R.E.M. — Electrolite
Album: New Adventures in Hi-FiAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3479
Length: 4:00
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Your eyes are burnin' holes through me
I'm gasoline
I'm burnin' clean
20th century, go to sleep
You're plasticine
That is obscene
That is obscene
You are the star tonight
You shine electric outta sight
Your light eclipsed the moon tonight
Electrolite
You're outta sight
If I ever want to fly
Mulholland Drive
I am alive
Hollywood is under me
I'm Martin Sheen
I'm Steve McQueen
I'm Jimmy Dean
You are the star tonight
You shine electric outta sight
Your light eclipsed the moon tonight
Electrolite
You're outta sight
If you ever want to fly
Mulholland Drive
Up in the sky
Stand on a cliff and look down there
Don't be scared
You are alive
You are alive
You are the star tonight
You shine electric outta sight
Your light eclipsed the moon tonight
Electrolite
You're outta sight
20th century, go to sleep
Really deep
We won't blink
Your eyes are burnin' holes through me
I'm not scared
I'm outta here
I'm not scared
I'm outta here
I'm gasoline
I'm burnin' clean
20th century, go to sleep
You're plasticine
That is obscene
That is obscene
You are the star tonight
You shine electric outta sight
Your light eclipsed the moon tonight
Electrolite
You're outta sight
If I ever want to fly
Mulholland Drive
I am alive
Hollywood is under me
I'm Martin Sheen
I'm Steve McQueen
I'm Jimmy Dean
You are the star tonight
You shine electric outta sight
Your light eclipsed the moon tonight
Electrolite
You're outta sight
If you ever want to fly
Mulholland Drive
Up in the sky
Stand on a cliff and look down there
Don't be scared
You are alive
You are alive
You are the star tonight
You shine electric outta sight
Your light eclipsed the moon tonight
Electrolite
You're outta sight
20th century, go to sleep
Really deep
We won't blink
Your eyes are burnin' holes through me
I'm not scared
I'm outta here
I'm not scared
I'm outta here
Comments (304)add comment
timmus wrote:
I once longed to have a conversation with Michael Stipe about the meaning of his songs. Or something like that. I was so wasted at the time of the one-on-one request that I didn't even mind when he, politely, blew me off with a breathy, "I have to go see my doctor. But we'll meet again." I'd have bowed out of a long windy drunken story with me, too.
300 posts and no one has discussed the meaning of this song? I am curious. I wonder if this is literally a farewell to 20th century Hollywood or perhaps that's too simple an interpretation.
I once longed to have a conversation with Michael Stipe about the meaning of his songs. Or something like that. I was so wasted at the time of the one-on-one request that I didn't even mind when he, politely, blew me off with a breathy, "I have to go see my doctor. But we'll meet again." I'd have bowed out of a long windy drunken story with me, too.
timmus wrote:
I don't think it means anything - I believe that like a lot of their songs, the words are just used to conjure feelings and associations; it's a thankless task looking here for a narrative.
300 posts and no one has discussed the meaning of this song? I am curious. I wonder if this is literally a farewell to 20th century Hollywood or perhaps that's too simple an interpretation.
I don't think it means anything - I believe that like a lot of their songs, the words are just used to conjure feelings and associations; it's a thankless task looking here for a narrative.
300 posts and no one has discussed the meaning of this song? I am curious. I wonder if this is literally a farewell to 20th century Hollywood or perhaps that's too simple an interpretation.
joko63808 wrote:
:-(
REM = skip.
:-(
REM = skip.
ziggytrix wrote:
But it's got electrolytes!
But it's got electrolytes!
ziggytrix wrote:
It's what plants need!
It's what plants need!
Laptopdog wrote:
I can relate to this man. Here's to good spirits, from one dog to another
One of those albums that always takes me back in time to where I was when I listened to it over and over. It takes me back to being on an L.A. bus back and forth to work after my car was repo'd. Tough times, but the music kept me in good spirits.
