Time After Time (Annelise)

R.E.M.'s 'Time After Time (Annelise)' delves into the complexities of social expectations and personal choices. The song opens with a question posed to 'the girl of the hour by the water tower's watch,' setting a scene that feels both specific and universal. This imagery suggests a moment of contemplation and decision-making. The lyrics ask whether one is obligated to follow friends who have taken a fall, hinting at the pressures of loyalty and the consequences of collective actions. The recurring chorus, 'Time after, time after time,' underscores the cyclical nature of these dilemmas, suggesting that such situations are a recurring part of life.

The second verse introduces the idea of judgment based on one's actions or refusals. 'When the bull's on his hooves, when you gather friends by the tower, if you try to refuse, will they judge your worth by the hour?' This line questions the value placed on conformity and the fear of being judged for making independent choices. The bull, a symbol of strength and stubbornness, contrasts with the vulnerability of being judged by peers, highlighting the tension between individual will and social pressure.

The song also touches on themes of fatigue and solace. 'If you're tired and you're tried you can find me in my room, you can stay if you want and the third time you can't lose,' offers a sense of refuge and unconditional support. This line suggests that despite the external pressures and judgments, there is a place of comfort and acceptance. The final lines, 'We can fight if you want but who will turn out the light,' imply that while conflicts and decisions are inevitable, there is a shared responsibility and a need for resolution. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that these themes are timeless and universal, resonating 'time after time.'