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They Might Be Giants — Birdhouse In Your Soul
Album: Dial-A-Song: 20 Years of They Might Be Giants
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 808









Released: 2002
Length: 3:14
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I have a secret to tell
From my electrical well
It's a simple message and I'm leaving out
The whistles and bells
So the room must listen to me
Filibuster vigilantly
My name is blue canary one note spelled l-i-t-e
My story's infinite
Like the Longines Symphonette, it doesn't rest

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

There's a picture opposite me
Of my primitive ancestry
Which stood on rocky shores
And kept the beaches shipwreck free
Though I respect that a lot
I'd be fired if that were my job
After killing Jason off and
Countless screaming Argonauts
Bluebird of friendliness
Like guardian angels it's always near

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

(And while you're at it
Keep the nightlight on inside the
Birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Comments (228)add comment
great tune.  maybe an overrated #9, but one of my lifetime favs.
   What ? #3

                           {#Stop}   {#Stop}   {#Stop}
 Dgradeworkunit wrote:
I see on previous pages a link to the Pushing Daisies show.  We don't get broadcast TV so we watched the series on DVD.
My wife and I had never seen any of it, so there we were on the couch watching that episode and suddenly my daughter and I start singing along... my poor wife thought she'd been abducted by aliens or something! 
 
You should conspire with your daughter to gaslight your wife a few more times. It'll keep her on her toes...

Great song, great band. I keep bragging about this, but John and John grew up in Lincoln, MA—one of my fave places and next door to my home town. 

"Pushing Daisies" was absolutely wonderful. Its brief two-season run is a clear sign of the decline of American TV and culture in general. Hopefully the next quirky, genre-crossing mystery/romantic comedy that shows up on the small screen will last a little longer.

 
 Businessgypsy wrote:
If it's too acute, you're too obtuse!

 
Too funny. What a great comment for this geek rock song!

I'm sorta ashamed to admit to my young friends that I just don't get TMBG... So I try to listen and snap my fingers sorta in time but I kinda keep waiting for the cuteness to stop and the music to start. It just ain't happenin' for this Bear.


Kinda funny that someone mentioned this is Sesame Street music. TMBG is actually now quite big in the kindie rock scene including getting a Grammy in 2009 for Best Musical Album For Children. In fact I think the first in the "Here Come the" series was their last gold. record.

 cc_rider wrote:
Had to go watch their appearance on 'The Tonight Show'. 1990, with Doc Severinsen and the band. Awesome.
 
Me too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6WKE4aYgOw

Check out the trombone player with the flat top.

 
Maybe.
Ahhh ... great memories. And, the LOUDEST concert I have ever attended! At the University of Michigan ....
 FlatCat wrote:
The concept of a night-light worrying about "killing Jason off and countless screaming Argonauts" has to be one of the most inspired lines in Rock and Roll.
 
Agreed - these guys are brilliant lyricists.  A lot of the folks posting here seem to be a little humorless - too bad - there are already more than enough things to have to be serious about.

I especially liked their playful, sometimes downright absurd lyrics right from the start. It's nice to listen to them again, but I can understand not everybody likes their somewhat anarchistic approach to musicmaking...
I see on previous pages a link to the Pushing Daisies show.  We don't get broadcast TV so we watched the series on DVD.
My wife and I had never seen any of it, so there we were on the couch watching that episode and suddenly my daughter and I start singing along... my poor wife thought she'd been abducted by aliens or something! 
These guys crack me up.  "Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet."   Hyuck, hyuck, hyuck!
 sirdroseph wrote:

If you do not like this song, you are a serial killer.{#Daisy}


 
Not YET!... but if I hear much more............


If you do not like this song, you are a serial killer.{#Daisy}


Bill! What's going on? Lately I'm shutting RP off more often than not. The number of sucko-barfo's is increasing and I've noticed that we're changing the channel more and more often. I hope to not have to go looking for a replacement.
The concept of a night-light worrying about "killing Jason off and countless screaming Argonauts" has to be one of the most inspired lines in Rock and Roll.
Overly 'clever' and simutaneously irritating in equal measures. 
 scraig wrote:
I like this, but can't stand Gogol Bordello.
 

