David Byrne often analyzes the complex role of television in his own life and in society through his lyrics. In “Found a Job” he tells the story of a couple that channeled their boredom and disillusionment with tired television tropes into the creation of their own successful television show. In “I Should Watch TV” he discusses TV as a medium to be studied carefully to gain insight on the human condition, rather than mindless entertainment.

In this track, the narrator refers to himself as a “television man”: his entire identity is based around TV. This song is a commentary on the controlling nature of television, and how TV can feel so lifelike and immersive that one forgets the real world. Unlike Bob and Judy of “Found a Job”, who choose to live more fulfilling, creative lives through using television as an art medium, this narrator becomes passive and lives vicariously through the television, not truly exploring his life to the fullest.