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Talking Heads — Girlfriend Is Better (live)
Album: Stop Making Sense
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3451









Released: 1984
Length: 5:01
Plays (last 30 days): 3
Who took the money?
Who took the money away?
It's always show time
Here at the edge of the stage
Wake up and wonder
What was the place, what was the name?
We wanna wait, but here we go again

Takes over slowly but doesn't last very long
No need to worry evreything's under control
O U T but no hard feelings
What do you know, take you away
We're being taken for a ride again

I got a girlfriend that's better than that
She has the smoke in her eyes
She's coming up, going right through my house
She's gonna give me surprise
I think it's right, better than this
I think you can if you like
I git a girlfriend with bows in her hair
Nothing is better than that, is it?

Down, down in the basement we hear the sound of machines
I'm driving in circles come to my senses sometimes
Why, why, why, why start it over?
Nothing was lost, everthing's free
I don't care how impossible it seems

Somebody calls you but you cannot hear
Get closer to be far away
And only one look and that's all that it takes
Maybe that's all that we need

All that it takes, now that it's right
All it takes if it's right
I got a girlfriend that's better than that
And she goes wherever she likes, there she goes

I got a girlfriend that's better than that
Now everyone's getting involved
She's moving up going right through my heart
We might not ever get caught
Going right through try to stay cool, going through, staying cool
I got a girlfriend she's better than that
And nothing is better than you

I got a girlfriend thats better that this
But you don't remember at all
As we get older and stop making sense
You won't find her waiting long
Stop making sense, stop making sense
Stop making sense, making sense
I got a girlfriend she's better than that
And nothing is better that this, is it?
Comments (329)add comment
I love this song but don’t need to hear daily!
Truly astounding, all the musical textures being explored here...so much going on, simultaneously, at every level, by each performer, and as a band! And the movie, WOW, I've seen it twice at The Boulder Theater since its re-mastering, on Oct. 31 and Jan. 31, and it is almost overwhelming... Seeing David shred the guitar like that, and Tina driving everyone WILD, and Chris and Jerry getting down and so delightfully funky with Bernie and the guest musicians...and it sounds so good!
I'm eternally grateful for RP and Talking Heads!
STOP MAKING SENSE!! 
...and nothing is better than this
-- IS IT?!
2words: Bernie Worell
Best live performance imo. Really enjoyed whole concert. 
 justin4kick wrote:

i find this both silly/funny and a little creepy/strange.
 aspicer wrote:


Time to get up again and see the film, it's moving through theaters again now. I believe it was updated to 4K and been enhanced musically too. Anyone seen the "remastered" version yet?


Just saw this a few days ago and it looked and sounded fantastic!
Granted, I had only seen it on a small, grainy VHS prior, so I cannot compare versions properly, but still worth getting to a theater.
 zaebb wrote:


Time to get up again and see the film, it's moving through theaters again now. I believe it was updated to 4K and been enhanced musically too. Anyone seen the "remastered" version yet?
All time favorite Head song …
 coloradojohn wrote:

EVERY TIME this comes on, whether it's on RP or iTunes at home or in my car, I JUST CAN'T HELP BUT DANCE AND SING ALONG! 




Same here!!  Thanx RP!   
 justin4kick wrote:



I want a girlfriend that does this....
"I got a girlfriend with balls in her hair" ??
 drewd wrote:
Top 30 Talking Heads GIFs | Find the best GIF on Gfycat


my dad used to dance for me like this. he kinda resembled byrne a bit, too.
 zaebb wrote:


mesmerizing! 
love the heads even though david is such a dick at times
 natedog wrote:

Great song! Love the guitar and drums.




Me too!  PS: more cowbell!!  Just kidding!   LOL!   
Great song! Love the guitar and drums.
One of the greatest live compilation albums ever made, IMO
Mi mero mole de chamaco
This is still one of my favorite bands ever. 
Chair dancing time!!!  
EVERY TIME this comes on, whether it's on RP or iTunes at home or in my car, I JUST CAN'T HELP BUT DANCE AND SING ALONG! 
Excellent!
if you haven't seen this movie/concert - you should. awesome live performance.
 drewd wrote:
Top 30 Talking Heads GIFs | Find the best GIF on Gfycat
 

One of David's best acts ever!!!
 coloradojohn wrote:
Yes! Songs like this remind me of Jerry Harrison's astounding keyboard virtuosity and knack for finding and extending a Killer Groove. 
 
