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Hello and welcome to the Lyric Podcast, in this episode we explore the meaning and impact of a song that deals with apocalyptic themes, we’re going to talk about one of the most iconic songs of this genre: “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M.This podcast is sponsored by EA Locksmith: A reliable and affordable top-rated Just In Case! mobile locksmith service in the Waterloo region! You gotta call EA!if its lockedand youre stuckno matter what they sayyou gotta call EACall 5197227776 for an estimate today! Again 519-722-7776

This song was released in 1987 as the second single from their album Document, and it reached number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 39 on the UK Singles Chart. It has since become a staple of pop culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, commercials, and even political rallies. It has also gained new relevance in recent years, as many people have felt that the world is indeed ending, or at least changing drastically, due to various crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, social unrest, and political polarization.

But what is this song really about? How did R.E.M. come up with such a catchy and chaotic tune? And why do people still resonate with it even in 2024? Let’s find out.

The song is known for its fast-paced, stream-of-consciousness lyrics, which reference a wide range of topics, including natural disasters, historical figures, pop culture, personal anecdotes, and random objects. The lyrics are mostly nonsensical, but they create a sense of urgency, confusion, and absurdity that reflects the mood of the song and the times.

According to the lead singer and songwriter Michael Stipe, the lyrics were inspired by a dream he had, in which he was at a party where everyone had the initials L.B., such as Leonard Bernstein, Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce, and Lester Bangs. He also said that he was influenced by the things he saw when he was flipping TV channels, and by the style of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues”.

The song is divided into four verses, each followed by a chorus that repeats the title phrase. The verses are mostly composed of four lines, each starting with the word “that’s”, followed by a list of items or events. The chorus is also composed of four lines, each ending with the word “fine”. The song ends with a coda that repeats the chorus twice, followed by a final line that says “it’s time I had some time alone”.

The song’s structure is simple, but its delivery is complex. The vocals are rapid and almost unintelligible, requiring the listener to pay close attention or look up the lyrics to catch the references. The music is also energetic and upbeat, featuring a prominent drum roll, a jangly guitar riff, and a catchy bass line. The contrast between the music and the lyrics creates a paradoxical effect, as the song sounds fun and optimistic, but the words suggest doom and gloom.

The song’s video, directed by James Herbert, is also a collage of images, some related to the lyrics and some not. The video features the band members performing the song in a cluttered room, intercut with footage of various scenes, such as a boy running with a toy airplane, a man jumping off a bridge, a woman dancing in a tutu, a car crash, a snake, a birthday cake, and a globe. The video adds to the surreal and chaotic atmosphere of the song, and also hints at some of the themes and messages behind it.

One of the themes of the song is the overload of information and stimulation that modern society faces, especially with the advent of mass media and technology.

I still remember filling out the paperwork to become a permanent resident. Married in 2011 in Kitchener city hall to an Arab girlfriend who was back in Israel with roots connecting the land. Now turned, my legal wife has given me a new world to live in, which I then proceeded to discover. I never imagined leaving Israel for Canada until I decided to pursue that Canadian dream.

Leaving:

You would think I would have difficulty leaving my nest behind, but I am a human of mixed origin. East Europe, Azerbaijan, and Israel were not my first home. It was my 2cnd and 3rd, which makes Canada my 4th home, and every home is a different story.

The Process:

For each newcomer who chooses to immigrate to Canada by choice, leaving relatives, language, customs, and simply things one loves, the process comes at a high cost. Each Canadian immigrant story is different from the other. Unlike certain countries whose immigrants must go through a similar process, the acclimation in Canada for many legal immigrants who choose to move by choice starts at the Airport border check welcome statement saying, “Oki doc, Welcome to Canada!” From that moment, I was on my own while not amongst my own.

Culture:I constantly found myself among people seeing newcomers as a negative topic, having to hide my own identity in the process under my fluent English accent.Considering oneself culture savvy, I find Canada to be culturally isolated. Diversities stick together, forming internal relationships. Little China towns if you will. People prefer each other over other nationalities. Don’t listen to my words; take an actual look around you. Hindus speak their language amongst each other, preserving their culture. Hebrews mingle amongst themselves (either Canadian Jews or Israelis), Arabic speakers prefer each other, and other groups who stick to their roots mostly communicate within their internal communities. Being simply polite towards each other doesn’t mean we vibe, although some may disagree with my statement, thinking we are somehow connected through social obligations. Still, we disagree on many internal issues due to our lack of synchronized knowledge, and we sometimes know different things and histories. We have different views of the world based on our correct or incorrect knowledge of history, some of which may have been formed by assumptions or false information.Canada enforces our tolerance towards one another even tho we disagree on many political and difficult topics or realities, tho it doesn’t provide enough cultural commonality, and the Canadian culture becomes lost in the process of segregated multiculturalism. At the same time, I can compare it to tribes who are stuck with each other rather than sticking together. Are we going back in time socially?

