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IFLTS: 'It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),' R.E.M.

'It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),' R.E.M.
From 1987's 'Document'

There are so many songs that move and inspire me, but R.E.M.'s 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' is coming to mind right now. Michael Stipe, who's a very dear friend of mine, embarks on these long verbal deluges in the verses, and God knows I could never sing all of those words. I don't even know what most of them are, to be honest.

But what I do capture is this anthem of revolution in the midst of revelation, and, especially now, it seems incredibly relevant to our existence and consciousness.

Every time I see them live and Michael plays that song, I can feel myself being moved and achieving this incredible feeling of liberation with the last line: "And I feel fine."

2007 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Patti Smith will release 'Twelve,' her first album of cover songs, on April 24.


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Janice

I freakin' love this song. I also love "Everybody Hurts."

December 31 2009 at 8:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeremy

R.E.M. had a fantastic song in the late 1980s, "Oraqnge Crush." It was about the Vietnam war, and it is one of the best anti-war songs.

December 22 2007 at 12:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
emily

this song is retarded.

June 26 2007 at 2:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
beltw4ysteel

Quick, snappy lyics. Awesome song, and Mills' backing vocals are gold. Reminds me of "Subterranean Homesick Blues" from Bob Dylan and "Sam" from Meat Puppets. Usually bands don't invoke any type of nostalgic feeling in me whatsoever(I'm young, though, so maybe that's the reason). R.E.M. and Stipe's singing voice are the only exceptions. This, from someone who's first few musical experiences included the "Out of Time" LP.

Makes me proud to know all the lyrics to this gem.

June 18 2007 at 11:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Janice

Patti, we may not know all of the words to "It's The End of The World As We Know It," but we sure do love that song, don't we? In fact, now I'm inspired to learn all the words.

May 06 2007 at 4:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rangepainter

Patti, this song and other REM songs brought my daughter and I together. From the time she was about 10 we could talk about life and poetry in the context of REM. There were times when communicating would break down, and she lived with her dad awhile. REM ALWAYS bridged the gap. I love you as well and think it is tres cool that REM and you are associated.

April 25 2007 at 11:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply