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R.E.M. — Undertow
Album: New Adventures in Hi-Fi
Avg rating:
6.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 932









Released: 1995
Length: 5:06
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I know what I wanted
I know what I wanted
I know how I wanted this to be

You go down to the water
Drink down of the water
Walk up off the water, leave it be

But this is not my dream sister
It is cold in heaven
And I'm not sprouting wings

I'm drowning me
I'm drowning me, yeah

Brother can you see those birds?
They don't look to heaven
They don't need religion, they can see

They go down to the water
Drink down on the water
Fly up off the water, leave it be

But this is not my time sister
It is cold in Heaven
And no one's coming after me

I'm drowning ''(breathing ourselves)''
Me ''(breathing ourselves)''
I'm drowning ''(breathing ourselves)''
Me ''(breathing ourselves)'' yeah

You know I am tired
Cold and bony tired
Nothing's gonna save me, I can see

I can't say I'm fearful
I can't say I'm not afraid
But I am not resisting, I can see

I don't need a Heaven
I don't need religion
I am in the place where I should be

I am breathing water
I am breathing water
You know a body's got to breathe

I'm drowning ''(breathing ourselves)''
Me ''(breathing ourselves)''
I'm drowning ''(breathing ourselves)''
Me ''(breathing ourselves)''
I'm drowning ''(breathing ourselves)''
Me ''(breathing ourselves)''
Comments (95)add comment
 eileenomurphy wrote:

OK tune. But not their best.



Bill has 88 R.E.M.-songs in the catalog. I wonder how often you'll write such a comment until we find your favorite one. Just curious. 
Posted 3 months ago by Jörg_Asmussen    [ Reply ]
Brother can you see those birds?
They don't look to heaven
They don't need religion, they can see

AMEN


Posted 5 months ago by walk2k    [ Reply ]
Hi Fi is my favorite REM record.
There. I said it.
Posted 5 months ago by walk2k    [ Reply ]
Nice! I love hearing some of their more obscure jams! Sadly, from a period where some fans had lost interest in them... For me, as with U2, from the beginning, I could always dig and devour whatever they were into sharing. Each of them were absolute artistic geniuses, and together they made heaps of transcendent music.
Posted 9 months ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 avl28804 wrote:

Amen.




So... what... add conga drums and Background singers so they can sound like Peter Gabriel?
Posted 1 year ago by Rstrickster    [ Reply ]
 eileenomurphy wrote:

OK tune. But not their best.




I agree! Not my favorite R.E.M. tune, they have better!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
OK tune. But not their best.
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
I'm gunna say it cause no one has here for like 11 years... REM is a great band. So "alt" in their day! 
Posted 3 years ago by icuski2    [ Reply ]
 scocam wrote:

R.E.M. is like Taco Bell. It's the same 7 ingredients— just presented a little differently. There are other similarities which I'm less inclined to discuss here.

Edit: In 81 through 87, R.E.M. were great. But 25+ years later? Not so fresh.



 
Amen.

Posted 13 years ago by avl28804    [ Reply ]

R.E.M. is like Taco Bell. It's the same 7 ingredients— just presented a little differently. There are other similarities which I'm less inclined to discuss here.

Edit: In 81 through 87, R.E.M. were great. But 25+ years later? Not so fresh.



Posted 14 years ago by scocam    [ Reply ]
 More_Cowbell wrote:

Agree.  Saw them in 86/87 and walked away thinking, these guys are going to be big!

 
Ha ha....I saw them in 81 and thought...these guys are amazing....not braggin' just sayin'

Posted 14 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
I.......LOVE....this song!
Stipes voice at it's finest.
Posted 14 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
 SuperWeh wrote:
I don't know what it is, I have a fairly broad taste in music and am generally quite open to different music styles etc. but most REM song do slightly more than nothing for me at best and annoy me very severely at worst, this is in the former category.
 

