R.E.M. released its first single—"Radio Free Europe"—in 1981 on the independent record label Hib-Tone. The single was followed by the Chronic Town EP in 1982, the band's first release on I.R.S. Records. In 1983, the group released its critically acclaimed debut album, Murmur, and built its reputation over the next few years through subsequent releases, constant touring, and the support of college radio. Following years of underground success, R.E.M. achieved a mainstream hit in 1987 with the single "The One I Love". The group signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1988, and began to espouse political and environmental concerns while playing large arenas worldwide.
By the early 1990s, when alternative rock began to enter the mainstream, R.E.M. was viewed by subsequent acts such as Nirvana and Pavement as a pioneer of the genre. The band released its two most commercially successful albums, Out of Time (1991) and Automatic for the People (1992), which veered from the band's established sound and catapulted it to international fame. R.E.M.'s 1994 release, Monster, was a return to a more rock-oriented sound, but still continued its run of success. The band began its first tour in six years to support the album; the tour was marred by medical emergencies suffered by three of the band members.
In 1996, R.E.M. re-signed with Warner Bros. for a reported US$80 million, at the time the most expensive recording contract in history. Its 1996 release, New Adventures in Hi-Fi, though critically acclaimed, fared worse commercially than its predecessors. The following year, Bill Berry left the band, while Stipe, Buck, and Mills continued the group as a trio. Through some changes in musical style, the band continued its career into the next decade with mixed critical and commercial success, despite having sold more than 85 million records worldwide and becoming one of the world's best-selling music artists. In 2007, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in their first year of eligibility. R.E.M. disbanded amicably in September 2011, announcing the split on its website.
In January 1980, Michael Stipe met Peter Buck in Wuxtry Records, the Athens record store where Buck worked. The pair discovered that they shared similar tastes in music, particularly in punk rock and protopunk artists like Patti Smith, Television, and the Velvet Underground. Stipe said, "It turns out that I was buying all the records that [Buck] was saving for himself." Through mutual friend Kathleen O'Brien, Stipe and Buck then met fellow University of Georgia students Mike Mills and Bill Berry, who had played music together since high school and lived together in Georgia. The quartet agreed to collaborate on several songs; Stipe later commented that "there was never any grand plan behind any of it". Their still-unnamed band spent a few months rehearsing in a deconsecrated Episcopal church in Athens, and played its first show on April 5, 1980, supporting the Side Effects at O'Brien's birthday party held in the same church, performing a mix of originals and 1960s and 1970s covers. After considering Twisted Kites, Cans of Piss, and Negro Eyes, the band settled on "R.E.M." (which is an initialism for rapid eye movement, the dream stage of sleep), which Stipe selected at random from a dictionary.
The band members eventually dropped out of school to focus on their developing group. They found a manager in Jefferson Holt, a record store clerk who was so impressed by an R.E.M. performance in his hometown of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that he moved to Athens. R.E.M.'s success was almost immediate in Athens and surrounding areas; the band drew progressively larger crowds for shows, which caused some resentment in the Athens music scene. Over the next year and a half, R.E.M. toured throughout the Southern United States. Touring was arduous because a touring circuit for alternative rock bands did not then exist. The group toured in an old blue van driven by Holt, and lived on a food allowance of $2 each per day.
R.E.M. was pivotal in the creation and development of the alternative rock genre. AllMusic stated, "R.E.M. mark the point when post-punk turned into alternative rock." In the early 1980s, the musical style of R.E.M. stood in contrast to the post-punk and new wave genres that had preceded it. Music journalist Simon Reynolds noted that the post-punk movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s "had taken whole swaths of music off the menu", particularly that of the 1960s, and that "After postpunk's demystification and New Pop's schematics, it felt liberating to listen to music rooted in mystical awe and blissed-out surrender." Reynolds declared R.E.M., a band that recalled the music of the 1960s with its "plangent guitar chimes and folk-styled vocals" and who "wistfully and abstractly conjured visions and new frontiers for America", one of "the two most important alt-rock bands of the day." With the release of Murmur, R.E.M. had the most impact musically and commercially of the developing alternative genre's early groups, leaving in its wake a number of jangle pop followers.
