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R.E.M. — Can't Get There From Here
Album: Eponymous
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2284









Released: 1988
Length: 3:36
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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When the world is a monster bad to swallow you whole
Kick the clay that holds the teeth in, throw your trolls out the door
If you're needing inspiration, Philomath is where I go by dawn
Lawyer Jeff, he knows the lowdown, he's mighty bad to visit home

(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here

When your hands are feeling empty, stick head jumpin' off the ground round
Tris is sure to shirr the deer out, Brother Ray can sing my song

(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here

Hands down, Calechee bound, landlocked, kiss the ground
Dirt of seven continents going round and round
Go on ahead, Mr. Citywide, hypnotized, suit-and-tied
Gentlemen, testify

If your world is a monster bad to swallow you whole
Philomath, they know the lowdown, throw your trolls out the door

(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
(I've been there I know the way) Can't get there from here
Comments (151)add comment
 eileenomurphy wrote:

Good Tune!



Ah not really, it's an F'n amazing tune. ;)
Posted 10 months ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 jmkate wrote:

Ah, the power of R.E.M. to remind us of more normal times, and that we'll all get through this, fingers crossed..



uh but we can't get there from here.
Posted 10 months ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Well, it's REM, which is completely overrated and overplayed. So many other (better) bands ...
Posted 1 year ago by joko63808    [ Reply ]
 TAV8 wrote:


agreed.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 year ago by TAV8    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:

i remember this video on MTV. i swear this song came out earlier than 1988, but i guess i'm wrong.

No, you're remembering correctly.  This song was on Fables of the Reconstruction,  which was released in 1985.  The album referenced here, Eponymous, was a compilation released in 1988.  There were a few alternative versions on Eponymous but I believe this song version is the exact same as the one from Fables.
Posted 1 year ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
Is it just me or does it sound like Stipe is trying to do a slight Elvis Presley impersonation in this song?
Posted 1 year ago by annie_fannie    [ Reply ]
i remember this video on MTV. i swear this song came out earlier than 1988, but i guess i'm wrong.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
If I could I would rate that zero.
Posted 2 years ago by joko63808    [ Reply ]
that ending would perfectly segue into brass monkey by beastie boys (maybe this where they got that sample). 

i'm sure most of the rp faithful would complain tho (like they do about most any semi-rap song)
Posted 2 years ago by dischuckin    [ Reply ]
lyrically daft and great tune and production
Posted 2 years ago by jkforde    [ Reply ]
more than a feeling
Posted 2 years ago by luisaa72    [ Reply ]
Good Tune!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 kremfresch wrote:

REM after the Troggs. Who caught it?



And four weeks on. Well a great play list never goes out of fashion.
Posted 3 years ago by MysteryMan    [ Reply ]
 kremfresch wrote:

REM after the Troggs. Who caught it?




YEP!!  
Posted 3 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]


"When the world is a monster bad to swallow you whole
Kick the clay that holds the teeth in, throw your trolls out the door"

I was today years old when I learned it wasn't "throw your troubles out the door."

Posted 3 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
REM after the Troggs. Who caught it?
Posted 3 years ago by kremfresch    [ Reply ]
Ah, the power of R.E.M. to remind us of more normal times, and that we'll all get through this, fingers crossed..
Posted 4 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
remember Michael Stipe relating a story at an 80's era Fox Theater/Atlanta concert about a practical joke he played on some people. He said he got into a coffin and surprised some friends. After he told that story to the audience they broke into this song :-) 
Posted 4 years ago by inmanart    [ Reply ]
In the 80s, REM was the Beatles of College Radio....
ah, the good ole days 
Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
The only tune I need from them.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
 cely wrote:
I don't know whether this is from the Chronic Town era, but it sounds like it, and it sounds just as good as those songs.
 
