I Believe
R.E.M. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And spirited a rattlesnake
When I was young and fever fell
My spirit I will not tell
You're on your honor not to tell
I believe in coyotes and time as an abstract
Explain the change, the difference between
Your adventure for today what do you do
Between the horns of the day?
I believe my shirt is wearing thin
And change is what I believe in
When I was young and give and take
And foolish said my fool awake
When I was young and fever fell
My spirit, I will not tell
You're on your honor, on your honor
Trust in your calling, make sure your calling's true
Think of others, the others think of you
Silly rule, golden words make, practice, practice makes perfect
Perfect is a fault, and fault lines change
I believe my humor's wearing thin
And change is what I believe in
I believe my shirt is wearing thin
And change is what I believe in
When I was young and full of grace
And spirited a rattlesnake
When I was young and fever fell
My spirit, I will not tell
You're on your honor, on your honor
I believe in example
I believe my throat hurts
Example is the checker to the key
I believe my humor's wearing thin
And I believe the poles are shifting
I believe my shirt is wearing thin
And change is what I believe in
The song "I Believe" by R.E.M is a reflective piece that contemplates the changes that occur in life. The opening verses reveal the singer's past experiences, "When I was young and full of grace, and spirited a rattlesnake/ When I was young and fever fell, my spirit I will not tell." The singer is essentially saying they do not wish to divulge all of their youthful adventures, thus keeping an air of mystery about themselves. As the song progresses, the lyrics begin to shift into a more contemplative tone as the singer begins to ponder the difference between what they want in life and what they actually need. The lyrics suggest that this difference is the key to unlocking true satisfaction in life.
The chorus, "I believe in coyotes and time as an abstract, explain the change, the difference between what you want and what you need, there's the key," emphasizes the idea that in order to find fulfillment in life, one needs to understand the difference between what they want and what they need. The coyote symbolizes the spirit of the wild and how we should be in touch with our own wild nature. Time is also referenced as an abstract idea, meaning something that cannot be physically held or measured. It is yet another reminder to consider the temporal and what truly matters in the long run.
The song also begins to address the idea of change and how this is what the singer believes in. The lyrics "I believe my shirt is wearing thin, and change is what I believe in," suggest that the singer recognizes the need for change and that they are willing to let go of past beliefs and behaviors to embrace something new. The song concludes with a series of musings about calling, the importance of considering others, and even the humorous notion that the poles are shifting. Overall, "I Believe" is a song that encourages self-reflection and the recognition of change as something natural and necessary.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was young and full of grace
In my youth, I was blessed with vitality and elegance
And spirited a rattlesnake
And I was brave and adventurous like a rattlesnake
When I was young and fever fell
When I was young and sick with fever
My spirit I will not tell
I don't want to talk about the state of my spirit during that time
You're on your honor not to tell
I trust you to keep my secret
I believe in coyotes and time as an abstract
I have faith in the enduring existence of coyotes and the intangible concept of time
Explain the change, the difference between
Please clarify the contrast and transformation
What you want and what you need, there's the key
The key to happiness lies in distinguishing between what you desire and what you require
Your adventure for today what do you do
How will you spend your day's exciting journey?
Between the horns of the day?
In the midst of the day's chaos and routine?
I believe my shirt is wearing thin
I feel like I'm running out of resources and perseverance
And change is what I believe in
I firmly endorse and trust in the power of transformation
When I was young and give and take
In my youth, I was flexible and accommodating
And foolish said my fool awake
And I mistakenly spoke my mind without thinking
Trust in your calling, make sure your calling's true
Believe in your purpose and ensure that it aligns with your values
Think of others, the others think of you
Consider the needs and perspectives of others, and you will gain their respect
Silly rule, golden words make, practice, practice makes perfect
Even seemingly unimportant guidelines can have great significance, and practice is essential for improvement
Perfect is a fault, and fault lines change
Perfection is unattainable, and mistakes can lead to progress and growth
I believe my humor's wearing thin
I think I'm losing my sense of humor in the face of challenges
And change is what I believe in
I have faith in the power of transition and evolution
I believe the poles are shifting
I have reason to believe that major changes are afoot
I believe my shirt is wearing thin
I feel like I'm running out of resources and perseverance
And change is what I believe in
I firmly endorse and trust in the power of transformation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Michael Stipe, Michael E. Mills, Peter Lawrence Buck, William Thomas Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind