Tame Impala

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
But don't remind me of home
There's everywhere I'd rather go
It's true that some things have to change
Oh no

[Verse 2]
And don't remind me of home
Or I might notice where I am
It's true that some things
Have to change
I know some things have to change
It's true that some things have to change
I know some things have to change
Oh no

[Verse 3]
I'm gazing out the window
As I ascend into the sky
But I'm the one who's left behind
I'm the one who's left behind
There is nothing that is safe
I know some things have to change
Oh yeah, I do
Yeah, I do
[Verse 4]
But don't remind me of home
In case it isn't quite the same

If you're a fan of psychedelic rock and indie music, then you've probably heard of Tame Impala. One of the standout tracks from their debut album, Innerspeaker, is the penultimate song, "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds." Clocking in at over seven minutes long, this track takes the listener on a journey through space and time, tackling themes of travel, ego, and nostalgia. With heavy bass lines, waves of guitar riffs, and distorted vocals, "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds" is an epic track that showcases Tame Impala's musical prowess.

About Runway, Houses, City, Clouds

At its core, "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds" is a song about the trials and tribulations of travel. From the very first line, Kevin Parker (the mastermind behind Tame Impala) sets the stage for a song that's unapologetically honest about the highs and lows of being constantly on the move.

As the title suggests, "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds" takes the listener on a journey through various locations and landscapes. The opening verse paints a vivid picture of a plane taking off, with Parker singing, "I got my hopes high / Got my cab and I got my tie / Got my hopes high, oh baby, yeah." From there, the song unfolds like a travelogue, with Parker describing the sights and sounds of various cities, including "streetlights got me dizzy" and "houses in every color / Streets in dizzying array."

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds" is more than just a travelogue. It's also a meditation on the nature of ego and the constant struggle to escape one's past. In the second verse, Parker sings, "Building made by hand / The waking dream of a man / And I've been absorbed / Reclaiming the things I've lost." Here, he's grappling with the idea that our identities and sense of self are often tied to the places we come from, the things we've lost, and the memories that we hold onto.

But despite the heavy themes, "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds" is also a celebration of the beauty and complexity of life on the road. The song's instrumental breaks are perfect examples of this, with swirling guitar riffs, throbbing bass lines, and driving rhythms that evoke the thrill and excitement of being in motion.

Ultimately, what makes "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds" such a powerful and enduring song is its ability to capture the contradictions and complexities of life itself. It's a song that's both intimate and universal, introspective and expansive. And like all great songs, it has the power to take us on a journey, both physical and emotional.

The Bottom Line

If you're a fan of Tame Impala, "Runway, Houses, City, Clouds" is a must-listen. It's a song that captures everything that's great about the band - the intricate instrumentation, the thoughtful lyrics, and the sense of adventure and possibility that permeates their music. Whether you're on the road or simply looking to escape for a few minutes, this song is guaranteed to take you on a journey you won't soon forget.

• Release Date: May 21, 2010
• Artist: Tame Impala