Close--came out in '85 on their 3rd album.  It was the first single off  Fables of the Reconstruction.
Posted 6 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
I don't know whether this is from the Chronic Town era, but it sounds like it, and it sounds just as good as those songs.
Posted 6 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of King
Posted 6 years ago by acronyms    [ Reply ]
Old skool REM!
Posted 6 years ago by bking    [ Reply ]
                                     Big Farm
          
             Someone has tried to sell me some snake oil
               He said it was safe, and waved a scan tag
                 So, I said to him 'physician, heal thyself.'
        And my secretary kept taking minutes all the time
  She was several pages deep, and digging for the next one
                     And, this is how she got famous
                         Luckily, it's all over now
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
Wow!  Decent early-eighties mini-run here with The Pretenders and this song.  

Can you finish a nice trilogy with a cut from The Jam?
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 jmkate wrote:
dance break!

 
Yup--this is probably their "FUNNEST" song.
Posted 9 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Top tune.  I would love to meet the guys again from my days back then.  Miss them all so much.
Posted 9 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
dance break!
Posted 9 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}  man I loved these guys
Posted 9 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
IMHO, probably the best expression of a trio + voice of all their early work. Yes, the horns are evident early on, but only in the background. From Fables of the Reconstruction, a sorely neglected album.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
How about "Begin The Begin"?   {#Bananajam}
Posted 10 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
"REM, meet Duran Duran"
Posted 10 years ago by The_Walrus    [ Reply ]
One of the Billions, magical emanations via the  tunnel of  transition portals  -the  time of endless Youth and Hope.,
Posted 11 years ago by Coldcreek    [ Reply ]
Not aging well, sadly.
Posted 11 years ago by burdell    [ Reply ]
When REM were legitimately cool...

fantastic tune...
Posted 11 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]
 NeuroGeek wrote:
AWESOME
 

I agree...  this song is marvelous...

and I agree with asilbuch...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
LOVE!!!!
 
Posted 11 years ago by asilbuch    [ Reply ]
AWESOME
Posted 11 years ago by NeuroGeek    [ Reply ]
what a truly great REM song!  That makes two on RP in the last 2 weeks!  Maybe REM is due for a revival (after being played to death 20-odd years ago.....................)
Posted 11 years ago by suesblues    [ Reply ]

This song is soooo good it puts a spring in my step this winter day...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 andrewimft wrote:
Funny, Fables of the Reconstruction used to be the definitive alt rock CD. It had weird, dissonant songs and extremely pretty songs on it, all with dense rich poetic lyrics about archeology, politics, techtonic plates, traditional folk music, ancient old gizzards, and other unusual subjects. It was art and not too commercial, yet they scored on the charts with Driver 8. Stipe's singing, lyrics and songwriting, and Buck's guitar styles on this CD were subsequently imitated by scores and scores of new bands. I think it's one of their best. It's funny how now some people think it's talentless, especially considering this very CD influenced just about every alt and indie rock band thereafter.
 
Sorry, but I take issue with this.  It is one of their few mediocre CDs, especially when they were at the height of their creative powers.  Murmur is the second best, then following up by their third best, Reckoning, and skip this lame CD before their best Life's Rich Pageant.  Document and Green were 4 and 5, before they slid off a cliff.
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Was reading this yesterday.  Made me laugh.
Posted 12 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


Oooooo, gotta disagree with you there, basically everything they have done sans a few good tunes for the past 15 plus years has sucked ass, straight up!{#Yes}
 

I admit.... I have not heard everything they have done in the past 15 years.  And since it seems like you like to disagree.....I think you should win.
Posted 12 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
There was a feature article yesterday on The A.V. Club web-site stating "Fables of the Reconstruction" is their best album.  I beg to differ, but this song from the beginning of Reagan's 2nd term is still awesome.
Posted 12 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Remember dancing to this song in late 80s. Brings back a whole other time. Almost another life.
Posted 12 years ago by vstapf    [ Reply ]
Awesome old R.E.M.  Nice!
Posted 13 years ago by terrapin52    [ Reply ]
Of course this is from Fables...

Cover (Fables of the Reconstruction:R.E.M.)
Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Take me back to that time of my life!!{#Bananajam}Don't make em like this anymore!!

