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

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.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.