of Cuba Now that's all I can think of, but I'm sure there's something else Way down inside me I can feel it coming back Purple toupee will show the way when summer brings you down (Purple toupee when summer brings you down) Purple toupee and gold lamé will turn your brain around (Purple toupee and gold lamé) Chinese people were fighting in the park We tried to help them fight, no one appreciated that Martin X was mad when they outlawed bell bottoms Ten years later they were sharing the same cell I shouted out, "Free the Expo '67" Till they stepped on my hair, and they told me I was fat Now I'm very big, I'm a big important man And the only thing that's different is underneath my hat Purple toupee will show the way when summer brings you down (Purple toupee when summer brings you down) Purple toupee and gold lamé will turn your brain around (Purple toupee and gold lamé) Purple toupee is here to stay after the hair has gone away The purple brigade is marching from the grave La la la la la la la La la la la la la la la La la la We're on some kind of mission We have an obligation We have to wear toupees
41.
Somebody's reading your mind Damned if you know who it is They're digging through all of your files Stealing back your best ideas You cover your windows with lead Even keeping the pets outside Then you hear, a moment too late This sound coming over the phone "This is the spawning of the cage and aquarium Don't wait a moment too soon Used to be different Now you're the same Yawn as your plane goes down in flames" "This is the spawning of the cage and aquarium Don't wait a moment too soon Used to be different Now you're the same Yawn as your plane goes down in flames"
42.
Where your eyes don't go a filthy scarecrow waves its broomstick arms And does a parody of each unconscious thing you do When you turn around to look it's gone behind you On its face it's wearing your confused expression Where your eyes don't go Where your eyes don't go a part of you is hovering It's a nightmare that you'll never be discovering You're free to come and go Or talk like Kurtis Blow But there's a pair of eyes in back of your head Every jumbled pile of person has a thinking part that wonders what the part that isn't thinking isn't thinking of Should you worry when the skullhead is in front of you, Or is it worse because it's always waiting Where your eyes don't go? Where your eyes don't go a part of you is hovering It's a nightmare that you'll never be discovering You're free to come and go Or talk like Kurtis Blow But there's a pair of eyes in back of your head Where your eyes don't go a filthy scarecrow waves its broomstick arms And does a parody of each unconscious thing you do When you turn around to look it's gone behind you On its face it's wearing your confused expression Where your eyes don't go
43.
Piece of dirt That is all I'm standing on today Piece of dirt The whole world has slipped away I would climb the highest mountain Just to jump into a fountain Or to fly I'd fly away A woman's voice on the radio Can convince you you're in love A woman's voice on the telephone Can convince you you're alone But I set my sails so long ago They've revoked my sailor's badge Said I should be content and happy On this ink spot where I stand Piece of dirt That is all I'm standing on today Piece of dirt The whole world has slipped away I find myself haunted By a spooky man named Me I wish that I Could jump out of my skin
44.
Mr. Me 01:52
Once a boy named Mister Me bemoaned a great regret: "I've floundered in the misty sea but can't abide its mystery I wound up sad, you bet" So onward go and Edward Ho into the bounding main Enjoy the show look out below but mind the misty sea Or end up sad like Mister Me He ended up sad He ended up sad He ended up really, really, really sad He ended up sad He ended up sad He ended up really, really, really sad So take the hand of Mister Me and, mister, make him glad To swim the Mister Misty Sea and cease the Mister Mystery That, mister, made him sad He ended up sad He ended up sad He ended up really, really, really sad He ended up sad He ended up sad He ended up really, really, really sad He ended up sad He ended up sad He ended up really, really, really sad He ended up sad He ended up sad He ended up really, really, really sad
45.
Pencil Rain 02:42
The possible dream Finale of seem The moment that some call eternal That some call insane Now helmets on each head Awaiting the first lead The pageant is named the pencil rain The infantry stands And holds out its hands The marshal's binoculars focus And skyward they train They're searching the yonder blue They look out for number two The heraldry of the pencil rain [in Morse code] "Ay, ay, ay, canta no llores" And now hear the roar That none can ignore The thunderous clatter of splintering wood And lives that are claimed And none who have witnessed all Can speak of a nobler cause Than perishing in the pencil rain The pencil rain The pencil rain The pencil rain
46.