Here’s me DJ’ in at a local Russian-speaking event in 2022 organized by another immigrant from Georgia who became a quick success in real estate climbing through the Russian community, where many Ukrainians were present, and no one talked politics, which was a good idea. “We love our expensive liquor too, eh!”

Money:

Many people see Canada as among the wealthiest nations in the world.Many chose Canada as their destination for prosperity, stability, peace, and growth.

It once was an affordable haven for many refugees, skilled workers,

Listen on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1Mh8xa9SmneXbcJRE8exAl

Hello everyone and welcome to the Lyric Podcast… a place where the lyrics get the stage!

I’ll proceed this podcast series with a short episode I made for “you people”. Called “Don’ Preach”.First, the song, and then we get to talk about it:

(*Song Intro)

Don’ Preach, Don’t preach apartLet’s teach!Let’s wear a poppy to remember the bravest heartsand talk about itShare your storyand Reach as many people you can reach

Just like we reach for the starsback to where we belongas we bleed in our fight against the wrongsinging  words of familiar songs.

Winds of war fell all overSometimes I think about it when it’s all overanother fight is just beguna fight for justice, another barrier to overcome.

and when it’s done I’ll be the oneand it’s no matter where you from you will belongLet’s get to know each other we stay stronghating less, more love in every homeAnd when we talk about the peoplewhom you’re referring to in your speechSome need a neighbor,  a brother or a father.just someone help to understand someone to teach.So please papa don’t preach don’t preachJust show us an example, your story to each.What we expect as CanadiansIs that the hate and jealousy won’t radiateBest place on Earth ye we all here campingCulture clash there’s nothing more exciting

With all the wisdom eh? Reassure us at last!You are a Wiseman, but you’re tired perhaps.

My grampa used to tell me,and his words never leave my mind:as you fall is how you are rememberedsome memories fade away in time

The wife says:Hey, Don don’t preach, don’t preachlet’s take a moment of silencebetter yet learn and teach!We are stronger when we have an alliance.

I love you, you love meWe are the true north nowa big huge familyBorn to be free in our wayin this society.

But I realize now it was all a mistakeA few wrong terminologies have determined your faithmaybe a few more poppies out there to be worn was your pointSadly the timing was wrong and now we’re out here smoking this joint.

I forgive you for mistaking me for ignorantsomethings I hear cannot stay indifferentI’m not sure if you’re guilty, I know nothingI hear their words – and they’re saying you’re not innocentthey’re saying there’s a plot.and that’s all that I got.

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This melody was originally made for the upcoming “Weed Song” episode however the timing was such that it fitted perfectly into this emotional mix of pop culture.

Everyday events shock or rock our world and this event, in particular, sparked a great deal of conversation all over the nation.

No, I wasn’t born here, but I also wasn’t born in my previous place of living either and the one prior to the previous one. It makes me a non-native in 3 countries in which I have lived so far. People who have experienced culture can relate to the same thing, anywhere on earth can be home. Even if we land elsewhere in the universe. It’s what we make it be, it’s the reality we shape with our own hands. It’s the flaws of the system we battle, often battling our own flaws which we as humans aren’t even aware of at times as developing and evolving creatures we are bound to make mistakes, and this what strikes the most fear in me.

So, at the end of the day scientifically speaking we are pretty much solidly the same.

I’ll proceed the Lyric Podcast show with a short episode I made for "you people". Called “Don' Preach”.

Hello everyone, welcome to the Lyric Podcast… a place where the lyrics get the stage!

I’ll proceed this podcast series with the song I wrote called “Break” but before I am about to rap out this new material, let’s have a moment of preview.

Dealing with issues like procrastination and depression isn’t easy. No one understands, no one can help but your own self. Sometimes your inability to perform can make you or break you. Focusing on future self can be hard, a future you is a stranger who appears to be very intimidating and distant from the current you. But, the less you think about making your next move and the more you focus on the actual move you’re making, Judging whether it is a bad move or a good move for you, it would make more sense and the more you pay attention to just making that next move somewhere in between there’s a paradoxical point and that’s what you’re looking for. Staring at a blank screen is something you want to do, feeling the void is as equal as feeling the light on the opposite scale.

As soon as you accept that sometimes you will face hard times and words might not come out of your mouth for lack of ability in the moment. It’s just another void to fill, so start by opening your laptop or grabbing a pen, write down anything that comes to mind. Your sentences will soon turn to stories, songs, essays the rest just depends on your personality.

