Kohoutek
R.E.M. Lyrics
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She carried ribbons, she wore them out
Courage built a bridge, jealousy tore it down
At least it's something you've left behind
And like Kohoutek, you were gone
We sat in the garden, we stood on the porch
I won't deny myself, we never talked
She wore bangles, she wore bells on her toes
And she jumped like a fish
Like a flying friend, you were gone
Like Kohoutek, can't forget that
Fever built a bridge, reason tore it down
If I am one to follow, who will stand alone?
Maybe you're not the problem, scissors, paper, stone
If you stand and holler, these prayers will talk
She carried ribbons, she wore them out
Michael built a bridge, Michael tore it down
At least it's something you've left behind
Like Kohoutek, you were gone
Michael built a bridge, Michael tore it down
If I stand and holler, will I stand alone?
The song "Kohoutek" by R.E.M. is a melancholic reflection on the transience of life and the fleeting nature of relationships. The lyrics seem to be addressed to a lost lover or friend, perhaps someone who has passed away or simply moved on. The opening line, "Who will stand alone?" sets a tone of isolation and longing, as the singer contemplates their own solitude.
The verses describe two people who were once close, but have now gone their separate ways. The first person is portrayed as having "carried ribbons" and "wore them out", suggesting a playful, whimsical personality. However, the relationship between these two individuals was ultimately undone by "jealousy", which "tore down" the "bridge" of their connection. This idea of a broken bridge is revisited throughout the song, as a metaphor for the lost opportunity for connection.
The chorus features the enigmatic line, "Like Kohoutek, you were gone". Kohoutek was a comet that was visible from Earth in 1973, but ultimately did not live up to its hype. The lyrics seem to suggest that the person the singer is referring to was similarly ephemeral and ultimately disappointing. The song ends with a plea to "stand and holler", to be heard and seen even in the midst of the transience and uncertainty of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Who will stand alone?
Who among us will have the courage to stand alone?
She carried ribbons, she wore them out
She was once full of life, but now she is tired and worn out.
Courage built a bridge, jealousy tore it down
Once there was a bridge built on courage, but it was destroyed by jealousy.
At least it's something you've left behind
Although you are gone, you have left something behind for all of us to remember you by.
And like Kohoutek, you were gone
You disappeared like Kohoutek, a famous disintegrating comet that never lived up to its hype.
We sat in the garden, we stood on the porch
We spent time together, but never really talked.
I won't deny myself, we never talked
I cannot deny the fact that we never opened up to each other.
She wore bangles, she wore bells on her toes
She was adorned with jewelry, but it did not make her happy.
And she jumped like a fish
She was full of life and energy.
Like a flying friend, you were gone
You left us suddenly and unexpectedly, like a bird flying away from its perch.
Like Kohoutek, can't forget that
Just like Kohoutek, your sudden disappearance is unforgettable.
Fever built a bridge, reason tore it down
A connection was made out of passion, but it was destroyed by logic.
If I am one to follow, who will stand alone?
If I follow in someone else's footsteps, who will have the courage to stand alone?
Maybe you're not the problem, scissors, paper, stone
Perhaps it's not entirely your fault, it's just a matter of chance.
If you stand and holler, these prayers will talk
If you speak up and make your presence known, your voice will be heard.
Michael built a bridge, Michael tore it down
Someone named Michael built a bridge and then destroyed it.
If I stand and holler, will I stand alone?
If I speak up and make my opinion heard, will I have to stand alone?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: William Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind