A non-single release from Around The Sun, Final Straw was a protest song against the Iraq War, which began on March 20, 2003. The song was released as a free download just five days later on the band’s website. Unlike most of the songs on Around The Sun, which was characterized by electronic synths,...
[Verse 1]
As I raise my head to broadcast my objection
As your latest triumph draws the final straw
Who died and lifted you up to perfection?
And what silenced me is written into law
[Chorus 1]
I can't believe where circumstance has thrown me
And I turn my head away
If I look I'm not sure that I could face you
Not again. not today. not today
[Verse 2]
If hatred makes a play on me tomorrow
And forgiveness takes a back seat to revenge
There's a hurt down deep that has not been corrected
There's a voice in me that says you will not win
[Chorus 2]
And if I ignore the voice inside
Raise a half glass to my home
But it's there that I am most afraid
And forgetting doesn't hold. it doesn't hold
[Bridge]
Now I don't believe and I never did
That two wrongs make a right
If the world were filled with the likes of you
Then I'm putting up a fight
I'm putting up a fight
Putting up a fight
Make it right
Make it right
[Verse 3]
Now love cannot be called into question
Forgiveness is the only hope I hold
And love- love will be my strongest weapon
I do believe that I am not alone
[Chorus 3]
For this fear will not destroy me
And the tears that have been shed
It's knowing now where I am weakest
And the voice in my head. in my head
Then I raise my voice up higher
And I look you in the eye
And I offer love with one condition
[Outro]
With conviction, tell me why
Tell me why
Tell me why
Look me in the eye
Tell me why
Final Straw was written by Michael Stipe & Mike Mills & Peter Buck.
Final Straw was produced by Pat McCarthy & R.E.M..
R.E.M. released Final Straw on Tue Mar 25 2003.