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R.E.M. — Talk About the Passion
Album: Murmur
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1381









Released: 1983
Length: 3:11
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Empty prayer, empty mouths combien reaction
Empty prayer, empty mouths talk about the passion
Not everyone can carry the weight of the world
Not everyone can carry the weight of the world

Talk about the passion
Talk about the passion

Empty prayer, empty mouths combien reaction
Empty prayer, empty mouths talk about the passion
Combien, combien, combien de temps?

Not everyone can carry the weight of the world
Not everyone can carry the weight of the world
Combien, combien, combien de temps?

Talk about the passion
Talk about the passion
Talk about the passion
Talk about the passion
Comments (117)add comment
Saw the Murmur tour in a dive bar in San Diego, my roommate got a signed copy, wish I had now as well, timeless beauty.
Posted 11 months ago by hakuindude    [ Reply ]
 joelbb wrote:

R.E.M. at their whiniest.  Gave it a 5 



Decent ! 
Posted 3 years ago by aubinoak    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:
 

I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  this song is marvelous...  this album is marvelous...  time is definitely flying...
 
you occasionally make me chuckle... another CD in Kazoo 's collection that alerted me that we belonged together...I believe he had Rickie Lee Jones, or was it me? I had Tom Waits, I know that much. Time does fly doesn't it?

Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 itsme_bygolly wrote:
REM was the soundtrack of my youth.
 
Me too 🧡
Posted 3 years ago by MaSolaQueLaLuna    [ Reply ]
REM was the soundtrack of my youth.
Posted 3 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
Good stuff and a band at their most creative.
Posted 5 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
I rated this song just a week ago, so, RP, why is it saying it's had Zero plays in the last 30 days?? ONE play is too many IMO!
Posted 5 years ago by Daveteauk    [ Reply ]
One of the most overrated bands of the 80's IMO.
Posted 5 years ago by Daveteauk    [ Reply ]
R.E.M. at their whiniest.  Gave it a 5 
Posted 8 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
The lyrics doesn't seem to be exact for some songs. Please fix it.
You're doing a great job. Thank you. :)
 
Posted 8 years ago by raksup    [ Reply ]
Bought a used CD of this recently. Wish i had discovered them back then.
Posted 8 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
1-800- Missing: Patient X.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
I remember buying Murmur on the strength of a couple of its songs in "heavy rotation" on WHFS and being blown away by its originality.

 

Kudos to WHFS for playing R.E.M. at the beginning.  We had to wait 'til "Fall On Me" hit in the summer of '86 before any midwest stations except WXRT (right left of of the dial) would actually air their music.
Posted 9 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I remember buying Murmur on the strength of a couple of its songs in "heavy rotation" on WHFS and being blown away by its originality.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Fucking brilliant. Simple,  understated,  and unparalleled. 
Posted 10 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
big stud Romeo Tuma wrote:
This song is from a great album...  it has held up thru the years...  time flies when you're having fun...
 

I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  this song is marvelous...  this album is marvelous...  time is definitely flying...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:
R.E.M. is easy-listening music. Sounds like something John Denver would create.
 
I hope you're joking, as I really doubt we're going to be hearing an unreleased cover of "Annie's Song" when the 25th anniv. edition of Green shows up late next year.
Posted 12 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:
R.E.M. is easy-listening music. Sounds like something John Denver would create.
 

{#Beat}
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
R.E.M. is easy-listening music. Sounds like something John Denver would create.
Posted 12 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
Little bit more passion, please - Michael S.!
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 paulmack wrote:


I'm with you. I like this stuff alright - even saw them on the Murmur tour - but greatly prefer them from the Reckoning to Green era (when I did not see them live, ironically).
 
I don't think he is talking about that era, I think most (and rightfully so) consider the Reckoning to Green era early as well. To me the change from "old" to "new" REM occurred after 1991's Out of Time, they lost me after that.

Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Just once before Oprah's last episode I'd like to see her surprise everyone in the audience with copies of "Murmur" under their seats.

"IT'S REM'S CLASSIC AAAAAAALBUM!"

Just to see middle aged women going nuts over REM.
 

Posted 13 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:
This song is from a great album...  it has held up thru the years...  time flies when you're having fun... 
{#Sunny}
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Just once before Oprah's last episode I'd like to see her surprise everyone in the audience with copies of "Murmur" under their seats.

"IT'S REM'S CLASSIC AAAAAAALBUM!"