I happen to agree with you, but fail to see any connections between the two?{#Stupid}
Once again showcasing John Linell's unique ability to come up with amazing lyrics about nothing! This song is about a night lite!{#Lol}

I like this, but can't stand Gogol Bordello.
Had to go watch their appearance on 'The Tonight Show'. 1990, with Doc Severinsen and the band. Awesome.
 fatcatjb wrote:
I concur...this tested my patience
 
Papernapkin wrote:
More for Sesame Street than RP.
 
 
If that's what you think, you're TOO grown up.  Fun isn't only for children.

 Papernapkin wrote:
More for Sesame Street than RP.
 

I love Sesame Street.
 Papernapkin wrote:
More for Sesame Street than RP.
 
Lighten up, this is just fun.  

perfect for lunchtime!!! thanks a ton!!!!  :)
I don't know what is is about TMBG but everyone of their songs makes me want to bang my head against the desk. Rating 1
Papernapkin wrote:
More for Sesame Street than RP.
If it's too acute, you're too obtuse!

Oh, this is why people like this band so much!  {#Angel}
From Flood - the first CD ever acquired for my son, at age 9. The two Johns are now engaged in a concert tour doing the entire work live. So wonderful to hear this again.

 gatorade wrote:
Would rather hear some Zappa.
 
Perhaps Peaches en Reggalia!

The Cure then They might be Giants.  GENIUS!!!!
Would rather hear some Zappa.
 DaveInVA wrote:
I shouldn't like this but I do....
 

You do realize how pompous this makes you sound, right?
What a fun song, I wish more people would stop & enjoy these little pleasures in life.
A most unusual classic.  On paper the lyrics and arrangement just don't have broad appeal and would seem to destine the song to obscurity.  But in the execution it wins on all levels, and has come to define how music can be infectious.  Simply brilliant from start to finish.  Congrats to John and John for not compromising their brainy approach to rock and roll.
 Papernapkin wrote:
More for Sesame Street than RP.
 
Nope, it's for RP - you know how you can tell?  Because Bill just played it on RP, and he gets to decide - you don't.

I concur...this tested my patience
 
Papernapkin wrote:
More for Sesame Street than RP.
 


Thanks, Bill, I needed that nugget of pure JOY today!
Aargh! I desperately want to sing along, but I'm sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office right now...
 Papernapkin wrote:
More for Sesame Street than RP.
 
Heaven forbid - FUN on RP!!!!!

More for Sesame Street than RP.
I shouldn't like this but I do....
The band that established geek rock. And this does indeed rock. Love it.
My wife's favorite song by TMBG and they are the group she's seen live the most. This was written in their heyday in the 90s and is wildly imaginative & clever. The lyrics must be studied to be truly appreciated. I give this one a 10 and recommend that fans also check out "Particle Man", "Dr. Worm", "SEXXY", "The Statue Got Me High", "Don't Let's Start" and "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)". 

 newwavegurly wrote:


 


 QrazyQat wrote:
TMBG did this song on their first Tonight Show appearance, back in the Doc Severinsen days.  Unlike most groups who turned up their noses at the Tonight Show band, TMBG embraced the opportunity and had the full works done, Tommy Newsome writing up charts and they did a rocking version with the full band and Doc wailing on the trumpet.  You can find the clip on YouTube.
 

Thanks, I'd forgotten all about that!


I love that they work argonauts into this!!!

Go UWF argonauts!!!  So glad I blew off UF to go to school where I could be on the boat every day by 3.....I miss college :(



 QrazyQat wrote:
TMBG did this song on their first Tonight Show appearance, back in the Doc Severinsen days.  Unlike most groups who turned up their noses at the Tonight Show band, TMBG embraced the opportunity and had the full works done, Tommy Newsome writing up charts and they did a rocking version with the full band and Doc wailing on the trumpet.  You can find the clip on YouTube.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWw4azYTTm8

Check out the High Philly Fade on the trombonist!

 QrazyQat wrote:
TMBG did this song on their first Tonight Show appearance, back in the Doc Severinsen days.  Unlike most groups who turned up their noses at the Tonight Show band, TMBG embraced the opportunity and had the full works done, Tommy Newsome writing up charts and they did a rocking version with the full band and Doc wailing on the trumpet.  You can find the clip on YouTube.
 
Thanks! I will look that up, now. Embrace the geekiness!

