“Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads

According to David Byrne’s own words, this song (“Once in a Lifetime”) is about how we, as people, tend to “operate half-awake or on autopilot”. Or perhaps a better way of explaining that statement is that we do not actually know why we engage in certain actions which come define our lives. Thus even though an individual may fulfill certain aspirations, such as acquiring “a large automobile”, “beautiful house” and a “beautiful wife”, at the end of the day he may find himself questioning how in fact did he reach such a destination.

In other words, throughout the entire course of achieving these goals, the person who actually did so was not necessarily acting under his own accord. Indeed by the time the second verse rolls around, we find this selfsame individual is basically disowning these acquisitions. Or perhaps more to the point, as illustrated in the fourth verse, he comes to realize that following this path was actually a mistake, as in something he later comes to regret.

A Song that Criticizes Capitalism?

Many people stretch the meaning of this song and presume that it serves as a criticism of capitalism. And it is clear that certain stereotypes associated with the American dream – “large automobile”, “beautiful house” and “beautiful wife” – are mentioned.

However, the point is not to criticize the American dream per se. Rather it’s the whole notion of someone dedicating his life to the pursuit of such only to later, upon realizing it, wonder how he reached such a destination in the first place. In other words, this individual wasn’t necessarily operating under his own will but rather following the preset path set before him.

Conclusively, the rest of the symbolism used throughout fundamentally points to the idea that such as is a never-ending process. Or stated differently, people will continue operating in such manner, i.e. living life with only half-hearted expressions of genuine self-will.

Facts about “Once in a Lifetime”

This is the lead single from Talking Heads’ fourth album, “Remain in Light”. And also noteworthy is that in 2003 the band also released a box set which was also entitled “Once in a Lifetime”.

The following members of Talking Heads all contributed to the writing of this song along with the track’s producer, Brian Eno:

• David Byrne
• Tina Weymouth
• Chris Frantz
• Jerry Harrison

“Once in a Lifetime” itself originated from jam sessions.

Talking Heads’ lead singer David Byrne, who is acknowledged as the artist who actually wrote the lyrics to this tune, also co-directed its music video in conjunction with Toni Basil.

The music video itself is memorable due to the dance moves Byrne performs. These moves were inspired by “different trances in church and difference trances with snakes” he and Toni Basil researched at two California universities.

However, the clip was released back during the early days of MTV. This was way before MTV became one of the most-powerful music platforms in the world. As such, even though it received heavy rotation on the network, such did not translate into chart success.

Some More Interesting Facts

Indeed “Once in a Lifetime” had a modest-chart showing. The original version, which was released by Sire Records on 8 October 1980, peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart (where it has been certified Silver). It also charted in 5 other countries, including almost topping Billboard’s Bubbling Under the Hot 100. 

A live rendition was also released in 1984 as part of the Talking Heads’ concert film “Stop Making Sense”. This one also charted humbly, making an appearance in 3 countries including on the Billboard Hot 100 itself.

However, that being said, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame still dubbed “Once in a Lifetime” as one of the most-influential tracks in history. They placed it amongst the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll”.

Appearance in Movies

“Once in a Lifetime” has appeared in the following movies:

• 1986 comedy movie “Down and Out in Beverly Hills”. The live version of the song was played in the opening and closing titles of the movie.
• 2010 American science-fiction comedy movie, “Hot Tub Time Machine”. “Once in a Lifetime” was played as the group returned home in present time.  
• 2016 movie, “A Hologram for the King”. Alan Clay (Tom Hanks) sings this song with altered lyrics, which was also used in its trailer. 
• The trailer of the 2008 biopic “W.” The film follows the life of one of America’s past presidents, George W. Bush.

Appearance in TV Shows    

• On an episode of “Muppets Tonight” in 1996, Kermit the Frog performed his cover of the song.
• 2005 American TV crime drama “Numbers”, Season 1 Episode 1, featured the track’s instrumental version in its opening soundtrack.
• Season 2, Episode 13 of American spy-drama series, “Chuck”. The track accompanied the scene of Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) moving into their house.
• In 2010, Canadian comedy-drama series, “Being Erica” featured the song as Adam (Adam Fergus) explored his alternate life in Season 3, Episode 5.
• The second episode of 2010 American comedy-drama “Parenthood”. It is played while Adam (Peter Krause) was chasing a possum.
• Season 2, Episode 1 of “Dynasty” in 2018.
• “The Deuce”. It is used in the 2nd Episode of the 3rd Season.
• On the 19th Episode of the 7th Season of “The Goldbergs”. The episode aired on 1^st April, 2020.
• Used in the Second season of American reality competition “The Circle”.