Just to see middle aged women going nuts over REM.

Posted 13 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
I want to like R.E.M. but I just don't. {#Puke}
Posted 14 years ago by nicolewe    [ Reply ]
Oh so good.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
According to Berry, Buck, Mills & Stipe...not everyone can do this.




Posted 14 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I second this.

 HarrO wrote:
Finally, Bill digs out some good old REM !!!!! This is so far superior to the new album it's almost like a different group. More OLD REM please!!!!!   9
 


Posted 14 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
 TanteJensen wrote:
I know that makes me an exhibit, but I prefer their later stuff.
 

I'm with you. I like this stuff alright - even saw them on the Murmur tour - but greatly prefer them from the Reckoning to Green era (when I did not see them live, ironically).
Posted 15 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
Good tune from one of the best groups of the 80s and early 90s.
Posted 15 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
I know that makes me an exhibit, but I prefer their later stuff.
Posted 15 years ago by TanteJensen    [ Reply ]
Love me some ol' REM, ever since the early 90s though, not so much......{#Frown}
Posted 15 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Empty prayer, empty mouths, combien reaction
Empty prayer, empty mouths, talk about the passion
Not everyone can carry the weight of the world
Not everyone can carry the weight of the world (chorus)
Talk about the passion
Talk about the passion
Empty prayer, empty mouths, combien reaction
Empty prayer, empty mouths, talk about the passion
Combien, combien, combien de temps? (repeat chorus)
Not everyone can carry the weight of the world
Not everyone can carry the weight of the world
Combien, combien, combien de temps?


Posted 15 years ago by laroue    [ Reply ]
Maybe one of the best albumn's ever.  (albumn?  How old are you dude?)
Posted 15 years ago by Seahunt    [ Reply ]
Finally, Bill digs out some good old REM !!!!! This is so far superior to the new album it's almost like a different group. More OLD REM please!!!!!   9
Posted 16 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
Favorite album (Murmur) by my favorite group (REM), preceded by my favorite solo artist (Steve Earle) ! What a deal!
Posted 16 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 pushkinjim wrote:
It's official - REM as well as this song just plain pukes!

 