You're hearing as much Bernie Worrell on these keys as you are Jerry (if not more).
 dalebryan wrote:
RP plays way too much Talking Heads!
 

Stop Making Nonsense 
 lizardking wrote:
I'm hearing a bit of a Parliament vibe to this one.  Interesting actually to think how similar these groups are, considering how "abnormal" their sound is compared to the "pop" sound of the day. 

As for this track, I'm sad after hearing it because I never got to see a TH show! This is fantastic stuff, even better than the album version, rather amazing considering it's not real music lol. 8 rating for me.

Long Live RP!  And feel free to play MORE Talking Heads (and really, whatever the hell you want to play, BillG!


 
You're hearing Parliament because you're listening to Bernie Worrell on keys.
Dancing with the kitties!!
 jp33442 wrote:
Great song too bad David Byrnes was such a dick
 
When did he stop being a dick?
 jp33442 wrote:
Great song too bad David Byrnes was such a dick
 

Did he piss in your cereal or something?


Top 30 Talking Heads GIFs | Find the best GIF on Gfycat
Great song too bad David Byrnes was such a dick
 rporter wrote:
This has to be (well in my opinion) one of the best live albums ever.  The film that went with it was also great. 
 
Yes.
Ditto
I absolutely love Radio Paradise! Listening in Dublin. Keep it up. Cj
 hansk wrote:
Wish there were a way to block all of the annoying moving gifs!  They are nothing but distracting.
 
just block the GIF source server - either via a brwoser plugin or quick and dirty with an new entry in your HOSTS file. Just add the line "127.0.0.1 giphy.com" to suppress all GIFs from this address (as this dancing cat below)
 
Wish there were a way to block all of the annoying moving gifs!  They are nothing but distracting.
I was so blown away by this movie I dragged everyone but my dad (tin ear) to it.  
How could anyone not say this is Godlike!?
 93vx800 wrote:
Oh Boy, here come all those TH haters. Watch out!

Personally, I love them.

 
You even love TH haters? That makes you a good person.
 zaebb wrote:
 

Literally me right now! :D 
 grumpyoldman wrote:
So..... do you rate a song like this based on the first ten, twenty, thirty times you have heard it?

Or the last couple hundred times you heard it?

When you heard it in high school and missed the concert but saw it on the big screen?  When you hear it for the umpteenth time when you occasionally turn on terrestrial radio stations?  It is always a little sad what overplaying's role is when you try to rate a song.   
 
I rate this and 'Life during wartime'  (and a few other TH songs) by the number of calories they can motivate out of me.  More than most groups.  Also seeing David Byrne hurtling around the stage in 'Stop Making Sense' makes me think I could do better than I do.  Every time I see it he never seems to have got any older.
 pinnyrat wrote:
Man...I do NOT like the Talking Heads.  David Byrne should be should be legally prevented from being within 20 feet of a microphone or musical instrument.
 
Maybe you should have told him that over 40 years ago.  It looks like since then it's turned out pretty well for him.
 Andrius wrote:

I agree!!

 

I'd hate to have to listen to only what you like, shudder! Bill plays Cowboy Junkies, too, but I hardly complain.
So..... do you rate a song like this based on the first ten, twenty, thirty times you have heard it?

Or the last couple hundred times you heard it?

When you heard it in high school and missed the concert but saw it on the big screen?  When you hear it for the umpteenth time when you occasionally turn on terrestrial radio stations?  It is always a little sad what overplaying's role is when you try to rate a song.   
I mean no disrespect, as I normally really enjoy Talking Heads, but bits of this sound like a soundtrack to Knight Rider. From Talking Heads to talking cars   Sorry... 
Yes! Songs like this remind me of Jerry Harrison's astounding keyboard virtuosity and knack for finding and extending a Killer Groove. 

I'm hearing a bit of a Parliament vibe to this one.  Interesting actually to think how similar these groups are, considering how "abnormal" their sound is compared to the "pop" sound of the day. 

As for this track, I'm sad after hearing it because I never got to see a TH show! This is fantastic stuff, even better than the album version, rather amazing considering it's not real music lol. 8 rating for me.

