Cover art for Slippery People by Talking Heads

Slippery People

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Jun. 1, 19831 viewer63.7K views

Slippery People Lyrics

[Verse 1]
What about the time you were rollin' over
Fall on your face, you must be having fun

Walk lightly, think of a time
You'd best believe this thing is real
Put away that gun, this part is simple
Try to recognize what is in your mind
God help us, help us to surmise
These slippery people help us understand

[Chorus]
What's the matter with him? (He's alright)
I see his face (The Lord won't mind)

Don't play no games (He's alright)
Look from the bottom to the top
Turn like a wheel (He's alright)
See for yourself (The Lord won't mind)
We're gonna move (Right now)
Turn like a wheel inside a wheel

[Verse 2]
I remember when sittin' in the tub
Pulled out the plug, the water was runnin' out
Cool down, stop actin' crazy
They're gonna leave and we'll be on our own
Seven times five, they were living creatures
Watch 'em come to life right before your eyes
Backsliding, how do you do?
These slippery people gonna see you through
[Chorus]
What's the matter with him? (He's alright)
How do you know? (The Lord won't mind)
No, no, no games (He's alright)
Love from the bottom to the top
Turn like a wheel (He's alright)
See for yourself (The Lord won't mind)
We're gonna move (Right now)
Turn like a wheel inside a wheel

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Chorus]
What's the matter with him? (He's alright)
I see his face (The Lord won't mind)
How do you know? (He's alright)
And we're going to the top
Turn like a wheel (He's alright)
See for yourself (The Lord won't mind)
We're gonna move (Right now)
Turn like a wheel inside a wheel
What's the matter with him? (He's alright)
I see his face (The Lord won't mind)
How do you know? (He's alright)
Love from the bottom to the top
Turn like a wheel (He's alright)
See for yourself (The Lord won't mind)
We're gonna move (Right now)
Turn like a wheel inside a wheel

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About

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Genius Annotation

This song talks about charismatic preachers and the congregations that they lead. Churchgoers convulse on the ground, speak in tongues, and are led by their charismatic preacher. The term “Slippery People” could be referring to the preachers, painting them as “slimy” or insincere – or, it could be referring to the congregants themselves, who seem to slip and fall onto the ground in spiritual fervor.

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Credits
Produced By
Percussion
Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Bass, Keyboards
Recorded At
Blank Tape Studios, New York City, New York; Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Compass Point Studios, Nassau, New Providence, the Bahamas
Release Date
June 1, 1983
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