Lyric discussion by laocoon 

well who knows really, that's cryptic mr. stipe.

here we have fournts: Seclusion, Knowledge, Life (long/eternal), Death

Te persona claims to be deadly not only deadly but smarter too

The last verse seems to be referring to an archaelogical dig, a hunt for knowledge in a ruin.

Marker stone most likely means grave stone Secluded in a marker stone could be referring to a corpse or the loneliness of one who is dead. This person would not only be smarter (possessing the knowledge that comes with death), but deadlier (being dead)

perhaps Stipe is referring to the knowledge we all long for, that of existence after death

"I could live a million years" may reflect a desire to avoid death because of the uncertainty it confronts the persona with.

anyone else?

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