Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Anthem of Adolescent Angst
Lyrics
Comes from somewhere
But they would just as soon forget
And disguise
At the summer camp where you volunteered
No one saw your face, no one saw your fear
If that apparition had just appeared
Took you up and away from this place
And sheer humiliation
Of your teenage station
Nobody cares, no one remembers and nobody cares
How you cried and you cried
“He’s alive, he’s alive”
How you cried and cried
And you cried and you cried
If you call out “safe”
Then I’ll stop right away
If the premise buckles
And the ropes start to chafe
The details smart
But the story’s the same
You don’t have to explain
You don’t have to explain
Humiliation
Of your teenage station
Yeah, you cried and you cried
“He’s alive, he’s alive”
How you cried and you cried
And you cried and you
Realized your fantasies
Are dressed up in travesties
Enjoy yourself with no regrets
Everybody here
Comes from somewhere
That they would just as soon forget
And disguise
Yeah, you cried and you cried
“He’s alive, he’s alive”
Yeah, you cried and you cried
And you cried and you cried
(Oh, you cried and you cried)
(Oh, you cried and you cried)
Now there’s nothing dark
And there’s nothing weird
Don’t be afraid, I will hold you near
From the seance where you first betrayed
An open heart on a darkened stage
A celebration
Of your teenage station
It’s an experience, sweet, delirious
Supernatural, super serious
An experience, sweet, delirious
Supernatural, super serious
Wow
In the vibrant tapestry of rock anthems that paint the turbulent hues of youth, R.E.M.’s ‘Supernatural Superserious’ emerges as an evocative narrative of teenage awkwardness and the haunting desire to escape one’s past. This track is not merely a catchy tune to bob your head to; it is a profound excavation of the trials of the teenage spirit.
Married with the band’s signature sound, ‘Supernatural Superserious’ offers an intricate peek into the psyche of one’s former self, challenging listeners to confront the remnants of who they once were. As we dissect this song, we unravel not just its sonic appeal but the depth of its lyrical confession, proving once more why R.E.M. endures as the troubadours of the personal and universal.
An Ode to the Shadows of Adolescence
The song’s dominant arpeggio serves as a backdrop to a universal tale of youthful escapades and the weight of social judgment. ‘Supernatural Superserious’ recreates a scene at a summer camp, a rite of passage for many, where vulnerability is masked, and fears are well-hidden—hinting at the ubiquitous longing to conceal one’s insecurities.
This melody of self-camouflage underlines a more profound message—the lengths we go to in order to belong, and the superficial roles we adopt to navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence. Through its resonant verses, the song holds a mirror to those masked truths, all while maintaining a rhythm that distracts from the gravity of its revelations.
The Metamorphosis of Sorrow into Art
‘How you cried and you cried’ the song goes, implying a historic outburst of emotion, a catharsis. These lines commiserate with the listener, embodying the raw vulnerability of youth – the despair and elation of being alive. It’s not just about the tears shed; it’s about the intimate relief that comes from knowing others share that pain.
R.E.M. uses these moments of repetition to emphasize the universality of growing pains, crafting an emotional bridge between the song and its audience. The layers of harmony and reiteration in this chorus are not just for the aesthetic appeal; they echo the cyclical nature of emotional growth and the persistent repetition of life’s core experiences.
Rites of Passage and the Fantasy of Escape
The allusion to a ‘seance’ and the ‘darkened stage’ evoke the mystique and drama that cloud the teenage mind, reflecting the internal monologue where reality and fantasy blur. R.E.M. is not simply referring to supernatural elements; they’re harnessing the metaphor of performance – the act of conjuring up different personas in search of identity.
It’s a clever play on the performative aspects of growing up, where everyone is a participant in a play they never auditioned for, veiling their true selves in anticipation of acceptance. This motif is instrumental to the song’s arc, projecting the fragility and theatrics associated with the liminal space between childhood and adulthood.
Navigating the Melancholic Melodic Turns
Listeners are taken on a sonic journey through a landscape that is at once comforting and disruptive. The melody’s nostalgic undertone captures the quintessence of the song’s theme, creating a parallel between the music and the emotional turbulence depicted in the lyrics.
Each chord progression pivots as if in tandem with the unpredictable nature of the teenage years. The music rises and falls, intensifies and retreats, masterfully symbolizing the ceaseless ebb and flow of adolescent woes and triumphs. This musical device serves not only to guide the listener through the emotional spectrum but also to anchor the song’s deeper meaning.
The Liberating Conclusion: Embracing One’s Narrative
In its closing verses, ‘Supernatural Superserious’ crescendos into a mantra of self-acceptance. The once-fraught tales of embarrassment morph into badges of honor as the song implores us to ‘enjoy yourself with no regrets.’ This transition is the illuminating denouement of the narrative, merging regret with resilience.
R.E.M. doesn’t just leave us in the throes of angst; they offer a vault to freedom, where past shadows serve not as shackles but as stepping stones to self-discovery. It’s a powerful and redemptive close to a song that wades through the tumult of youth, only to reveal the ultimate truth: owning one’s history is the gateway to genuine liberation.
