R.E.M. "Strange Currencies"

As a teen I was not an R.E.M. fan.

In fact, I was considerably anti-R.E.M. for far too long, mostly centered around the fact that for some reason my adolescent mind severely disliked "It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)."

Why?

Almost 40 years later, I honestly can't tell you why; I don't search the song out, but if it comes out I don't always automatically hit "skip" now.

What changed?

In March of 1991 they released Out of Time, and more importantly for me, the song "Losing My Religion." The first time I heard the song I actively tried to dislike it. Again, I don't know why; blame it on my close-minded view of music as an young idiot.

Despite my efforts, I cam around much more quickly than anyone would have guessed. I listened to more songs and eventually, bought the album.

Out of Time had melted my misplaced resolve again R.E.M. as a band, and from then on I appreciated and respected them, as they continued to release song after song that I now consider to be all time classics.

I could run through that list of selections, but that's not what this blog is about.

Today I wanted to highlight "Strange Currencies," a song that I was first introduced to back in the 90s, but in the last few years I re-encounted via an episode of The Bear.

Sometimes a band speaks to you when you're a teen, expressing the things that you feel when you lack the experience and wisdom of life. Sometimes a band speaks to you as you become more wizened, when you realize that life is not black and white, that love and relationships are complex.

Do I fully understand these lyrics? Probably not, but I recognize the feeling, the uncertainty that can come with the complexity of relationships. I don't feel that now, but this speaks to some of the emotions I felt earlier in my life, but could not appropriately understand as a teenager.

Now with love come strange currencies
And here is my appeal
I need a chance, a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance
A word, a signal, a nod, a little breath
Just to fool myself, to catch myself
To make it real, real
These words, "You will be mine"
These words, "You will be mine"
All the time, oh...

Is it love? Is it lust? Is it right? Is it wrong? Is this what I need?

These are questions that emotions can make you ask of yourself, and it's why I love this song as much as I do.

Enjoy!