Not being sarcastic here: that must suck. Love this band and this song. REM may not get as airplay as it used to, but they're hard to miss. It's a plus for me when I hear one of their songs; can't imagine what it would be like to grit your teeth every time you heard them.  
Posted 14 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
I don't know what it is, I have a fairly broad taste in music and am generally quite open to different music styles etc. but most REM song do slightly more than nothing for me at best and annoy me very severely at worst, this is in the former category.
Posted 14 years ago by SuperWeh    [ Reply ]
 Poacher wrote:
You already said. . . 10 times on this page alone. 

Fu*king troll. 
 
I might have my message board lingo wrong, but I'm pretty sure a "troll" is someone who posts provocative or instigating comments for no other purpose than to antagonize others into posting rebuttals.

So it seems that, in reality, you are the "fu*king troll".

Posted 14 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
On the guitar...Mr. Peter Buck. {#Guitarist}
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


cool song...
 
You already said. . . 10 times on this page alone. 

Fu*king troll. 
Posted 14 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
 jwbeadle wrote:
TOO BAD "BOBCAT 1963" DIDN'T GO TO COLLEGE!!!!!  R.E.M. WAS ONE OF THOSE SOUNDS THAT WILL FOREVER AND EVER ECHO IN MY MY MIND AS STUMBLE TO CLASS...........
 
Agree.  Saw them in 86/87 and walked away thinking, these guys are going to be big!

Posted 14 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
Ok, but you don't have to yell... {#Grumpy}

 jwbeadle wrote:
TOO BAD "BOBCAT 1963" DIDN'T GO TO COLLEGE!!!!!  R.E.M. WAS ONE OF THOSE SOUNDS THAT WILL FOREVER AND EVER ECHO IN MY MY MIND AS STUMBLE TO CLASS...........
 


Posted 14 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
TOO BAD "BOBCAT 1963" DIDN'T GO TO COLLEGE!!!!!  R.E.M. WAS ONE OF THOSE SOUNDS THAT WILL FOREVER AND EVER ECHO IN MY MY MIND AS STUMBLE TO CLASS...........
Posted 14 years ago by jwbeadle    [ Reply ]
1 of the 'rock' voices  i absolutely can't stand.... {#Puke}
(I like elvis costello, neil young, bob dylan, david byrne, so you can not say that I can't handle anything ;-)
Posted 14 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
average=6.3... wtf??
Posted 14 years ago by Fables85    [ Reply ]
I was busy writing and heard this and thought to myself, "How awake they are!" Bump +2.

Posted 14 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
are they awake? what a snoozer. phone it in next time.
Posted 14 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Yes. That one really gets your attention. I was in an intro art class with Michael Stipe, so we are roughly contemporary. Am impressed that anyone that old can rock like that. Amazingly fresh. 
Posted 15 years ago by FrankMc    [ Reply ]
I think the undertow has taken Mr. Stipe.  {#Skull}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:
Ah, Jeez! It's been a whole year since I saw them at Berkeley! Time flies!
Totally. Tell it to M. Stipe, most of whose recent works have been about midlife angst.
p.s. I saw them at the Greek on that tour, too :)

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Ah, Jeez! It's been a whole year since I saw them at Berkeley! Time flies!
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
9
Posted 15 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
Weird. That song sounds a little different in my memory.
Is this a remixed/remastered version?

Edit: ... and I second, third, and fourth the requests for some Tool on RP {#Good-vibes}


Posted 16 years ago by spaceman    [ Reply ]
Actually, despite the name, this song reminds me of the Tool song "Opiate" more than anything else.
Posted 16 years ago by Chinju    [ Reply ]
 Rockitz wrote:

 
created user to give a poor rating to one song???

Posted 16 years ago by vonwienerhousen    [ Reply ]
 notremotely wrote:
REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks! REM sucks!

Crappy college band has beens who are still writing the same song as day 1.

Exactly.
Thank you.
 


Posted 16 years ago by Rockitz    [ Reply ]
 horstman wrote:
Yeah, we know you hate REM. Who cares? Not me. I love REM. Always have. Always will. And guess what? Bill Goldsmith does too. Deal with it!
 

