David Byrne often analyzes the complex role of television in his own life and in society through his lyrics. In “Found a Job” he tells the story of a couple that channeled their boredom and disillusionment with tired television tropes into the creation of their own successful television show. In “I...
[Verse 1]
I'm looking and I'm dreaming for the first time
And I'm inside and I'm outside at the same time
And everything is real
Do I like the way I feel?
[Chorus]
When the world crashes in, into my living room
Television man made me what I am
People like to put the television down
But we are just good friends
I'm a television man
*gibberish*
[Verse 2]
And I knew a girl, she was a macho man
And I, it's alright, I wasn't fooled for long
This is the place for me
I'm the king and you're the queen
[Chorus]
When the world crashes in, into my living room
Television man made me what I am
People like to put the television down
But we are just good friends
I'm a television man
[Bridge 1]
Take a walk in the beautiful garden
Everyone would like to say hello
It doesn't matter what you say
Come and take us away
[Instrumental with vocal improvisation]
[Bridge 2]
The world crashes in, into my living room
The world crashes in, into my living room
The world crashes in, into my living room
The world crashes in, into my living room
(And I say)
[Outro]
And we are still good friends (Television man)
I'm watching everything (Television man)
Television man (Television man)
I'm watching everything, I gotta be
Television man, and I'm gonna say
We are still good friends, and I'm trying to be
Watchin' everything, and I gotta say
We are still good friends, you know the way it is
Television man, I've got what you need
We are still good friends, I know the way you are
Television man, I know what you're tryin' to be
Watchin' everything, and I gotta say
That's how the story ends
Television Man was written by David Byrne.
Television Man was produced by Talking Heads.
Talking Heads released Television Man on Mon Jun 10 1985.