| R.E.M. – Undertow Lyrics | 1 year ago |
|
When he talks about drowning, he's referencing the Bible when Jesus walks on water, as so does his disciple Peter. The lesson there is if you have faith in Jesus, you can walk on water/do anything. Michael here is saying he doesn't believe in that. He believes that if he tried walking on water, he would drown, personally. He's making the choice to reject religion and believe this Earth, our universe, is our one and only home. He's honest with himself and us that he does fear death "I can't say I'm not afraid," but at the same time he's not fearful. He trusts that where we are is where we belong, and that we should focus on making the best of our time here. Not worried about making it to heaven or pleasing a god who probably doesn't exist, at least not in any way we've dreamed up. For me, it's a hopeful message, and I take take comfort in feeling I'm where I belong and have permission to live my best life here, enjoy it while it lasts and helping others in the process. |
|
| R.E.M. – Be Mine Lyrics | 10 years ago |
|
I'm gonna go ahead and further analyze this statement from Michael Stipe, quoted by another user: "I have written some songs that are I think bordering on creepy or questionable, Be Mine topping the list" "Be Mine is a little self centered and creepy in my opinion; “I want the finger with the ring.”…ick. It’s really dark and questionable, the degree to which he needs to own this person. And the sentiment is of course from Valentine candy hearts." First off, if Stipe has a histoy of sorta messing with/tricking us listeners, i.e. "The One I Love," could it not be possible he is just messing with us with this statement about a song that may truly be just a straightforward love song?. He seems to enjoy keeping listeners questioning what the lyrics really mean. Next, it is also possible that Stipe wrote the song to be meaningful and sincere, but then later on after the album's release, realized it was sorta creepy. He is after all, though a talented poet, only human, and don't we all say things we later question? Indeed, isn't falling in love just like that (sorta creepy)? When we first fall in love with someone, we are obsessed with them. They are all we think about; they are perfect; they make us feel complete; we would die for them. We become addicted to them--we feel like we need them. They almost become like a god from a religion, i.e. Christianity as referenced in this song. Later on, we realize our object of affection isn't so flawless, yet still worth loving. And in my opinion they are still worthy of a song like this. |
|
* This information can be up to 15 minutes delayed.