Oddfellows Local 151
R.E.M. · Document
Where Peewee sits to prove a sage to teach
Peewee gathered up his proof
Reached up and scratched his head
Fell down and hit the ground again.
Firehouse. Firehouse.
Why do the heathens rage behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits upon the wall to preach?
This boy and girl that gather pearls
Of wisdom falling from his mouth
Wash off the blood, wash off the rum.
Firehouse. Firehouse.
Oddfellows local 151 behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits upon the wall to preach.
This boy and girl that gather pearls
Of wisdom falling from his mouth
Wash off the blood, wash off the 151.
Firehouse. Firehouse.
Firehouse. Liarhouse.
Oddfellows Local 151
Released on R.E.M.'s 1991 album Document, Oddfellows Local 151 stands as a defining track of the band's late-period sound. The song features a distinctive, driving rhythm section that contrasts with the band's earlier, more jangly aesthetic, showcasing their evolution into a more mature and atmospheric style. Written by Michael Stipe and Peter Buck, the track explores themes of alienation and social observation, reflecting the urban landscape of the early 1990s. Its inclusion on Document, a critically acclaimed collection of studio recordings, highlights the band's commitment to capturing the nuances of their live performances and studio experiments. The song remains a staple of R.E.M.'s discography, illustrating their ability to blend indie rock sensibilities with deeper, more introspective lyrical content.