Song For a Future Generation

Album: Whammy! (1983)
Charted: 63
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Songfacts®:

  • This was the third single taken from American new wave rock band The B-52s' third album, Whammy!. The song finds the members taking turns introducing themselves. Here's the breakdown:

    Fred Schneider:
    I'm Fred the Cancerian from New Jersey
    I like collecting records and exploring the cave of the unknown


    Cindy Wilson:
    I'm Cindy, I'm a Pisces
    I like Chihuahuas and Chinese noodles


    Ricky Wilson:
    My name is Ricky and I'm a Pisces
    I love computers and hot tamales


    Kate Pierson:
    I'm Kate and I am a Taurus
    I love tomatoes and black-capped chickadees


    Keith Strickland:
    My name is Keith and I'm a Scorpio from Athens, Georgia
    I like to find the essence from within
  • The B-52s are a very democratic group, and the band's achievements are equally credited to each of the members. B-52er Fred Schneider told the NME this group mentality was what was behind this song. He explained: "We've always wanted to do a song where we introduce ourselves. There's so many of 'em: the Floaters, 'The Jam' by Grand Central station… a lot of rap groups. We figured it was about time, especially as Kate and Cindy and I are upfront and Keith and Ricky have never sung. We like to promote all five of us. Be sure attention is paid equally to everyone this time round."
  • In a Songfacts interview with B-52s vocalist Cindy Wilson, she said: "'Song For A Future Generation' was a marvel - it had everybody singing on it and everybody was doing a stand-out, where we would come on the stage and we each got to step out like a TV show from the '60s. It was our anthem - we're all in there and we're all contributing."

Comments: 2

  • Pedro from PortugalMyla, if you don't like the B 52's, don't listen. And don't call silly to a song, when they introduce themselves to a future generation.They had that goal, and did it with a great song. Whammy is a very good album, and the only thing missing is more songs
    like 'Whammy' which have a incredible and unforgettable bass. It should be here. Rick really rocked.
  • Myla from San Diego, CaIt's a silly song that always puts me in a good mood!
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