Lyric discussion by allanjim3 

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

Unlike most of my posts; fact-based and directly from the mouth of the artists. I'm just going say how the song ALWAYS makes me feel.

Regardless of the intricacies and riddles woven throughout the lyrics, this song never fails to remind me both of a time in my life and the girl who shared that time (seven years) with me.

We both worked very hard at University and carried on jobs at the same time, when we got a chance we tried to get together and enjoy a nice dinner and finish the evening either with our mutual friends at a bar with live music or dancing at a club.

We always dressed appropriately for these occasions and I would usually finish getting ready first.

During this time I'd just sit back quietly and watch as she did last-minute touchups or whatever girls do when you're going out someplace special and they're dressed to kill. It's these moments which come to mind immediately when I hear the song; just sitting quietly, admiring how gorgeous she is. She looked especially beautiful to me while applying a little makeup, doing her hair, putting on earrings and other jewelry. It was just a peaceful quiet time, with very little talking but a lot of thoughts going through my mind.

I'd be thinking about the two of us as a couple and where were we headed after college; marriage, kids, buying a house, would we get hired and have a path to jobs we wanted and had been working very hard toward for many years.

I guess the biggest question or thought that was going through my mind during that time was; would we last? Were we going to do share our lives together?

The answer turned out to be no as she followed her career to the West Coast while I stayed on the East Coast where I had started to and have now been established in business for many, many years now.

The thoughts associated with the song are not about the one that got away or regretful, if anything the opposite is true. Because when I remember, I smile looking back at the time and the hopes and dreams of two kids. And that's what we were - I clearly see that now because I've lived a longer while also surviving and thriving.

That's more than enough from me ... thanks for letting me share my memory.

Memory