"The Adults Are Talking" serves as the atmospheric, rhythmically driving opening track of The Strokes' 2020 Grammy-winning album, The New Abnormal. Since its surprise live debut in 2019, the song has evolved from a fan-favorite bootleg into a modern indie rock anthem. While the infectious guitar interplay between Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi captures the ear, it is the lyrical depth—penned by lead singer Julian Casablancas—that provides the song's lasting resonance.

The track functions as a critique of power structures, societal dismissal, and the exhaustion of trying to navigate a world dictated by "adults" who may not have the best interests of the "children" at heart.

Full Lyrics for The Adults Are Talking

Below are the complete lyrics to "The Adults Are Talking" as featured on The New Abnormal.

[Verse 1] They've been sayin' you're sophisticated They're complainin', overeducated You are saying all the words I'm dreaming Say it after me Say it after me

[Verse 2] They will blame us, crucify, and shame us We can't help it if we are a problem We are trying hard to get your attention I'm climbing up your wall Climbing up your wall

[Chorus] Don't go there, 'cause you'll never return I know you think of me when you think of her But then it don't make sense when you're trying hard To do the right thing, but without recompense And then you did something wrong and you said it was great And now you don't know how you could ever complain Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to But then you want me to do it the same as you

[Verse 3] You were waiting for the elevator You were saying all the words I'm dreaming No more asking questions or excuses Information's here, here and everywhere

[Chorus] Don't go there, 'cause you'll never return I know you think of me when you think of her But then it don't make sense when you're trying hard To do the right thing, but without recompense And then you did something wrong and you said it was great And now you don't know how you could ever complain Because you're all confused 'cause you want me to But then you want me to do it the same way as you

[Bridge] But I don't, I don't want anything I know it's not, it's not your fault I don't want anyone As I do, it's not for you

[Outro] Stockholders Same shit, a different life I get it right sometime Oh, maybe not tonight (Spoken: Yeah boy, here we go... let's go back to the old key, old tempo, everything)

A Lyrical Breakdown: What Do the Words Mean?

To understand the lyrics of "The Adults Are Talking," one must look at the historical context of The Strokes and the societal climate of the late 2010s. Julian Casablancas has often moved toward political and philosophical themes in his work with his side project, The Voidz, and those sensibilities bleed heavily into this track.

The Opening Confrontation

In the first verse, Casablancas sings, "They've been sayin' you're sophisticated / They're complainin', overeducated." This reflects a common modern paradox where expertise and education are met with suspicion or resentment by those in power. By using the words "sophisticated" and "overeducated" as complaints, the song highlights a culture that fears intellectualism or any perspective that challenges the status quo.

The repetition of "Say it after me" suggests a forced conformity—a pedagogical or political indoctrination where the "adults" (the establishment) expect the "children" (the marginalized or the younger generation) to parrot their rhetoric.

The Struggle for Visibility

The second verse shifts toward the consequences of dissent: "They will blame us, crucify, and shame us / We can't help it if we are a problem." This reflects the feeling of being an outsider in a system designed for others. The imagery of "climbing up your wall" suggests a desperate attempt to be heard or to bridge the gap between two disparate worlds—the elite within the walls and the seekers outside.

The Confusion of Moral Standards

The chorus is perhaps the most complex part of the song. It touches on the hypocrisy of those in charge: "And then you did something wrong and you said it was great / And now you don't know how you could ever complain." In our analysis, this points to the gaslighting often found in corporate or political spheres, where failures are rebranded as successes, leaving the observer confused and silenced.

The line "But then you want me to do it the same way as you" encapsulates the generational conflict. The older guard demands that the new generation follow their path, even when that path has clearly led to a "kooky situation" or systemic failure.

The Significance of the Outro and the "Stockholders"

The song concludes with a repetitive chant of "Stockholders / Same shit, a different life." This is a direct nod to the commodification of art and life. By invoking stockholders, Casablancas points to the unseen forces—the financial interests—that govern everything from the music industry to public policy.

