[Dr. Sivana]

It didn't do well on the regular charts, a little weird at the time, and the extended mix meant more EP sales and fewer 45s. It came out at the same time as a lot of heavy-syth and electronica.

Personally, I was expecting more out of the song when first hearing it, as it doesn't seem to go anywhere (common with dance tunes). I couldn't make out the lyrics and had to look them up. At the time they seemed valley girl bubble-headed. I also wonder what she was in jail for. She refuses to define what "fun" is, but my guess is she was a post-modern nihilist. The character in the song will never be happy.

[nickcarraway]

It did better than most Talking Heads songs. David Byrne was mad and amazed. He was going to go solo, but because that song he came back and did Burning Down the House.

[lee martell]

I loved that song, and still do! From that first guitar lick, anyone can identify it. I never tried to make any sense out of it. In my opinion, the main ‘purpose’ of this recording is to entertain and hold your attention. It’s not a ballad or a ode. Entertainment is done in a fragmented, fauve, pointilist, kalidescopic, though rather harmonious way.

The same, 4/4 beat is kept throughout, simplyfying the pace and direction. The music and vocals provide ‘decoration’ for the beat.
This was also a great tune for the dance floor.

[babble-on]

“fun” is sex.