Like Humans Do

Album: Look into the Eyeball (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A track from David Byrne's 2001 album Look into the Eyeball, the song was also featured on the former Talking Heads frontman's 2007 Live from Austin, Texas LP and DVD. On the latter, Byrne explains that the lyrics are about trying to love human beings by taking a "Martian's perspective" on humanity and trying to accept them despite failings for what they are.
  • This was released as the lead single from Look into the Eyeball. The radio edit of the song omits the line referring to cannabis.
  • The song was selected by Microsoft as the sample music for Windows XP to demonstrate the new Windows Media Player. Byrne recalled to Uncut Aug 2015: "Their new operating system included an audio/video player and they used a song I'd done as a demo of how their audio player worked – so that when you opened up the player there was something in there already. I thought, 'This will be a clever way to get a song from my new record to millions of people, to create awareness of the new recording. It didn't really have that effect."

Comments: 1

  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrI wonder what the radio edit says in place of, "I never watch TV, Except when I'm stoned". Is that the line that was edited out?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise AgainstSongwriter Interviews

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath explains the meanings behind some of their biggest songs and names the sci-fi books that have influenced him.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.