R.E.M. – Imitation Of Life Lyrics | 19 years ago |
I agree with the opinion that most people touch upon the true meaning of the song. Yes, it is about Hollywood and celebrity, but not about hating it or being fake, per se. It's about trying to be famous. 'That sugar that tasted good' (some small success) 'that's cinnamon that's Hollywood' a bigger tease into what it could be like. This is followed by 'come on no one can see you try'; i.e. no one will notice an 'almost-was', trying is not enough; succeeding is the only recognition. The song could almost be sung by some Hollywood sleeze agent telling his wannabe star to try harder or they'll get no where. It's all there 'you want the greatest thing' he says. And the title, well this eludes to this in the most obvious way. The ultimate profession, concerning the 'imitation of life'... |
R.E.M. – All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be A Star) Lyrics | 19 years ago |
I think it is leaping to conclusions to say the song is about how 'foolish' people can be if they think they're gonna be a star by going to Reno. I don't believe that is what the song is saying. Stipe is undoubtedly talking about the innocence of youth, perhaps arrogance (dusted the non believers ). But he does not say you're a fool for dreaming. Far from it. He is saying you are a dreamer and so be it, but you are following these dreams. He is simply saying some people take that blind leap of faith which many do not. I read it and think Stipe is pleased, almost envious, of this person because they are following their dreams. It is the thoughts of a dreamer with ambitions, who knows where they ended up... |
R.E.M. – Bad Day Lyrics | 19 years ago |
I think Stipe perfectly captured what I would imagine a great deal of American's think but feel unable to actively change. There is a clear theme of discontent running through, linking conflicts in Middle East with more domestic issues (church and steeple may also have an underlying gay reference). But I think there is also an undertone of shame which is what the 'please don't take a picture' line refers to. He is ashamed at what the US has come to represent, i.e. war, a biased media and religious fascism. The fact the song was started in 1986 is a further damning inditement of the on-going US-centric foreign policy. Stipe is crying out, stop and look at what is going around us... |
R.E.M. – Daysleeper Lyrics | 19 years ago |
The song is simply an anecdote about modern working life, using the point of a view of a stock market trader. There's nothing more to it than that and I don't see why people read more into it - there are plenty of other REM songs to interpret. This is good old fashoined story telling. And in short a bull market is one in which shares are on a continuous upward trend and a bear a continuous downward trend. Although it is 'slightly' more complex than that, that's all you really need to know! |
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