Wild Wild Life Was the Anthem That Defined the 80s

Dive into the wild world of Talking Heads’ Wild Wild Life, a playful, funky anthem that captures the spirit of the 80s with irresistible charm and energy.

All right, it’s time to buckle up because we’re about to take a time machine back to the 80s. MTV is the most-watched cable television channel, blockbusters are all the rage, and neon lights are everywhere. It was a time when people rocked parachute pants, sported mullets, and athleisurewear was the most popular choice in fashion. And, somewhere in the middle of all of that chaos, the band, Talking Heads released Wild Wild Life.

Naturally, it wasn’t just another 80s hit, it was a whole new vibe. It had a funky beat and very playful lyrics that were like a snapshot of the decade’s ethos. Regardless of whether you were blasting on your Walkman or watching the quirky music video on MTV, the song had a way of worming its way in and refusing to leave.

The Talking Heads managed to capture the entire spirit of the 80s in a single song. It was bold, eccentric, and unapologetically funny. They weren’t trying too hard, rather in a decade where over-the-top was the default setting, they were sharing the status quo at the moment.

What You Need to Know About the Song

• Title: Wild Wild Life
• Artist: Talking Heads
• Genre: New wave / Funk rock
• Length: 3:40
• Chart Performance: Reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Single Release Date: September 1986
• Albums Included In: True Stories (1986)

A Playful Look at Life’s Wild Side

I’m wearing a fur pajamas
I ride a hot potato
It’s tickling my fancy
Speak up, I can’t hear you

Here on this mountain top, oh-oh-oh
I got some wild, wild life
I got some news to tell you, oh-oh
About some wild, wild life
Here come the doctor in charge, oh-oh-oh
She’s got some wild, wild life
Ain’t that the way you like it, oh-oh?
Living wild, wild life

I’ll wrestle with your conscience
You wrestle with your partner
Sitting on a windowsill
But he spends his time behind closed doors

So check out mister businessman, oh-oh-oh
He bought some wild, wild life
On the way to the stock exchange, oh-oh-oh
He got some wild, wild life
Pick it up when he opens the door, oh-oh-oh
He doing wild, wild life
I know it’s the way you like it, oh-oh
Living wild, wild

Peace of mind
It’s a piece of cake
Thought control
You get on board any time you like

Like sitting on pins and needles
Things fall apart
It’s scientific
Sleeping on the Interstate, oh-oh-oh
Getting wild, wild life
Checking in and checking out, oh-oh-oh
I got ’em, wild, wild life
Spending all of my money and time, oh-oh-oh
On too much wild, wild life
We wanna go and we go where we go, oh-oh-oh
Ah, doing wild, wild life

I know it, that’s how we start, oh-oh-oh
Got some wild, wild life
Take a picture here in the daylight, oh-oh
And it’s a wild, wild life
You’ve grown so tall, you’ve grown so fast, oh-oh-oh
Wild, wild life
And I know that’s the way you like it, oh-oh
Living wild, wild, wild, wild life!

So, what exactly is the song all about? Well, that is a very good question. On its surface, it is a playful catalog of all of the wild things that people do in order to keep life very interesting. Some people chase vein, others party, while others simply embrace the weirdness of it all.

But, if we dig a little deeper, you will find out that there is also some commentary on popular 80s culture. After all, the song pokes fun at the obsession with excess and image. And, it celebrates the energy and spontaneity of the decade. It’s almost as if the Talking Heads were saying that the 80s were completely nuts, but that’s just the way it is.

Why the Song Was Pure 80s Magic

Let’s take a closer look at the music video. Wild Wild Life was more than just a song. It was a full-on spectacle. And, the Talking Heads frontman David Byrne directed the video which featured the band and a large cast of eccentric characters, all lip-synching to the lyrics while dressed in over-the-top costumes. There was a cowboy, a Madonna wannabe, a lounge singer, and so much more.

It was such a popular song that MTV just couldn’t get enough of it. The song went on to win the MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video. It was, after all, hilarious, weird, and endlessly entertaining. It was basically everything that 80s music videos were supposed to be.

But, the song wasn’t just a hit on Music Television. It became a key part of the Talking Heads’ True Stories, which was a film that was both written and directed by Byrne. The movie, just like the song, was a quirky exploration of small-town America. And, the band uses the song to underscore its themes of self-expression and individuality.

It didn’t matter if you understood the deeper meaning of the song, because it had a beat that would force just about anyone to dance along. Wild Wild Life was the type of song that brought people together. And, it didn’t matter whether you were a fan of new wave, rock, or just wanted a good groove, everybody, everywhere, would start singing along when it came on the airway.

The Making of Wild Wild Life

Believe it or not, the story of the song actually starts with David Byrne’s fascination with all things Americana. He had been working on True Stories for a while and decided to create a soundtrack that would perfectly reflect the film’s charm. And, of all of the songs that the Talking Heads had in their arsenal, Wild Wild Life stood out. It featured funky rhythms along with burns deadpan humor.

As they set out to record the song, they wanted to make it stand out with unconventional sounds and instruments. After all, the Talking Heads were already well known for their experimental approach to music. So, the recording sessions got just as quirky. In order to capture that raw and energetic vibe, they used a mix of live instruments and studio tricks.

According to Byrne, the band itself had so much fun dressing up and lip-synching, that they improvised a lot of scenes. As a result, the video feels spontaneous and alive. It felt, simply watching the video on MTV, like a party that you simply wish you had been personally invited to.

How the Song Stood the Test of Time

It was 1986 when Wild Wild Life hit the charts. And, it was an instant fan favorite. The critics praised its playful energy and clever lyrics, and fans simply couldn’t get enough of the funky groove. In fact, it was the biggest hit of the Talking Heads’ career.

Naturally, over the years the song has continued to grow in popularity. It has been covered by several different artists and even sampled in remixes. After all, it is impossible to ensure that opening beat without feeling the urge to get up and start dancing.

In the end, not only was it a quintessential 80s song that featured timeless appeal. Its message is all about embracing the chaos of life and celebrating individuality. As a result, the song still feels relevant today.

FAQ: All About Wild Wild Life

Was “Wild Wild Life” a big hit for Talking Heads?

Granted, it didn’t reach the top of the charts, but it did become a fan favorite. It was a staple of 80s music culture and got plenty of her time on MTV and local radio stations across the nation.

What’s the deal with the music video?

The video was a bit weird. Each of the band members as well as a whole cast of characters all lip-synching to the song. And, everyone wore era-specific costumes. The video is simply a must-watch.

Did the song win any awards?

Absolutely. The video actually one the 1987 MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video.

Is the song connected to the movie True Stories?

Yes, it is. Wild Wild Life is the main single in the soundtrack for True Stories. Both the song and the film were created by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne.

Why You Need Wild Wild Life in Your Life

Wild Wild Life is a celebration of just about everything that makes our lives exciting, messy, and completely unpredictable. It was a song that didn’t just make you want to dance, it made you want to embrace your wilder side. Whether that means simply chasing your dreams, trying something completely new, or completely letting go of your inhibitions for a while, this song was simply amazing.

For most, the song was considered the ultimate 80s anthem. Not only was it funky, but it was fun and packed with enough personality to fill up an entire decade. So, if you haven’t heard the song yet, then do yourself a favor now and give it a listen. And, if you have, then crank up the volume and get ready to dance like nobody’s watching. After all, life’s too short to play safe. Instead, try living your Wild Wild Life to its fullest.