R.E.M.'s early breakthrough success served as an inspiration for other alternative bands. Spin referred to the "R.E.M. model"—career decisions that R.E.M. made which set guidelines for other underground artists to follow in their own careers. Spin's Charles Aaron wrote that by 1985, "They'd shown how far an underground, punk-inspired rock band could go within the industry without whoring out its artistic integrity in any obvious way. They'd figured out how to buy in, not sellout-in other words, they'd achieved the American Bohemian Dream." Steve Wynn of Dream Syndicate said, "They invented a whole new ballgame for all of the other bands to follow whether it was Sonic Youth or the Replacements or Nirvana or Butthole Surfers. R.E.M. staked the claim. Musically, the bands did different things, but R.E.M. was first to show us you can be big and still be cool." Biographer David Buckley stated that between 1991 and 1994, a period that saw the band sell an estimated 30 million albums, R.E.M. "asserted themselves as rivals to U2 for the title of biggest rock band in the world." Over the course of its career, the band has sold over 85 million records worldwide.
Alternative bands such as Nirvana, Pavement, Radiohead, Coldplay, Pearl Jam (the band's vocalist Eddie Vedder inducted R.E.M. into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), and Live, have drawn inspiration from R.E.M.'s music. "When I was 15 years old in Richmond, Virginia, they were a very important part of my life," Pavement's Bob Nastanovich said, "as they were for all the members of our band." Pavement's contribution to the No Alternative compilation (1993) was "Unseen Power of the Picket Fence", a song about R.E.M.'s early days. Local H, according to the band's Twitter account, created their name by combining two R.E.M. songs: "Oddfellows Local 151" and "Swan Swan H". Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was a fan of R.E.M., and had unfulfilled plans to collaborate on a musical project with Stipe. Cobain told Rolling Stone in an interview earlier that year, "I don’t know how that band does what they do. God, they’re the greatest. They've dealt with their success like saints, and they keep delivering great music."
During his show at the 40 Watt Club in October 2018, Johnny Marr said: "As a British musician coming out of the indie scene in the early '80s, which I definitely am and am proud to have been, I can't miss this opportunity to acknowledge and pay my respects and honor the guys who put this town on the map for us in England. I'm talking about my comrades in guitar music, R.E.M. The Smiths really respected R.E.M. We had to keep an eye on what those guys were up to. It's an interesting thing for me, as a British musician, and all those guys as British musicians, to come to this place and play for you guys, knowing that it's the roots of Mike Mills and Bill Berry and Michael Stipe and my good friend Peter Buck."
It's the End of the World as
R.E.M. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes
And Lenny Bruce is not afraid
Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn
World serves its own needs
Don't mis-serve your own needs
Speed it up a notch, speed, grunt, no, strength
With a fear of height, down, height
Wire in a fire, represent the seven games
And a government for hire and a combat site
Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry
With the Furies breathing down your neck
Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped
Look at that low plane, fine, then
Uh oh, overflow, population, common group
But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself
World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed
Tell me with the Rapture and the reverent in the right, right
You vitriolic, patriotic, slam fight, bright light
Feeling pretty psyched
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine
Six o'clock, T.V. hour, don't get caught in foreign tower
Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn
Lock him in uniform, book burning, bloodletting
Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate
Light a candle, light a motive, step down, step down
Watch your heel crush, crush, uh oh
This means no fear, cavalier, renegade and steering clear
A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies
Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline
It's the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)
I feel fine (I feel fine)
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)
The other night I drifted nice continental drift divide
Mountains sit in a line, Leonard Bernstein
Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester Bangs
Birthday party, cheesecake, jellybean, boom
You symbiotic, patriotic, slam but neck, right, right
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it (time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine (time I had some time alone)
The lyrics to R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" express the chaotic and overwhelming feeling of the world coming to an end. The song opens with a description of various natural and man-made disasters, ranging from an earthquake to government corruption. The line "Lenny Bruce is not afraid" could refer to the comedian's fearlessness in pushing boundaries and challenging authority.
The chorus repeats the phrase "It's the end of the world as we know it," emphasizing the idea that the world as we know it is coming to an end. However, the singer notes that they "feel fine," suggesting a sense of acceptance and even liberation in the face of this change.
The second verse continues the themes of chaos and disarray, with references to book burning, bloodletting, and automotive incineration. The singer urges the listener to "offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline," perhaps suggesting that the old ways of thinking and problem-solving are no longer adequate for facing the end of the world.
