Begin
R.E.M. With Eddie Vedder Lyrics
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The insurgency began and you missed it
I looked for it and I found it
Miles Standish proud, congratulate me
A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand
Silence means security, silence means approval
On Zenith on the TV, tiger run around the tree
Follow the leader, run and turn into butter
Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again like Martin Luther Zen
The mythology begins the begin
Answer me a question I can't itemize
I can't think clear, you look to me for reason
It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin
A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Example, the finest example is you
Birdie in the hand for life's rich demand
The insurgency began and you missed it
I looked for it and I found it
Miles Standish proud, congratulate me
A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again
In "Begin the Begin" by R.E.M. with Eddie Vedder, the lyrics suggest a commentary on power and control. The first verse begins with the phrase "A birdie in the hand for life's rich demand" which alludes to the idea that people are willing to accept what they can get, even if it means settling for less. The lyrics then move on to describe an insurgency, which is often a violent uprising against a government, and the fact that many people missed it. The line "On Zenith on the TV, tiger run around the tree" paints a picture of a chaotic scene, where people are following blindly without knowing the consequences of their actions. The idea of following blindly is reinforced in the next line, "Follow the leader, run and turn into butter", where the singer suggests that people are so easily manipulated that they will turn into something completely different.
The theme of power and control is further explored in the chorus of the song, with the lyrics "Let's begin again, begin the begin" and "The mythology begins the begin". Here, the singer suggests that there is a need to start over and create a new narrative, one that empowers and inspires people to take control of their own lives. The line "Silence means security, silence means approval" is particularly powerful, as it highlights the dangers of complacency and the idea that anyone who is not speaking out is complicit in the system. Overall, the lyrics of "Begin the Begin" are a critique of the way that power is wielded in society, and a call to action for people to stand up and demand change.
Line by Line Meaning
Birdie in the hand for life's rich demand
Opportunities arise and we must seize them, as life rewards those who do
The insurgency began and you missed it
A revolution or change occurred and you failed to notice or act upon it, resulting in you being left behind
I looked for it and I found it
I actively searched for knowledge or truth and ultimately discovered it
Miles Standish proud, congratulate me
I have achieved success and am proud of it, just as Miles Standish was known for his pride in accomplishments
A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Objects can be associated with immoral or negative actions, and people may be judged based on these associations
Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand
The demand for products or services leads to their creation and availability to consumers
Of the powers, the only vote that matters
In a society dominated by those in power, the only vote that truly matters is theirs
Silence means security, silence means approval
Not speaking up or acting against negative actions or situations can be seen as approval or a sign of contentment with the status quo
On Zenith on the TV, tiger run around the tree
The media's portrayal of events or situations may distort the reality of what is happening
Follow the leader, run and turn into butter
Blindly following someone else or a group can lead you to lose your own identity or integrity
Let's begin again, begin the begin
We should start anew and make a fresh start in our actions, decisions, or way of thinking
Let's begin again like Martin Luther Zen
We should begin again with the spirit of revolution, much like historical figures Martin Luther and Zen Buddhism
The mythology begins the begin
The stories we believe or tell ourselves shape how we approach or start certain things
Answer me a question I can't itemize
A question has been posed that is difficult to break down or simplify into parts
I can't think clear, you look to me for reason
I am unable to make clear decisions or provide logical reasoning, despite others looking to me for guidance
It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin
The answers or solutions are not present, and the inability to even rhyme (a basic poetic technique) demonstrates confusion or lack of clarity
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills, Michael Stipe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DairwoodBarton27
My heart just literally exploded two of my favorite musicians singing together
@davea11
Your heart literally exploded? 😂
@rolfbernserke4735
And having a blast with that song
@gloriathornton9124
Eddie is just so humble. He always shares the stage but steps back and lets the Original Band perform... He really is the Greatest Guest...
@jeffwilson3363
Love the way Micheal does the Elvis dance on this performance…makes me smile every time.
@debbyblack8758
Same! His moves made me smile! Both awesome!
@jimmytwoguys
Another reminder. Mike Mills the most underrated bass player and vocalist in rock.
@karenfortson6942
REM has 2 lead singers, loved hearing Bill Berry again 🤟
@lindaangst8728
it's because he's by nature such a modest guy. No need for a big swaggering ego. He's the steady hand and rock of R.E.M.
@matthewbessel8005
I like this, Eddie Vedder really took a backseat and didn't try to make the show about himself at all, just made a great contribution to the performance and added to the song.