Long Live RP!  And feel free to play MORE Talking Heads (and really, whatever the hell you want to play, BillG!


RIP Jonathan Demme.
Jonathan Demme will be missed.
 lemmoth wrote:


Klaus Nomi?? Friend of Bowie - bit of a mime as I recall - did he put out multiple records like everyone else on your list?

 
He didn't live long enough to do that. His influence was almost entirely a result of his live performances.
A landmark song, album, and movie from one of the most inventive, evocative, and provocative bands ever. Wild, infectious beats!
Welp, I reckon that's just about enough of David Byrn's voice for this lifetime.  Once the 80's nostalgia has worn off, their music gets old very quickly. 
RP plays way too much Talking Heads!
ONE OF THE BEST BANDS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! {#Clap}{#Clap}{#Bounce}
this is their best album!

Burning down the house!!!!

{#Fire}
Strange but true, with stutzen is always show time, but I don't worry we got schmooze or the word is abstruse?
From the greatest concert video ever, Awesome!!
 midget wrote:
Nooooo. This?!?! After Fleetwood Mac, Muddy Waters and Cab Calloway?

 
{#Stop}
Nooooo. This?!?! After Fleetwood Mac, Muddy Waters and Cab Calloway?


I grew up in the 80s where there was an awful lot of disposable white-boy pop. I happen to like disposable pop, but this is a whole other level of white-boy funky badness.

Gonna shut up now in case I start making sense. 
 Andrius wrote:
I hear RP almost everyday with pleasure but I can't understand (like other listeners) why TH und Byrne sounds everyday... It is an overestimated band... The 80's have more to offer than TH: Bauhaus, Siouxsie, Joy Division, The Smiths, Klaus Nomi. I would like to hear more from these really good bands and singers on RP...

 
I'm with you....heard enough of them in the 80s.
{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananasplit}{#Bananajumprope}
The concert I danced the most at.

I saw this film for the first time on Quello TV.

What a performance.....one of the all time great concerts (and film concerts). loved Tina's moves!


Straight 9.
 ladron wrote:
Radio Paradise plays just the right amount of Talking Heads.
 
I wouldn't mind a bit more. {#Bananajam}
 pinnyrat wrote:
Man...I do NOT like the Talking Heads.  David Byrne should be should be legally prevented from being within 20 feet of a microphone or musical instrument.
 
Well we're all entitled to our opinions, that's for sure. If you don't like them, there is a PSD button waiting for you. The rest of us will be jamming out till you get back. :)
It's even annoying LIVE.
 Lewis_Moon wrote:
What can I say.  This was my youth.  Best. Music. Movie. Ever.
 

I enjoyed it immensely back in the day.  Not sure it tops the Last Waltz, but they realy are like apples and oranges 
What can I say.  This was my youth.  Best. Music. Movie. Ever.
What is this fascination with these Heads that Talk?
 Andrius wrote:
I hear RP almost everyday with pleasure but I can't understand (like other listeners) why TH und Byrne sounds everyday... It is an overestimated band... The 80's have more to offer than TH: Bauhaus, Siouxsie, Joy Division, The Smiths, Klaus Nomi. I would like to hear more from these really good bands and singers on RP...
 

Klaus Nomi?? Friend of Bowie - bit of a mime as I recall - did he put out multiple records like everyone else on your list?
NIGHTMARE!
Gets me moving every time. I never grow tired of this tune.
 Andrius wrote:
I will never understand Bill's addiction to Talking Heads. For my ears, they suck.
==================================================================
I agree!!

 

They do not even suck - they just....kill me!
TH + Floyd + Ludovico Einaudi - all into one bag,
some cement and over the bridge with them! 

bumped because...yup.

redeyespy wrote:
STOP MAKING SENSE is a very near perfect filmization/recording of a trio of concerts from '83. Even those who weren't particularly into the Heads became converts/admired the stylish conception. The songs, powerful enough in the studio recordings, really come to life in these live interpretations. Cheers to the band and Jonathan Demme! Get the dvd NOW!! The soundtrack album could be played on an endless loop here at RP and I wouldn't complain.
 


{#Bananajumprope} {#Bananajumprope}  {#Bananajumprope}   {#Bananajumprope} {#Bananajumprope}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajumprope} {#Bananajumprope}   {#Bananajumprope}  {#Bananajumprope} {#Bananajumprope}
 CoYoT51 wrote:
I will never understand Bill's addiction to Talking Heads. For my ears, they suck.
 
