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R.E.M. — 7 Chinese Brothers
Album: Reckoning
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2012









Released: 1984
Length: 4:09
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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This mellow, sweet, short-haired boy, woman offers pull up a seat
Take in one symphony now, we've just begun to battle
Wrap your heel in bones of steel, turn the leg, a twist of color
Autumn waited hold it to you in the colored come another

Seven Chinese brothers swallowing the ocean
Seven thousand years to sleep away the pain
She will return, she will return

This mellow, sweet, short-haired boy, woman offers pull up a seat
Take in one symphony now, we've just begun to battle
Wrap your heel in bones of steel, turn the leg, a twist of color
Autumn waited hold it to you in the colored come another

Seven Chinese brothers swallowing the ocean
Seven thousand years to sleep away the pain
She will return, she will return

This mellow, sweet, short-haired boy, woman offers pull up a chair
Take in one symphony now, I guess we lost that battle
Wrap your heel in bones of steel, turn the leg, a twist of color
Autumn waded seven seas swimming colored come

Seven Chinese brothers swallowing the ocean
Seven thousand years the Communi did reign
She will return, she will return
Comments (220)add comment
[me, in high school listening to early R.E.M. records, wishing I knew the lyrics]: I wonder what he's singing about.
[me, now that I know the lyrics]: I wonder what he's singing about.
Posted 10 months ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
Incredible album. They seemingly came out of no where at the time. I'm fortunate to say I saw this tour - played on my college campus actually!
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Keep this groove going!  I'm only mildly suicidal...
Posted 1 year ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
I wonder if Stipe just couldn't think of second and third verses.
Posted 1 year ago by Kilgoretrout    [ Reply ]
Some high mumbling going on right here. Why are there even R.E.M. song lyrics? Never once read one, and I'm sure not gonna start now. Communards in united rain in oceans, baby! 
Posted 1 year ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
This made me think of Harborcoat. It would be cool to hear that one on RP.
Posted 1 year ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
One of the best tracks on this album, which happens to be the first CD I bought when I got my CD player in 1984.  Saw them live shortly after and they changed my expectations for live music forever.
Posted 1 year ago by Pound33    [ Reply ]
Just want the Voice of Harold slipped in the RP stream once.
Posted 1 year ago by slugore    [ Reply ]
A wonderful follow-up to what may be the best album of the 80's - Murmur.
Brilliant.
Posted 2 years ago by aliencat    [ Reply ]
I moved out of my parent's house at age 20 in 1988 and had quite a record collection already amassed.  My roommate at that time was so excited that now he could listen to all the REM albums.  That was a big wake up call.  He could also eat all my food, drink all my Pepsi, and use all my dishes with out cleaning them.  He would also sleep for what seemed like an eternity at the time through his blaring alarm, every morning.  Ah, Tom.  It was some of the best months of my formative years (We were asked to leave right around the year mark). The people he introduced me to at that time went on to become life long friends and made up for all the inconveniences.  
Posted 2 years ago by unclestupidhead    [ Reply ]
 sfyi2001 wrote:
L O L !


Ha ha.  I bet those shoes cost more than my car...
Posted 2 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Good Tune! I never heard it before. Thank You RP!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
 Sloggydog wrote:

On hearing this album played my nephew said - I didn't know you like country music. 



Which country he come from? 
Posted 2 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 sfyi2001 wrote:
L O L !




NOT. Hahaha!
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
YEAH R.P
2 REM songs almost back to back!
Bravo for bucking all radio protocol !

Posted 3 years ago by surfrider4life    [ Reply ]
 johnalexford wrote:
Arguably one of the best American bands. Ever. I'm sure this comment will attract the haters. 
 
No hate from me. These guys have been my favorite of all time since I heard "South Central Rain" when I was 12. 
Posted 3 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
Arguably one of the best American bands. Ever. I'm sure this comment will attract the haters. 
Posted 3 years ago by johnalexford    [ Reply ]
L O L !

Posted 3 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
 mardisoninnc wrote:
I recall a local band, comprised of a couple of good friends from my youth, tentatively using the name "7 Chinese Brothers" about 25 years ago.  The band name was picked as a sort of homage to R.E.M.  They had the foresight and legal wisdom to change their band name, though. 
 