The spoken-word ending, where Casablancas directs the band to return to the "old key, old tempo," serves as a meta-commentary on the recording process itself. It suggests a weariness with the polished expectations of modern production, opting instead for a raw, almost accidental feeling of authenticity.

Musical Composition and Rick Rubin’s Influence

The lyrics do not exist in a vacuum; they are elevated by the specific sonic environment of the track. Working with legendary producer Rick Rubin at his Shangri-La studio in Malibu, The Strokes stripped back their sound to its essentials.

  • The Drum Machine Intro: The song begins with a steady, metronomic beat that feels mechanical, mirroring the "robotic" themes of the lyrics.
  • The Interlocking Guitars: Hammond Jr. and Valensi utilize a "hocket" style where their parts weave in and out of each other. This creates a tension that perfectly matches the lyrical themes of trying to find one's place in a complex system.
  • The Bass Line: Nikolai Fraiture provides a driving, melodic bass line that acts as the song's heartbeat, keeping the "human" element alive amidst the precise instrumentation.
  • Vocal Performance: Casablancas utilizes a muffled, almost whispered tone in the verses, as if he is sharing a secret or "sneaking up" on the listener. This builds into a soaring falsetto in the chorus, representing the release of pent-up frustration.

The Visual Narrative: The Roman Coppola Music Video

The official music video for "The Adults Are Talking," directed by Roman Coppola, provides a vital layer of interpretation. In the video, the band plays a high-stakes baseball game against a team of hyper-advanced robots.

This visual choice serves as a metaphor for the song's core theme: the struggle of human spirit and authenticity against a cold, systematic, and technologically superior force. The band is battered and bruised, struggling to keep up with the precision of the machines, yet they continue to play. It highlights the idea that even if the "adults" (the robots) have all the advantages, the act of participating and pushing back is where the true value lies.

Why This Song Resonated in 2020

Released during the height of the global pandemic, "The Adults Are Talking" took on unintended meanings. As the world looked toward leaders ("the adults") for guidance and often found confusion, hypocrisy, or corporate-first agendas, the song’s lyrics became a soundtrack for a collective feeling of disillusionment.

The title itself—an idiom used to dismiss children—mirrored how many felt during the social and political upheavals of the year. The Strokes managed to capture a specific zeitgeist: the feeling of being stuck in a room while the people who supposedly know better make decisions that don't make sense.

Summary of the Song's Impact

"The Adults Are Talking" is more than just a catchy indie-rock track. It is a sophisticated piece of social commentary that explores:

  1. Generational Friction: The dismissive nature of the establishment toward younger or different voices.
  2. Corporate Influence: The cold reality that "stockholders" often dictate the tempo of our lives.
  3. The Quest for Truth: The difficulty of "doing the right thing" in a system that doesn't offer "recompense."

By combining these heavy themes with a danceable, interlocking guitar arrangement, The Strokes proved that they are still capable of capturing the complexities of modern life two decades after their debut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What album is "The Adults Are Talking" on?

The song is the opening track of The Strokes' sixth studio album, The New Abnormal, released on April 10, 2020.

Who produced "The Adults Are Talking"?

The song was produced by Rick Rubin, known for his work with artists ranging from Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash and Adele.

What is the meaning behind the song's title?

The title is a common phrase used by adults to tell children to stay out of a conversation. In the context of the song, it symbolizes how political and corporate leaders dismiss the concerns of the general public.

When did The Strokes first play this song?

The song was premiered live at a charity benefit show at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on May 13, 2019, nearly a year before its official release.

Is there a hidden message in the outro?

The outro mentions "stockholders" and "the old tempo," which many fans interpret as a critique of the music industry's pressure on artists to conform to certain commercial standards.

Who directed the music video?

The music video was directed by Roman Coppola, who has a long-standing creative relationship with the band and previously directed videos like "Last Nite" and "The Modern Age."