I can relate to this man. Here's to good spirits, from one dog to another
should be added in the best of the best in the 90s songs :)
Great song. Was a cool movie too. Love David Lynch...
aspicer wrote:
Humbly must strongly disagree. Perhaps you are newer to REM - go deeper in their career (their first 4 albums for example have numerous examples)
I tenatively must ferociously agree with your humble yet strong disagreement
Humbly must strongly disagree. Perhaps you are newer to REM - go deeper in their career (their first 4 albums for example have numerous examples)
I tenatively must ferociously agree with your humble yet strong disagreement
They really should have stuck with the band name Bingo Hand Job
Pjesnik wrote:
Humbly must strongly disagree. Perhaps you are newer to REM - go deeper in their career (their first 4 albums for example have numerous examples)
REM at their finest.
Humbly must strongly disagree. Perhaps you are newer to REM - go deeper in their career (their first 4 albums for example have numerous examples)
3š
š¤
Love the piano in this one. Kudos to Mike.
REM at their finest.
Mullullund Drive
Get a helmet
Ten
This is over the top. Get used to it
... āIām Steve McQueen ...
This album is maybe their best
Love REM
123heyaho! wrote:
But he's not completely wrong: While I myself wouldn't say "R.E.M. - Never!", I agree with this: "One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here" - well okay, of course not all of their stuff is "awful", but as a matter of fact I hear R.E.M. practically whenever I turn on RP...
While they don't move me personally like they used to back in the worship years (85-88) I still love Fables and LRP to death. Y'all are forgetting how influential they were. Overstayed their welcome by only one album. Went out pretty high I'd say.
But he's not completely wrong: While I myself wouldn't say "R.E.M. - Never!", I agree with this: "One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here" - well okay, of course not all of their stuff is "awful", but as a matter of fact I hear R.E.M. practically whenever I turn on RP...
While they don't move me personally like they used to back in the worship years (85-88) I still love Fables and LRP to death. Y'all are forgetting how influential they were. Overstayed their welcome by only one album. Went out pretty high I'd say.
9 to 10. Just to hear the first few bars is already making me feel better. Love love love this song!
tonyinnj wrote:
Tony first the garage and then the car. Some day.
hayduke2 wrote:
wicked car man!!! thanks melzabutch r.e.m. meh : P
D-Type Jaguar...And if you've got the bucks Jaguar Replicas
will build you a faithful looking reproduction...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
wicked car man!!! thanks melzabutch r.e.m. meh : P
D-Type Jaguar...And if you've got the bucks Jaguar Replicas
will build you a faithful looking reproduction...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
WTF? I was sure I had this rated. Well, starting it at 9.
dublanica wrote:
Nice tune..............1st time hearing........
BCarn wrote:
Oh you youngsters.
Crud. Confirmation I am old.
BCarn wrote:
Right. I'm sure B&R will get right on that. For the rest of us, please,can we consult you for our musical tastes and needs. Clearly your taste is far superior to everyone else's. In the world. pffft.
But he's not completely wrong: While I myself wouldn't say "R.E.M. - Never!", I agree with this: "One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here" - well okay, of course not all of their stuff is "awful", but as a matter of fact I hear R.E.M. practically whenever I turn on RP...
Right. I'm sure B&R will get right on that. For the rest of us, please,can we consult you for our musical tastes and needs. Clearly your taste is far superior to everyone else's. In the world. pffft.
But he's not completely wrong: While I myself wouldn't say "R.E.M. - Never!", I agree with this: "One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here" - well okay, of course not all of their stuff is "awful", but as a matter of fact I hear R.E.M. practically whenever I turn on RP...
Daveteauk wrote:
R.E.M. - Never! One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here Bill - get things in proportion, please.
Right. I'm sure B&R will get right on that. For the rest of us, please,can we consult you for our musical tastes and needs. Clearly your taste is far superior to everyone else's. In the world. pffft.
R.E.M. - Never! One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here Bill - get things in proportion, please.
Right. I'm sure B&R will get right on that. For the rest of us, please,can we consult you for our musical tastes and needs. Clearly your taste is far superior to everyone else's. In the world. pffft.
Noni163 wrote:
R.E.M. - Never! One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here Bill - get things in proportion, please.