There was a great "alt-country" NYC-based band around in the 90s called 5 Chinese Brothers. Just phenomenal. Lotta great memories. At least we have those!
Posted 4 years ago by johnhdunn3rd    [ Reply ]
 SmackDaddy wrote:


Oh hell, that's why I couldn't find info on it! I remember reading the book as a kid and was sure REM was referencing it. Thaniks!
 I used to read this to my brothers - I thought it was 7 - I believe 5 is an unlucky number for some....The Emperor probably made 2 brothers 'disappear'?!

Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by harryiago    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

Fictional, not unknown.

Why seven and not the original five? I guess Stipe needed it to be two syllables?
 

Oh hell, that's why I couldn't find info on it! I remember reading the book as a kid and was sure REM was referencing it. Thaniks!
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 chinaski wrote:
Those were the days.
First saw REM at the original 9:30 on F street in '82 when all they had were demo cassettes to hand out. What a fun show. Watched the happy hour sound check when there were not even 10 people in the place. Their label was in legal battle with the DC hometown band Rapid Eye Movement. REM's label had more $ and better legal types and so Rapid Eye Movement was required to change names or cease and desist. They became Egoslavia. Today the entrance to the original 9:30 in the Atlantic Building at 930 F is the main entrance to a J. Crew.
 
A J. Crew! That's sad to hear. I saw Mitch Easter's band Let's Active there (for those that don't know Mitch and REM are tight). 
Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Athens, GA !
Posted 4 years ago by inmanart    [ Reply ]
Something profoundly beautiful about early REM !
This song supremely illustrates it !
Posted 5 years ago by surfrider4life    [ Reply ]
 murrayn wrote:
Love this cover of "Voice of Harold".


 

Damn Skippy.
Posted 5 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
 smackiepipe wrote:
Problem is, I heard "Voice of Harold" off of Dead Letter Office before I ever heard this. So, this song sounds great, but the lyrics are all messed up.

 
Shout out to West Columbia!
Posted 6 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Those were the days.
First saw REM at the original 9:30 on F street in '82 when all they had were demo cassettes to hand out. What a fun show. Watched the happy hour sound check when there were not even 10 people in the place. Their label was in legal battle with the DC hometown band Rapid Eye Movement. REM's label had more $ and better legal types and so Rapid Eye Movement was required to change names or cease and desist. They became Egoslavia. Today the entrance to the original 9:30 in the Atlantic Building at 930 F is the main entrance to a J. Crew.
Posted 6 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
From my favorite REM album.  Thank you.
Posted 6 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Love this cover of "Voice of Harold".

Posted 6 years ago by murrayn    [ Reply ]
Problem is, I heard "Voice of Harold" off of Dead Letter Office before I ever heard this. So, this song sounds great, but the lyrics are all messed up.
Posted 6 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
I recall a local band, comprised of a couple of good friends from my youth, tentatively using the name "7 Chinese Brothers" about 25 years ago.  The band name was picked as a sort of homage to R.E.M.  They had the foresight and legal wisdom to change their band name, though. 
Posted 7 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
Love this one.  Always will.
Posted 8 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
On hearing this album played my nephew said - I didn't know you like country music. 
Posted 8 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

Fictional, not unknown.

Why seven and not the original five? I guess Stipe needed it to be two syllables?

 
Heck, let's go further back... why not the original ten?
Posted 8 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Timeless. Still shining bright.
Posted 8 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
This was so unique, so amazingly in tune and so alive with all the right frequencies, waveforms, punctuations, percussions, and timing.

Whereas, to others, this a snooze.
Sorry. 
Posted 8 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
This was so unique, so amazingly in tune and so alive with all the right frequencies, waveforms, punctuations, percussions, and timing.
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:
IRS period REM was the best band in America.

WB period REM didn't deserve to record. 

 
IRS period REM were the best band in America...but that was like picking low hanging fruit. I loved their sound, but couldn't understand half the lyrics.
Posted 8 years ago by foxyboy713    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:
IRS period REM was the best band in America.

