Pilgrimage

for the longest time, this had been my favorite REM song. I still consider it one of their top 5 of all-time.

I once read an interview back in the 80's with the band that, when asked about this song in particular, Stipe mentioned that during the recordinbg sessions for the album "murmur" the band fell in love with the overlaying track machine (48 track) in the studio, no more so than on this song. His specific quote about the song was that, with the ability to heap layer upon layer of vocals and sounds for the song, that the intent of the song, like the music itself, was "way buried."

I'll leave it at that

People speak in tongues when possessed by the holy spirit. The pilgrimage is also associated with religion or spirituality. For the longest time I heard the lyric as "take up watching" which could be associated with watchfulness or mindfulness. It's also really interesting how the music of the song totally changes halfway through the song.

What would happen if Michael Stipe dug up the original intent of this song and shared it right now? Perhaps we would be one step closer to world peace.

*When intuition is long gone, we must look beyond the marches so dark and dank. Only when the roads have become our solace will the fields grow rushes that the river will flood so sublimely.

I definitely hear "take our fortune" and other lyrics sites I've checked out seem to agree. Then again, with Stipe's mumbling vocal style during this period, it could be either I guess. That's kind of an aspect I like about this album, because it makes things even more open to interpetation.

I simply love this song, especialy the intro. That really struck me the first time I heard it. Not really sure what it's about, but to me it seems like something about luck, and how people (and bands - like themselves) are around, will be around for a while but will eventually not be around anymore and be replaced by someone else who will inherit the "fortune".

I love that opening bass line. It's perfect.

http://www.freewebs.com/thejakesite

I've had this album for a couple decades, but now that I've downloaded it into the iPod, I can't stop listening to this song...

It's an unusual and indeed that sounds distinctive from their first album, hearing this sound first the first time and they're instantly recognizable, very cool :-) Good song too, btw.

Your LOVE, two headed. [not luck]