R.E.M. always
R.E.M. - Never! One of the most overrated bands on Earth. Awful stuff, and faaar too much playtime on here Bill - get things in proportion, please.
dublanica wrote:
Oh you youngsters.
Nice tune..............1st time hearing........
Oh you youngsters.
Nice tune..............1st time hearing........
Nice transition from Come a Long Way
R.E.M. always
To me only 7 - Quite Likeable
ziggytrix wrote:
It's what plants crave!
It's what plants crave!
Neat!
Ahhhh, I love it.
Play it again, Sam! Oops, Bill
One of those albums that always takes me back in time to where I was when I listened to it over and over. It takes me back to being on a bus in Los Angeles traveling to work and back home again after my car was repo'd. Tough times, but the music kept me in good spirits.
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
From this side of the pond I did not know where Mulholland drive and I thought it might be in Boston because the piano playing reminds me of the sitcom Cheers and I picture the cast sitting at the bar chatting and making wise cracks.
I see it is somewhere in LA but I will always associate it with Boston.
I see it is somewhere in LA but I will always associate it with Boston.
That is not only funny, it's also WAY off geographically AND culturally, Phillip_Stephens ;-)
Really though, Boston is a very different place than L.A. If you're wearing socks in L.A. that means you've 'dressed up' - Boston...well I don't know it's at the other end (3030 miles away!) of I-90 from me in Seattle. I bet they're a bit stuffy compared to us on the Left Coast. Besides...like Jim Morrison said "the West is the Best."
Long Live RP!!
From this side of the pond I did not know where Mulholland drive and I thought it might be in Boston because the piano playing reminds me of the sitcom Cheers and I picture the cast sitting at the bar chatting and making wise cracks.
I see it is somewhere in LA but I will always associate it with Boston.
I see it is somewhere in LA but I will always associate it with Boston.
Brilliant song. Brilliant movie.
DuranAir wrote:
Whose innocence?
Ahh, the 90's! The end of the innocence.
Whose innocence?
I really miss this band. Hope to see them back on stage someday.
Ahh, the 90's! The end of the innocence.
itaish wrote:
Night swimming deserves a quiet night
and is also an excellent song in its own right
This song is sort of self plagiarism, too similar to "night swimming".
Night swimming deserves a quiet night
and is also an excellent song in its own right
itaish wrote:
They had to hire two separate teams of lawyers for the lawsuit - it was messy!
This song is sort of self plagiarism, too similar to "night swimming".
They had to hire two separate teams of lawyers for the lawsuit - it was messy!
melzabutch wrote:
wicked car man!!! thanks melzabutch r.e.m. meh : P
wicked car man!!! thanks melzabutch r.e.m. meh : P
awesome
Whenever I hear the beginning of this song, I mistake it for The Handsome Family - Far From Any Road, so realising it's REM comes as a slight disappointment. 
I guess I'll never learn to appreciate this song for what it really is...
I guess I'll never learn to appreciate this song for what it really is... Awesome!
Not a good start to a Sunday.
itaish wrote:
plagiarism isn't the only thing they are doing to themselves
This song is sort of self plagiarism, too similar to "night swimming".
plagiarism isn't the only thing they are doing to themselves
This song is sort of self plagiarism, too similar to "night swimming".
I really dig this song, and I appreciate this album as much as any in REM's catalog. It's honest and it takes chances that pay off.
treatment_bound wrote:
Only good one I can think of post-Automatic.
Dare I say it...THEIR LAST "GREAT" SONG!
Only good one I can think of post-Automatic.
7
Dare I say it...THEIR LAST "GREAT" SONG!
whiplash there from the preceding 2 to this 8
rdo wrote:
Bollywood then?
Anything but Hollywood
Bollywood then?
Anything but Hollywood
Everybody in my homeless camp loves this song, and this whole album...
Driving Mulholland at night and stopping at various strategic spots gives one a panoramic view of LA lying in an unending sea of light, below.
Quite impressive, even at the right time, magical.
Quite impressive, even at the right time, magical.
Beautiful.
