I can't believe noone has commented on this one. One of the best R.E.M. tracks on arguably their best album... but at least we have 400 comments about 'It's the End of the World as We Know It...'
That being said, I'm not sure what I can actually say about its meaning. There is definitely a theme about decline, personal bad luck, perhaps a life frustrated.
The reference to the canary is about mining, in coal mines they used to take a canary down with them and if they hit gas the bird would die and warn them about it. 'Uranium' obviously places this in a modern context.
I love the lines "a marker to mark where my tears run dry/I cross it, bless it, alkali." Maybe about giving up? A loss of faith? Later this is echoed with "godless and dry."
Also - piano solo. Brilliant. R.E.M. should use fewer guitars and more piano IMHO - Nightswimming, this song, The Lifting, Electrolite - some of their best stuff, all with a dominant piano/keyboard line.
I can't believe noone has commented on this one. One of the best R.E.M. tracks on arguably their best album... but at least we have 400 comments about 'It's the End of the World as We Know It...'
That being said, I'm not sure what I can actually say about its meaning. There is definitely a theme about decline, personal bad luck, perhaps a life frustrated.
The reference to the canary is about mining, in coal mines they used to take a canary down with them and if they hit gas the bird would die and warn them about it. 'Uranium' obviously places this in a modern context.
I love the lines "a marker to mark where my tears run dry/I cross it, bless it, alkali." Maybe about giving up? A loss of faith? Later this is echoed with "godless and dry."
Also - piano solo. Brilliant. R.E.M. should use fewer guitars and more piano IMHO - Nightswimming, this song, The Lifting, Electrolite - some of their best stuff, all with a dominant piano/keyboard line.