TMBG did this song on their first Tonight Show appearance, back in the Doc Severinsen days.  Unlike most groups who turned up their noses at the Tonight Show band, TMBG embraced the opportunity and had the full works done, Tommy Newsome writing up charts and they did a rocking version with the full band and Doc wailing on the trumpet.  You can find the clip on YouTube.
Never been a huge fan of TMBG, but I've always liked this song okay. Plus, it gets bonus points for being on "Pushing Daisies".
Then again, they might be weenies.
Why is the world in love again?  Why are we marching hand in hand?  Why are the ocean levels rising up?  It's a brand new record for 1990.  They Might Be Giants' brand new album Flood.
 giotto wrote:
My Problem with TMBG is, that they sound great the first time around and get on my nerves ever more with every repeat.
 

I agree except I would have to say that they sound just annoying the first time around...

Fun on occasion — on a very rare occasion, please.
 raewah wrote:


This playlist happended again on 9/26, same songs, same order.  Great selection...makes me jump happily on a Friday afternoon!!!  Definitely not on shuffle (RP).
 
And again today

There are not words sufficient to express the joy this song brings.{#Daisy}


Birdhouse in Your Stool? What a gross song title.
Oh god - someone shoot me.

Wow, this is the first time I've ever heard TMBG on RP. Love it! Would love to hear more!


This is really strange... I was just thinking about this song last night and now it's here on RP today.
My Problem with TMBG is, that they sound great the first time around and get on my nerves ever more with every repeat.
I heard this song at work today, so I couldn't comment at the time.  Bill mentioned something about this being the only song that talks about a nightlight.  I knew there was an old Roger Waters song about a Donald Duck light so I googled it and this is what I found.

I used to think the world was flat
Rarely threw my hat into the crowd
I felt I had used up my quota of yearning
Used to look in on the children at night
In the glow of their Donald Duck light
And frighten myself with the thought of my little ones burning
But, oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning
The tide is turning

The Tide Is Turning
~ Roger Waters

Go Giants!

They might be .... sucko barfo! :-D
 steeler wrote:
8:26 am - They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse In Your Soul
8:23 am - The Cure - In-Between Days
8:20 am - Feist - I Feel It All
8:16 am - David Bowie - Heroes

Man, that really covers it, the range of emotions, in roller-coaster fashion, ending with TMBG and that childlike joy and innocence coupled with a belief that guardian angels of some sort will watch over us (can't hurt to search for that nightlite).

Maybe things will be all right, after all.

 

This playlist happended again on 9/26, same songs, same order.  Great selection...makes me jump happily on a Friday afternoon!!!  Definitely not on shuffle (RP).

THESE GUYS ARE ON TV FOR A KIDS SHOW ON DISNEY....CAN'T REMEMBER THE NAME, BUT MY DAUGHTER LOVES IT.

I JUST CAN'T GET INTO THEM....


I never could get in to this stuff.
They Might Be Giants are pretty good musicians, even while being whimsical.
{#Dancingbanana}needed that one.  Thanks.{#Roflol}

Never got these guys ... simply didnt dig them at all sorry


Now this is a friday afternoon, about to go home for the weekend, happy song!  {#Bananajam}
 bokey wrote:

I never knew if this song was supposed to be a joke or not.