Exactly.
Thank you.
Posted 16 years ago by notremotely    [ Reply ]
Yeah, we know you hate REM. Who cares? Not me. I love REM. Always have. Always will. And guess what? Bill Goldsmith does too. Deal with it!
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Upside
Posted 16 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]
this song rocks. this album rocks. this band rocks. speak no evil. you'll just embarrass yourself.
Posted 16 years ago by buck-arkansas    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
More like they expected cake and ice cream and got dogshit and cowpiss.
I'm guessing that birthday parties from your neck of the woods are a little different than ours?!? Good luck with that and say hello to your therapist and/or support group for me!
Posted 16 years ago by MonkeyPod    [ Reply ]
I heard Los Lobos' "Peace" end, and I heard White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" start. I did not hear this. It was right in the middle and I literally did not hear it. It didn't register at all. I can't even rate it. I can't remember anything to rate. So much for REM.
Posted 16 years ago by mattt    [ Reply ]
MonkeyPod wrote:
Have any of you ever seen a little kid the first time they go to one of their friend's birthday parties? They're all excited until they realize that they aren't going to get any presents. (as if cake and ice cream aren't enough) Now you know how you REM haters look when you have your Stalin-like tantrums.
More like they expected cake and ice cream and got dogshit and cowpiss.
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
I wonder if Bill could be persuaded to start an affiliated station that plays the heavier cuts that don't make it here. I for one would listen. There are some days when only the metal-iest will do. . .
I'm there today - everything sounds whiny to me
Posted 16 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
= Michael Stipe
Posted 16 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
Have any of you ever seen a little kid the first time they go to one of their friend's birthday parties? They're all excited until they realize that they aren't going to get any presents. (as if cake and ice cream aren't enough) Now you know how you REM haters look when you have your Stalin-like tantrums.
Posted 17 years ago by MonkeyPod    [ Reply ]
R.E.M. is one of my favorite bands, and I still think this sucks.
Posted 17 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
REM = SUCKS - Stench -Mute + puke! This song is no exception!
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
The Undertoe is making me drown in mediocrity.
Posted 17 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
REM = TIRED
Posted 17 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
This is my favorite REM cd.
Posted 17 years ago by yogaboat    [ Reply ]
Blasphemy perhaps, but I can't help but think of Tragically Hip. Pretty good tune, though it doesn't seem to go anywhere.
Posted 17 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
sounds like leftovers
Posted 17 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
bigB_3 wrote:
I would love to hear some Tool. Although it is probably not "Paradise-style" music. It could cause some tidal waves.
I wonder if Bill could be persuaded to start an affiliated station that plays the heavier cuts that don't make it here. I for one would listen. There are some days when only the metal-iest will do. . .
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
I like Cliffs of Dooneen's 'Undertow' a lot better... which coincidentally came out the same time as Tool.
Posted 17 years ago by superflyLD    [ Reply ]
I like Tool's Undertow much better ... this ain't bad, though.
Posted 17 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
pushkinjim wrote:
I'm not one either. I will continue to write in how much these guys suck. PLEASE STOP with REM!
"(Sweden, Los Angeles, Vancouver, St. Petersburg)" you don't even know where you are....
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
I'm not one either. I will continue to write in how much these guys suck. PLEASE STOP with REM!
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
Probably a lot of people who dislike them don't want to keep posting negative comments.Trust me,some people really dislike the way these guys sound. I'm one of them. They get played so much it's hard not to be negative about it.Rather than comment on each and every song I guess the more dignified listeners feel it's classier to just give it a bad rating and be silent. I'm not one of them so much.
ok, whatever.
Posted 17 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
pinto wrote:
Why all of the posted comments of praise and adulation and the average rating is only 6. 8 (as of this writing)?