I know you deceived me Couldn't sleep last night Now my tearstains on the wall reflect an ugly sight I can see your secrets No need to confess Everyone looks naked when you know the world's address The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll repeat it for those who may not have already guessed The world's address Life's parade of fashion Just leaves me depressed Under every garment I can see the world's address Call the men of science And let them hear this song Tell them Albert Einstein and Copernicus were wrong The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll repeat it for those who may not have already guessed The world's address Call the men of science And let them hear this song Tell them Albert Einstein and Copernicus were wrong The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll repeat it for those who may not have already guessed The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll say it one more time for those who may not have already guessed The world's address
47.
Get out of the car Put down the phone Take off that stupid looking hat you wear I'm gonna die if you touch me one more time Well I guess that I'm going to die no matter what Love people are there The smell of love is everywhere You think it's always sensitive and good You think that I want to be understood I've got a match Your embrace and my collapse Beat up the cat if you need someone else on the mat I put a rock in the coffee in your coffee mug Which one of us is the one that we can't trust? You say that I think it's you but I don't agree with that Love people are there The smell of love is everywhere You think it's always sensitive and good You think that I want to be understood I've got a match Your embrace and my collapse Even when we get along I've got a match Your embrace and my collapse Love people are there The smell of love is everywhere Why can't you be sensitive and good? Why don't you want to be understood? I've got a match Your embrace and my collapse I've got a match Your embrace and my collapse
48.
Once a year, my friend puts on a red suit And hangs around with me and my wife Now I can't help but feeling jealous Each time she climbs on his knee And she stands beneath the mistletoe, screaming For him to stand beneath the mistletoe, screaming Now I can't help but feeling jealous Each time she climbs on his knee Why must she climb on his knee? I saw my baby wearing Santa's beard She kissed him once and whispered in his ear I saw my baby wearing Santa's beard I wish he would go He's breaking up my home She always had this twisted side to her But she'd never drag my name around town But lately she's been humming cheating songs And I don't like that fat guy around No I don't like that fat guy around I saw my baby wearing Santa's beard She kissed him once and whispered in his ear I saw my baby wearing Santa's beard I wish he would go He's breaking up my home I saw my baby wearing Santa's beard Thrilling (thrilling) Christmas (Christmas) Trembling fear I saw my baby wearing Santa's beard I wish he would go He's breaking up my home
49.
You'll always miss My big ol' body In its prime and never shoddy While bloodhounds wait down in the lobby You'll eulogize my big ol' body You'll miss me With effigies Lighting up your house like X-mas trees As tears roll down, below your knees You'll miss me With effigies Go find a man to fit my shoes Left one's old and the right one's new And I bought the right one, just for you Go find a man to fit my shoes You'll see my teeth in the stars above Every tree a finger of my glove And every time push comes to shove You'll see my teeth in the stars above Your money talks but my genius walks Morticians wait with a shovel and a fork As detectives trace my hands with chalk Your money talks but my genius walks You'll miss me so You will miss me It must be raining 'cause a man ain't supposed to cry But I look up and I don't see a cloud
50.
Love sees love's happiness But happiness can't see that love is sad That love is sad Sadness is hanging there To show love somewhere something needs a change They need a change They'll need a crane They'll need a crane To take the house he built for her apart To make it break It's gonna take A metal ball hung from a chain They'll need a crane They'll need a crane To pick the broken ruins up again To mend her heart To help him start To see a world apart from pain Lad's gal is all he has Gal's gladness hangs upon the love of lad The love of lad Some things gal says to lad Aren't meant as bad but cause a little pain They cause him pain They'll need a crane They'll need a crane To take the house he built for her apart To make it break It's gonna take A metal ball hung from a chain They'll need a crane They'll need a crane To pick the broken ruins up again To mend her heart To help him start To see a world apart from pain Don't call me at work again No, no, the boss still hates me I'm just tired and I don't love you anymore And there's a restaurant we should check out Where the other nightmare people like to go I mean nice people—baby wait, I didn't mean to say nightmare Lad looks at other gals Gal thinks Jim Beam is handsomer than lad He isn't bad Call off the wedding band Nobody wants to hear that one again Play that again They'll need a crane They'll need a crane To take the house he built for her apart To make it break It's gonna take A metal ball hung from a chain They'll need a crane They'll need a crane To pick the broken ruins up again To mend her heart To help him start To see a world apart from pain They'll need a crane They'll need a crane They'll need a crane They'll need a crane They'll need a crane They'll need a crane They'll need a crane They'll need a crane They'll need a crane
51.
He wants a shoehorn, the kind with teeth People should get beat up for stating their beliefs He wants a shoehorn, the kind with teeth Because he knows there's no such thing He asks a girl If they can both sit in a chair But he doesn't get nervous She's not really there He wants a shoehorn, the kind with teeth Because he knows there's no such thing Tour the world In a heavy metal band But they run out of gas The plane can never land He wants a shoehorn, the kind with teeth People should get beat up for stating their beliefs He wants a shoehorn, the kind with teeth Because he knows there's no such thing What's the sense In ever thinking about the tomb When you're much too busy Returning to the womb? He wants a shoehorn, the kind with teeth People should get beat up for stating their beliefs He wants a shoehorn, the kind with teeth Because he knows there's no such thing
52.
I like people, they're the ones who can't stand They're the ones who can't stand I see smoke signals coming from them They say "We are out of furniture" Stand on your own head for a change Give me some skin to call my own Stand on your own head for a change Give me some skin to call my own You made my day, now you have to sleep in it Now you have to sleep in it I love the world and if I have to sue for custody, I will sue for custody Stand on your own head for a change Give me some skin to call my own Stand on your own head for a change Give me some skin to call my own Stand on your own head Stand on your own head for a change Stand on your own head
53.
Avalanche or roadblock I was a snowball in hell Avalanche or roadblock A jailor trapped in his cell Money's all broke, and food's going hungry If it wasn't for disappointment I wouldn't have any appointments Side effect or drug trip Don't tease me with all of your might Side effect or drug trip My panacea's in a Xerox shop Have a nice day, you want it when? Have a nice day, have a nice day "I didn't expect to find a salesman drinking coffee this late in the morning. How long you been here, Joe?" "Oh, I don't know, I guess 30, 45 minutes maybe. Why do you ask?" "You must be making a lot of sales, piling up a good income." "Oh... uh... I'm doing all right. I could do better, but... Ohahaha - I get it Paul. Back on that old 'Time is Money' kick, right?" "Not back on it, Joe, still on it." Avalanche or roadblock I was a snowball in hell Avalanche or roadblock A jailor trapped in his cell Money I owe, money-iy-ay Money I owe, money-iy-ay Avalanche or roadblock I was a snowball in hell Yes, I was a snowball in hell Yes, I was a snowball in hell
54.
I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage Called the blood of the exploited working class But they've overcome their shyness Now they're calling me Your Highness And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God" I destroyed a bond of friendship and respect Between the only people left who'd even look me in the eye Now I laugh and make a fortune Off the same ones that I tortured And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God" I look like Jesus, so they say But Mr. Jesus is very far away Now you're the only one here who can tell me if it's true That you love me and I love me I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage Called the blood of the exploited working class But they've overcome their shyness Now they're calling me Your Highness And a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God" Yes a world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"
55.
Hello Radio 00:55
Hello. Hello? Hello?
56.