At least it ain't ABBA ! ! ! {#Puke}
Posted 16 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
RedGuitar wrote:
Love the early REM!
Still get tingles up my spine from that jangly guitar! Talk about the passion!
Posted 16 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
nice nice nice...hearing this at just the right time
Posted 16 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
It's official - REM as well as this song just plain pukes!
Posted 16 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
pushkinjim wrote:
Oh my gosh! Two weeks later and this song STILL SUCKS!
Hard to narrow down the best songs of one of the best groups of the latter part of the 20th century, but this is surely in the top 5...
Posted 17 years ago by boileymon    [ Reply ]
Oh my gosh! Two weeks later and this song STILL SUCKS!
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
pushkinjim wrote:
Yes, REM - definitely overplayed. Bill, please get a clue - REM STILL SUCK!!!
The average rating of 8.1 from 326 people means that most RP listeners don't think it sucks. I guess Bill already has a clue.
Posted 17 years ago by dcoy    [ Reply ]
Yes, REM - definitely overplayed. Bill, please get a clue - REM STILL SUCK!!!
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
TKTuttle wrote:
Passion — most overused word of the '90s. R.E.M. - most overplayed band on RP.
You got both answers wrong. Go to the back of the line.
Posted 17 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
davin wrote:
Amazing that this is 23 years old.
It's not so hard to believe. I'm well over 23 years old and my wife still thinks I rock. Yeah, right!
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
This song always makes me think of "and he played the guitar just like a'ringin' a bell."
Posted 17 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
I wish R.E.M. still made music this honest. Doesn't get much better.
Posted 17 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
spacemoose wrote:
Why do people confuse loose and lose?
Because people don't read, or forgot their English grammar, or slept through it, or, don't get me going....
Posted 17 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
zaknafein wrote:
Godlike in every sense.
I concur.
Posted 17 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
Godlike in every sense.
Posted 17 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
spacemoose wrote:
Why do people confuse loose and lose?
RP doesn't have grammar check.
Posted 17 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
Love the early REM!
Posted 17 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
Thank you, thank you, thank you. While new REM has its place, there is something about hearing anything from the early albums that just makes you sit back and enjoy. What great music.
Posted 18 years ago by Land_Shark    [ Reply ]
mxdcec wrote:
Why do all bands loose that fresh energy that makes them so interesting to hear as they become successful?
because they have their entire lives to create their initial work. As they mature as men/women/artists, their passion (along with the time spent on that passion) changes...sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Often, if they are lucky, the cycle repeats and artists rekindle that fire mid-career....
Posted 18 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
Amazing that this is 23 years old.
Posted 18 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Murmur and Reckoning are so strong, and were so fresh when they were released. Easily on my list of "desert island" records.
Posted 18 years ago by Zarba    [ Reply ]
This is an excellent example of fantastic music. 10
Posted 18 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
I never tire of listening to early REM. This music really doesn't get old. Just the rest of us. Beauty of great music. Just ask Mozart.
Posted 18 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
window wrote:
Transcendent.
Don't you mean transplendent? (inside joke perhaps)
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Transcendent.
Posted 18 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
TKTuttle wrote:
Passion — most overused word of the '90s. R.E.M. - most overplayed band on RP.
Funny, this song came out in 83.
Posted 18 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
spacemoose wrote:
Why do people confuse loose and lose?
I've found this to be one of the most common misspellings in the English language. Aaanyway...what a treat to hear this song on the 'radio'. Vintage R.E.M. A beautiful song, truly. Keep it up and ignore the haters.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Passion — most overused word of the '90s. R.E.M. - most overplayed band on RP.
Posted 18 years ago by TKTuttle    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
spacemoose wrote:
Why do people confuse loose and lose?
...asks the spacemose. Likeable tune, anyway. Stipe's vocals are really strong here.
Posted 18 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
REM is one of the best bands of the last 25 years and this is where it all started (in 1983). Easy "Godlike" 10. One of the first albums I purchased a Compact Disc for. Talk about the passion...
Posted 18 years ago by jtdiver    [ Reply ]
mxdcec wrote:
Why do all bands loose that fresh energy that makes them so interesting to hear as they become successful?
Why do people confuse loose and lose?
Posted 18 years ago by spacemoose    [ Reply ]
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
"Not bad"? Try outstanding.
yep
Posted 18 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
"Not bad"? Try outstanding.
Posted 18 years ago by Death_to_Clear_Channel    [ Reply ]
Huh. I never understood why people thought Toad the Wet Sprocket sounded like REM. Wow do I understand now.
Posted 18 years ago by SoundsGoodToMe    [ Reply ]
yep
Posted 18 years ago by noelbarnes    [ Reply ]
Tux wrote:
Quite avarage - for REM standards. I've heard better stuff from them. Not bad though.
Um.. okay.
Posted 18 years ago by fluorophore    [ Reply ]
Yummy!
Posted 18 years ago by moonbat    [ Reply ]
reedifus wrote:
bonehead (REM's first album!)
Comment still valid though - last two REM albums were very weak indeed, and U2 haven't been decent since Zooropa. In mitigation though, if you look at the sheer quantity of excellent stuff they have done, a few weak efforts in their twilight years can surely be overlooked.
Posted 18 years ago by tiddalick    [ Reply ]
mxdcec wrote:
Why do all bands loose that fresh energy that makes them so interesting to hear as they become successful?
