Half A World Away
R.E.M. · Out Of Time
Turn to a miracle, high alive
My mind is racing, as it always will
My hands tired, my heart aches
I'm half a world away, here,
My head sworn
To go it alone, and haul it along
And haul it along, and hold it
Go it alone, and hold it along
Oh.........
Oh the lonely deep sit hollow
Half a world, half a world away
My shoes are gone, my life spent
I've had too much to drink
I didn't think, I didn't think of you
I guess that's all I needed
To go it alone, and hold it along,
And haul it along, and hold it
Blackbirds, backwards, forwards and fall
Oh..........
Oh this lonely world is wasted
Pathetic eyes, high alive
Blind to the tide that turns the sea
This storm that came up strong
It shook the trees, and blew away our fear
I couldn't even hear
To go it alone, and hold it along,
Haul it along, and hold it
Go it alone, hold it along,
Oh.......
Go it alone, and hold it along
Haul it along, and hold it
Blackbirds, backwards, forwards and fall
Oh.......
Oh this could be the saddest dusk I've ever seen
Turn to a miracle, high alive
My mind is racing, as it always will
My hands tired, my heart aches
I'm half a world away
Go........
Half A World Away
Released on R.E.M.'s 1991 album Out Of Time, Half A World Away 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 a darker, more atmospheric approach to their signature indie-rock style. Lyrically, the track explores themes of distance and longing, reflecting the personal struggles of frontman Michael Stipe during this era. It remains a staple of the album's cohesive narrative, blending melodic hooks with a brooding intensity that influenced a generation of alternative musicians. The recording captures the band's evolution from the pop-punk energy of their mid-80s work to a more mature, textured sound that would define their final years.