“Once in a Lifetime” is a milestone track by the Talking Heads, distinguished for its fusion of new wave, art-pop and Afrobeat-inspired grooves. The band and producer Brian Eno built the song through extended jam sessions, drawing influence from artists like Fela Kuti and the rhythmic frameworks of African music.  David Byrne’s vocal approach is half-spoken/half-sung, often styled like a preacher delivering an existential sermon: “You may find yourself … you may ask yourself”. The lyrics ponder identity, consumerism and the passage of time, while the music layers hypnotic bass, shimmering synths and insistent rhythmic loops. The song and its video (where Byrne dances in a large suit against shifting backgrounds) became iconic. It was certified platinum in the UK and has been recognised by NPR, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Rolling Stone as one of the most important songs of its era.