Well, the rain falls down without my help, I'm afraid And my lawn gets wet though I've withheld my consent When this gray world crumbles like a cake I'll be hangin' from the hope That I'll never see that recipe again As I walk, I think about a new way to walk As I think, I'm using up the time left to think And this train keeps rolling off the track Tryin' to act like something else Tryin' to go where it's been uninvited It's not my birthday It's not today It's not my birthday so why do you lunge out at me? When the word comes down "Never more will be around" Though I wish we were there I was less than we could bear And I'm not the only dust my mother raised So I'm rattlin' the bars around this drink tank discreetly I should pour through the keyhole or evaporate completely But there'd be no percentage and there'd be no proof And the sound upon the roof is only water And the rain falls down without my help, I'm afraid And my lawn gets wet, though I've withheld my consent When this gray world crumbles like a cake I'll be hangin' from the hope That I'll never see that recipe again It's not my birthday It's not today It's not my birthday so why do you lunge out at me? When the word comes down "Never more will be around" Though I wish we were there I was less than we could bear And I'm not the only dust my mother raised I am not the only dust my mother raised
57.
(message played backwards): Thanks a lot guys. From the NYPD. We love you. I'll sink Manhattan Right under the sea I'll find the sweetest spot to watch As it goes away You were so happy With the things that you said Like, "He's my lower half," you laughed But you're gonna cry A river of tiny tears flow from your crocodile eyes Too late to apologize, I say, as flood waters rise I'll sink Manhattan I'll sacrifice friends I think they'd understand my plan I'll never be sure I've got a message So before I get through I'll find your answering machine and I'll sink it first Burn your forget-me-nots Admit that true love can die No, I won't apologize, my love, just kiss me goodbye
58.
Fell in the door And you fell on the floor With your hand on the knob Looking up and abruptly Forget what you're thinking Fire alarms go off in your head you live In the nightgown of the sullen moon How the windows lean into the room In the nightgown of the sullen moon Drug trip, it's not a drug trip so you feel a bit insulted Space walk, it's like a space walk with the corresponding weight loss And you're nothing but air, with your hand in the air And your shoelaces tied up together with care There's a feeling of boredom, of the big whoredom Following dressing up In the nightgown of the sullen moon How the windows lean into the room In the nightgown of the sullen moon In the nightgown of the sullen moon How the windows lean into the room In the nightgown of the sullen moon Your head is on the moon It's not necessary to breathe Forever is a long time Your head is on the moon It's not necessary to breathe Forever is a long time Your head is on the moon Your head is on the moon
59.
(Convoy) Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? (Convoy) Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? (Convoy) Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? (Convoy) Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? Someone in a club tonight has stolen my ideas The world's address I'll repeat it (I'll repeat it) The world's address I know you deceived me Couldn't sleep last night Now my tear stains on the wall Reflect an ugly sight I can see your secrets No need to confess Everyone looks naked when you know The world's address The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll repeat it for those who may not have already guessed The world's address Feel free to raise your hand at any moment Mass culture references (Convoy) Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? The world's address (Convoy) Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? Paging Mr. Saxophone! Paging Mr. Saxophone! Paging Mr. Saxophone! Call the men of science, and let them hear this song Tell 'em Albert Einstein and Copernicus were wrong The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll repeat it for those who may not have already guessed The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll repeat it for those who may not have already guessed The world's address A place that's worn A sad pun that reflects a sadder mess I'll say it one more time for those who may not have already guessed The world's address Cha cha cha
60.
I could never sleep my way to the top 'Cause my alarm clock always wakes me right up And since my options had been whittled away I struck a bargain with my radio DJ I said I'd like this song to be number one He said 'I'd really really like to help you my son' And then I knew that I would have him to thank Because he asked me how much I had in the bank He said to think long term investment and That all the others had forgiven themselves He said the net reward would justify The colossal mess they'd made of their lives He said the record wouldn't have to be hot And no one ever seemed to care if it's not It would depend on something else that I've got And that the other ones who'd given it a shot Had seen a modest sum grow geometrically And then they had forgiven themselves Because the net reward had justified The colossal mess they'd made of their lives Hey Mr. DJ, I thought you said we had a deal I thought you said, 'You scratch my back and I'll scratch your record' And I thought you said we had a deal Well, I told you about the world (its address) I wonder when they're gonna clean up the mess You know the Rabid Child is still tuning in Chess Piece Face's patience must be wearing thin Because they haven't played this song on the air Not that anyone but me even cared And the disc jockey has moved out of town The district courthouse says he's nowhere to be found He said to think long term investment and That all the others had forgiven themselves He said the net reward would justify The colossal mess they'd made of their lives Hey Mr. DJ, I thought you said we had a deal I thought you said, 'You scratch my back and I'll scratch your record' And I thought you said we had a deal
61.
