IPhone (song)

“IPhone” was written by John Flansburgh and John Linnell, the founding members of They Might Be Giants. The song was released on January 19, 2018, as part of the band's 22nd studio album, I Like Fun. The album was produced by the band and Pat Dillett, and was released on their own label, Idlewild Recordings.¹

The song is a mid-tempo rock track with a prominent bassline and catchy chorus. Lyrically, it explores the obsessive relationship people have with their smartphones, with lines like “I got an iPhone / It's got a mind of its own” and “I'm always looking at it / Even when I'm on the phone.” The lyrics are delivered in a deadpan style, typical of the band's approach to social commentary.

Upon release, “IPhone” received positive reviews from music critics. Pitchfork noted that the song “captures the absurdity of our digital age with wit and precision.” AllMusic praised the album's “sharp songwriting” and highlighted “IPhone” as a standout track.²

They Might Be Giants performed “IPhone” live during their 2018 tour supporting I Like Fun. The song was often accompanied by a visual backdrop of smartphone-related imagery.³ A live version was included on the band's 2019 compilation Live at the Bowery Ballroom.⁴

One lesser-known fact is that the song was initially written as a response to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, with the band feeling a need to address the role of technology in political discourse. Additionally, the song's music video, directed by the band's longtime collaborator AJ Schnack, features stop-motion animation of an iPhone being dismantled.⁵ The song also appears in the soundtrack of the video game Rocket League.⁶

They Might Be Giants

An American alternative rock band formed in 1982 by John Flansburgh and John Linnell, known for their eclectic musical style and witty lyrics.

I Like Fun

The 22nd studio album by They Might Be Giants, released in 2018.

Idlewild Recordings

The independent record label founded by They Might Be Giants in 1999.