Revolution

Album: Batman And Robin Soundtrack (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • R.E.M. performed this song on their 1995 Monster tour, but never released the song on an album. It eventually showed up on the soundtrack to the 1997 movie Batman And Robin. According to Karl Hyde, the singer from the techno act Underworld, he and Michael Stipe were supposed to work on a song for the film, but they didn't have time to complete it, so this unreleased R.E.M. song was used on the soundtrack instead.
  • This is a very political song, with references to Oliver North and Ronald Reagan. The song is about punk rock kids who aren't quite sure where to direct their anger. The political references, which by the mid-'90s were quite dated, may have kept the song off of R.E.M.'s studio albums.

Comments: 2

  • Matthew from Milford, MaOkay, I just submitted lyrics for the finished version, from In Time: The Best of R.E.M. This is the full version of the song, with all the lyrics. And, it sounds good!
  • Paul from Redditch, EnglandThey performed this song at several shows on the "monster tour" and I was very disappointed that it didn't make the New Adventures... album. See the bootleg album "Aural Pleasure" for the full Milton Keynes concert.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

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.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.