On this episode of Our American Stories, few pop songs sound like nothing that came before them. Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime” is one of them, a hypnotic blend of rhythm, repetition, and existential wonder that has puzzled and inspired listeners for decades.

Music critics and musicians alike have called it a perfect song, praising its strange power and its lyrics, which feel both meaningless and deeply profound. Our own Greg Hengler traces how the song came together, why it resonated so strongly, and how it became one of the most enduring and influential tracks in modern music.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, few pop songs sound like nothing that came before them. Talking Heads&rsquo; &ldquo;Once in a Lifetime&rdquo; is one of them, a hypnotic blend of rhythm, repetition, and existential wonder that has puzzled and inspired listeners for decades. Music critics and musicians alike have called it a perfect song, praising its strange power and its lyrics, which feel both meaningless and deeply profound. Our own Greg Hengler traces how the song came together, why it resonated so strongly, and how it became one of the most enduring and influential tracks in modern music.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Why “Once in a Lifetime” Is One of the Greatest Songs Ever Written

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/931f6c80-1108-4fa4-8105-b3db0167f63d/transcript