The song is a political call-to-arms for citizens.
The lyrics recall religious freedom history beginnings: Martin Luther (Protestant reformation), and the Protestant pilgrims' protection by Myles Standish. And, smartly and simply put, Zen.
Stipe indicates he does not have all the answers; rather h...
[Verse 1]
A birdie and a hand for life's rich demand
The insurgency began and you missed it
I looked for it and I found it
Myles Standish proud, congratulate me
[Refrain]
A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
[Verse 2]
Life's rich demand creates supply in the hand
Of the powers, the only vote that matters
Silence means security, silence means approval
Walton Zenith on the TV, tiger run around the tree
Follow the leader, run and turn into butter
[Chorus]
Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again like Martin Luther, Zen
The mythology begins the begin
[Verse 3]
Answer me a question, I can't itemize, I can't think clear
You look to me for reason, it's not there
I can't even rhyme in the begin
[Refrain]
A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Example, the finest example is you
[Verse 4]
A birdie and a hand for life's rich demand
The insurgency began and you missed it
I looked for it and I found it
Myles Standish proud, congratulate me
[Outro]
A philanderer's tie, a murderer's shoe
Let's begin again, begin the begin
Let's begin again
Begin the Begin was written by Mike Mills & Peter Buck & Michael Stipe & Bill Berry.
Begin the Begin was produced by Don Gehman.
R.E.M. released Begin the Begin on Mon Jul 28 1986.