Probably a lot of people who dislike them don't want to keep posting negative comments. Trust me,some people really dislike the way these guys sound. I'm one of them. They get played so much it's hard not to be negative about it. Rather than comment on each and every song I guess the more dignified listeners feel it's classier to just give it a bad rating and be silent. I'm not one of them so much.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
RobK wrote:
Continuing to delve deeply into New Adventures in Hi-Fi, I see. I agree, it's a great f'ing album. There are probably 5 or 6 songs on the album that I like better, but nevertheless I have to praise you for playing music like this.
It's their most underrated album for sure. No doubt that's anathema to the people who think they didn't make a good album after Murmur. TJ
Posted 17 years ago by TJOpootertoot    [ Reply ]
bigB_3 wrote:
I would love to hear some Tool. Although it is probably not "Paradise-style" music. It could cause some tidal waves.
I've heard A Perfect Circle on here. It wouldn't be such a stretch to get the right Tool song uploaded. You'd have to pick very carefully though. Something where Carey is really demonstrating a method to his madness on the drums, but the rest of the cut is not too heavy metal sounding would prolly fly.
Posted 17 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
optimusprime10 wrote:
you know what would really make me laugh? hearing the tool song with the same name. ha! why? because it's not what i want, nor expect, to hear! luckily, i think the world has outgrown that phase of its life.
I would love to hear some Tool. Although it is probably not "Paradise-style" music. It could cause some tidal waves.
Posted 18 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
you know what would really make me laugh? hearing the tool song with the same name. ha! why? because it's not what i want, nor expect, to hear! luckily, i think the world has outgrown that phase of its life.
Posted 18 years ago by optimusprime10    [ Reply ]
Continuing to delve deeply into New Adventures in Hi-Fi, I see. I agree, it's a great f'ing album. There are probably 5 or 6 songs on the album that I like better, but nevertheless I have to praise you for playing music like this.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Why all of the posted comments of praise and adulation and the average rating is only 6.8 (as of this writing)?
Posted 18 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
Is it just me, but REM seem to be masters at making really simply constructed songs sound like masterpieces? This is another one, that I listen to and think, actually it's a pretty simple song. But the emotion still comes through. Guess that is all that counts.
Posted 18 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
msidoti wrote:
great song from their most under-rated album
I totally agree. This has always been one of my favorite REM albums.
Posted 18 years ago by Janssen    [ Reply ]
what a great song! this and "Leave" are my favorites from that album. Great music to turn way up!
Posted 18 years ago by aarrowood    [ Reply ]
Welcome back to the Undertow!
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
lily34 wrote:
i totally agree. i picked up this album after not having heard it in ages...i like it better now than i did when it came out.
Me, too. I just picked up the CD for a buck at my local flea market. Really strong record...one of my faves now!
Posted 21 years ago by dairyman    [ Reply ]
carl wrote:
Good tune.... they're hit or miss these days, but when they hit, they're still one of the coolest bands around.
i totally agree. i picked up this album after not having heard it in ages...i like it better now than i did when it came out.
Posted 21 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Let\'s not toss the life preserver and say we did. ;)
Posted 21 years ago by Skyhawk    [ Reply ]
A lesser REM piece, but you can\'t always create a classic with every attempt.
Posted 21 years ago by BC_Night_Heron    [ Reply ]
I haven\'t bought an REM album since Monster but I may have to get this one. I\'ve liked everything I\'ve heard from it that\'s been played on Radio Paradise.
Posted 21 years ago by tom_tom    [ Reply ]
I like this album!!! Great!!!
Posted 21 years ago by qosforever    [ Reply ]
New Adventures in Hi-Fi has lots of great material, but some of its impact was probably lost since it followed Monster (an album I consider to be akin to a burp.. gotta cleanse the system).
Posted 21 years ago by fluorophore    [ Reply ]
It sounds like Peter Buck borrowed Neil Young\'s Les Paul and Fender Amp. Good Song.
Posted 22 years ago by nsmith15    [ Reply ]
Where else will I hear great REM music on the radio? What a great song!
Posted 22 years ago by jpb    [ Reply ]