“Once in a Lifetime” is a seminal song by the American new wave band Talking Heads, released in 1981 as part of their album Remain in Light. Written by David Byrne and produced with Brian Eno, the track explores themes of existential crisis and the unconscious nature of daily life.
The lyrics reflect a sense of disconnection from one’s surroundings, encapsulating the experience of living on autopilot and questioning how one arrived at their current situation. With its iconic call-and-response chorus and water imagery, the song invites listeners to contemplate the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, ultimately suggesting a celebration of existence despite its complexities.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“Once In A Lifetime” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
You may find yourself
Living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself
In another part of the world
And you may find yourself
Behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house
With a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself
“Well … how did I get here?”
The opening verse sets the tone for the song by introducing the idea that life can take unexpected turns. The repetition of “And you may find yourself” highlights the unconscious nature of these changes. The protagonist might find themselves in various situations—living in a simple home, traveling, driving a large car, or having a beautiful house and wife—without fully understanding how they got there. The question “Well… how did I get here?” encapsulates the theme of living on autopilot and questioning one’s life choices.
[Chorus 1]
Letting the days go by!
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by!
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
After the money’s gone
Once in a lifetime!
Water flowing underground
The chorus emphasizes the passage of time and the inevitability of life’s flow. “Letting the days go by” suggests a passive acceptance of life’s progression. The water imagery, such as “Let the water hold me down” and “Water flowing underground,” symbolizes the unstoppable flow of life and time. The phrase “Once in a lifetime” serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life’s opportunities.
[Verse 2]
And you may ask yourself
“How do I work this?”
And you may ask yourself
“Where is that large automobile?”
And you may tell yourself
“This is not my beautiful house!”
And you may tell yourself
“This is not my beautiful wife!”
In this verse, the protagonist continues to question their surroundings and possessions. The lines “How do I work this?” and “Where is that large automobile?” reflect confusion and disconnection from one’s life. The statements “This is not my beautiful house!” and “This is not my beautiful wife!” suggest a sense of disownership or dissatisfaction with the life they have built, hinting at an existential crisis.
[Chorus 1]
Letting the days go by!
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by!
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
After the money’s gone
Once in a lifetime!
Water flowing underground
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the themes of time’s passage and the protagonist’s detachment from their life.
[Bridge]
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
The bridge, with its repetitive phrase “Same as it ever was,” underscores the idea that despite changes, life remains fundamentally unchanged. This refrain can be seen as both a commentary on the cyclical nature of life and a reflection of the protagonist’s stagnant perspective.
[Verse 3]
Water dissolving, and water removing!
There is water at the bottom of the ocean
Under the water, carry the water
Remove the water at the bottom of the ocean
Water dissolving, and water removing!
This verse focuses on water imagery, symbolizing transformation and the cyclical nature of life. The actions of “water dissolving, and water removing” suggest change and renewal, but also the impossibility of truly altering one’s circumstances.
[Chorus 2]
Letting the days go by!
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by!
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
Into the silent water
Under the rocks and stones
There is water underground
The second chorus maintains the water imagery, emphasizing the flow of life and time. The addition of “Into the silent water / Under the rocks and stones” deepens the metaphor, suggesting hidden currents beneath the surface of life.
[Verse 4]
You may ask yourself
“What is that beautiful house?”
You may ask yourself
“Where does that highway go to?”
And you may ask yourself
“Am I right? Am I wrong?”
And you may say to yourself
“My God! What have I done?!”
In this final verse, the protagonist continues to question their life, asking about the nature of their possessions and their path. The line “My God! What have I done?” expresses a moment of realization or regret, highlighting the consequences of living on autopilot.
[Outro]
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it, ever was
And look where my hand was
Time isn’t holding up!
Time isn’t after us
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was
Letting the days go by
Same as it ever was
And here, a twister comes, here comes the twister
Same as it ever was (Letting the days go by!)
Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was (Letting the days go by!)
Same as it ever was
Once in a lifetime!
Let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by!
Water flowing underground
Into the blue again
The outro reiterates the refrain “Same as it ever was,” emphasizing the cyclical nature of life. The final lines, including “Time isn’t holding up! Time isn’t after us,” offer a message of optimism and acceptance, suggesting that despite life’s complexities, one should celebrate its beauty and fleeting nature.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Once In A Lifetime”
“Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads is a deeply introspective song that explores themes of existential crisis, the unconscious, and the monotony of everyday life. According to David Byrne, the song’s lead vocalist and songwriter, it delves into how people often operate on autopilot, finding themselves in situations they haven’t consciously chosen, such as owning a house, having a family, and a job, without ever stopping to question how they got there. The song’s opening verse, which repeatedly begins with “And you may find yourself,” encapsulates this idea, highlighting the monotony and routine that many accept without reflection.
The song also employs imagery and symbolism, particularly water, to convey the unstoppable flow of life and time. Water is used both as a symbol of transformation and as a reminder of the inevitability of change. Byrne’s use of preacher-like cadences adds a sense of urgency and introspection, encouraging listeners to reflect on their lives and question whether they are truly living the life they want. The call-and-response pattern in the chorus, inspired by religious sermons, further emphasizes this introspective and existential questioning.
The song’s message is both celebratory and cautionary. While it acknowledges the beauty and achievements in life, it also prompts listeners to consider whether these accomplishments are truly their own desires or merely societal expectations. Byrne’s optimistic tone, as noted by Brian Eno, celebrates the beauty of life while encouraging a deeper examination of one’s choices and path. The song’s iconic refrain, “Same as it ever was,” serves as a reminder that despite our introspection and questioning, life continues to move forward, unchanged in many ways, yet full of potential for personal transformation and growth.
In a broader sense, “Once in a Lifetime” can be seen as a reflection on the human condition, echoing themes found in philosophical and biblical texts like Ecclesiastes. It invites listeners to ponder the meaninglessness and meaning of existence, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from embracing life’s journey rather than merely drifting through it. The song’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to inspire listeners to pause, reflect, and perhaps alter their path, even if only slightly, to live more authentically and appreciate the fleeting nature of life.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.