I agree!!

I hear RP almost everyday with pleasure but I can't understand (like other listeners) why TH und Byrne sounds everyday... It is an overestimated band... The 80's have more to offer than TH: Bauhaus, Siouxsie, Joy Division, The Smiths, Klaus Nomi. I would like to hear more from these really good bands and singers on RP...
 pinnyrat wrote:
Man...I do NOT like the Talking Heads.  David Byrne should be should be legally prevented from being within 20 feet of a microphone or musical instrument.
 
then don't LISTEN...

the second comment looks like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are trying their hand at music criticism... {#Yell}
btw...
the song is GREAT

so's the BAND

3rd that...

 
hencini wrote:

Indeed.  
 


 rporter wrote:
This has to be (well in my opinion) one of the best live albums ever.  The film that went with it was also great. 
 
Indeed.  
 rporter wrote:
This has to be (well in my opinion) one of the best live albums ever.  The film that went with it was also great. 
 
{#Yes}

Man...I do NOT like the Talking Heads.  David Byrne should be should be legally prevented from being within 20 feet of a microphone or musical instrument.
There she goes.  Making funny sounds.  Making Flippy Floppy perhaps.

Great movie and soundtrack.
 mindgoo wrote:
HELP!  Radio Paradise = Waaaaaaaaay too much Talking Heads/David Byrne. Seriously.
 
I agree... the attraction people feel to Byrne's music is beyond me.

He reminds me of a little kid constantly dancing and flailing around demanding applause for doing nothing notable. Very quickly you just want to tell him to go away... but he never does.

 On_The_Beach wrote:

Oh yes, this just keeps getting funnier, each of the 5000 times you've posted it.
Ha.          Ha.         Ha.
My sides hurt.

 

This is the first time I've seen it, and I think it is quite funny.
True This: rporter wrote:
This has to be (well in my opinion) one of the best live albums ever.  The film that went with it was also great. 
 


This has to be (well in my opinion) one of the best live albums ever.  The film that went with it was also great. 
 DeFrankMan wrote:

I envy the deaf when i hear this. {#Headache}

 

LOLOLOL, I'd use the laughing rolling-head emoticon, but I never can get those suckers to work. 

Definitely one of my least fave TH songs. "Stop Making Sense" was a great movie though.  
Radio Paradise plays just the right amount of Talking Heads.
For some reason, I've really been into Talking Heads lately.  This is one of my favorites - it's fun to dance to while doing chores.  It's fun, period. {#Bananajam}
I stopped making sence... till this play. Amazing show, amazing cinematography by Jordan Cronenweth. I highly recommend the DVD. 

Did someone say "Prophet 5 fuelled white funk?" ;-)

This music just grates on my nerves


ugh.
{#Lol} Drop us in the water.  Watch us flail and flounder.  Oh look! It's a piranha...

I love this song. I love Talking Heads. {#Sunny}
Ahhh....  the echoing sound of the RP/TH crybabies.  Cry on.  Cry us a river.  Take us to the river.  Drop us in the water.
{#Yell} This absolutely kicks ass!
I love everything...

Except this!
 CoYoT51 wrote:
I will never understand Bill's addiction to Talking Heads. For my ears, they suck.
 
I feel exactly the same. I enjoy RP all day, except when Byrne's voice is drilling in my head... I forgive Bill for this 'cause everything else is very good. Nobody's perfect ;-)  

I envy the deaf when i hear this. {#Headache}


I will never understand Bill's addiction to Talking Heads. For my ears, they suck.
Love that BIG SUIT!

...Best. Concert. Movie. Ever.
DB is the frosting on diversity, so let the detractors eat cake...with a spoon.... Please, don't everyone thank me at once.
Normally i like TH!! But this is terrible!!
Time to switch over to something else.....why bother with TH 24/7?
Never loved them... I guess I won't, ever.
93vx800 wrote:
Oh Boy, here come all those TH haters. Watch out!

Personally, I love them.

 
What, the "TH haters"? Bit perverse, that... {#Stupid}


I was shocked when I finally came across two Talking Heads songs I thought were tolerable.  This one I think is even enjoyable.

*Looks out window for winged swines*  {#Mrgreen}