This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
I am just a satellite, high above the atmosphere
Bouncing every thing you say to someone who is meant to hear
Sometimes on a rainy day, I lie in bed and dream of you
So blame it on the satellite, when your message can't get through
I am just a tiny wave, a minor ripple out at sea
Moving slowly towards the shore, burdened with uncertainty
I'm gaining power, losing speed, wondering as I near your door
Will you hold it open for the tidal wave approaching shore?
You've become an island in the hazy world surrounding me
Offering a vast reward each time I safely cross the sea
All too often I become lost in the fog and haze
Clinging still, against my will, to promises of clearer days
I am just a raindrop that accelerates without control
Losing bits and pieces in descent 'til I'm no longer whole
I am just another shooting star above that you might see
Until I have your full attention I'll be anything but me
Anything but me
Bouncing every thing you say to someone who is meant to hear
Sometimes on a rainy day, I lie in bed and dream of you
So blame it on the satellite, when your message can't get through
I am just a tiny wave, a minor ripple out at sea
Moving slowly towards the shore, burdened with uncertainty
I'm gaining power, losing speed, wondering as I near your door
Will you hold it open for the tidal wave approaching shore?
You've become an island in the hazy world surrounding me
Offering a vast reward each time I safely cross the sea
All too often I become lost in the fog and haze
Clinging still, against my will, to promises of clearer days
I am just a raindrop that accelerates without control
Losing bits and pieces in descent 'til I'm no longer whole
I am just another shooting star above that you might see
Until I have your full attention I'll be anything but me
Anything but me
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Beautiful, underrated song though.