The song concludes with a rapid-fire listing of names and phrases, creating a sense of information overload and sensory overload. The final repetition of "It's the end of the world as we know it /...and I feel fine" suggests that even in the face of overwhelming change, there is hope and a willingness to adapt and evolve.
Line by Line Meaning
That's great, it starts with an earthquake
The world as we know it is experiencing some kind of chaotic event that signifies a turning point.
Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes
The chaos is affecting all kinds of things, including nature and technology.
And Lenny Bruce is not afraid
Even famous people who are used to being in the public eye are not immune to the chaotic events happening around them.
Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn
In the midst of this chaos, it's important to stay grounded and listen to your own thoughts and reactions.
World serves its own needs
The world is a self-serving entity that does not care about individual human needs or desires.
Don't mis-serve your own needs
It's important to take care of oneself and not let the world's chaos interfere with personal well-being.
Speed it up a notch, speed, grunt, no, strength
In times of chaos, people feel a sense of urgency and need to act quickly and with determination.
The ladder starts to clatter
The structures of society that people have relied on are starting to break down.
With a fear of height, down, height
People are afraid of the uncertainty and instability that comes with this breakdown of societal structures.
Wire in a fire, represent the seven games
Perhaps a reference to seven deadly sins, the chaos is tied to human behavior and desires.
And a government for hire and a combat site
The government and military are also caught up in the chaos, perhaps even contributing to it.
Left her, wasn't coming in a hurry
People are leaving their old ways behind as the chaos forces them to adapt and change quickly.
With the Furies breathing down your neck
The chaos is so intense that it feels like a mythical force (the Furies) is coming after individuals.
Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped
Even the media is struggling to keep up with the fast-paced changes and chaos happening around them.
Look at that low plane, fine, then
Even small, seemingly insignificant events can feel ominous and contribute to a sense of impending doom.
Uh oh, overflow, population, common group
There are too many people and not enough resources or solutions to deal with the chaos happening globally.
But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself
Individuals are left to take matters into their own hands and find ways to survive in this tumultuous environment.
World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed
Again, the world is not interested in individual needs or desires, which can feel overwhelming and lead to a sense of despair.
Tell me with the Rapture and the reverent in the right, right
Perhaps a reference to religious beliefs, people are searching for a greater meaning or purpose in the face of the chaotic events happening around them.
You vitriolic, patriotic, slam fight, bright light
People are turning on each other and becoming more aggressive and divisive in their beliefs and actions.
Feeling pretty psyched
Despite the chaos, some individuals feel energized and even excited by the changes happening around them.
It's the end of the world as we know it
The chaos is leading to the end of the current way of life and understanding of the world.
and I feel fine
Despite the chaos, some individuals are able to find a sense of peace or acceptance.
Six o'clock, T.V. hour, don't get caught in foreign tower
People are urged to be cautious and aware of their surroundings in this unstable environment.
Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn
People are encouraged to stay true to themselves and their beliefs even as the world changes drastically around them.
Lock him in uniform, book burning, bloodletting
The chaos has led to authoritarianism, where individuals are punished for their beliefs or actions.
Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate
People are becoming more extreme and destructive in their actions and interactions with others.
Light a candle, light a motive, step down, step down
People can find hope and motivation even in the darkest of times.
Watch your heel crush, crush, uh oh
Again, the chaos is causing people to feel a sense of fear and danger.
This means no fear, cavalier, renegade and steering clear
People must face their fears and be brave and innovative in this new world.
A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies
The chaos has led to a sense of competition and falsehoods in society.
Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline
Despite the chaos, individuals may be unwilling or unable to embrace change or new solutions to the problems facing society.
The other night I drifted nice continental drift divide
Perhaps a reference to cultural or social divisions becoming more pronounced in this unstable environment.
Mountains sit in a line, Leonard Bernstein
This line may not have clear meaning, but may be a reference to the beauty and order that still exists in the world despite the chaos.
Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester Bangs
Again, even famous or influential individuals are not immune to the chaos and changes happening in the world.
Birthday party, cheesecake, jellybean, boom
Perhaps a reflection on the fleeting nature of enjoyment and pleasure in the face of the chaos and instability of the world.
