Fireplace Lyrics

Lyric discussion by mbrachman 

Cover art for Fireplace lyrics by R.E.M.

One strange little song. I love it. Edgy guitars, free-form beebop style sax, Stipe's off-beat lyrics. The more I listen to REM I also respect the instrumentalists- fine beat from then-drummer Bill Berry and bass playing by Mills. Peter Buck sounds better and better as a guitarist- creating a mood and an atmosphere while minimizing soloing. The song itself? It seems to be about sweeping everything out in a time of utter chaos. Even the floor and the walls. More relevant now in 2016 than it was 30 years ago when this album was first released.