New Test Leper
R.E.M. · New Adventures In Hi-Fi
that would be a hollow claim.
He did make some observations
and I'm quoting them today.
"Judge not lest ye be judged."
what a beautiful refrain.
The studio audience disagrees.
Have his lambs all gone astray?
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
"You are lost and disillusioned!"
what an awful thing to say.
I know this show doesn't flatter.
It means nothing to me.
I thought I might help them understand
but what an ugly thing to see.
"I am not an animal"
subtitled under the screen.
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
When I tried to tell my story
They cut me off to take a break.
I sat silent 5 commercials
I had nothing left to say
The talk show host was index-carded
All organized and blank
The other guests were scared and hardened
What a sad parade.
What a sad parade
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
Call me a leper
New Test Leper
New Test Leper stands as a defining track from R.E.M.'s 1996 album, New Adventures In Hi-Fi. Emerging during a period of significant transition for the band, the song showcases their signature blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyricism. Recorded after the group's hiatus, the track reflects the band's continued evolution in alternative rock, maintaining the atmospheric depth that characterized their earlier work while embracing a slightly more mature sonic palette. As part of a critically acclaimed album, the recording highlights the band's ability to craft complex, layered compositions that resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners. The song remains a testament to R.E.M.'s enduring influence on the genre, capturing the essence of their creative output during the mid-1990s without relying on overt commercial hooks.