Electrolite

R.E.M.'s 'Electrolite' is a song that weaves together themes of fame, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of life, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. The lyrics, penned by lead singer Michael Stipe, are a poetic reflection on the end of the 20th century and the transient glow of celebrity within the Hollywood landscape.

The song opens with a vivid image of the subject's eyes burning holes, suggesting an intense gaze or presence that captivates and consumes. The reference to being 'gasoline' and 'burnin' clean' could symbolize a feeling of being consumed by another's attention or the combustible nature of fame itself. As the song progresses, the lyrics invoke the names of iconic actors like Martin Sheen, Steve McQueen, and Jimmy Dean, all of whom represent the timeless allure of Hollywood stardom. Yet, there's an underlying sense of something fleeting, as the song bids the 20th century to 'go and sleep' and acknowledges the plastic and temporary nature of the modern world.

The chorus celebrates the subject as the 'star tonight,' shining with an electric brilliance that outshines even the moon. 'Electrolite' could be a metaphor for someone who lights up the world around them, or it could be a commentary on the electrifying, yet short-lived, nature of fame. The repeated assurance that 'you are alive' serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing one's own existence and vitality amidst the dizzying heights of celebrity. Ultimately, the song seems to embrace the idea of moving beyond fear and the superficial, as the speaker declares they are 'out of here,' suggesting a departure from the world of illusions to something more authentic.