9
R.E.M. Lyrics


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Steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced
Now what does that mean?
Is there a just contradiction?
Nothing much
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord, hesitate

Got to punch
Right on target
Twisting tongues
Got a stripe down his back
All nine yards down her back

Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear

Got to punch
Right on target
Twisting tongues
Gotta stripe down his back
All nine yards down her back

Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear

What is in my mind?
What is in my mind?

Steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced
Now what does that mean? Is there a just contradiction?
Nothing much, now I lay me down to sleep
Hesitate, hesitate

Got to punch
Right on target
Twisting tongues
Got a stripe down her back
All nine yards down his back

Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear





Conversation fear, conversation fear, conversation fear

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of R.E.M.'s "9-9" focus on a sense of compulsion and repetition that is reinforced both internally and externally. The repetition is highlighted in the phrase "steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced," indicating that the need to repeat actions or thoughts is both personal and societal. The lyrics then ask whether this contradiction is justifiable, and ultimately conclude that there is "nothing much" to be done about it. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the entrenched nature of societal norms and expectations, and the difficulty of breaking free from them.


The rest of the lyrics are more enigmatic, with violent imagery and references to prayer juxtaposed with conversations and lies. The repeated lines about "punching" and "twisting tongues" suggest a sense of aggression or even sadism. The image of stripes down someone's back could be interpreted as a physical manifestation of this aggression. The phrase "all nine yards" also suggests a sense of excess or over-the-top behavior.


The lyrics then return to the theme of conversation and fear, with the repeated line "turn to lies and conversation fear." This phrase could be interpreted as a warning about the dangers of dishonesty and the fear that can be generated by failing to communicate honestly and openly.


Overall, the lyrics to "9-9" are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation. They seem to explore themes of repetition, societal expectations, and aggression, as well as the importance of honesty in communication.


Line by Line Meaning

Steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced
Repeating actions and thoughts has become like an irresistible addiction for everyone involved in it.


Now what does that mean?
The singer is questioning the significance of the previous line.


Is there a just contradiction?
The singer is curious if there is a fair opposition to repeating things continuously.


Nothing much
The singer concludes that there is no valid contradiction to repetition.


Now I lay me down to sleep,
The singer is reciting a nighttime prayer before going to bed.


I pray the Lord my soul to keep
The singer is asking God to protect them while they sleep.


If I should die before I wake,
The singer is acknowledging the possibility of dying in their sleep.


I pray the Lord, hesitate
The singer is uncertain about what to ask God for if they die in their sleep.


Got to punch
The singer must hit someone.


Right on target
The singer successfully hits their intended target.


Twisting tongues
The singer has to manipulate their words when speaking to somebody.


Gotta stripe down his back
The singer has a desire to hurt someone physically by injuring their back.


All nine yards down her back
The singer wants to hurt a woman by attacking her back, using everything they have.


Give me a couple,
The singer wants a few of something.


Don't give me a couple of pointers,
The singer is not interested in tips or advice.


Turn to lies and conversation fear
The singer has an inclination to lie and is fearful of certain conversations.


What is in my mind?
The singer is wondering about the thoughts in their head at the moment.


Conversation fear, conversation fear, conversation fear
The singer is repeatedly mentioning their fear of certain discussions.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills, Michael Stipe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Oliviacaptain

Got to punch, right on target
Twisting tongues
Gotta stripe down his back
All nine yards down her back

Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear

Got to punch, right on target
Twisting tongues
Gotta stripe down his back
All nine yards down her back

Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation

What is in my mind?
What is in my mind?

Got to punch, right on target
Twisting tongues
Gotta stripe down his back
All nine yards down his back

Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear

Conversation fear, conversation fear, conversation fear



@Rabmcm32

9 – 9
R.E.M.
Steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced
Now what does that mean?
Is there a just contradiction?
Nothing much
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord, hesitate
Got to punch
Right on target
Twisting tongues
Gotta stripe down his back
All nine yards down her back
Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear
Got to punch
Right on target
Twisting tongues
Gotta stripe down his back
All nine yards down her back
Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear
What is in my mind?
What is in my mind?
Steady repetition is a compulsion mutually reinforced
Now what does that mean?
Is there a just contradiction?
Nothing much
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord, hesitate
Got to punch
Right on target
Twisting tongues
Gotta stripe down his back
All nine yards down her back
Give me a couple
Don't give me a couple of pointers
Turn to lies and conversation fear
Conversation fear, conversation fear, conversation fear



All comments from YouTube:

@samnicholson5051

This is a seriously underrated track.

@avidrocker

i wanted to hit the "like" thumbs up but it is on 9 and i dont want to change that

@joycehall4866

It's my favorite on the album

@warrenschwartz5653

Dreamy, dissonant, and driven. The greatest era for REM. Happy 9/9.

@mdresendes

Murmur is the greatest debut album ever. It changed college radio, alternative, rock, music.

@sexobscura

it also upset F. Krueger enough to start haunting kids' dreams

@wildmercuryfilms

Amen brother

@bamajesse4608

Spot on

@vsander09

Ties with The Smiths debut.... and maybe Black Sabbath

@seattlesaints3535

R.E.M. is one of my Fav Bands but The Cars 1st Album is a ABSOLUTE Masterpiece

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