Discoverer
R.E.M. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is not a challenge, just means that I love you as much as I always said I did
I was wrong
I have been laughable, wrong
Sand-paper, paper-mache, chalk, hung out wet.
Oh the city! We all scan now, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Well I didn't have to be afraid, I didn't have to be so stupid.
I can feel
With just the slightest bit of finesse
I might have made a little less mess
But it was what it was
Lets all get on with it
Now!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
Laughing
Discoverer!
From the cross Houston where I am
I see the city rise up tall
The opportunities
The possibilities
I have never felt so called
Remember the vodka-espresso night of discovery?
Remember that
Laughing
Discovery
Oh how I look back and reflect
How I felt it
I was sick
I don't have to feel so wrong
Now I wake up dreaming saffron, turmeric and brass
With just the slightest bit of finesse
I might have made a little less mess
But it was what it was
Let's all get on with it
Now!
With just the slightest bit of finesse
I might have made a little less mess
But it was what it was
Lets all get on with it
Now!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
Discoverer!
The song "Discoverer" by R.E.M. seems to be a reflection on a relationship that has ended. The first verse finds the singer admitting that they were wrong about something; they were laughable, wrong, like sand-paper or hung out wet chalk. It's not clear exactly what they're referring to, but it's clear that they're regretful about how things turned out. The singer also reflects on the city, saying that "we all scan now" - perhaps implying that technology has made it easier for us to keep tabs on each other. The singer seems to be filled with regret about how they behaved, but also a sense of acceptance that they can't change what's already happened.
The second verse shifts to a more hopeful tone, with the singer reflecting on the good things in their life, like the opportunities and possibilities that the city presents. The singer seems to be learning to let go of the past, remembering a night of discovery (presumably with their former partner) but also recognizing that it's time to move forward. The repeated refrain of "Discoverer" throughout the song seems to suggest a sense of excitement or wonder - that even though things haven't gone according to plan, there's still the possibility of new discoveries and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey baby!
Addressing someone, possibly a loved one or partner.
This is not a challenge, just means that I love you as much as I always said I did
Assuring the recipient of the message that the singer genuinely loves them.
I was wrong
The singer admits to being incorrect previously.
I have been laughable, wrong
The artist recognizes that their past actions or words were absurd or ridiculous.
Sand-paper, paper-mache, chalk, hung out wet.
This line is a bit obscure and could have various interpretations. It could be a metaphor for the artist's own flaws, suggesting that they are rough or inconsistent. Alternatively, it could simply be a random list of words that don't have a clear connection.
Oh the city! We all scan now, na, na, na, na, na, na.
The singer is commenting on the prevalence of technology and surveillance in modern society.
Well I didn't have to be afraid, I didn't have to be so stupid.
Reflecting on past behaviors and realizing that the singer could have handled situations differently if they had been more confident or assertive.
I can see myself.
The artist has gained self-awareness or insight into their own character.
I can feel
The artist is in touch with their emotions or senses.
With just the slightest bit of finesse
I might have made a little less mess
But it was what it was
Lets all get on with it
Now!
The artist is acknowledging that they could have handled a situation more gracefully, but ultimately they accept what has happened and want to move forward.
Discoverer!
The title of the song, repeated several times throughout the lyrics.
From the cross Houston where I am
I see the city rise up tall
The opportunities
The possibilities
I have never felt so called
The artist is surveying their surroundings and feeling inspired by the potential of the city.
Remember the vodka-espresso night of discovery?
Remember that
Laughing
Discovery
Nostalgically recalling a past experience of trying new things or having an adventure.
Oh how I look back and reflect
How I felt it
I was sick
I don't have to feel so wrong
Reflecting on a previous time when the singer felt ill or uncomfortable, but recognizing that they don't need to hold onto those negative feelings.
Now I wake up dreaming saffron, turmeric and brass
The singer is dreaming of exotic or sensory experiences.
Discoverer!
The refrain of the song, repeated several times throughout the lyrics.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL MILLS, MICHAEL STIPE, MICHAEL E. MILLS, MICHAEL J. STIPE, PETER BUCK, PETER LAWRENCE BUCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rikki Spanish
I don't care what anyone says, this was one of REM's best albums(and this was one their best singles). They didn't go out with a bang, they went out with an explosion of nuclear power.
Fred H
I completely agree with you, this album isn't always at the top of my list, but it's always in my top 3 or 4. It's an absolute masterpiece, and had it been released 30 years ago, everyone would recognise that
Abel Israel Cruz Ayuso
Totally.
Olabarrieta Dunn
Thank you for making this world a little more liveable.
Rob DePolo
That's what artists do for us all.
Mr Smee
I love Discoverer, but what I really love is the Blue on the end of the album runs in to Discoverer so if you have your CD player on repeat all it just flows back to the beginning, it's awesome and so unique.
Silky Wellman
One of my favorite REM songs..musically it reminds me of Turn You Inside Out which is a good thing 👍
saturn return
Es una pena que canciones como discoverer , all the best o mine smell like honey no hayan sido tocadas en vivo , fantastico disco para cerrar una trayectoria impecable ; amo a R.E.M , cada uno de sus discos y tuve la suerte de verlos dos veces en vivo , agradecido a la vida por haber coincidido en tiempo y espacio con ellos ,la gran banda americana de athens .
Kevin Patrick
Thanks for the memories guys ... I wasnt crazy about " collapse into now " but r.e.m. Is and always will be my all time favorite band !
Jason .Alseth
Yes they will.