The meaning of Cities by Talking Heads

"Cities" is a song by Fleetwood Mac, released on their 1987 album Tango in the Night. The song was written by Lindsey Buckingham, who also provided vocals and guitar for the track.

The lyrics of "Cities" describe a sense of disconnection and longing for human connection in a world that seems to be constantly moving and changing. The opening lines, "In the cities, people walkin' over people," suggest a sense of overcrowding and anonymity, where individuals are lost in the crowd and struggling to make meaningful connections with others.

The chorus, "There's always someone who can tell you what to do / When there's no one left, it's only me and you," speaks to the desire for intimacy and understanding in a world that often feels impersonal. The song seems to be lamenting the loss of genuine human connection in favor of superficial relationships and technology-facilitated communication.

The song's music is characterized by Buckingham's signature guitar work and the distinctive vocals of Stevie Nicks, who provides backing harmonies throughout the track. The production is sleek and polished, reflecting the band's increasing commercial success at the time.

Despite being a relatively overlooked track in Fleetwood Mac's discography, "Cities" remains a standout example of their ability to craft catchy, memorable pop songs with deeper emotional resonance.