'It's the End of the World as We Know It' analysis?

[Motoko Armitage]

I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated!
-Mo

[Mr. PB]

<< I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated! >>

The meaning of the song lies in this one fact. Michael feels/felt that he
could sense earthquakes, yet once while recording perhaps the album the song
appears on, there was a major earthquake, I believe in California and he didn't
sense it coming. Hence, "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel
fine." and most likely the opening line, That's great, starts with an
earthquake..."

The second part of your question refers to this story, perhaps never detailed
before till now. For spring in 1980 a group of friends which included Peter
and Michael decided to go to New York City rather than the traditional Florida.
To make this journey one of the group borrowed his brother's atypical 1970's
era "van". The van was decked out wall to ceiling in shag carpeting had a
cushioned floor and an small alcove with a bed in it. The sole purpose of the
journey was to go see Pylon play at the happening Big Apple "New Wave" club,
Hurrah's. Needless to say it was Michael, Peter and the van's proprietors
first journey to New York. The other rider had been there before....

Anyway, one event that the motley crew, so to speak, happened to get invited
to, only because they were from Athens, were friends of the band Pylon, hadn't
had a shower in days, and were hungry, was a birthday party for Lester Bangs.
Upon recollection it was a really small affair, and was as much a party for
Pylon, and Joe King Carrasco as it was for Lester Bangs and other Athens
expats. Lester was pretty much zoned out in the corner on what one has heard
was Robitussin. To get to the point, years later Michael had a dream that he
was once again attending the party, only this time every boddy at the party had
the initials LB, Leonid Breshnev, Lenny Bruce, and so forth. That is where
that particular section came from, yet the story or the journey to NYC could go
on, How long can a post be anyway?

[bear]

Hey, is mr peter buck reading this newsgroup? This rendition sounds very
similar to what i have in the book i was refering to, only an insider,
or someone with said book would know.

Post by Mr. PB
<< I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated! >>
The meaning of the song lies in this one fact. Michael feels/felt that he
could sense earthquakes, yet once while recording perhaps the album the song
appears on, there was a major earthquake, I believe in California and he didn't
sense it coming. Hence, "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel
fine." and most likely the opening line, That's great, starts with an
earthquake..."
The second part of your question refers to this story, perhaps never detailed
before till now. For spring in 1980 a group of friends which included Peter
and Michael decided to go to New York City rather than the traditional Florida.
To make this journey one of the group borrowed his brother's atypical 1970's
era "van". The van was decked out wall to ceiling in shag carpeting had a
cushioned floor and an small alcove with a bed in it. The sole purpose of the
journey was to go see Pylon play at the happening Big Apple "New Wave" club,
Hurrah's. Needless to say it was Michael, Peter and the van's proprietors
first journey to New York. The other rider had been there before....
Anyway, one event that the motley crew, so to speak, happened to get invited
to, only because they were from Athens, were friends of the band Pylon, hadn't
had a shower in days, and were hungry, was a birthday party for Lester Bangs.
Upon recollection it was a really small affair, and was as much a party for
Pylon, and Joe King Carrasco as it was for Lester Bangs and other Athens
expats. Lester was pretty much zoned out in the corner on what one has heard
was Robitussin. To get to the point, years later Michael had a dream that he
was once again attending the party, only this time every boddy at the party had
the initials LB, Leonid Breshnev, Lenny Bruce, and so forth. That is where
that particular section came from, yet the story or the journey to NYC could go
on, How long can a post be anyway?

[Hurricane Boy]

Post by bear
Hey, is mr peter buck reading this newsgroup? This rendition sounds very
similar to what i have in the book i was refering to, only an insider,
or someone with said book would know.

<snip>

Yes, he is, but it's not Mr. PB. Do you really think he'd be that obvious?

--ben.

[Mirella]

On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 17:56:55 GMT, "Hurricane Boy"

Post by Hurricane Boy

Post by bear
Hey, is mr peter buck reading this newsgroup? This rendition sounds very
similar to what i have in the book i was refering to, only an insider,
or someone with said book would know.

