The song is a general song about hope, in the context of seeking stardom. The song featured some cheesy country instrumentation (reminiscent of Glen Campbell’s work in the late 1960s), befitting the song’s reference to Reno. The working title was “Jimmy Webb on Mars,” further connecting the song to...
[Verse 1]
Hummin'
All the way to Reno
You've dusted the non-believers
And challenged the laws of chance
Now sweet
You were so sugar sweet
You may as well have had "Kick Me"
Fastened on your sleeve
[Chorus]
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star
[Verse 2]
"Wing" is written on your feet
Your Achilles' heel
Is a tendency
To dream
But you've known that from the beginning
You didn't have to go so far
You didn't have to go
[Chorus]
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star
[Bridge]
You know who you are
You know who you are
You know who you are
[Verse 3]
Hummin'
All the way to Reno
You've written your own directions
And whistled the rules of change
[Chorus]
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star (star)
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star (star)
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star (star)
You know what you are
You're gonna be a star (star)
[Outro]
Hummin'
All the way to Reno
All the way to Reno
All the way to Reno
You're gonna be a star (you are, you are)
You're gonna be a star
You're gonna be a star (you are, you are)
You're gonna be a star
All the Way to Reno (You’re Gonna Be a Star) was written by Peter Buck & Mike Mills & Michael Stipe.
All the Way to Reno (You’re Gonna Be a Star) was produced by R.E.M. & Pat McCarthy.
R.E.M. released All the Way to Reno (You’re Gonna Be a Star) on Mon Jul 23 2001.