Clear Channel Memo Top Ten: It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) (#2)

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Of course this made the list. I promised you a few songs ago it wasn’t the only time you’d see “the end of the world” on the list of songs that Clear Channel Communications thought were inappropriate for airplay after 9/11. And, because it’s these guys, it’s highly ranked. Of course! #2: It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - R.E.M. I’ve been trying to memorize the lyrics for 35 years, so I haven’t done research into it; however, the Mike Mills counter-line “time I had some time alone” against “it’s the end of the world as we know it” always reminded me of that classic Twilight Zone episode “Time Enough At Last,” where Burgess Meredith played a man who just wanted to be left alone so he could read. Lyricist/front man Michael Stipe mentioned “stream of consciousness” and Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” as inspiration. And, of course, if Skeeter Davis’ then-40-year-old (now 60-year-old) song “The End of the World” was on the list, then the newer and better known R.E.M. tune would be. Lenny Bruce got two mentions in the song (at the beginning and near the end, in a segment Stipe said was inspired by a dream where he was at a party where everyone had the initials L.B.), and that’ll make you feel fine, too. It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe Recorded by R.E.M. From Document, 1987 Offer me alternatives: