- published: 31 Oct 2014
- views: 2988
Succumbs was R.E.M.'s first commercially available full-length movie. Released in October 1987 by UNI/A&M, it contains video footage shot by R.E.M.'s lead singer Michael Stipe dating back to the mid-1980s, while the band was still recording under the I.R.S. Records label. Stipe collaborated with local Athens, Georgia artist James Herbert for some tracks.
For fans who came to know R.E.M. after they signed on with Warner, Succumbs offers a glimpse at the unique feel of the band before their commercial success. It is available only on VHS and Laserdisc, and it is likely only available second-hand. However, all the videos contained in this package now feature on the When the Light Is Mine DVD, released in September 2006.
An introductory clip at the beginning of the collection features guitarist Peter Buck and the band's then-manager, Jefferson Holt, introducing "citizens of the future" to an "outmoded artform" called the "video", predicting it would have a staying power similar to that of Nehru jackets and other forgotten fads.
we're walkin' on straight lines - marching on side by
side
and shot down everything we see
we're bombin' foreign cities - burn out and leave it
look back, they're dancing in the ashes
but dont' think that this way's wrong
it is important that we save peace on earth, go on -
lets kill someone
there's no sense to run, to hide
i get you all - no need to try
you're innocent indeed but its my job
i'm a rifleman of the united states
sorry but now it's too late
i'm killing for my country and for god
ref: I FIGHT
just for peace so shut up now and
DIE don't CRY
it's just for your good and to keep my pride
we're conquering your land - calm down i'm your friend
the government says "it's just for your protection"
no more freedom - for you and your nation
you see us armed with guns trough broken windows
there's no sense to run, to hide
i get you all - no need to try
you're innocent indeed but its my job
i'm a rifleman of the united states
sorry but now it's too late