I don't think it's about the propaganda on the radio during the cold war, but rather the exclusion of anything remotely related to Western culture by the communist Eastern governments - this included radio stations. The line "straight off the boat, where to go?" seems to allude to immigrants or defects who have left those countries and experience free culture for the first time. It should also be noted that Michael Stipe's lyrics at this point in R.E.M.'s evolution were incredibly murky and cryptic, and were meant to set the atmosphere, rather than tell a direct story, or give meaning. Although, it can be said that this song has some sort of significant meaning.
I don't think it's about the propaganda on the radio during the cold war, but rather the exclusion of anything remotely related to Western culture by the communist Eastern governments - this included radio stations. The line "straight off the boat, where to go?" seems to allude to immigrants or defects who have left those countries and experience free culture for the first time. It should also be noted that Michael Stipe's lyrics at this point in R.E.M.'s evolution were incredibly murky and cryptic, and were meant to set the atmosphere, rather than tell a direct story, or give meaning. Although, it can be said that this song has some sort of significant meaning.