Private Idaho

The B-52's · Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation [1998]

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 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

Private Idaho

Private Idaho stands as a vibrant example of The B-52's enduring commitment to eccentric new wave pop. Released on the 1998 compilation Time Capsule: Songs For A Future Generation, the track captures the band's signature blend of surf-rock guitar lines, playful vocals, and theatrical energy. While the group is often celebrated for their early 1980s hits, this recording demonstrates their ability to maintain a distinct sonic identity years into their career. The song reflects the band's knack for creating catchy, danceable anthems that balance whimsical subject matter with tight, energetic arrangements. As part of their extensive discography, it offers listeners a concise snapshot of their unique approach to synthesizing retro influences with modern production techniques.