Personally I think this is derived from David Byrne's experience from taking hallucinogens at his own house party and the confusion and anxiety it brings, whilst this is what I think the base of the meaning comes from I feel it relates to analyses of society and our perceptions of other people.
The chorus section seems to be a cathartic reaction to such confusion
"What's the matter with him? He's Alright!"
Is a release of judgement as to save oneself from becoming too judgemental of another.
"They're gonna leave.. and we'll be on our own"
^For me that is expressing the discontentment and paranoia of not feeling in control of what is going on yet "we'll be on our own" is the antithesis of the want for people to leave; a dilemma. To dismiss people for your own comfort or accept them and be with them.
Overall I see this song as a balanced and intelligently creative analysis of the naturally judgemental human condition and the benefits from attempting or practice-of unification with other people for mutual benefit.
Personally I think this is derived from David Byrne's experience from taking hallucinogens at his own house party and the confusion and anxiety it brings, whilst this is what I think the base of the meaning comes from I feel it relates to analyses of society and our perceptions of other people.
The chorus section seems to be a cathartic reaction to such confusion
"What's the matter with him? He's Alright!"
Is a release of judgement as to save oneself from becoming too judgemental of another.
"They're gonna leave.. and we'll be on our own"
^For me that is expressing the discontentment and paranoia of not feeling in control of what is going on yet "we'll be on our own" is the antithesis of the want for people to leave; a dilemma. To dismiss people for your own comfort or accept them and be with them.
Overall I see this song as a balanced and intelligently creative analysis of the naturally judgemental human condition and the benefits from attempting or practice-of unification with other people for mutual benefit.