Yeah! Yeah! Tramp!
62.
Birds Fly 01:25
Birds fly into my windshield Thoughts fall from my thoughts This good luck charm hanging off of my arm Was left here by the police Words fall out from my pockets (no, no, no, no) And cats dance under my feet (no, no, no) This colorful spell under which I live (no, no, no, no) Protects me from all I write (no no no no no) And the microscope reveals the scope Of my very best intentions Oh, yes, the tiny light shines twice as bright On the only nice part of me Mah, mah, mah-mah Mah, mah, mah-mah Mah, mah, mah-mah Mah, mah, mah mah Birds fly into my windshield (no, no, no, no) Thoughts fall from my thoughts (no, no, no) This good luck charm hanging off of my arm (no, no, no, no) Was left here by the police (no, no no no) And the microscope reveals the scope Of my very best intentions Oh, yes, the tiny light shines twice as bright On the only nice part of me
63.
Kitten Intro 01:43
There's something coming. There's a new car on the horizon. It's coming very slowly. It makes a noise. It has kittens painted all over it ...with a new kind of fur. Cleaner... but with a unique smell. Yet one of these kittens is not prepared to have a good time. It stands alone ...away from the crowd. It's your kind of kitten. Now the time has come, to climb into that car and to shake the paw of destiny. No, NO! They Might Be Giants are not Satanists. They are not posing as an easy-listening Nazi rock band trying to lure intellectuals into believing what they already know to be true. No! Listen to the sound of my voice...put AWAY your big blue cigars...and make way...yes! Make way, ladies and gentlemen, for They--Might--Be--Giants!
64.
Weep Day 01:50
YEAH! I never went to the tropical island Though everybody said they saw me there And it wasn't me you punched a hole in At the West German protest march Simultaneous events don't happen We are isolated temporally And the part is never called the whole thing Though it bothers us to know it's so Every man is made of two opinions Every woman has a second half And it's samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man (samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man) Yes it's samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man (samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man) I didn't write the words you hear me singing (didn't write the words you hear me singing) I didn't sing the line before this one (didn't sing the line before this one) You were not the one I was addressing (you were not the one I was addressing) That person took a train to Africa (Africa) Where he met the consulate from Belgium Who is now a Buddhist in a cave Who was pitching for the Oakland Raiders Striking out the batter she became Every man is made of two opinions Every woman has a second half And it's samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man (samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man) Yes it's samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man (samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man) Yes it's samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man (samba time for Tambo and weep day for Urine Man) Weep day for Urine Man (weep day for Urine Man) Weep day for Urine Man (weep day for Urine Man) Weep day for Urine Man (weep day for Urine Man) Weep day weep day weep day weep day weep day weep day weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep weep
65.
Come on baby Turn that frown upside down Tell me why you ain't been around What is it brings you down? We work the hardest to be the smartest (we work) We work the hardest to be the smartest (we work) We work the hardest to be the smartest (we work) We work the hardest to be the smartest (we work) And the big big whoredom scared me No, no, baby I ain't convinced it ain't so bad as you paint it There's plenty more heads of hair For us out there We'll strike it rich, a monster switch (monster) We'll strike it rich, a monster switch (monster) We'll strike it rich, a monster switch (monster) We'll strike it rich, a monster switch (monster) But the big big whoredom scares me (no no it doesn't do that) The big big whoredom scares me (no no don't be sad) The big big whoredom scares me (please please stop it) The big big whoredom scares me (don't don't) The big big whoredom scares me (please) The big big whoredom scares me (no) The big big whoredom scares me The big big whoredom scares me The big big whoredom scares me
66.
