Hope

Album: Up (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song is about somebody having to undergo surgery and is now struggling whether to trust science or religion, only to realize that both don't have all the answers.
  • Leonard Cohen got additional songwriting credits for this, but not because he was actively involved, rather the band felt the song had strong similarities to Cohen's "Suzanne."
  • At the release of the album there was a rumor that this song was written for Radiohead singer Thom Yorke. Stipe denied this in a 1999 interview with Q magazine.
  • When R.E.M. played the song live before the album's release, the title was "Boomerang." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - Rostock, Germany, for all above

Comments: 1

  • Mark from New York, NyThis is among the most beautiful songs ever written.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum

Dave Pirner of Soul AsylumSongwriter Interviews

Dave explains how the video appropriated the meaning of "Runaway Train," and what he thought of getting parodied by Weird Al.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.