Time for a thoughtful song as we approach thoughtful times. One of the overlooked songs from R.E.M. was the ninth track on Life’s Rich Pageant (1986, re-released in 1998). This song asked the listener to pause and take a moment to reflect upon their actions and the effects of their actions on others. A refrain heard on several other songs from Life’s Rich Pageant. Without being preachy or overbearing, this song asked an important question about the kind of community that we all want to inhabit and in which we live our lives.
“What If We Give It Away?”
All the money couldn’t buy
You’re mistaken, no one’s standing there
For the record, no one triedOh, I try to
What if we give it away?Overlooking with a hollow eye
What’s pretending isn’t right
Eye for order, a hand for what’s in line
Couldn’t follow, couldn’t writeOh, I try to
What if we give it away?
And our life is fine here
Stitch it on your tie here
Here’s the trailer, Tom
A year has come and gone
We’re not moving, wasn’t right
Take the order, sew it on your tie
We couldn’t follow, couldn’t try
Oh, I try to
What if we give it away?
What if we give it away?
your tuesday afternoon alternative 