bonehead (REM's first album!)
Posted 18 years ago by reedifus    [ Reply ]
Now that I've been able to read some of REM's early lyrics, I've begun to understand why Michael Stipe used to mumble.
Posted 18 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
These guys can do no wrong. Even when they miss the mark, they're still great.
Posted 19 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
Aaahhh the early days of REM.... This song and 'Ages of You' from Dead Letter Office have been rolling through my brain lately..good stuff !
Posted 19 years ago by tim_ontario    [ Reply ]
radiozep wrote:
Ah, come on, throw in Fables. Love that album.
I love that one too. Don't care that it is REM's least favorite.
Posted 19 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
mxdcec wrote:
Why do all bands loose that fresh energy that makes them so interesting to hear as they become successful?
Erm, Murmur was REM's first album (after their pre-album EP Chronic Town), so this statement seems just a tad unreasonable. Reference their discography : (click here).
Posted 19 years ago by fugglesworth    [ Reply ]
mxdcec wrote:
Why do all bands loose that fresh energy that makes them so interesting to hear as they become successful?
Sorry, but can't agree there... I think this stuff is great, but IMHO one of their best albums is "Automatic For The People"... One of things I like about REM is that they keep on changing, while never really losing their own sound... At least we seem to agree on how great this song is....
Posted 19 years ago by marcel    [ Reply ]
Empty prayer, empty mouths, combien reaction Empty prayer, empty mouths, talk about the passion Not everyone can carry the weight of the world Talk about the passion Combien , combien , combien du temps ? ) (The Hunger/Faith Song)
Posted 19 years ago by hujoppi    [ Reply ]
Classic REMÂ… Love it.
Posted 19 years ago by markE    [ Reply ]
steeler wrote:
Murmur and Reckoning. Sublime.
Ah, come on, throw in Fables. Love that album.
Posted 19 years ago by radiozep    [ Reply ]
Quite avarage - for REM standards. I've heard better stuff from them. Not bad though.
Posted 19 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
Why do all bands loose that fresh energy that makes them so interesting to hear as they become successful?
Posted 19 years ago by mxdcec    [ Reply ]
yogaboat wrote:
I really like this song! And what a great album - REM is probably my fave group if I had to pick one.
I think I agree on all points with you on this.
Posted 19 years ago by dolfan    [ Reply ]
InTexas wrote:
I agree with the previous comments that this is truly a great song from a great album. However, don't give up on REM's newer stuff. Try out these more recent REM gems: "Hope" from Up, "I've Been High" (iTunes Originals), "Me in Honey" (live) from Crush in Eyeliner EP, "Bittersweet Me" from Bittersweet Me EP, "Imitation of Life" from All the Way to Reno EP. Great stuff!
I uploaded hope and it got sorried--bummer. It IS a good tune--as are several of these. Change--even from a favorite band--isn't necessarily bad. . . .
Posted 19 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
I think that when Bill left the band, the band left the train station. Especially live. They seem to phone it in these days. God bless early REM!
Posted 19 years ago by JayA1969    [ Reply ]
I agree with the previous comments that this is truly a great song from a great album. However, don't give up on REM's newer stuff. Try out these more recent REM gems: "Hope" from Up, "I've Been High" (iTunes Originals), "Me in Honey" (live) from Crush in Eyeliner EP, "Bittersweet Me" from Bittersweet Me EP, "Imitation of Life" from All the Way to Reno EP. Great stuff!
Posted 19 years ago by InTexas    [ Reply ]
combien du temps? Pure magic.
Posted 19 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Murmur and Reckoning. Sublime.
Posted 19 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
Darlington wrote:
Mine too, most probably. However, I have to say that their last album/cd is pretty weak compared to the rest of their stuff. This, however is Godlike.
REM used to be my favorite band. But I haven't liked much of their work since Automatic for the People. Hooray for classic stuff like this!
Posted 19 years ago by number6    [ Reply ]
yogaboat wrote:
I really like this song! And what a great album - REM is probably my fave group if I had to pick one.
Mine too, most probably. However, I have to say that their last album/cd is pretty weak compared to the rest of their stuff. This, however is Godlike.
Posted 19 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
I really like this song! And what a great album - REM is probably my fave group if I had to pick one.
Posted 19 years ago by yogaboat    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
8)
i'm perty sure you meant
Posted 19 years ago by pilgrim    [ Reply ]
R.E.M. before they lost their "special powers".
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
:sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
Great song off their first LP. Saw them in concert in Indy in the fall and they were stuck on playing everything off their new album, a few things off Pageant and nothing from Murmur, Reckoning, or Fables. It was fun to finally see them but I missed the older stuff. I guess they are sick of playing it after 25 years.
Posted 19 years ago by jekoch21    [ Reply ]
:sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
8)
Posted 19 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
A classic song from a classic album! Too bad no one makes records like this anymore - including, in fact especially, R.E.M. Love the beautiful guitar playing by Pete Buck and the indecipherable vocals by young Stipe.
Posted 20 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
Ah... Always loved this song... One of REM's best!
Posted 20 years ago by 4Finger    [ Reply ]
any REM where I can't understand the words is a classic in my book.
Posted 20 years ago by keemun    [ Reply ]
Yes, siree. A classic.
Posted 20 years ago by reedifus    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhh....classic, AWESOME REM. One of my favorites! Greatest guitar riff everrrrr.
Posted 20 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
great tune. great band. p.s. hello minnesota.
Posted 20 years ago by buck-arkansas    [ Reply ]
Truely godlike.
Posted 20 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Awesome! Great tune from a Top 5 album. :)
Posted 20 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]