Come On, Little Human
How important is the ability to think critically?
If it’s important, why do many things in our society stop us from developing critical thinking skills as a child?
These are the questions Tamlin wants to ask you through her latest single, “Come On, Little Human.”
“The idea for this song came about when I was scrolling through my social media feed. More and more of my friends had become parents. I wanted this song to be a reminder to new parents of how easy it is to ruin kids’ capacity for critical thinking and individuality.”
It’s much easier to conform than to disagree, even if it’s for asking crucial questions. Bad parenting, traditional school systems, mindless TV shows, and many other things in society can encourage this docile mindset. Those who aren’t mindful grow up to be empty shells of a human, working away at meaningless jobs to fill the void of meaningless lives.
“Many phrases in the lyrics were what adults said to me as a kid. Fellow rebellious kids would have heard them growing up as well, I’m sure.”
The satirical lyrics point out what children (and adults) should be doing instead of questioning the status quo. They’re absurdly common things like looking perfect, being compliant and inoffensive, and believing that they cannot make a difference in the world.
The genre-bending music combines elements of musical theatre, nursery rhymes, fanfare, barbershop quartet, and waltz. The music video mirrors this intriguing mash-up as a girl who flicks through a couple of vastly different TV channels in the 1950s.
“I picked the ’50s because it was the time where people tried to present this idealized image of perfection and uniformity, at least in the West.”
“Come on, little human, don’t embarrass your mother”
The first part of the video was inspired by The Stepford Wives—where everything looks perfect on the surface, and problems are swept under the rug. Caretakers only care that the children appear beautiful and perfect, especially when the neighbours are watching.
“Wipe it off your head; that thought is too controversial”
The second part drew influences from 1984, where Tamlin plays the intimidating “Big Sister” policing rebellious citizens who step out of line. The lyrics discussed repressing individuality and controversial thoughts to survive in society.
“You won’t change the world, not today”
The third parodies a kids’ show with a pleasant setting and mesmerizing characters dancing.
“That’s all there is to it. There’s no substance to this type of show we all watch. The more we stay glued to the screen, the more we aren’t doing anything to change the world or even ourselves for that matter.”
“Come on, little human, just don’t think too much”
The final part sounds like it’s played on a vinyl record player. The record gets stuck and keeps repeating the phrase “just don’t think” over and over again. It’s strangely hypnotizing.
The music video ended with Tamlin crushing the hypnotizing record player. She throws a defiant glance to question you, the viewer. It’s now up to you to decide who you are and who your children will grow up to be.
Tamlin’s new single, “Come On, Little Human” comes out on 24 September 2021 on all streaming platforms.
Lyrics
Come on, little human
Put a smile on your face
Come on, little human
Crying's inappropriate
Come on, little human
Don't embarrass your mother
You must make her look good
In front of the neighbours
Wipe it off your face
Don’t be unpleasant in public
Straighten up yourself
Be presentable in public
That’s what it means to be a human
Come on, little human
Walk in line or you’ll be shunned
Come on, little human
Don’t offend anyone
Come on, little human
Don't be so impractical
Don’t expose your true self
They’ll think you’re a radical
Wipe it off your head
That thought is too controversial
Get your head on straight
You must follow rules to survive in society
That’s what it means to be a human
You won’t change the world, not today
Come on, little human
Just don’t think too much
Come on, little human
Just don’t think—
Extras
Tamlin. - Come On, Little Human (Lyrics Video)
INSPIRATION & BEHIND THE SCENES of Come On, Little Human Music Video
Awards & Features
Credits
Music
Artist, Composer, & Producer: Tamlin.
Mix & Master Engineer: Max Honsinger
Music Video Crew
Director, Producer, & Editor: Tamlin.
Director of Photography: Natthaphon Sakulvanaporn
Director's Assistant: Sugimasa Yamashita
Production Coordinator: Ampika Merkkhwang
Makeup Artists: Sasina Panichpreechakorn, Doungkamol Laokuekulpong
Behind the Scenes Videographer: Ake Sirakhunaporn
Colorist: Leo Hynes
Music Video Cast
Governess, Big Sister, Solo Singer, Teddy Girl: Tamlin.
Girl watching TV: Natthian Valyasevi
Stepford mom: Natalia Lorence
Stepford son: Dmitri Lorence
Stepford daughter: Lexi Hart
Neighbour: Marc Cem Close
Officers: Ali Baykara, Luis Alberto Tenorio Davila, Samantha Wai Yin Eaton, Marc Cem Close
Rebellious citizen: Caroline Possoz
Good citizen: Fillipp Fast, Charlotte Neal, Arpinwara Raktaprachit, Sutthivaree Raktaprachit
Barbershop quartet: Christina Duval, Melissa Marie Davison, Tsungai Audrey Mutsaka, Dariya Suebkraisorn Bears: Narattha Vorakunthada, Ornjai Rochanasmita
Girl listening to vinyl: Natthipan Valyasevi
