R.E.M - Burning Down Lyrics
Lyrics Translation
"Burning Down" by R.E.M. was released on November 16, 1987, as part of their fifth studio album, Document. The song was written by band members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry. The song explores the destruction of the past and the desire for transformation.
Song lyrics
From the back of my neck, oh oh oh
Wired a glass jaw, oh oh
Plantation burning your boat is coming in
Strum your jew's harp, you're reeking gin
Running water on a sinking boat
Going under but they've got your goat
Burning down
My hands are tied my feet are bound
Burning down
Can't you see that my hands are bound
Johnny Mike is reading in the yard
His story's timely, oh oh oh
What river is it anyway, radio
Not in a boat, in your ear
Running water in a sinking boat
Going under but they've got your goat
Burning down
My hands are tied my feet are bound
Burning down
Can't you see that my hands are bound
You pick your island in the sun
Take your island off he's got a gun
Burning down
My hands are tied my feet are bound
Burning down
Can't you see that my hands are bound
He's cooking in the woods, a brush fire in your neck
Feeling mighty mighty, oh oh oh
You can pick your island in the sun
Take your island off he's got a gun
Running water in a sinking boat
Going under but they've got your goat
Burning down
My hands are tied my feet are bound
Burning down
Can't you see that my hands are bound