Posted 13 years ago by blueice7    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:


Oooooo, gotta disagree with you there, basically everything they have done sans a few good tunes for the past 15 plus years has sucked ass, straight up!{#Yes}
  Yeah.


Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Love that bass!  {#Dancingbanana_2}

Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 musickat wrote:
REM could NEVER be suck ass even if they tried.

 sirdroseph wrote:

Again, another example of when they used to be, like good and not, like suck ass!


 
 

Oooooo, gotta disagree with you there, basically everything they have done sans a few good tunes for the past 15 plus years has sucked ass, straight up!{#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
A new appproach on R.E.M. for me. Nice.
Posted 14 years ago by Bachka    [ Reply ]
I've always had a soft spot for Mike Mills's bass work, showcased to fine effect on this song. They sound simple enough, but you should try playing one or two. Yeeesh. This one and "The One I Love" are bona fide tests of dexterity.
Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Can't get hair from weird... Actually, I love this song. R.E.M. has an all-over-the-map style, but when they nail it, they nail it so it'll never come loose in a twister.

I have NO idea what that means. Guh. I need sleep.  Love R.E.M.
 

"..they nail it so it'll never come loose in a twister.."

Not R.E.M specific, but the moment I read it, I understood immediately what it meant.

R.E.M. specific, you're right, this is one of the ones from their post-indie period where they show that they've still got it.


Posted 14 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]
They nailed it on this one.  
Posted 14 years ago by Waybo    [ Reply ]
Can't get hair from weird... Actually, I love this song. R.E.M. has an all-over-the-map style, but when they nail it, they nail it so it'll never come loose in a twister.

I have NO idea what that means. Guh. I need sleep.  Love R.E.M.
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana_2} Yeh! This song gets you there.

Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
they 're taking themselfs too serious ;-(
r.e.m. no fun
Posted 14 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
 Darlington wrote:
 
 
Can't disagree with you more...
 
If you can't disagree with him/her more, let me try.......................................

Posted 14 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
 gjr wrote:
these guys were/are the most grossly overrated band in the last 30 years - bar none.  they SUCK.  80's college radio tripe

 
I'm going to put you down in the "Definitely lost his religion" column then...

Posted 14 years ago by SmileOnADog    [ Reply ]
 gjr wrote:
these guys were/are the most grossly overrated band in the last 30 years - bar none.  they SUCK.  80's college radio tripe

  
 
Can't disagree with you more...
Posted 14 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
these guys were/are the most grossly overrated band in the last 30 years - bar none.  they SUCK.  80's college radio tripe

Posted 14 years ago by gjr    [ Reply ]
REM could NEVER be suck ass even if they tried.

 sirdroseph wrote:

Again, another example of when they used to be, like good and not, like suck ass!


 


Posted 14 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]

Again, another example of when they used to be, like good and not, like suck ass!


Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

Everything...  we be dancing...  love it...

 
It's so good for the feet!
Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


This song be cool...
 
Really? What do you like about it?

Posted 15 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
Hmm , Thank You Ray!
Posted 15 years ago by GINRUSH    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


love it...
 
1985 R.E.M......Nice. 

Posted 15 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]


Ahhhh....the good 'ol days
Posted 15 years ago by choiceimage    [ Reply ]
Now this is when REM was gooood!!{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 15 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
What he said  {#Arrowd} {#Yes}

 andrewimft wrote:
Funny, Fables of the Reconstruction used to be the definitive alt rock CD. It had weird, dissonant songs and extremely pretty songs on it, all with dense rich poetic lyrics about archeology, politics, techtonic plates, traditional folk music, ancient old gizzards, and other unusual subjects. It was art and not too commercial, yet they scored on the charts with Driver 8. Stipe's singing, lyrics and songwriting, and Buck's guitar styles on this CD were subsequently imitated by scores and scores of new bands. I think it's one of their best. It's funny how now some people think it's talentless, especially considering this very CD influenced just about every alt and indie rock band thereafter.
 


Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
takes me back.
Posted 15 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
 diazo wrote:


I would argue there were more than a few great bands in the 1980's; but none of them were as commercially successful as REM.
 
