I Remember California
R.E.M. · Green [1988]
The ocean's Trident submarines
Lemons, limes and tangerines
I remember this
I remember traffic jams
Motor boys and girls with tans
Nearly was and almost rans
I remember this
History is made
History is made to seem unfair
I recall that you were there
Golden smile and shining hair
I recall it wasn't fair
Recollect it wasn't fair
Remembering it wasn't fair outside
Low ebb, high tide
The lowest ebb and highest tide
A symbol wave I must confide
I guess we took us for a ride
I guess it's just a gesture
I remember this defense
Progress fails pacific sense
All those sweet conspiracies
I remember all these things
I remember traffic jams
Motor boys and girls with tans
Nearly was and almost rans
I remember this...this
Low ebb, high tide
The lowest ebb and highest tide
I guess we took us for a ride
I guess its just a gesture.
At the end of the continent
At the edge of the continent
About I Remember California
"I Remember California" stands as a defining track on R.E.M.'s 1988 album *Green*, capturing the band's transition from indie pop to a more expansive, atmospheric sound. Released during a pivotal era for the group, the song blends lush production with introspective lyrics that reflect on nostalgia and the passage of time. The track exemplifies the band's signature ability to weave complex melodies with emotional depth, showcasing their evolution away from the raw energy of their earlier work toward a polished, cinematic style. As a cornerstone of the album, the recording features the rich vocal harmonies and layered instrumentation characteristic of R.E.M.'s mature period. It resonates within the broader landscape of 1980s alternative rock, offering a reflective counterpoint to the frantic energy of their contemporaries. The song remains a testament to the band's lyrical prowess and their capacity to evoke specific memories through sound, cementing its place in their discography as a sophisticated exploration of personal history and place.