The first song from 2001’s Reveal, this song is a prequel of sorts to R.E.M.’s 1998 single “Daysleeper”. In an interview with Jools Holland on Later…, Stipe said:
The Lifting is a prequel to Daysleeper. It’s about the same character, she can’t get anything concrete so goes off to a seminar to find...
[Verse 1]
Grounded 5 a.m
The night lite is comforting
But gravity is holding you
Once settled into sleep
You have watched on repeat
The story of your life
Across the ceiling
And in review
[Chorus]
You've said the air was singing
It's calling you you don't believe
These things you've never seen
[Verse 2]
"good morning, how are you?
The weather's fine, the sky is blue
It's perfect for our seminar
Now close your eyes
And start to breathe
Allow the noise to recede
Allow yourself to drift and fly away"
But you just stay
[Chorus]
You've said the air was singing
It's calling you you don't believe
These things you've never seen
[Verse 3]
Did you hear these voices calling you
[Verse 3]
Locked into a conference room
"we're only what our minds assume
And rationale is leaving you
This conceit these systems of belief
Your counselor agrees
"you've always mark these boundaries now you're free
And with relief
[Chorus]
You've said the air was singing
It's calling you you don't believe
These things you've never seen
Never heard
Never dreamed
You've said the air was singing
It's calling you you don't believe
These things you've never seen
[Bridge]
Never, never, never, never
Never, never, never, never
Never, never, never, never
Never, never, never, never
Never, never, never
[Outro]
Now once you had a dream
Of oceans and sunken cities
Memories of things you've never known
And you have never known
The Lifting was written by Peter Buck & Mike Mills & Michael Stipe.
The Lifting was produced by Pat McCarthy & R.E.M..
R.E.M. released The Lifting on Mon May 14 2001.