The Flaming Lips are a renowned American rock band that has been active since the 1980s. The band has gained a cult following for their psychedelic sound and eccentric live performances, which often feature elaborate costumes, confetti, and props. Over the years, The Flaming Lips have released numerous albums and singles, and their music has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the 10 best The Flaming Lips songs of all time. These songs represent the band’s most iconic and beloved works, showcasing their unique blend of psychedelia, alternative rock, and pop. From anthemic protest songs to trippy soundscapes, each of these tracks offers a different facet of The Flaming Lips’ musical style and philosophy.
Whether you are a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, this list is sure to offer a glimpse into the creative and unpredictable world of The Flaming Lips.
1. Do You Realize??
“Do You Realize??” is a critically acclaimed song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 2002. The song is known for its uplifting and contemplative lyrics, which encourage listeners to appreciate the beauty of life and cherish the people around them. The opening lines, “Do you realize that you have the most beautiful face?/Do you realize we’re floating in space?” immediately set the tone for the song’s introspective themes.
The song’s instrumentation is equally powerful, featuring a lush arrangement of guitars, drums, and keyboards, as well as a string section that adds to the song’s emotional impact. The chorus is particularly memorable, with lead singer Wayne Coyne’s distinctive voice soaring over the music as he asks, “Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die?”
Despite the song’s weighty subject matter, “Do You Realize??” has a hopeful and optimistic tone, encouraging listeners to appreciate the present moment and the people in their lives. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has become a beloved anthem for fans of The Flaming Lips and beyond. Overall, “Do You Realize??” is a beautiful and thought-provoking song that has resonated with listeners for over two decades.
2. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1
“Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 2002. The song is the opening track and one of the most popular songs from the band’s acclaimed album “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots”. The song is known for its infectious melody, catchy hooks, and dynamic instrumentation that blends rock and electronic music.
The song tells the story of Yoshimi, a fictional character who battles evil pink robots to save the world. The lyrics are filled with fantastical imagery and metaphors, as lead singer Wayne Coyne sings about “the softest bullet ever shot” and “the sound of joy and happiness”. Despite the song’s surreal themes, its underlying message about fighting for what you believe in and standing up to oppression resonates with many listeners.
Musically, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1” features a propulsive drumbeat, driving guitar riffs, and atmospheric synthesizer sounds. The song’s chorus, with Coyne singing “She’s a black belt in karate” over a soaring melody, has become an iconic moment in the band’s discography.
Overall, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1” is a masterful example of The Flaming Lips’ unique brand of psychedelic rock, with its catchy hooks and imaginative storytelling. The song has become a fan favorite and remains a beloved classic of the band’s catalog.
3. She Don’t Use Jelly
“She Don’t Use Jelly” is a hit single by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 1993. The song is known for its catchy chorus and playful lyrics that tell the story of a woman who doesn’t conform to societal norms. The opening lines, “I know a girl who reminds me of Cher/She’s always changing the color of her hair,” immediately set the tone for the song’s irreverent and fun-loving attitude.
The song’s instrumentation features driving guitars, pounding drums, and a prominent bassline, creating a propulsive and danceable groove. The chorus, with lead singer Wayne Coyne declaring “She don’t use jelly, she uses Vaseline,” has become a memorable and oft-quoted moment in the band’s discography.
Despite its light-hearted lyrics, “She Don’t Use Jelly” also has a deeper message about individuality and self-expression. The song encourages listeners to embrace their unique qualities and reject societal pressure to conform. The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a surreal, candy-colored world, further reinforces this message.
Overall, “She Don’t Use Jelly” is a fun and infectious song that showcases The Flaming Lips’ signature blend of rock, pop, and psychedelic music. The song’s catchy hooks and playful lyrics have made it a beloved classic of the band’s catalog and a staple of alternative rock radio.
4. Race for the Prize – 2017 Remaster
“Race for the Prize” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, originally released in 1999 and remastered in 2017. The song is known for its bombastic instrumentation and soaring melodies that create a sense of urgency and excitement. The song’s lyrics tell the story of two scientists who are racing to find a cure for a deadly disease, with the chorus declaring, “They’re just humans, with wives and children.”