Never thought I'd fall But now I hear the call I'm getting sentimental over you Things you say and do Just thrill me through and through I'm getting sentimental over you Once I wondered why I'd sit at home and sigh I'm getting sentimental over you Words cannot describe This poetry inside I'm getting sentimental over you I thought I was happy, I could live with myself Now I see that love is all that I'm thinking of Won't you please be kind And just make up your mind That you'll be sweet and gentle Be gentle with me 'Cause I'm getting sentimental over you I thought I was happy, I could live with myself Now I see that love is all that I'm thinking of Won't you please be kind And just make up your mind That you'll be sweet and gentle Be gentle with me 'Cause I'm getting sentimental over you
67.
Here's hoping you don't (hoping you don't) Become a robot (clang clang) Clang clang whoops, too late Here's hoping you don't (hoping you don't) Become a robot (clang clang) Clang clang whoops, too late Let's stick together 'cause we're number eight Let's stick to numbers 'cause we're great Here's hoping you don't (hoping you don't) Become a robot (clang clang) Clang clang whoops, too late Here's hoping you don't (hoping you don't) Harbor a deathwish (help help) Help help help yourself Here's hoping you don't (hoping you don't) Harbor a deathwish (help help) Help help help yourself Hip hip horrific are the words we sing Hip hip horrific is our thing Here's hoping you don't (hoping you don't) Become a robot (help help) Help help help help help help help
68.
Which describes how you're feeling all the time Which describes how you're feeling all the Feeling all the time There's this guy in the sky and he makes you want to Want to make you sigh, like the time When you felt like you're feeling all the time And you sighed at the cracks in the ceiling all the time You said "I'm feeling fine" but it didn't really rhyme It didn't rhyme, overseas Which describes how you're feeling all the time Backwards: They Might Be Giants wanted to include a verse about suffering people in the world, but we couldn't figure out where to put it into the song. Which describes how you're feeling all the time When you lie that your life's unappealing all the time But your lie doesn't rhyme with the word overseas Overseas there's this guy Who describes how you're feeling all the time In his mind he can find how you're feeling all the time From behind distant lines Even straighter than his spine Which is fine Which is fine And describes how you're feeling all the time
69.
Who can snap my fingers? (nobody can, nobody can) Where's my cat's pajamas? (in the can, the big trash can) Swing is a word (six feet down) Swing is a word (six feet down) Swing is a word (six feet down) Swing is a word (six feet down) 387-6962. Narrrrrrrrr. Swing is a word (387-6962) Swing is a word (387-6962) Swing is a word (387-6962) Swing is a word (swing is a word, six feet down)
70.
I think you have another song for us. Would you like to perform it? (Dink oo dink oo dink) What's the name of the song? (Dink oo dink oo dink) Oh, I think I know that one! Great, great.
71.
Hey, hey, counterfeit fake History wants you, they made a mistake Hey, hey, counterfeit fake History wants you, they made a mistake Hey, hey, counterfeit fake History wants you, they made a mistake Hey, hey, counterfeit fake History wants you, they made a mistake
72.
Particle man, particle man Doing the things a particle can What's he like? It's not important Particle man Is he a dot, or is he a speck? When he's underwater does he get wet? Or does the water get him instead? Nobody knows, Particle man Triangle man, Triangle man Triangle man hates particle man They have a fight, Triangle wins Triangle man Universe man, Universe man Size of the entire universe man Usually kind to smaller man Universe man He's got a watch with a minute hand, Millennium hand and an eon hand When they meet it's a happy land Powerful man, universe man Person man, person man Hit on the head with a frying pan Lives his life in a garbage can Person man Is he depressed or is he a mess? Does he feel totally worthless? Who came up with person man? Degraded man, person man Triangle man, triangle man Triangle man hates person man They have a fight, triangle wins Triangle man

about

This compilation combines the band’s first two albums (They Might Be Giants and Lincoln) with the EP and remix collection Miscellaneous T, with two tracks omitted overall – “(She Was A) Hotel Detective (Single Mix)” and the original album mix of “Don’t Let’s Start” (other versions of these songs exist on the compilation). Added to this were previously unreleased bonus tracks.

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released May 1, 2020

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