Monty Got A Raw Deal
R.E.M. · Automatic For The People
"monty, this seems strange to me
movies had that movie thing
but nonsense has a welcome ring
and heroes don't come easy
now nonsense isn't new to me
i know my head i know my feet
but mischief knocked me in the knees
said just let go
i saw the ocean meet the man
i saw you burried in the sand
a friend was there to hold your hand
said walk on by
so i went walking through the street
i saw you strung up in a tree
a woman knelt there said to me
said hold your tongue (yeah)
hold your tongue
you don't owe me anything
you don't want this sympathy
don't you waste your breath
for the silver screen
that nonsense doesn't mean a thing
they try to bust you in a sting
but virtue isn't everything
so don't waste time
now here is a rhyme that you can steal
put this on your real to real
mischief threw a rotten deal
monty is lying low (yeah)
he is lying low
just let go (you all)
just let go
you don't owe me anything
you don't want this sympathy
don't you waste your breath
monty, this seems strange to me"
movies had that movie thing
but nonsense has a welcome ring
and heroes don't come easy
now nonsense isn't new to me
i know my head i know my feet
but mischief knocked me in the knees
said just let go
i saw the ocean meet the man
i saw you burried in the sand
a friend was there to hold your hand
said walk on by
so i went walking through the street
i saw you strung up in a tree
a woman knelt there said to me
said hold your tongue (yeah)
hold your tongue
you don't owe me anything
you don't want this sympathy
don't you waste your breath
for the silver screen
that nonsense doesn't mean a thing
they try to bust you in a sting
but virtue isn't everything
so don't waste time
now here is a rhyme that you can steal
put this on your real to real
mischief threw a rotten deal
monty is lying low (yeah)
he is lying low
just let go (you all)
just let go
you don't owe me anything
you don't want this sympathy
don't you waste your breath
monty, this seems strange to me"
Monty Got A Raw Deal
Released on R.E.M.'s 1992 album Automatic For The People, "Monty Got A Raw Deal" 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 style, showcasing their evolution into a more mature and polished rock sound. Lyrically, the track explores themes of betrayal and the harsh realities of life, delivered with a weary yet melodic vocal performance by Michael Stipe. As a centerpiece of Automatic For The People, the recording captures the post-punk revival era's blend of indie sensibilities and mainstream appeal, cementing R.E.M.'s status as a major force in alternative music during the early 1990s.