See No Evil
R.E.M. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

What I want, I want now
And it's a whole lot more, anyhow
I wanna climb a mountain
I wanna jump, jump, jump, jump a mountain

I understand all destructive urges
It's seems so perfect
I see, I see no evil

I get ideas, notions
I want a nice little boat made out of ocean
I get your point, you're so sharp
Gettin good reactions with 'BeBo' talk

I understand all destructive urges
It's seems so perfect

I see, I see no evil

I understand all destructive urges
It's seems so perfect
I see, I see no evil

Walkin' hand in hand with the one I love (I see no evil)
Walkin' through Manhattan with the one I love (I see no evil)
Walkin' hand in hand with the one I love (I see no evil)
Walkin' in Jackson with the one I love (I see no evil)
Walkin' in the world with the one I love (I see no evil)




Walkin' and talkin' with the one I love (I see no evil)
Walkin', walkin' and talkin' with the one I love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to R.E.M.'s "See No Evil" express a strong desire for immediacy and the need to satisfy one's wants and desires without restraint. This is evident in the first few lines, where the singer states, "What I want, I want now / And it's a whole lot more, anyhow." The singer is not interested in waiting or delaying gratification; they want it all and they want it now.


The second verse reveals a fascination with destructive urges and a lack of concern for the consequences of these urges. The singer seems to be drawn to the idea of climbing a mountain or jumping over it, even though it may be dangerous or damaging. The line "I see, I see no evil" suggests that the singer is intentionally ignoring the negative repercussions of their actions.


The final verse shifts from this focus on destruction and impulsivity to a more positive outlook. The singer is walking hand-in-hand with their loved one, and they see no evil in the world around them. This can be interpreted as a turning point in the song, where the singer realizes that true happiness is found in the simple pleasures of life, rather than in the pursuit of reckless desires.


Overall, "See No Evil" is a meditation on the complexity of human desires and the struggle between impulse and reason.


Line by Line Meaning

What I want, I want now
I don't want to wait for anything, I want it all immediately


And it's a whole lot more, anyhow
Not only do I want it now, but I want more than what's available


I wanna climb a mountain
I want to take on a challenging and difficult task


I wanna jump, jump, jump, jump a mountain
I want to fully embrace the challenge and conquer it with energy and excitement


I understand all destructive urges
I am aware of my own and others' negative impulses and impulses towards causing harm


It's seems so perfect
Despite the destructive nature of these urges, sometimes they can feel like the only logical or natural choice


I see, I see no evil
Despite the potential for harm or negative outcomes, I choose to focus on the positive and avoid engaging in harmful behavior


I get ideas, notions
I have creative and imaginative thoughts and ideas


I want a nice little boat made out of ocean
I want something that seems impossible or unlikely, like a boat made out of something as vast and powerful as the ocean


I get your point, you're so sharp
I understand and appreciate someone's clear and insightful communication


Gettin good reactions with 'BeBo' talk
I am able to communicate effectively and receive positive feedback for my words or actions


Walkin' hand in hand with the one I love (I see no evil)
Being in love can make one blind to the negative aspects of the world, allowing them to focus only on the positive


Walkin' through Manhattan with the one I love (I see no evil)
Even in a bustling city full of potential dangers or negative energy, being with someone you love can bring a sense of security and positivity


Walkin' in Jackson with the one I love (I see no evil)
Even in a small town or less exciting environment, being with someone you love can make it feel like a perfect and happy place


Walkin' in the world with the one I love (I see no evil)
Being in love can make the world feel like a better, friendlier place


Walkin' and talkin' with the one I love (I see no evil)
Being with someone you love can bring a sense of ease and comfort to everyday activities, making them feel more positive




Contributed by Victoria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

dkroll92

How did I just find this? One of my favorite songs, covered by one of my favorite bands.

ClueSign

A frequent encore on their early 80's shows, often introduced as by Michael as "the best rock song of all time."

Jason Trahan

Where are you unearthing all these gems? Thanks for doing it, by the way.

Caroline More

I really enjoy those great songs performed by R.E.M.
I like to find out everything about my favorite Rock Band. I'm glad you like it 😉

Tectonic Dispatch

been listening to R.E.M. for almost 40 years....never heard this one

Geoffrey Gentry

@K.N. Martin In 1988. It was on their '88 Christmas Fanclub single.

K.N. Martin

When did they record this?

Caroline More

@Tectonic Dispatch You're welcome, it's a pleasure!

Tectonic Dispatch

caroline more thanks for posting these rarities. I really miss having a new R.E.M. album to look forward to. Kinda the soundtrack to my teens, 20’s, and 30’s.😘

Caroline More

It's a cover by R.E.M. Original version by TELEVISION.

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