<snip>
Yes, he is, but it's not Mr. PB. Do you really think he'd be that obvious?
--ben.

that obvious would still be the best disguise :).

groetjes,
Mirella :) (the real one, heheh)

[bear]

Excuse me professor Mo, but are you asking us to do your homework for
you? You lazy bastard.

Post by Motoko Armitage
I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated!
-Mo

[Motoko Armitage]

1st of all, thanks Mr. PB-That's a cool story. As for the other guy,
this is research, dumbass! At least I'm teaching my classes about some
good music instead of Madonna and Michael Jackson. Moron.
-Mo

Post by bear
Excuse me professor Mo, but are you asking us to do your homework for
you? You lazy bastard.

Post by Motoko Armitage
I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated!
-Mo

[bear]

hey professor Mo, since you seem void of a sense of humour, like most
teachers I've ever had, I won't scan and post the few pages in the book
I have that has the band members speaking about this song and where it
came from, moron!!

Post by Motoko Armitage
1st of all, thanks Mr. PB-That's a cool story. As for the other guy,
this is research, dumbass! At least I'm teaching my classes about some
good music instead of Madonna and Michael Jackson. Moron.
-Mo

Post by bear
Excuse me professor Mo, but are you asking us to do your homework for
you? You lazy bastard.

Post by Motoko Armitage
I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated!
-Mo

[Maysie]

Considering you basically lambasted him....without ANY indication you were
apparently 'joking' (Smiley faces etc.), it's your own damn fault.

Tone can't be picked up in text.

Post by bear
hey professor Mo, since you seem void of a sense of humour, like most
teachers I've ever had, I won't scan and post the few pages in the book
I have that has the band members speaking about this song and where it
came from, moron!!

Post by Motoko Armitage
1st of all, thanks Mr. PB-That's a cool story. As for the other guy,
this is research, dumbass! At least I'm teaching my classes about some
good music instead of Madonna and Michael Jackson. Moron.
-Mo

Post by bear
Excuse me professor Mo, but are you asking us to do your homework for
you? You lazy bastard.

Post by Motoko Armitage
I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated!
-Mo

[NCF_1]

I think that The End Of The World As We Know It is a secrectly decrypted
message by Michael Stipe about the apocalypse of the modern world as we know
it today, and it can be deciphered with a code similar to that used in the
"bible code" book, if the lyrics are layed out in a certain manner. I did
so, it took me about 5 years full time work, but I finally cracked it and
Stipe specifically states the time, date and precise way in which the world
will end. It is frightening, truly frightening and I wished to God I hadn't
deciphered it. None of us are safe, terrorist activity will suddenly rise in
frequency and intensity, volcanic activity, earthquakes and other
catasprohies will occur on a worldwide scale; it will not be a safe place to
live in in the coming days.

People who need to decipher lyrics, I need to ask you -- why do you do it?
Why point does it serve? What are you looking for? I'll tell you what. The
very answer to life itself. And it doesn't reside in the jumbled,
stream-of-consciousness lyrics in a particular song by a particular singer
of a pop band. Perhaps start by asking yourself the question, "Why do I so
desperately need to know the lyrics to this song"? Don't state the obvious
answer, look deeper. See what you find. 95% chance you wont though and
you'll think what's this load of gibberish, and continue to find answers to
life in rock lyrics.

[MBrent31]

Subject: Re: 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' analysis?
Date: 12/13/2003 2:41 PM Pacific Standard Time
See what you find. 95% chance you wont though and
you'll think what's this load of gibberish, and continue to find answers to
life in rock lyrics.

there are answers to life in rock lyrics.
there are lots of answers to many things everywhere...
who decides the boundaries or limits
as to where there are viable answers
to life and where there are not ...?

here's an example:
the lyrics to bob dylan's albums
have more meaning and value to me
than 'the bible'...

rock lyrics are FULL of answers to life...
it depends on the tone of your
questions and the tilt of your ear ...

michael

[NCF_1]

