Star Me Kitten
R.E.M. Lyrics


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Keys cut, three for the price of one
Nothing's free but guaranteed for a lifetime's use
I've changed the locks
And you can't have one
You, you know the other two

The brakes have worn so thin that you could hear
I hear them screeching through the door from our driveway
Hey, love, look into your glove box heart
What is there for me inside? This love is tired
I've changed the locks
Have I misplaced you?
Have we lost our minds?
Will this never end?
It could depend on your take

You, me, we used to be on fire
If keys are all that stand between
Can I throw in the ring?
No gasoline
Just fuck me kitten
You are wild and I'm in your possession
Nothing's free so, fuck me, kitten





I'm in your possession
So, fuck me, kitten

Overall Meaning

In R.E.M.'s song Star Me Kitten, the lyrics talk about someone who's changing the locks and stating that the keys are no longer free. It's three for the price of one, but guaranteed for a lifetime's use. The singer is voicing his uncertainty about his current relationship, asking if he's misplaced his significant other or if they've both lost their minds. He's also questioning what's left in their "glove box heart" for him to salvage, as their love is tired. The brakes have worn thin, screeching through the door, and the singer fears that it all depends on the other person's take.


The most interesting aspect of this song is its origins. It was initially written as incidental music for an episode of MTV's "Oddities" where William S. Burroughs recited some of his poetry. The band enjoyed the music so much that they reworked it into a full song. Additionally, Michael Stipe wrote the song's lyrics on the day of the final recording, which gave the song a spontaneous and almost impromptu feel.


Line by Line Meaning

Keys cut, three for the price of one
I have created three copies of the keys, costing only the price for one, but it's not really free as it's a lifetime commitment


Nothing's free but guaranteed for a lifetime's use
Although nothing is free, you're guaranteed to have these keys for the rest of your lives


I've changed the locks
I've changed the locks to our house to ensure security


And you can't have one
I can't give you one of my keys


You, you know the other two
You're aware that there are two more keys in existence


The brakes have worn so thin that you could hear
The car's brakes have almost worn out, resulting in them making a loud noise


I hear them screeching through the door from our driveway
I can hear the loud noise of the worn brakes from inside the house as the car goes up the driveway


Hey, love, look into your glove box heart
Hello, dear, look deep into your heart to see if there's anything inside the glove box for me


What is there for me inside? This love is tired
I'm wondering if there's anything left for me in this relationship, as our love seems to be worn out


Have I misplaced you?
Am I losing you or have I already lost you?


Have we lost our minds?
Are we both crazy and out of our senses?


Will this never end?
Is there no end to this situation?


It could depend on your take
The outcome of this situation is dependent on what you decide to do


You, me, we used to be on fire
We used to have a passionate and intense relationship


If keys are all that stand between
If the only thing between us are the keys


Can I throw in the ring?
Can I give up or surrender?


No gasoline
No fuel to ignite further passion


Just fuck me kitten
Let's have sex like wild animals


You are wild and I'm in your possession
You are untamed and I'm under your control


Nothing's free so, fuck me, kitten
There's always a price to pay, so let's just do it like animals


I'm in your possession
I'm completely yours


So, fuck me, kitten
So, let's just have sex like wild animals




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 comment from YouTube:

Limits98

Lyrics

Keys cut, three for the price of one
And nothing's free,
But guaranteed for a lifetime's use
I've changed the locks,
And you can have one

You, you know the other two
The brakes have worn so thin
That you could hear
I hear them screeching
Through the door from our driveway

Hey, love,
Look into your glove-box heart
What is there for me inside?
This love is tired
I've changed the locks,
Have I misplaced you?

Have we lost our minds?
Will this never end?
It could depend on your take

You, me, we used to be on fire
If keys are all that stand between
Can I throw in the ring?
No gasoline, just fuck me, kitten
You are wild and I'm in your possession
Nothing's free, so fuck me, kitten

I'm in your possession,
So fuck me, kitten



All comments from YouTube:

Maurizio RC

I used to go out at night and ride my bicycle around the city with this in my ears. Now I'm 40 and life's not that hopelessly romantic anymore

Kelly Barton

Their music is so nostalgic and dream-like. Always has been, I think they are all hopeless romantics. ;)

Joey Little

Sometimes the thought of something romantic is more mysterious and enlightening than the real thing

1292liam

hahah ditto !!

Liberty Allerding

At forty life is misery. A long, slow, slog to the grave.

9 More Replies...

Devin Gademan

Such a beautiful song, musically and lyrically. The quality of Michael’s voice cuts straight through. Wonderful. -Devin

Wolfdragon92584

One of those very few songs that just BLEEDS the feelings of young romance, the hopeless kind that you know will end soon. Like a kiss you try to savor. Like the perfume she wears. Like getting her unique scent on your fingers, and never wanting to forget it. Like knowing she's gonna let go of your hand one day... so enjoy it while it lasts.

Dan Hartwig

Well Said

Not Sure

This is probably one of R.E.M's most bizzare and beautiful songs. Always gives me a chill surfing kind of vibe.

Miss Winter

I didn't think about the surf vibe. That's true.

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