Well, it could well be about Elvis, but signs point to the fact this was the first song R.E.M. ever wrote. It was performed in 1980 at the band's first gig but not recorded till several albums later. The 'i'm so god damn young' and 'how long can this last' probably indicate they didn't take themselves too seriously at this point.
The chorus featuring the names is the sort of typical rockabilly/new wave type thing that was popular back then and is similar to such things as 52 Girls by The B-52's.
So he doesn't quote the melody from Radio Free Europe- this is the original source of it.
With all that said, i love this song. It is one of a few examples where R.E.M.'s punk influences are heard.
Well, it could well be about Elvis, but signs point to the fact this was the first song R.E.M. ever wrote. It was performed in 1980 at the band's first gig but not recorded till several albums later. The 'i'm so god damn young' and 'how long can this last' probably indicate they didn't take themselves too seriously at this point.
The chorus featuring the names is the sort of typical rockabilly/new wave type thing that was popular back then and is similar to such things as 52 Girls by The B-52's.
So he doesn't quote the melody from Radio Free Europe- this is the original source of it.
With all that said, i love this song. It is one of a few examples where R.E.M.'s punk influences are heard.