My Gen X Playlist: Private Idaho – The B-52’s

I like when my brother-in-law comes into town. Not only is he a good guy, but it gives me an excuse to stock up on some of his favorites: Cactus Cooler, Doritos and Lays BBQ potato chips. He may be only staying for a week, but I make sure we have an ample supply. After all, I have to be a good host, don’t I?

I’m self aware enough to understand that I have no will power when it comes to junk food. I can polish off a bag of chips or down a few sodas just like that. The only remedy is not to have them in our house. Do I crave salty snacks? Like a man dying of thirst in the desert. If you ever found me crawling on the hot desert sand and offered me a bag of chips in one hand or a cold bottle of water in the other, I would seriously pause to think about it.

I can’t have my potato chip addiction if it weren’t for the beloved potato. In 1978, the B-52’s released Private Idaho. Quirky, yes, but such a great song. The harmonies and energy of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson are amazing. This is not for everyone, I get it. But I love this video and find myself needing my fix from time to time. Just like potato chips – always satisfying.

You’re living in your own Private Idaho
Living in your own Private Idaho
Underground like a wild potato

In this song, the fine state of Idaho is used to represent a case of paranoia – the lyrics “get out of that state” meaning to get out of that state of mind.

– songfacts

One of the highlights of western civilization when this aired live in 1980. I threw away all old music and became weird.

– YouTube comment from ChillinDylan

Oh, and by the way. Just a little reminder, Mr. Quayle. Potato isn’t spelled with an “e”.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo
You're living in your own Private Idaho
Living in your own Private Idaho
Underground like a wild potato.
Don't go on the patio.
Beware of the pool,
blue bottomless pool.
It leads you straight
right throught the gate
that opens on the pool.

You're living in your own Private Idaho.
You're living in your own Private Idaho.

Keep off the path, beware of the gate,
watch out for signs that say "hidden driveways".
Don't let the chlorine in your eyes
blind you to the awful surprise
that's waitin' for you at
the bottom of the bottomless blue blue blue pool.

You're livin in your own Private Idaho. Idaho.
You're out of control, the rivers that roll,
you fell into the water and down to Idaho.
Get out of that state,
get out of that state you're in.
You better beware.

You're living in your own Private Idaho.
You're living in your own Private Idaho.

Keep off the patio,
keep off the path.
The lawn may be green
but you better not be seen
walkin' through the gate that leads you down,
down to a pool fraught with danger
is a pool full of strangers.

You're living in your own Private Idaho,
where do I go from here to a better state than this.
Well, don't be blind to the big surprise
swimming round and round like the deadly hand
of a radium clock, at the bottom of the pool.

I-I-I-daho
I-I-I-daho
Woah oh oh woah oh oh woah oh oh
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Get out of that state
Get out of that state
You're living in your own Private Idaho,
livin in your own Private.... Idaho