Yeah, I heard a programmer (music director) from Atlanta talking about the mid-80's music scene around Athens, and how he couldn't decide which of the two bands would be bigger. I listened for a minute to see who he was talking about.

R.E.M. and Driving n' Crying. Funny, huh?

BTW, how the mighty have fallen. R.E.M. could have made a record of Tibetan folk chanting in 1986, and it would have been #1 in "Rolling Stone". Their latest album didn't even make the year end Top 10, in the Stone!

My, that made me feel old. For some reason.{#Rolleyes}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
I've been revisiting a lot of old R.E.M. lately. Another track from Fables that really strikes me is "Life and How to Live It" – looks like it's never been on RP!
Posted 15 years ago by alaken    [ Reply ]
 Welly wrote:
One of the few great bands to emerge from the musical pap that was the 1980s.
 

I would argue there were more than a few great bands in the 1980's; but none of them were as commercially successful as REM.
Posted 16 years ago by diazo    [ Reply ]
Luckily I can get anywhere from here.
Posted 16 years ago by vit    [ Reply ]
One of the few great bands to emerge from the musical pap that was the 1980s.
Posted 16 years ago by Welly    [ Reply ]
I've never been to Georgia, but if I can get there from here, Philomath will be on the itinerary.


Posted 16 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 andrewimft wrote:
Funny, Fables of the Reconstruction used to be the definitive alt rock CD. It had weird, dissonant songs and extremely pretty songs on it, all with dense rich poetic lyrics about archeology, politics, techtonic plates, traditional folk music, ancient old gizzards, and other unusual subjects. It was art and not too commercial, yet they scored on the charts with Driver 8. Stipe's singing, lyrics and songwriting, and Buck's guitar styles on this CD were subsequently imitated by scores and scores of new bands. I think it's one of their best.

It's funny how now some people think it's talentless, especially considering this very CD influenced just about every alt and indie rock band thereafter.
 
Nicely put. Then again...remember how much we wanted them to publish the lyrics so we could understand what the hell Stipe was mumbling about? Then came Fables, and you were aware of the wish that came true...{#Propeller} What I love about this song, besides "bad to swallow you whole," is the emergence of the horn section at the coda. Sheer brilliance.


Posted 16 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Ok, so Michael Stipe might be a songwriting genius ... but I can't help finding REM a little ... doleful ... for my taste! The punchy guitar riffs lift this tune a  little, but ... that voice ... just ... y'know ... wipes the smile right off my face.
Posted 16 years ago by fresheric    [ Reply ]

