Sad Professor Lyrics

Lyric discussion by caitsith01 

Cover art for Sad Professor lyrics by R.E.M.

What a great song - no more comments?

I agree, it seems to be about a uni professor who's life has not panned out the way he wanted. He thinks/knows people think he's boring, and he drinks himself into a stupor all the time.

His only dialogue is with his readers - maybe in academic journals? Stipe has a real scientist and lawyer fascination, this is one of many recent songs with references to people who have done university degrees in it.