R.E.M. seem to always get it just right..... 
nightswimming in a better mood
I used to be really into REM. Then I saw them in concert at Shoreline Amphitheater. Worst concert I've ever been to. Dull, lifeless. Ruined REM for me.
TerryS wrote:
Well-l-l-l-l-ll!
I thought Chicken Man was local to Boston. So local that it was only on the AM station WHDH. That series was so low-budget and campy that you thought it had to be nothing more than a labor of love.
But NO! I first heard the series in the mid-to-late 70s--when it had been syndication already for years. Chicken Man is still being played on various niche radio stations, Armed Forces radio and even stations in Canada and Australia.
Ira Glass digs into Chicken Man on This American Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDDoSb73rA8
The green ink man is everywhere, he's everywhere!
Oh wait, that was Chicken Man.
Oh wait, that was Chicken Man.
Well-l-l-l-l-ll!
I thought Chicken Man was local to Boston. So local that it was only on the AM station WHDH. That series was so low-budget and campy that you thought it had to be nothing more than a labor of love.
But NO! I first heard the series in the mid-to-late 70s--when it had been syndication already for years. Chicken Man is still being played on various niche radio stations, Armed Forces radio and even stations in Canada and Australia.
Ira Glass digs into Chicken Man on This American Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDDoSb73rA8
Dosequis wrote:
Hollywood? Nope. Count me out.
Bollywood then?
Hollywood? Nope. Count me out.
Bollywood then?
rdo wrote:
Hollywood? Nope. Count me out.
There are a lot of songs with the Hollywood theme going. Seems like Hollywood is the universal touchstone now for the human race.
Hollywood? Nope. Count me out.
There are a lot of songs with the Hollywood theme going. Seems like Hollywood is the universal touchstone now for the human race.
This song seems to haunt me...not sure why...it's like my favorite old merino wool Irish sweater, I'm always glad I put it on...
Cynaera wrote:
Oh, Romeo... if Joan won't dance with you, I will, for this song. Lovely stuff.
miss you so much, Cynaera... thank you...
love this song...
Oh, Romeo... if Joan won't dance with you, I will, for this song. Lovely stuff.
miss you so much, Cynaera... thank you...
love this song...
Michael: get back to work!
NICE!! Michael voice & one of REMs best piano ballads & ah, the lights of LA from Mulholland Drive! Thanks Bill, Peter, Mike & Michael.
I was in Athens for a day 3 wks ago moving my former g'friend's daughter up to Athens for the Summer & as I came up the hill on Broad St. in the 14' U-Haul college WUOG played "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville" on a cloudless bluebird Spring-like Summer day for perfect entry into d'town.
Electrolite the perfect front-porch sitting song right now here in ATL!
I was in Athens for a day 3 wks ago moving my former g'friend's daughter up to Athens for the Summer & as I came up the hill on Broad St. in the 14' U-Haul college WUOG played "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville" on a cloudless bluebird Spring-like Summer day for perfect entry into d'town.
Electrolite the perfect front-porch sitting song right now here in ATL!
This evening's play run has been nothing short of *superb* Mad props to RP for this one.
Everybody in my church loves this song...
testpilot wrote:
Interesting observation...I never noticed it myself. Come to think of it, it still does not ring true, but I will take notice for future reference.
So, what I've learned thus far from the R.E.M's opus is that Michael Stipe in not afraid.
He sings about it in every other song.
So glad for him...
He sings about it in every other song.
So glad for him...
Interesting observation...I never noticed it myself. Come to think of it, it still does not ring true, but I will take notice for future reference.
So, what I've learned thus far from the R.E.M's opus is that Michael Stipe in not afraid.
He sings about it in every other song.
So glad for him...
He sings about it in every other song.
So glad for him...
The green ink man is everywhere, he's everywhere!
Oh wait, that was Chicken Man.
Oh wait, that was Chicken Man.
This song is soooo good it puts a spring in my step this winter evening...
toterola wrote:
I was just telling a friend that I was glad I caught REM on their last tour. I first saw them in Nashville nearly 30 years ago. Is that possible?
Damn, where does the time go?
