We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo is an 80s hit by Danny Elfman. It has catchy tunes and thoughtful words. The song talks about how we sometimes escape into our dreams. Elfman makes us think: are we living in the moment or hiding from it?
The song is special in Oingo Boingo’s collection. It looks critically at how people act. It captures the 80s feeling but still has lessons for today. With its upbeat music and deep lyrics, We Close Our Eyes stands out.
Key Takeaways
- We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo was composed by Danny Elfman.
- The song explores escapism and the human tendency to retreat into fantasies.
- Lyrical themes touch on social media addiction and daydreaming.
- The track combines new wave and pop elements.
- The song challenges listeners to confront reality rather than escape it.
Learn more about song meanings by checking this analysis of another classic song.
Background of Oingo Boingo and Their Impact on 80s Music
Oingo Boingo started in 1979, thanks to Danny Elfman. They quickly stood out as a top band in California during the 80s. With a mix of new wave and alternative rock, they became well-known. Their lively shows and special sound made them big in music.
Formation and Rise to Fame
They first were The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, a theater group. Then they turned into a band under Danny Elfman. Their first song, “Only a Lad” in 1980, got popular fast and led to an album in 1981. This song helped them stand out with rock, ska, and pop sounds.
The band’s lineup changed over time, with members like Elfman, Leon Schneiderman, and others. Despite this, Oingo Boingo always entertained their fans with lively shows.
Influence of Danny Elfman
Danny Elfman, the main songwriter, greatly impacted their music. His skill in making melodies and lyrics helped the band succeed. Elfman later made music for movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Batman.” His work helped keep the band relevant, as noted by Last.fm.
Contribution to New Wave and Alternative Rock
Oingo Boingo led the way in new wave and alternative rock. Their 1985 album “Dead Man’s Party” showed their growth. “Weird Science,” their top hit, is still loved today. By 1994, their music turned to alternative rock with deeper themes.
Their albums feature a mix of many styles. This mix is seen in their seven studio albums and a live album. In 2016, LA celebrated “National Oingo Boingo Day,” honoring their influence on 80s music there.
Here’s a concise table summarizing some key milestones in Oingo Boingo’s career:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Formation of Oingo Boingo |
| 1980 | Release of “Only a Lad” EP |
| 1983 | Performance at the US Festival |
| 1985 | Release of “Dead Man’s Party” album |
| 1994 | Last studio album “Boingo” |
| 1995 | Farewell tour and band disbandment |
| 2016 | National Oingo Boingo Day declared |
Lyrical Analysis of We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo
The song “We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo” explores escapism versus reality. Danny Elfman’s lyrics touch on deep themes, moving between the urge to escape and facing life’s challenges.
Themes of Escapism and Reality
In We Close Our Eyes, the band talks about feeling disconnected in today’s world. Elfman uses the lyrics to discuss issues like media addiction. He shows the battle between embracing reality and escaping into fantasy.
The song also deals with losing touch with reality, similar to their song “Insanity.” The lyrics capture the struggle between seeking escape and facing the harsh truths of life.
Interpretation of Key Lyrics
Looking closely at We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo, we find deep meanings. Elfman reminisces about the past, setting youthful hope against grown-up sadness. He questions identity and the essence of being, a common theme in his music.
Lyrics like, “We close our eyes and the world has turned around again,” highlight escapism. They show a way of briefly escaping life’s ongoing challenges.
The song also touches on mortality and the passage of time. With Elfman’s unique style, these tough topics are brought out with hope. His approach makes these themes relatable to many listeners.
So, “We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo” is a song filled with complex themes. Elfman’s lyrics and voice invite listeners to think deeply about escapism and reality. This song remains meaningful and thought-provoking over time.
The Musical Composition of We Close Our Eyes
“We Close Our Eyes” shows how good Oingo Boingo was at making music. They mixed catchy New Wave tunes with pop in a smart way. You can clearly see Danny Elfman‘s touch in it. His complex singing and the lively song structure stand out. The song also uses the accordion. It adds a fun and unique vibe, making the track memorable.
The song’s speed was gently raised in later versions. This change highlights how the band’s music style grew over time. The upbeat music goes well with deep lyrics. This mix is something Danny Elfman does really well. He puts together sound and words to express complex feelings. The song also has special breaks in the chorus. These breaks show a high level of singing skill, adding to the song’s energy.
Below, we highlight some of the chart achievements of “We Close Our Eyes”:
| Country | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| UK | 5 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 41 |
| US Hot Dance Music/Club Play | 5 |
| Australia | 8 |
| Italy | 6 |
| New Zealand | 4 |
This table shows how popular the song got in different places.
