Strange
REM - Unplugged: The complete 1991 and 2001 sessions Lyrics
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When I call on the telephone
And I don't know what you mean to me
But I want to turn you on
Turn you up, figure you out
I want to take you on
These words, you will be mine
Now fool might be my middle name
But I'd be foolish not to say
I'm going to make whatever it takes
Ring you up, call you down, sign your name
Secret love, make it rhyme
Take you in and make you mine
These words, you will be mine
These words, you will be mine, all the time
I tripped and fell, did I fall
What I want to feel
I want to feel it now
You know with love comes strange currencies
And here is my appeal
I need a chance, a second chance, a third chance
A fourth chance, a word, a signal
A nod, a little breath
Just to fool myself, to catch myself
And make it real, real
These words, you will be mine
These words, you will be mine, all the time
These words, you will be mine
These words haunt me, hunt me down, catch in my throat
Make me pray, to say love's confines, oh
The lyrics of "Strange" by REM seem to explore the complex and often perplexing nature of romantic relationships. The singer expresses confusion and bewilderment over the behavior of their partner, questioning why they are treated unkindly when reaching out via the phone. Despite this mistreatment, there is a strong desire to connect with the other person, to understand them better, and to essentially ignite a spark in the relationship.
The lyrics convey a sense of determination and persistence in pursuing this connection, with the singer acknowledging their own possible foolishness but expressing a willingness to do whatever it takes to make things work. The desire to make the relationship deeper and more meaningful is evident in phrases like "take you in and make you mine," suggesting a longing for intimacy and emotional closeness.
There is a vulnerability and raw honesty to the lyrics as the singer reflects on their own feelings and uncertainties surrounding love. The reference to "strange currencies" suggests that love often comes with unexpected challenges and complexities, but there is a plea for a chance to make things right, to have another opportunity to prove their love and devotion.
In the final verse, the singer yearns for validation and reassurance in the form of words, gestures, or signals from their partner. The repetition of "These words, you will be mine" underscores the longing for a deep, lasting connection and the desire to make love a tangible and real presence in their lives. The haunting and introspective tone of the lyrics conveys the emotional turmoil and introspection that often accompanies matters of the heart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills, Michael Stipe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kozuwara
Oh life is bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spot-light
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
Every whisper, of every waking hour
I'm choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt, lost and blinded fool, fool
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this the hint of the century
Consider this the slip
That brought me to my knees, failed
What if all these fantasies come
Flailing around
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spot-light
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
Try, cry, fly, try
That was just a dream
Just a dream
Just a dream, dream
@joeyhyland
This is one of the greatest songs of all time.
@cynthiawhite9830
Sure is!
@carlosm.devasconcelllos3939
Indeed. A MASTERPIECE.
@ronaldinhogaucho8262
I agree , good ole Athens.
@sunflowermonroe666
It truly is!
@Deborah4Antiques
It haunts me.
@c.j.forever7990
I remember the first time I heard it... I stopped still and couldn't believe what I was hearing... It instantly became my favorite song...to this day when I hear it, it takes me back to that day and makes me smile
@thankswillie
same here
@jessiej1746
Me too. I heard it on the radio riding to the beach with a good friend of mine and his parents. I was 11 years old so it had probably been out less than a year. It was a hot ride with no a/c.
@OdesaFilmStudio
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!