Channel Z

The B-52's

About Channel Z

"Channel Z" is a single by The B-52's from their 1989 album Cosmic Thing. The song was the first single from Cosmic Thing, but did not achieve as much success as the follow-ups "Love Shack" and "Roam." The single was reissued with a new 12" Mix after these two singles and before "Deadbeat Club." Multiple renditions of the song were released, including the album version and a 7" single edit and remix, as well as a "rock mix" and a "rock dub" which were on a 5-track CD single in the US. Fred Schneider told an interviewer in 2008 that the song was "probably our most straightforward political song up until then ... It was about the state of the country. And who knew nearly 20 years later it'd be worse?"The song peaked at number 61 on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, it topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in August 1989. The song's music video features The B-52's playing on stage in front of an audience, along with clips of them running through a forest. It was shot outside of New York City, according to the credits of The B-52's 1979–1989. 


94 
#2

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I am livin' on Channel Z!

Getting nothing but static, getting nothing but static
Static in my attic from Channel Z
Getting nothing but static, getting nothing but static
Static filling my attic from Channel Z 

I don't know, I feel like something's happening
Something good is happening
I feel love has got to come on, and I want it
Something big and lovely 
I want the world to change for me
Gotta get away, away from Z
Living on the edge of Z

Space junk, laser bombs, ozone holes, better put up my umbrella!

Giant stacks blowin' smoke
Politicrits pushin' dope 
All I know, we've got to change what's happening
Something good could happen
I feel light has got to come through, and I need it
Something big and lovely 
I want the world to change for me, gotta get away, away from Z
Living on the edge of Z

Waste dumps, toxic fog, irradiate and keep it fresh forever
Good old boys tellin' lies
'Bout time I got wise

Getting nothing but static (static)
Getting nothing but static (static)
Static in my attic from Channel Z
Getting nothing but static (static)
Getting nothing but static (static)
Static in my attic from Channel Z
 
Gotta tune in, pico waves, gotta tune out, PCBs
Gotta tune in, market crash, gotta tune out, polar shift
Gotta tune in, narrow minds, gotta tune out, space junk 
Gotta tune in, bombs, gotta turn out, atomic lasers falling from the sky 
Where's my umbrella?

Gonna shoot that static down the drain (where's my umbrella?)
Gonna put that static out of my brain (where's my umbrella?)
Gonna put up my antennae (free, ow!)

Hamburger ads
Pop up in my head
On the edge of Aquarius (secret wars!)
I'm living on the edge (take my money away)
 
I know I feel a change is happening
Something good will happen
I feel love is coming on strong, and I want it
We can make it happen 

I want the world to change for me
Gotta get away, away from Z
Living on the edge of Z

Channel Z's all static, all day, forever (whoa-oh)
Time to open your windows, let in better weather (whoa-oh)
Channel Z's all static, all day, forever
Time to take this information and shove it in the shredder

More trash, more dips, space junk, narrow minds, aah! (whoa-oh)

 Struggling with Channel Z? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


The B-52's

The B-52s are an American rock band, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. The original line-up consisted of Fred Schneider (vocals, cowbell), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), Cindy Wilson (vocals, tambourine, bongos), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums). Following Ricky Wilson's death in 1985 Strickland switched to guitar. more »

3 fans

Written by: CINDY WILSON, FRED SCHNEIDER, KATE PIERSON, KEITH STRICKLAND, PAUL ASH, WALTER DONALDSON

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin
"Channel Z" is a song by The B-52's, an American New Wave band, highly renowned for their whimsical lyrics and eclectic style.
Album
The song appears on their fifth studio album "Cosmic Thing" which was released in 1989.
Genre
The song is classified under the New Wave, pop rock, and alternative dance genres.
Lyrics
The lyrics for "Channel Z" express concerns about the political and environmental situation of the world around the time of its release. It contains references to pollution and the threat of nuclear war.
Position in Album
"Channel Z" is the opening track of the second side of "Cosmetic Thing".
Music Video
The music video for the song was directed by Adam Bernstein, an accomplished director well known in music video craftsmanship.
Live Performance
This song has been performed live by the band for over 30 years and is often included in their setlists.
Recognition
"Channel Z" has since become a fan favorite and is considered one of the band's most critically acclaimed songs.
Remix
A remix of "Channel Z" appeared on the band's 1990 remix album "Party Mix!".
Chart Performance
Despite not being released as a single, "Channel Z" managed to reach and peak at number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
Themes
The song continues The B-52's penchant for exploring themes of concern with the state of the world, space and science fiction imagery, and use of humour as social commentary.

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