Fading Markings on the Heartbeat | Crush With Eyeliner | R.E.M.

R.E.M.'s "Crush With Eyeliner" is a standout track from their 1995 album "Monster". The song's lyrics are often cryptic and open to interpretation, but at its core, it appears to be a reflection on the fleeting nature of relationships and the desire to hold onto something that feels meaningful.

The opening lines, "I'm going to crush with eyeliner / I'll never get used to the way you leave", set the tone for the song's themes of vulnerability and longing. The repeated phrase "crush with eyeliner" becomes a kind of mantra, emphasizing the artificial nature of the relationship and the attempt to mask one's true emotions.

Throughout the song, lead vocalist Michael Stipe's distinctive vocals take center stage, delivering lines that are both poetic and enigmatic. The chorus, "I'll never get used to the way you leave / I'll never get used to the way you stay", drives home the sense of uncertainty and disconnection that pervades the song.

Musically, "Crush With Eyeliner" is a departure from R.E.M.'s typical jangly indie rock sound, instead featuring a more driving rhythm and prominent use of synthesizers. The result is a song that feels both dark and introspective, yet still manages to convey a sense of yearning and connection.

Ultimately, "Crush With Eyeliner" is a powerful and haunting track that showcases R.E.M.'s ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.