The remastered version of the song features a cleaner, more polished sound, with the individual instruments and vocal harmonies coming through with greater clarity. The song’s iconic opening riff, played on a distorted guitar, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the song’s driving energy.
Despite its apocalyptic subject matter, “Race for the Prize” is ultimately a hopeful and uplifting song, with the scientists’ dedication and hard work serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The song’s epic finale, with multiple layers of guitars and keyboards building to a crescendo, is a cathartic and powerful moment that encapsulates the band’s unique approach to rock music.
Overall, “Race for the Prize” is a masterful example of The Flaming Lips’ unique blend of psychedelic rock, pop, and experimental music. The song’s energy, melody, and message have made it a beloved classic of the band’s catalog and a staple of alternative rock radio.
5. Fight Test
“Fight Test” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 2003. The song is known for its dreamy, ethereal sound and introspective lyrics that explore themes of personal growth and self-discovery. The song’s opening line, “The test begins now,” sets the tone for a journey of self-examination and introspection.
Musically, “Fight Test” features lush orchestration, including strings and horns, that add to the song’s dreamlike quality. The song’s tempo shifts and unusual time signatures give it a sense of unpredictability and tension, adding to the song’s introspective mood.
The lyrics of “Fight Test” explore the challenges of personal growth and the struggle to overcome one’s own weaknesses and fears. The song’s chorus, with lead singer Wayne Coyne declaring “It’s only up to us to be the champions of the sun,” is a powerful call to action for listeners to take control of their own lives and pursue their dreams.
Despite its introspective subject matter, “Fight Test” also has a sense of humor and playfulness, with the song’s music video featuring a boxing match between a man and a robot. This juxtaposition of the serious and the absurd is a hallmark of The Flaming Lips’ unique approach to music and storytelling.
Overall, “Fight Test” is a beautifully crafted and deeply introspective song that showcases The Flaming Lips’ unique blend of rock, pop, and experimental music. The song’s lush instrumentation, dreamlike quality, and profound lyrics have made it a beloved classic of the band’s catalog and a staple of alternative rock radio.
6. The W.A.N.D.
“The W.A.N.D.” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 2006. The song is known for its driving, up-tempo beat and powerful guitar riffs that create a sense of urgency and excitement. The song’s title, an acronym for “The Will Always Negates Defeat,” sets the tone for a message of empowerment and resilience.
Musically, “The W.A.N.D.” features a propulsive beat and pulsating bassline that drive the song forward. The song’s chorus, with lead singer Wayne Coyne declaring “You’ve got to prove that you’re still alive, you’ve got to prove that you’re not a robot,” is a powerful call to action for listeners to take control of their own lives and pursue their dreams.
The lyrics of “The W.A.N.D.” explore themes of personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity. The song’s message of empowerment and the importance of self-belief is a common theme throughout The Flaming Lips’ music, and “The W.A.N.D.” is a particularly powerful example of this message.
The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a surreal, sci-fi setting, further reinforces the song’s themes of empowerment and resilience. The video’s imagery of robots and futuristic technology contrasts with the song’s message of personal empowerment and the importance of human connection.
Overall, “The W.A.N.D.” is a high-energy, anthemic song that showcases The Flaming Lips’ unique blend of rock, pop, and experimental music. The song’s powerful message of personal empowerment and resilience has made it a beloved classic of the band’s catalog and a staple of alternative rock radio.
7. The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song
“The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 2006. The song is known for its catchy melody and upbeat, pop-influenced sound. The song’s lyrics, which express frustration with the negative aspects of modern society, are delivered in a playful and ironic tone that contrasts with the song’s serious message.
Musically, “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” features a driving beat and infectious guitar riffs that create a sense of excitement and energy. The song’s chorus, with lead singer Wayne Coyne declaring “Yeah yeah yeah, we can do anything,” is a powerful call to action for listeners to take control of their own lives and pursue their dreams.
The lyrics of “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” criticize the superficiality and materialism of modern culture, urging listeners to look beyond the distractions of consumerism and technology and embrace a more authentic and meaningful way of life. The song’s message of empowerment and the importance of self-belief is a common theme throughout The Flaming Lips’ music, and “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” is a particularly powerful example of this message.