Yay old skool R.E.M.!!!  {#Dancingbanana}


Posted 16 years ago by FlamingLotus    [ Reply ]
Funny, Fables of the Reconstruction used to be the definitive alt rock CD. It had weird, dissonant songs and extremely pretty songs on it, all with dense rich poetic lyrics about archeology, politics, techtonic plates, traditional folk music, ancient old gizzards, and other unusual subjects. It was art and not too commercial, yet they scored on the charts with Driver 8. Stipe's singing, lyrics and songwriting, and Buck's guitar styles on this CD were subsequently imitated by scores and scores of new bands. I think it's one of their best. It's funny how now some people think it's talentless, especially considering this very CD influenced just about every alt and indie rock band thereafter.
Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
pushkinjim wrote:
wow. pushkim jim doesn't like an REM song. Shocking.
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
LongGoneDaddy wrote:
when the world is a monster, bad to swallow you whole
Kick the clay that holds the teeth in Throw your troubles out the door
Posted 16 years ago by driver8    [ Reply ]
There is going to be a segment about R.E.M. on CBS Sunday Morning this weekend (March 30). Love this song - have seen the band in concert 4 times. First time was October 14, 1983 at the University of Maine. Got me hooked!
Posted 16 years ago by runsub5    [ Reply ]
when the world is a monster, bad to swallow you whole
Posted 16 years ago by LongGoneDaddy    [ Reply ]
californiatwin wrote:
Possibly the worse I've heard from these lousy underacheivers.
Talk about underachievers.... Learn to spell before you criticize. Awesome song. 9.
Posted 16 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
californiatwin wrote:
Possibly the worse I've heard from these lousy underacheivers.
Not a surprising assessment from someone who's highest rated songs are from the 70's. Your generational bias is showing.
Posted 16 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
gandalfbmg wrote:
I love the REM, new and old, but for all of you 'new REM' haters, I like to use Fables as the evidence that they could suck in the IRS days too... This is the strongest song on the album, and it's a 6 or 7 at best for me, and most of their other albums have at least one 8, 9, or 10.
Driver 8 is stronger than this in my opinion... and it has a guitar riff that is a classic on top of it!
Posted 16 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Possibly the worse I've heard from these lousy underacheivers.
Posted 16 years ago by californiatwin    [ Reply ]
Martino wrote:
never thought of that, but you're right
"used to be" are the key words here...
Posted 16 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
I love the REM, new and old, but for all of you 'new REM' haters, I like to use Fables as the evidence that they could suck in the IRS days too... This is the strongest song on the album, and it's a 6 or 7 at best for me, and most of their other albums have at least one 8, 9, or 10.
Posted 17 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
I think this echoes (a little) the days when they used to rock.
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Austin2Florida wrote:
REM used to be so groovy.
never thought of that, but you're right
Posted 17 years ago by Martino    [ Reply ]
REM used to be so groovy.
Posted 17 years ago by Austin2Florida    [ Reply ]
Must be played loud. An all-time great.
Posted 17 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
I love this snappy freakin' tune!
Posted 17 years ago by Rafter101    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
love love love this! so much fun to hear this tune after so long...
Posted 17 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
ndad47 wrote:
Hearing REM is like seeing an old friend in a room of strangers.
I like that.
Posted 17 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Total stamp on my life in about what 1985? Ahh, that was fun! Dancing around the flat before going out to drink at the German Oak in the Castro! Don't miss the hangovers though
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
LPCity wrote:
Back when REM were the precursors to the Pogues and Nirvana for lyrical clarity....
Too funny!!!
Posted 17 years ago by CafeRacer    [ Reply ]
Hearing REM is like seeing an old friend in a room of strangers. REM just got enough airplay on radio to keep them popular but not overplayed.
Posted 17 years ago by ndad47    [ Reply ]
always loved this - one of my favorite REM tunes for sure. what a band...
Posted 17 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
kazuma wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AliGator wrote: That was an excellent segue from The Pretenders' "Back On The Chain Gang." Sure was!
Still is.
Posted 17 years ago by 99    [ Reply ]
Awesome, makes me want to hop around.
Posted 18 years ago by slowhand    [ Reply ]
most excellent early REM
Posted 18 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
It's cuz it's early REM. Krispian wrote:
This is so good, I can't believe it's REM!
Posted 18 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Gives you an idea of how really, really good a bass player Mike Mills is.
Posted 18 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
dolfan wrote:
Anyone remember the video of this song that used to get played on Night Flight?
Wow. Night Flight. The early days of cable sure were fun!
Posted 18 years ago by mattt    [ Reply ]
This is so good, I can't believe it's REM!
Posted 18 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
thanks Bill, songs like this one reminds us that in spite of all REM were a great band in the past
Posted 18 years ago by exciter76    [ Reply ]
AliGator wrote:
That was an excellent segue from The Pretenders' "Back On The Chain Gang."
Sure was!
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
That was an excellent segue from The Pretenders' "Back On The Chain Gang."
Posted 18 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
Now that got my blood moving!
Posted 18 years ago by Kite_Flyer    [ Reply ]
a good song to start off my long weekend. Thanks Bill!
Posted 18 years ago by Austin2Florida    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
I remember it, hazily. Pretty low budget deal. Lots of scurrying around, I think. Wow, Night Flight. That brings backs lots of memories. Always have loved this song.
NightFlight ruled!
Posted 18 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Yes...Definitly
Posted 18 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]