Circus Envy Lyrics

Lyric discussion by KStorm 

Cover art for Circus Envy lyrics by R.E.M.

I think the song is about the weaker partner in a relationship who has, almost, finally had it with his partner who is emotionally enslaving him, but he's not quite ready to make that leap. He is envious of his partner's ability to manipulate and control and despises his own weakness in the face of it.