WB period REM didn't deserve to record. 

 
Bit harsh?! They evolved as a band as all bands with longevity will?! Are you saying Green, Out of Time, Automatic for the People, New Adventures in Hi-Fi and Monster had nothing to offer?! 
Posted 9 years ago by SnappyJ    [ Reply ]
IRS period REM was the best band in America.

WB period REM didn't deserve to record. 
Posted 9 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 Coldcreek wrote:
Unusual, REM ish - song about unknown  Chinese personalities
 
Fictional, not unknown.

Why seven and not the original five? I guess Stipe needed it to be two syllables?
Posted 9 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
It's the drums, stupid. 
Posted 9 years ago by Troutnskibum    [ Reply ]
 patrick30 wrote:
comin from led zeb to rem?
 
led zeb?

at least you didn't go with led zed!

 
Posted 9 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
comin from led zeb to rem?
thats what i call a bad transition!
Posted 9 years ago by patrick30    [ Reply ]
My favorite R.E.M. album. Every song is excellent they were really clicking on this one.
Posted 10 years ago by Mar-tay    [ Reply ]
I still firmly believe that REM were one of finest bands of musicians I have had the privilege to listen to.  I don't think I have heard anything from them that I don't like, or wouldn't be happy to spend my money on.
Posted 10 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
minimalist REM is some of the best REM
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Unusual, REM ish - song about unknown  Chinese personalities
Posted 10 years ago by Coldcreek    [ Reply ]
This is so subtly good.  Or is it, "good in a subtle way," perhaps?  Either way, I know the disc is here somewhere, but off to iTunes to download anyway.  This needs to be in regular rotation in my car and I'm inherently lazy.
Posted 11 years ago by bhallmark    [ Reply ]
 oldviolin wrote:
meanwhile, back at the ranch...

 

Is this the one about Granny and the indians?
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Posted 11 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked...  love this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Takes me back to 1984 when this song took me back to a picture book that I loved as a child.
Posted 11 years ago by montamat    [ Reply ]
Man, these guys are so good.  
Posted 11 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
Love it; been a while since I heard some old REM...
Posted 11 years ago by brown565    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song... (and this whole seminal album...)

Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of the time I took off for the West Coast from snowy Boulder Spring Break of '87 with this in the tape deck as I left...NICE! 
Posted 12 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Can't go wrong playing REM!!!
Posted 12 years ago by Elroweho    [ Reply ]
Yeah, I was 19 once. Get your 1984 on.
Posted 12 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
unabashed revelry in the accounting office now ...{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:

Wow, you have taken wrong to an uber level! Losing my Religion is what I despise, what REM became. This song represents them at their best!{#Notworthy}
 

I have to agree, the early REM is the best.  This is the song that got me into them.
Posted 12 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
This. This. This.
More please.
More.
Posted 12 years ago by Remonster    [ Reply ]
Can't say I'm really liking this tune. I do like REM, but not this song so much.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


... dozens of people here just started dancing...

 
 
Well, at least 7 anyway.
Posted 12 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
This reminds me of what gripes me about REM, that they produce some absolutely brilliant songs (eg Losing my Religion) which tempt you into buying their albums, then when you get the disc home you find that only 2 or 3 of the songs are any good and the rest are dross. This, sadly, is what I'd consider dross, a shame as they've done so much else that is stunningly good. Passable, right enough, but hardly memorable.
 
Wow, you have taken wrong to an uber level! Losing my Religion is what I despise, what REM became. This song represents them at their best!{#Notworthy}
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:


Wow, I guess my take is completely 180 out of phase with you.  I love this and a lot of the under-(and un-)played gems on REM albums, and can't stand some of the more popular songs.
 
That is right.   It's like Bill and I are loving two different bands sometimes (this one is a gem though).   They really broke through with a big hit in Losing My Religion.  A mediocrity at best.  It was the beginning of the end.   I would love to hear Begin the Begin here, or my fav Time After Time.   Both neglected to a baffling degree.

Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}
Posted 12 years ago by shemp    [ Reply ]
I prefer "Voice of Harold"... : )
Posted 12 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]
we seem to do the same thing in different parts of the world, romeotuna :-)
7 c b is sooooo good for the ears^^

Posted 13 years ago by tutakea    [ Reply ]
I didn't discover R.E.M. until Green and then I went back and bought Murmur but found it a little shoegaze-y for my tastes so i didn't bother with the rest. This is pleasant enough, though.
Posted 13 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:
This song is still as good for the ears as the day Reckoning came out in 1984 so many years ago...  still love it...
 We be dancin ... {#Roflol}


Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:

They are both good! 

 

Indeed, Voice of Harold is one of my favs from them too. I especially like when he mentions West Columbia SC. Shout out!{#Cowboy}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
If you're looking to quickly kill the bliss that always follows The Rain Song segueing into this is a d——d good way to do it.

Posted 13 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
 smackiepipe wrote:
I'm in a tough spot, as I first heard 'The Voice of Harold'  from Dead Letter Office before hearing this, where Stype reads the lyrics from an album cover to this musical backing. I like it better for the humor-factor.

 
Rumour has it that that version was recorded very late at night and they all had 'had a few'. Makes me like it even more.


Posted 13 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
a must!
Posted 13 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
I was "coming of age" musicially and these guys were leading the way.  When coming from listening to Seasons in the Sun to this, it was quite an awakaning.  I thank "Chim" in college and still love these guys (their old stuff anyway).  Saw them in a gymnasium in Washington DC. 

Posted 13 years ago by Seahunt    [ Reply ]
I'm with you, Hannio. Give me Maps and Legends over Nightswimming any day. Loved REM so much more when they were redefining the establishmnent. 
 Hannio wrote:


Wow, I guess my take is completely 180 out of phase with you.  I love this and a lot of the under-(and un-)played gems on REM albums, and can't stand some of the more popular songs.
 


Posted 13 years ago by katiediddler    [ Reply ]
 smackiepipe wrote:
I'm in a tough spot, as I first heard 'The Voice of Harold'  from Dead Letter Office before hearing this, where Stype reads the lyrics from an album cover to this musical backing. I like it better for the humor-factor.

 
They are both good! 

Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
SUPER "SUCKO"!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Bill says Reckoning probably his favorite REM album, as do I... circular logic says that this is proof that he and I both have impecable taste.
Posted 14 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
I'm in a tough spot, as I first heard 'The Voice of Harold'  from Dead Letter Office before hearing this, where Stype reads the lyrics from an album cover to this musical backing. I like it better for the humor-factor.

Posted 14 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
Loved that book when I was a little kid
Posted 14 years ago by favrood    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
This reminds me of what gripes me about REM, that they produce some absolutely brilliant songs (eg Losing my Religion) which tempt you into buying their albums, then when you get the disc home you find that only 2 or 3 of the songs are any good and the rest are dross. This, sadly, is what I'd consider dross, a shame as they've done so much else that is stunningly good. Passable, right enough, but hardly memorable.
 

Wow, I guess my take is completely 180 out of phase with you.  I love this and a lot of the under-(and un-)played gems on REM albums, and can't stand some of the more popular songs.


Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Ah!  7 Chinese Brothers in all their mumbled glory!
Posted 14 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:
i remember this book from early grade school days.  great album, Howard Finster album cover as well.  26 years ago? (i hate chronology)
 

There were only five Chinese brothers in the book I remember.  I guess there was a different one that had seven though.

* edit:
7 bros5 bros
Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of what gripes me about REM, that they produce some absolutely brilliant songs (eg Losing my Religion) which tempt you into buying their albums, then when you get the disc home you find that only 2 or 3 of the songs are any good and the rest are dross. This, sadly, is what I'd consider dross, a shame as they've done so much else that is stunningly good. Passable, right enough, but hardly memorable.
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
One of my all time REM favs!! Back when they were really good!{#Yes}
 
Yes sir!  {#Sunny} Saw them at the Tower Theatre before they "broke" in a big way ... magical!

Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
i remember this book from early grade school days.  great album, Howard Finster album cover as well.  26 years ago? (i hate chronology)
Posted 14 years ago by LongGoneDaddy    [ Reply ]
One of my all time REM favs!! Back when they were really good!{#Yes}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Simply. Awesome.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
Still my fav album of theirs.
Posted 15 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]
Ditto.
Posted 15 years ago by teachergirl    [ Reply ]
Back when Michael's voice was just starting to move to the front of the mix..
Posted 15 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:
Man, those were the days... such great music. Thanks Bill. {#Wave}
 
Just dug my old REM cd's out the other day and loaded them in my truck ... like partying with old friends {#Cheers}

Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 Rockitz wrote:
Same crap from the most boring band in the business. Whine whine whine...
Try and come up with something new guys. Or even better, quit and become recluses so we don't have to hear from you again.
 
So I take it you missed the entirety of glam-rock? I swear that if they had put HALF of the hairspray budget into actual writing, they would have had something.

Posted 15 years ago by catsoup    [ Reply ]
Nice
Posted 15 years ago by ShakeyNeil    [ Reply ]
This has got to be one of the greatest rock albums ever... I listen to it reapeated still (just last night as a matter of fact) and never cease to be amazed by it..
Posted 15 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
Man, those were the days... such great music. Thanks Bill. {#Wave}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
"Wrap your heel in bones of steel"

"7000 years to sleep away the pain"

I love this song! Beat you this time Romeo {#Lol}

Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Same crap from the most boring band in the business. Whine whine whine...
Try and come up with something new guys. Or even better, quit and become recluses so we don't have to hear from you again.
Posted 15 years ago by Rockitz    [ Reply ]
I was in a good place when this alumn came out.  Now...
Posted 16 years ago by Seahunt    [ Reply ]
Don't forget precious, precocious & pretentious. californiatwin wrote:
Because they are very annoying, whining and just plain overplayed.
Posted 16 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
sweet!
Posted 16 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Smells like REM. A solid 1.
Posted 16 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
garthwb wrote:
Play them on the hour, every hour!
Indeedly-do!
Posted 16 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Play them on the hour, every hour!
Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
zaknafein wrote:
It can be done, but why would you want to?
Because they are very annoying, whining and just plain overplayed.
Posted 16 years ago by californiatwin    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
I dare RP to go one work week, 5 days without any REM. Can it be done?
It can be done, but why would you want to?
Posted 16 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
superflyLD wrote:
I love this song... back when REM was at their best imo.
Posted 17 years ago by crinky    [ Reply ]
Isn't that guitar part the theme to Entertainment Tonight?
Posted 17 years ago by morgsy67    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
I dare RP to go one work week, 5 days without any REM. Can it be done?
Yeah - I dare you Bill! Can it be done? - I can only hope!
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
Nabla wrote:
Well, I am wondering a bit why they call themselves "R.E.M."? Wouldn't "S.E.M." be better (standing for Slow Eye Movement...)?
because S.E.M. stands for scanning electron microscope which would fit even less
Posted 17 years ago by spraehbuer    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
I dare RP to go one work week, 5 days without any REM. Can it be done?
Not sure why RP would do that. Keep playin' 'em, Bill.
Posted 17 years ago by Land_Shark    [ Reply ]
Well, I am wondering a bit why they call themselves "R.E.M."? Wouldn't "S.E.M." be better (standing for Slow Eye Movement...)?
Posted 17 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
I love this song... back when REM was at their best imo.
Posted 17 years ago by superflyLD    [ Reply ]
badean wrote:
Best REM album ever.
It's almost embarassing, the number of 10s on this album.
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
I dare RP to go one work week, 5 days without any REM. Can it be done?
Posted 17 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
RobK wrote:
I love the whole album and this is one of my favorite songs. It has a yearning quality that always gets me. Maybe it's the lyric "she will return", and the way in which Michael sings it. Good to keep in mind that when this album came out (pretty long time ago by now) there really wasn't any other band making music that sounded like this. They really invented a whole new sound for rock music, which is rare. Plus it's just so goddam good.
yes! just so goddam good! My daughters and I love the seven chinese sisters too.
Posted 17 years ago by driver8    [ Reply ]