Post by MBrent31
there are answers to life in rock lyrics.
there are lots of answers to many things everywhere...
who decides the boundaries or limits
as to where there are viable answers
to life and where there are not ...?
the lyrics to bob dylan's albums
have more meaning and value to me
than 'the bible'...
rock lyrics are FULL of answers to life...
it depends on the tone of your
questions and the tilt of your ear ...
michael

No, It depends on the level of romanticism you choose to indulge in. Lyrics
can open your mind to certain ideas sometimes but people who look into
lyrics for cryptic clues for instance or dependence to get through the day
need to indulge in emotional awareness rather than fantasy and escapism and
the hope that there is a rock star who knows all the "answers". They don't.
Most are alcholics / drug dependent / suicides / etc etc, looking for
answers themselves through music. How music musicians can you name? Could
take a day.

Jon Bon Jovi - had suicidal tendencies
Glen Campbell - chronic drunk
Cobain - suicide
Michael Hutchence - suicide
Mariah Carey - was in the nuthouse for a time
Ozzy Ozborne - too much to write about
Motley Crue - as above
so many more others... hundreds, literally, read their bio's, the stories
are all the same.
Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Morrison; rock stars don't know squat. Those
that look up to them are even worse off.

[MBrent31]

Subject: Re: 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' analysis?
Date: 12/13/2003 7:23 PM Pacific Standard Time
Lyrics
can open your mind to certain ideas >sometimes

that's pretty much all i was saying...
you're having your own argument
with all the comments about drug
addicts and suicides...
surely it would be unhealthy to be
worshipping some rock star as
a divine being, or whatever
but i'm certain no one was talking
about that here at all.

i was merely talking about rock music
lyrics with enlightening qualities or
insights-- not about individuals who
have had untimely deaths.
(furthermore, does the fact that
someone dies in an unfortunate way
cancel any contributions they may
have made to art, poetry or music
whatsoever? )

i don't recall anyone having said anything
about "looking up to" "depending on" or
"hoping for" any answers from rock
stars...just a touch hyperbolic, i'd say ...

rock stars don't know squat. Those
that look up to them are even worse off.

some do. some don't, i guess. just like
in any field of life. surely it's ok to look
up to people who you feel are energizing
or inspiring. doesn't sound the least bit
unhealthy to me ...

michael

[NCF_1]

Post by Hurricane Boy

Subject: Re: 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' analysis?
Date: 12/13/2003 7:23 PM Pacific Standard Time

<snip>

you're having your own argument

with all the comments about drug
addicts and suicides...
surely it would be unhealthy to be
worshipping some rock star as
a divine being, or whatever

I know I was. There's a lot of blind worshippers out there, and I just
wanted to relay the fact that lyric analysis is a waste of time (when it
becomes obsessive). All people have their own problems and are searching
for answers, ESPECIALLY rock stars, and melodic persuasiveness can be a
dangerous thing. Stipe himself has mentioned distiples and how they cling to
every word he says like he's some kind of messiah. Rock should be for
entertainment, to enjoy. Not to analyse and live by.

[MBrent31]

Subject: Re: 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' analysis?
Date: 12/14/2003 10:29 AM Pacific Standard Time

Post by Hurricane Boy

Subject: Re: 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' analysis?
Date: 12/13/2003 7:23 PM Pacific Standard Time

<snip>

you're having your own argument

with all the comments about drug
addicts and suicides...
surely it would be unhealthy to be
worshipping some rock star as
a divine being, or whatever

I know I was. There's a lot of blind worshippers out there, and I just
wanted to relay the fact that lyric analysis is a waste of time (when it
becomes obsessive). All people have their own problems and are searching
for answers, ESPECIALLY rock stars, and melodic persuasiveness can be a
dangerous thing. Stipe himself has mentioned distiples and how they cling to
every word he says like he's some kind of messiah. Rock should be for
entertainment, to enjoy. Not to analyse and live by.

understood.
i also think it's terribly ironic
that Stipe himself has talked endlessly about his "worship" of Patti Smith
through the 1970s. in the least he was extremely
inspired by her (musically, poetically, aesthetically) enough to decide on the
entire direction of his life: rock singer.

in my mind they are both totally connected to the same lineage of beat
generation writer-artists that culminated in the 1950s. well, before and
beyond too, to be sure.
(she most assuredly so, and therefore by default he also joins in that bohemian
line
of unkempt coffee-house prophets)
Ginsberg, Kerouac, Burroughs, etc. most all of the band has mentioned liking
them to some degree...

