Walk Unafraid

Album: Up (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • R.E.M. play this at many of their concerts. The message is about finding courage and not being afraid: "I'll trip, fall, pick myself up and walk unafraid." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Joe - Baltimore, MD
  • This was inspired by Michael Stipe's longtime heroine Patti Smith. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Martin - Rostock, Germany
  • Swedish duo First Aid Kit recorded a somber cover for the soundtrack of the 2014 hiking drama Wild. The Söderberg sisters were approached by Wild music supervisor Susan Jacobs to work on the soundtrack in 2014. "Our parents played a lot of R.E.M. growing-up - 'Losing My Religion' was probably one of the first of the group's songs we heard," Klara Söderberg told Billboard magazine. "'But 'Walk Unafraid' and the lyrics 'I'll trip, fall, pick myself up and walk unafraid' resonate with Cheryl's story in the film."

Comments: 3

  • Terry from Ottawa, CanadaWhere can I find a copy of the live version, if one exits?
  • Matthew from Milford, MaMan, the live version of this is fantastic!!!!! AWESOME SONG!!!!
  • Theresa from Kingston, OhI love this song so much. It's one of the first R.E.M. song I ever heard, and it's still one of my favorites.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

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.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.