You symbiotic, patriotic, slam but neck, right, right
Again, people are turning on each other and becoming more divisive and hostile in their beliefs and actions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Michael Stipe, Michael E. Mills, Peter Lawrence Buck, William Thomas Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Loki_K
[Lyrics]
That's great! It starts with an earthquake
Birds and snakes, an aeroplane
and Lenny Bruce is not afraid
Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn
World serves its own needs, don't mis-serve your own needs
Speed it up a notch, speed, grunt, no strength
The ladder starts to clatter with fear of height, down height
Wire in a fire, representing seven games
In a government for hire and a combat site
Left of west and coming in a hurry
With the furies breathing down your neck
Team by team reporters baffled, trump, tethered crop
Look at that low plane! Fine, then
Uh oh, overflow, population, Common Food
But it'll do. Save yourself, serve yourself
World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed
Tell me with the rapture and the reverent in the right, right
You vitriolic, patriotic, slam, fight, bright light
Feeling pretty psyched
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine
Six o'clock. TV hour
Don't get caught in foreign tower
Slash and burn, return
Listen to yourself churn
Lock him in uniform and book burning, bloodletting
Every motive escalate. Automotive incinerate
Light a candle, light a votive
Step down, step down
Watch a heel crush, crush
Uh oh, this means no fear; cavalier
Renegade and steer clear!
A tournament, a tournament
A tournament of lies
Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives
And I decline
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine
(It's time I had some time alone)
I feel fine
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine
(It's time I had some time alone)
The other night I tripped a nice
Continental drift divide
Mountains sit in a line
Leonard Bernstein, Leonid Brezhnev
Lenny Bruce, and Lester Bangs
Birthday party, cheesecake, jelly beans, boom!
You symbiotic, patriotic, slam, but neck, right? (Right!)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it
(It's time I had some time alone)
It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine
(It's time I had some time alone)
@-NoneOfYourBusiness
For those here who care, this video shows a kid playing in his house that was torn apart by a tornado digging in the mess of random stuff all over the place making some sense of it and picking up what he might keep. He kept the dog and his skateboard. He's young, soon to be a man and full of hope and he will rebuild his future. This song isn't depressing and isn't about the end of the world. Its about change. The lyrics are a mess of random stuff that Humanity must make sense of, pick up what it might keep and go forward.
@sonysaju6838
Now, that actually makes sense. Thanks for that.
@Fxeye-ir9ck
Wow, thank you❤️
@freejubilant38
and i wouldn't even be interested if he didn't care about his dog
@kartolul4329
"Its the end of the world and I feel fine"
@Awolkmedia1990
Never in my life have I needed something so much and never known until i received it hahahaha
@autumndidact6148
Every time I think about how this song is from 1987 and not like 1993 it amazes me how R.E.M. nailed a sound that no one else was going to be doing for years.
@eboethrasher
that's only like 6 years, and considering how much REM influenced the sound of 1993, I totally understand it. Without REM, you have no Hootie and the Blowfish, no Pearl Jam, no any of those bands. REM helped forge the alternative/indie/college rock scene in the US. There were other bands but they helped break it through along with some of the other OGs. Husker Du, Replacements had the sound, Goo Goo Dolls existed but not like this, Soundgarden existed in 87, but mainly you had REM, 10,000 Maniacs, Replacements at the top of the US alt heap around that time period. I'm sure I'm forgetting others, but they were the top dogs. Pixies were not even there yet at 87. The Smiths were busy imploding over in the UK, The Cure were hitting it big in the US, likewise for Depeche Mode with Music for the Masses, Love and Rockets were getting ready to break wide open in the next couple of years. Jane's Addiction was ready to break out as well. People talk about Nirvana breaking it wide open but they ignore that The Cure and INXS and Depeche Mode and REM were having hits before Nirvana. Though Kurt himself would happily remind you about REM. He loved them. Moved next door to Peter Buck and that's where he took his own life.
@kevinlutz5994
I bought the cassette tape at a garage sale.
@vellabella1
Wow, I was born 1980 but did not hear this until mid 90's. Doesn't sound dated at all. Did not know this song came out in the 80's?. REM dominated college radio when I was a freshman in High School. Now my 16 yr old nephew knows this song. When asked how does he know this song, he says it is an old song😮 Well I guess so? 😅