It's not a joke, but it is whimsical.  Actually, that describes many TMBG songs.
Just because they don't treat subjects with a mopey attitude doesn't mean they are a novelty act.
Damn, people  - lighten up!
"Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet." Nice.
Good songs, interesting lyrics, but I absolutely can not handle the nasally voice.
steeler wrote:
Man, that really covers it, the range of emotions, in roller-coaster fashion, ending with TMBG and that childlike joy and innocence coupled with a belief that guardian angels of some sort will watch over us (can't hurt to search for that nightlite). Maybe things will be all right, after all.
It's the path from Illusion, to disillusionment, ending finally in enlightenment. It's not a perfect fit, but pretty damn close.
8:26 am - They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse In Your Soul 8:23 am - The Cure - In-Between Days 8:20 am - Feist - I Feel It All 8:16 am - David Bowie - Heroes
Man, that really covers it, the range of emotions, in roller-coaster fashion, ending with TMBG and that childlike joy and innocence coupled with a belief that guardian angels of some sort will watch over us (can't hurt to search for that nightlite). Maybe things will be all right, after all.
robco1 wrote:
Best lyrics ever.
Theres a picture opposite me Of my primitive ancestry Which stood on rocky shores and kept the beaches shipwreck-free Though I respect that a lot I'd be fired if that were my job After killing Jason off and countless screaming argonauts That is just brilliantly silly.
They Might Be Giants wrote:
There's a picture opposite me Of my primitive ancestry Which stood on rocky shores and kept the beaches shipwreck free Though I respect that a lot I'd be fired if that were my job After killing Jason off and countless screaming Argonauts
Genius!
1-718-387-6962 ? is that it, not sure, haven't called in about 18 years. Darn long term memory!
bouncing in my seat and making my co workers wonder what I am smiling about!
cvandoren wrote:
Heard this song and clicked over to rate it a 10, only to find out that I already had. One of only a few 10s for me.
Me too!
Awesome!! They are giants!!
Heard this song and clicked over to rate it a 10, only to find out that I already had. One of only a few 10s for me. These guys are amazing, never ending crazy creativity, they have a blast when performing either in a book store or on a real stage. They may be the happiest musicians I have ever met. been doing it a real long time too.
They take a really, really (no, really) cornier-than-Kansas metaphor and make the suckah sing. Amazing. What a band.
So good to hear this again. Love it.
The Cure and then TMBG? Wow, I need to go and find my black Dr. Marten's. Great 1-2 punch.
These guys are absolutely the best!!
redtex wrote:
You should get out more.
Naw, he's right. Perhaps you, dr., should fill your own Rx this time.
robco1 wrote:
Best lyrics ever.
You should get out more.
Shite
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
Wow! Playing here on the main channel and at the same time on the LRC "She's an Angel" by... They Might Be Giants!
Sweet! I love the version from Severe Tire Damage. They should start playing it here. I rarely listen to the Listener Review Channel... apparently I should start back up.
squidish wrote:
Dial-A-Song is now on the Web at www.dialasong.com; the longtime number, 718-387-6962, still works.
and still FREE when you call from work!
Ah, the memories- "It's a brand new year and it's 1990..."
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
Wow! Playing here on the main channel and at the same time on the LRC "She's an Angel" by... They Might Be Giants!
aw snap, that's my favorite TMBG tune and it's prolly too late to vote it up.
Best lyrics ever.
John and John rock!
newwavegurly wrote:
They used this in an episode of "Pushing Daisies" a couple of weeks ago. Not this version, but 2 of the characters were singing it in the car. FUN!
What a great show that one is!
Wow! Playing here on the main channel and at the same time on the LRC "She's an Angel" by... They Might Be Giants!
They used this in an episode of "Pushing Daisies" a couple of weeks ago. Not this version, but 2 of the characters were singing it in the car. FUN!
Then again they might be really stupid
ahahhaa this is one of my ringtones ;)
They Might Be Giant
This was our first dance at our RP wedding. Journal Entry Below: (click here)
Great song from the Eighties...
Kristi wrote:
Add to that "Particle Man" - does he get wet, or does the water get him instead?
Nobody knows, Particle Man
Does anyone remember calling their Dial-a-Song? Every day a new song would be posted. Some polished, some demos, some silly, always entertaining. (Dial-A-Song is now on the Web at www.dialasong.com; the longtime number, 718-387-6962, still works.)
this is great!
rah wrote:
they've got a childlike absurdity or silliness in many of them, but they're not spoofs
Indeed. When my daughter was 3, we listened to this and Particle Man over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over.
shakitten wrote:
Uhmmm...WTF?? Some things are just SO bizarre....
Heah...ain't it great?
aahh, college ...
Uhmmm...WTF?? Some things are just SO bizarre....
rah wrote:
a few have fairly serious messages (You and Your Racist Friend comes to mind)...
Add to that "Particle Man" - does he get wet, or does the water get him instead?
the_om wrote:
And right after that, the next car that pulled up was driven by my wife... ...Morgan Fairchild.
Yeah, That's the ticket.
bokey wrote:
....It's catchy and completely harmless and inoffensive.
One could say the same thing about a marshmallow
roseap wrote:
*ALL* TMBG songs are jokes. Their lack of seriousness and their goofy (yet also poetic) lyrics is what makes them stand out. That and the music just makes you feel good. It just does.
i don't think i'd go so far as to call the songs "jokes". they've got a childlike absurdity or silliness in many of them, but they're not spoofs, and a few have fairly serious messages (You and Your Racist Friend comes to mind)...