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R.E.M. – Undertow Lyrics 12 years ago
Okay, I actually agree with you, but just to play devil's advocate, so to speak: there is such thing as an unreliable narrator.

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R.E.M. – Undertow Lyrics 12 years ago
As an atheist, I'm sure you are aware that reality need not have any resemblance to the way you wanted it to be.

I do think he sees some peace in agnosticism, at least. He sees it in the birds and would like to emulate it for himself. I don't think he has found it, though. Acceptance, maybe, but not peace.

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R.E.M. – Undertow Lyrics 12 years ago
"No one's coming after me" is a reference to Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see?
Coming for to carry me home
I saw a band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home

I do wonder if the birds were intended as a reference to Matthew: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns..." They fly up off the water, leave it be.

I am a religious person, and I agree with what you're saying. I also think that the intended audience is either religious people because they will probably catch references, or maybe it's a personal song to the part of himself that must have struggled with these things at least long enough to generate interesting thoughts and an opinion. Either way I think it is a beautiful song.

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