The song “We Close Our Eyes” became a hit because of its great musical composition and song structure. Danny Elfman‘s creative music vision played a big role in its success. The song captures a wide range of emotions, making it a standout track of its time.
How We Close Our Eyes by Oingo Boingo Reflects Society
Oingo Boingo’s song “We Close Our Eyes” shows deeply how we live today. It looks at how modern distractions hurt our connections with others and understanding of ourselves.
Commentary on Modern Distractive Behaviors
The song talks about how today’s distractions affect us. Lyrics like “We close our eyes and the world has turned around again” show how we escape real life. We often pick easy distractions over real, meaningful experiences.
Relevance in Today’s Digital Age
In our digital world, this song still has a strong message. It talks about the struggle to keep real relationships and know ourselves. Elfman’s words remind us to think about how digital life changes us and society.
| Album | Theme | Key Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Only a Lad | Societal Responsibility | Only a Lad |
| Dead Man’s Party | Life and Mortality | Dead Man’s Party |
| Nothing to Fear | Alienation | On The Outside |
| Good for Your Soul | Conformity | Perfect System |
Oingo Boingo’s albums talk about different social topics. “We Close Our Eyes” is a song that makes people think. It asks us to look at how we live as society keeps changing.
Legacy and Continued Influence of We Close Our Eyes
“We Close Our Eyes” by Oingo Boingo has left a lasting mark. The band started in Los Angeles in 1972 by Richard Elfman. It was first called “The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo.” They changed styles from big band and jazz to new wave and alternative rock by 1980. Danny Elfman led the band, mixing unique sounds and instruments. This mix continues to attract fans and influence musicians.
The band stopped playing together in 1995 after a big concert at the Universal Amphitheatre. Their sound and exploration of themes, however, keep them an important part of 80s music history. Their music, even now, shows creativity and innovation. It inspires artists of today.
Oingo Boingo’s style was unique, thanks to Elfman’s background in theater and jazz. He also liked composers like Stravinsky. This helped them capture the spirit of their time. Danny Elfman became famous as a film composer later. This extended the band’s influence to movie music, too. “We Close Our Eyes” and the band’s other songs still have many fans and critical praise. For more on iconic songs, check out Old Time Music Blog.
FAQ
What is the meaning behind “We Close Our Eyes” by Oingo Boingo?
“We Close Our Eyes,” by Oingo Boingo, talks about how people often escape from reality. They do this by closing off and losing themselves in their own thoughts and dreams. Danny Elfman wrote it, setting deep lyrics to an upbeat tune. This mix points out how we distract ourselves from real life.
What themes does “We Close Our Eyes” explore?
The song looks at how we often choose fantasy over reality. It shows how people get caught up in things that take them away from the here and now. It makes us think about if we are actually living or just hiding.
How did Oingo Boingo form and rise to fame?
Danny Elfman started Oingo Boingo in California. They became big in the 80s music scene. Their music was a mix of rock, ska, and pop. They were famous for putting on lively shows.
How has Danny Elfman influenced Oingo Boingo’s music?
Danny Elfman had a big impact on the band through his unique songs and music. He connected with many people, helping the band become a success. His creative direction shaped their music.
What impact did Oingo Boingo have on the new wave and alternative rock genres?
Oingo Boingo helped shape the sound of the 80s. Their mix of styles and deep lyrics made a lasting impression on music. They left a mark on both new wave and alternative rock.
What are some key lyrics in “We Close Our Eyes,” and what do they signify?
Important lyrics in “We Close Our Eyes” talk about daydreams versus reality. They discuss how time passes and our focus on social media. The song urges us to embrace life rather than hide in distractions.
How does “We Close Our Eyes” reflect societal issues?
The song comments on how easy we get distracted today. It points out the downsides of always wanting to escape. It also shows how a digital life affects our ability to connect with others and ourselves.
What aspects of musical composition are notable in “We Close Our Eyes”?
The song stands out for its catchy tunes, varied rhythms, and special sound. Dan Elfman’s singing is a key part. Changes in tempo and the accordion show how their music changed over time.
Why is “We Close Our Eyes” still relevant in today’s digital age?
Its views on how we live with technology are still important. It asks us to think about how we interact with the world today. And it talks about the effects of living our lives online.
What is the legacy and continued influence of “We Close Our Eyes” by Oingo Boingo?
The song is an important part of 80s music. It’s loved by both fans and musicians for dealing with big topics while keeping a unique sound. This has helped it stay influential and appreciated over time.