The song’s music video, which features a giant frog puppet singing along to the song, adds to the song’s playful and whimsical tone. The video’s imagery of a colorful, surreal world contrasts with the song’s serious message, creating a unique and memorable visual experience.
Overall, “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” is a fun and catchy pop song that delivers a powerful message of empowerment and social criticism. The song’s infectious melody and playful lyrics have made it a beloved classic of the band’s catalog and a staple of alternative rock radio.
8. In the Morning of the Magicians
“In the Morning of the Magicians” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 2002. The song is known for its dreamy, atmospheric sound and psychedelic lyrics that explore themes of spirituality and mysticism.
Musically, “In the Morning of the Magicians” features a slow, ethereal melody and lush, layered instrumentation that creates a sense of otherworldliness and introspection. The song’s lyrics, with lead singer Wayne Coyne singing about “the magical thoughts that are in the minds of the magicians,” evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity about the mysteries of the universe.
The lyrics of “In the Morning of the Magicians” explore themes of spiritual awakening and transcendence, urging listeners to look beyond the mundane and embrace a deeper, more meaningful connection with the world around them. The song’s message of spiritual exploration and the importance of imagination is a common theme throughout The Flaming Lips’ music, and “In the Morning of the Magicians” is a particularly powerful example of this message.
The song’s music video, which features a series of surreal, dreamlike images, adds to the song’s mystical and otherworldly tone. The video’s imagery of a swirling universe and fantastical creatures creates a sense of awe and wonder, reinforcing the song’s message of spiritual exploration and discovery.
Overall, “In the Morning of the Magicians” is a haunting and introspective song that invites listeners to explore the mysteries of the universe and embrace a deeper connection with the world around them. The song’s dreamy sound and psychedelic lyrics have made it a beloved classic of The Flaming Lips’ catalog and a staple of alternative rock radio.
9. Turn It On
“Turn It On” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 1993. The song is known for its energetic, punk-influenced sound and catchy, anthemic chorus.
Musically, “Turn It On” features a fast-paced beat and driving guitar riffs that create a sense of urgency and excitement. The song’s chorus, with lead singer Wayne Coyne shouting “Turn it on, turn it on, turn it on,” is a rallying cry for listeners to embrace their passions and live life to the fullest.
The lyrics of “Turn It On” encourage listeners to break free from the constraints of society and embrace their individuality. The song’s message of empowerment and the importance of self-expression is a common theme throughout The Flaming Lips’ music, and “Turn It On” is a particularly powerful example of this message.
The song’s music video, which features the band performing on a colorful, psychedelic stage, adds to the song’s energetic and rebellious tone. The video’s imagery of explosions and chaotic visuals reinforces the song’s message of breaking free from the status quo and embracing a more adventurous and spontaneous way of life.
Overall, “Turn It On” is a high-energy and empowering song that encourages listeners to embrace their passions and live life to the fullest. The song’s catchy melody and anthemic chorus have made it a beloved classic of The Flaming Lips’ catalog and a staple of alternative rock radio.
10. Free Radicals
“Free Radicals” is a song by American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 2006. The song is known for its frenetic, chaotic sound and politically-charged lyrics.
Musically, “Free Radicals” features a fast-paced beat and a cacophony of sound, with multiple layers of instrumentation and electronic effects creating a sense of dissonance and chaos. The song’s chorus, with lead singer Wayne Coyne shouting “We want the world, and we want it now,” is a rallying cry for political and social change.
The lyrics of “Free Radicals” critique the status quo and call for a revolution in politics and society. The song’s message of protest and the importance of challenging authority is a common theme throughout The Flaming Lips’ music, and “Free Radicals” is a particularly powerful example of this message.
The song’s music video, which features a series of animated images of political and social upheaval, adds to the song’s political and rebellious tone. The video’s imagery of protests and social unrest reinforces the song’s message of challenging authority and fighting for a better future.
Overall, “Free Radicals” is a frenzied and politically-charged song that encourages listeners to question the status quo and fight for change. The song’s chaotic sound and rebellious lyrics have made it a beloved classic of The Flaming Lips’ catalog and a powerful anthem for political and social activism.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