(wait a minute! this was supposed to be about not looking up to pop/ rock
musicians in your life! well, at least it's relatively on topic, talking about
REM! )

next, not looking up to your rock musicians regarding dietary guidelines.
(Paul McCartney, i don't want to hear your organic tofu, soymilk bullshit, ok
!! )

[NCF_1]

Post by MBrent31

Post by NCF_1

Post by Hurricane Boy

Subject: Re: 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' analysis?
Date: 12/13/2003 7:23 PM Pacific Standard Time

<snip>

you're having your own argument

with all the comments about drug
addicts and suicides...
surely it would be unhealthy to be
worshipping some rock star as
a divine being, or whatever

I know I was. There's a lot of blind worshippers out there, and I just
wanted to relay the fact that lyric analysis is a waste of time (when it
becomes obsessive). All people have their own problems and are searching
for answers, ESPECIALLY rock stars, and melodic persuasiveness can be a
dangerous thing. Stipe himself has mentioned distiples and how they cling to
every word he says like he's some kind of messiah. Rock should be for
entertainment, to enjoy. Not to analyse and live by.

understood.
i also think it's terribly ironic
that Stipe himself has talked endlessly about his "worship" of Patti Smith
through the 1970s. in the least he was extremely
inspired by her (musically, poetically, aesthetically) enough to decide on the
entire direction of his life: rock singer.
in my mind they are both totally connected to the same lineage of beat
generation writer-artists that culminated in the 1950s. well, before and
beyond too, to be sure.
(she most assuredly so, and therefore by default he also joins in that bohemian
line
of unkempt coffee-house prophets)
Ginsberg, Kerouac, Burroughs, etc. most all of the band has mentioned liking
them to some degree...
(wait a minute! this was supposed to be about not looking up to pop/ rock
musicians in your life! well, at least it's relatively on topic, talking about
REM! )
next, not looking up to your rock musicians regarding dietary guidelines.
(Paul McCartney, i don't want to hear your organic tofu, soymilk bullshit, ok
!! )

Well said ! :)

[Irrat8ed]

I have also read that the only thing to eat at this party was cheesecake so
they all had large amounts of cheesecake as a meal...this is where the
"birthday party, cheesecake" portion comes from.

Post by Motoko Armitage
I'm preparing a lecture for one of my classes and it involves 'It's
the End...'. Although there are literally thousands of sites with the
lyrics, I need to know what at least some of the meanings are. I think
I remember someone saying one part was about the band raiding birthday
parties for food. Any help would be appreciated!
-Mo

[Mr. PB]

<< I have also read that the only thing to eat at this party was cheesecake so
they all had large amounts of cheesecake as a meal...this is where the
"birthday party, cheesecake" portion comes from. >>

MMMM I can't say i remember that, but I do remember getting pretty drunk.

[Melora]

Post by Irrat8ed
I have also read that the only thing to eat at this

party was cheesecake so they all had large amounts of
cheesecake as a meal...this is where the "birthday
party, cheesecake" portion comes from.>

And I think I remember reading that there were
jellybeans at the party too. Also, when Stipe was a
teenager, he worked at an eatery (a waffle house?)
where the employess got a free meal. He ate so much
cheesecake he became sick of it. I don't know if that
has anything to do with the cheesecake in the song
though.

"Hurricane Boy"

Post by Irrat8ed

Post by bear
Hey, is mr peter buck reading this newsgroup?

<snip>
Yes, he is, but it's not Mr. PB. Do you really think

he'd be that obvious?

Post by Irrat8ed
--ben.

What makes you think the real Buck reads this
newsgroup?