The time does seem to go by pretty quickly. I saw R.E.M. open for Gang Of Four in a small club outside of NYC, in 1981. Yikes.
I was just telling a friend that I was glad I caught REM on their last tour. I first saw them in Nashville nearly 30 years ago. Is that possible?
Damn, where does the time go?
The time does seem to go by pretty quickly. I saw R.E.M. open for Gang Of Four in a small club outside of NYC, in 1981. Yikes.
I'm not scared ... but I'll stay ..
Nice pairing with the Kinks' Hollywood Blvd. This song confirms that not everything REM did after "Automatic for the People" was shit.
I do miss the older REM material, although this is a cool track. Saw them in Paris in 1988.. now that's some time tunnel!
dwlangham wrote:
I was just telling a friend that I was glad I caught REM on their last tour. I first saw them in Nashville nearly 30 years ago. Is that possible?
Damn, where does the time go?
from back when I last loved R.E.M.
I was just telling a friend that I was glad I caught REM on their last tour. I first saw them in Nashville nearly 30 years ago. Is that possible?
Damn, where does the time go?
from back when I last loved R.E.M.
night swimming deserves electrolite.
romeotuma wrote:
I'll dance to this...
do it up, outta sight..
I'll dance to this...
do it up, outta sight..
romeotuma wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
yeah, that Friday I'm in Love kinda vibe..
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
yeah, that Friday I'm in Love kinda vibe..
one of my all time favs from them
Never get tired of this one...
this whole album is amazing. so is this song. love them.
romeotuma wrote:
Yes sir, my ears certainly enjoy it...
This song is soooo good for the external auditory meatus...
Yes sir, my ears certainly enjoy it...
One of my favourite REM songs. Thanks, guys. You will be missed.
RIP REM
just made me think of seeing REM way back when, 1985ish, at a little old movie theater, the LeRoy, in
Pawtucket, RI. super cool then. still cool now.
Pawtucket, RI. super cool then. still cool now.
This is so retro-cool, sentimental and contemporary...like it a lot
romeotuma wrote:
I am right here, Joan... would you like to dance?
Oh, Romeo... if Joan won't dance with you, I will, for this song. Lovely stuff.
I am right here, Joan... would you like to dance?
Oh, Romeo... if Joan won't dance with you, I will, for this song. Lovely stuff.
electro lite
I love this song. "twentieth century, go to sleep".....
Okay, I have passed beyond the point of liking Mr. Stipe's voice. 
Romeo, Oh Romeo, Wherefor art thou Romeo?
RT, are you there? This is still great.
Whahoo! Nice segue.
How can I like REM so much yet loath U2 so much (played back-to-back a moment ago).
Romeotuma - I know you're out there.
Turn it up!
Turn it up!
It is one of my favourites. 
EssexTex wrote:
Slipknot always works for me. . . speeds up the proceedings a little
Yeah, I wanna hang myself when I hear REM too.
Slipknot always works for me. . . speeds up the proceedings a little
Yeah, I wanna hang myself when I hear REM too.
Beautiful song.
yes.....
Caligula wrote:
I wish I had something to play when my parents come for dinner :-)
Slipknot always works for me...speeds up the proceedings a little
I wish I had something to play when my parents come for dinner :-)
Slipknot always works for me...speeds up the proceedings a little
TJOpootertoot wrote:
Yes. It's simply, I suppose, but it's a damned wonderful tune from a very underrated album.
It was feast or famine on this album, and this one always makes me want a second helping!
GOD, that's the cheesiest comment ever...
Yes. It's simply, I suppose, but it's a damned wonderful tune from a very underrated album.
It was feast or famine on this album, and this one always makes me want a second helping!
GOD, that's the cheesiest comment ever...
A wonderful song. Makes me want to dance in my chair while working. 
I could go the rest of my life never hearing another R.E.M. song...
they are BORING
they are BORING
lots of sweetness
300 posts and no one has discussed the meaning of this song? I am curious. I wonder if this is literally a farewell to 20th century Hollywood or perhaps that's too simple an interpretation.
Have fun reading the speculative musings on SongMeanings: Electrolite