Welcome To The Occupation
R.E.M. · Document [1987]
Hang your collar up inside
Hang your dollar on me
Listen to the water still
Listen to the causeway you are
Bad and educated, primitive and wild
Welcome to the occupation
Here we stand and here we fight
All your fallen heroes
Held and dyed and skinned alive
Listen to the Congress fire
Offering the educated primitive and loyal
Welcome to the occupation
Hang your collar up inside
Hang your freedom higher
Listen to the buyer still
Listen to the Congress
Where we propagate confusion
Primitive and wild
Fire on the hemisphere below
Sugar cane and coffee cup
Copper, steel and cattle
An annotated history the forest for the fire
Where we open up the floodgates
Freedom reigns supreme
Fire on the hemisphere below
Listen to me Listen to me
Listen to me Listen to me
Listen to me Listen to me
Listen to me.
Hang your dollar on me
Listen to the water still
Listen to the causeway you are
Bad and educated, primitive and wild
Welcome to the occupation
Here we stand and here we fight
All your fallen heroes
Held and dyed and skinned alive
Listen to the Congress fire
Offering the educated primitive and loyal
Welcome to the occupation
Hang your collar up inside
Hang your freedom higher
Listen to the buyer still
Listen to the Congress
Where we propagate confusion
Primitive and wild
Fire on the hemisphere below
Sugar cane and coffee cup
Copper, steel and cattle
An annotated history the forest for the fire
Where we open up the floodgates
Freedom reigns supreme
Fire on the hemisphere below
Listen to me Listen to me
Listen to me Listen to me
Listen to me Listen to me
Listen to me.
Welcome To The Occupation
Welcome To The Occupation stands as a defining track on R.E.M.'s 1987 album Document, marking a pivotal shift in the band's sound toward a more aggressive, guitar-driven style. The recording captures the group's transition from their earlier, softer indie roots to a harder-edged alternative rock approach that would soon dominate the mainstream. Featuring the band's signature interplay of jangly guitars and Michael Stipe's distinctive, enigmatic vocals, the song exemplifies the creative energy of this era. It remains a testament to the band's ability to craft atmospheric yet driving rock music, showcasing their evolution during a period of significant artistic growth and increasing commercial success.