Lyric discussion by whoknowsrem 

Cover art for Perfect Circle lyrics by R.E.M.

to me it's about the three stages of life:

childhood: Put your hair back, we get to leave - instructions to a young girl Eleven gallows on your sleeve - ? Shallow figure, winner's paid - ? Eleven shadows way out of place - nice call on the "kids playing football - poorly"

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room - when you're a kid - trying to be big, trying to impress

College years: Pull your dress on and stay real close - sex and after Who might leave you where I left off? - ? A perfect circle of acquaintances and friends - college friends Drink another, coin a phrase - out at bar, being clever

Heaven assumed, shoulders high in the room - your confidence in the future

early career: Try to win and suit your needs Speak out sometimes but try to win - i can just picture this young person, trying to impress

Standing too soon, shoulders high in the room - again you're a kid, trying to be big

They were maybe at the early career stage when they wrote this, so to me it kind of fits