Although you will feel discouraged before making a move, beating your procrastinating demons, making that first move towards creation is the solution to all of your problems.

Now, you made a move, you started something, then it’s just about finishing what you’ve started. To win the battle of those conflicting emotions you must have a recipe which works for you.

We all deal with this issue of worthiness differently, some might draw a painting to make themselves feel better. Some spend their time on the job every day to make themselves feel worthy and alive. At this point in our existence, there is too much to do. Hating your job is just not an option, it means there’s more room in your mind to grow, learn, process and store. Don’t let your talent get wasted!

The one thing I found working for me besides making music is writing lyrics. Lyrics are a great way to learn a language and gain language stamina, apart from learning to rhyme with words, lyrics are just another method of expanding your vocabulary in a fun creative way.

Some people chose lyrics over sound and some people focus only on producing. I like doing both, creating lyrical tales to the sound or vice-versa is a great feeling because you are actually improvising and matching words with flows together as the beat plays live.

You are creating a parallel lyrical symphony to the beat which is being played at that moment. When talking depression the best way to overcome it is to do something you like and in my case, this is what I love to spend my time on. My lyrics, if you feel the same way you are welcome to join this adventure and send over your lyrics, a song you wrote to be selected and featured on the podcast. As soon as I have a favorite you will be the first to know.

The lyrics in this episode are focusing on tackling negativity and depression, our reality is harsh.Sometimes elevating the mind is the best remedy, after all, it’s a game for the mind and sometimes it’s much more. To make the eureka happen you must experiment with the craft you’re working on, and spend much of your time repeating your craft to actually make it better.

There are endless possibilities to what your lyrics can do. They can make a person laugh, or cry. But no matter what it is that they do,

Hello everyone, welcome to the Lyric Podcast… a place where the lyrics get the stage!

I’ll proceed this podcast series with the song I wrote called “Passion” but before I am about to rap out this new material, a moment of preview.

It was pretty much a live recording on an old AKG microphone with a little after effect and a simple plain beat, you will get to hear and judge in just a moment.

The lyrics in this episode paint a picture of an artist who is looking for his art form and ways of self-expression while struggling with inner distractions and changing environments.

As life goes by, different realizations come to mind and one of them is to preserve the positivity, find something particular that makes you feel more complete about yourself despite the inner negativity. The lyrics refer to an art form which the artist is struggling to find, the struggle for perfection, the realization for the need, and the decision to proceed in hopes to satisfy that need as far as lyrics go.

I personally don’t have to give up my past, in fact, my past is my future in correlation. My past is my inspiration, my past is how I am different from the rest. Forgetting the past is forgetting how you got to be you and dealing with the pain is important.

As I carry my message I also realize that “art is pain”; anywhere the pleasure of art seems to lie, there’s pain. Do not take it as a discouragement but as an explanation of what there is really to accept in this game of life and art.

You probably have a “gut feeling” something you’re not sure about until that feeling becomes stronger than your own self. My gut feeling is that sound makes me feel more alive than anything else.

This episode is dedicated to my grandfather, he was like a father to me, a father I never had. He used to play in the Orchestra back when I was a kid between the ages of 4 and 11. I never got the chance to do anything with the talents which were passed to me as a result of spending lots of listening time near instruments and opera plays. Never got the chance to play anything or to perform, till now, this is where my lyrics “get the stage”.

I will be rapping the lyrics of the song, so without any further delay, I give you my newest, passion.

I’ve got to be upNeed to figure it outTell me what is itYou can’t live withoutCan’t live without trustCan’t live without passionNo gain without painCan’t rise with distractions.

Been searching foreverPerceptions have changedStarting to narrowthis mystical game.

People make moneybut don’t be confusedThe truth is only one thingand it is to produce.

Seeing is believingsmelling is tooTasting is healinglike the sounds of a tune.

Out of my miseryout of the blueThis sound is what gets mefeeling like I do.

Learning to playhaving me so much funPave a wave of an art forma burden to come.

They say “might take a lifetime”just to figure it outI am perfecting my lyricas I drift to the sound.

Don’t listen to hate’cause I am keeping it realand I got what it takesthen I don’t need to steal.

Do what makes centsGot my eyes on the prizeEyes on my backif you do haters try.

Wanna be upGot to figure it outTell me what is itI can’t live without

Can’t live without loveCan’t live without passion.Can’t grow without painCan’t grow with distractions.

(Whisper-) Was searching foreverperceptions have changedstarting to narrowthis mystical game

Lyric Podcast Ep. 4

Break, Inspired by Linkin Park's Reanimation Album Dirty remix.

Lyric Podcast. Where the lyrics get the stage! Episode 3 Passion. Hip Hop Song Episode, where we discover art-form and passion.