AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE: FIND THE RIVER

  Here is the final track of the album.  What I like most of all is that the feeling of the track is optimism and it creates a feeling that there is something next ... I mean, what is coming my way?  It makes you want to listen to the album again.  The lyrics and delivery of the lyrics here are very careful and descriptive, almost Robert Frost as song writer.  It's almost unfair how effortless this song seems.  Years ago this was voted by fans as their #1 favorite R.E.M. song.  A surprise for sure as it was not a huge hit, it didn't even chart on Billboard, but it speaks to the dedication of the R.E.M. fan.
  The backing vocals in particular drive this song, according to Mills, he and Berry went in and recorded without hearing the other.  The result is fairly emotional.
  Next, I will tackle some tracks that were recorded for release with the "Automatic Box" before moving on to Monster.

FIND THE RIVER

Hey now, little speedy head
The read on the speed meter says
You have to go

The task in the city
Where people drown and people serve
Don't be shy

Your just deserve is only just light years to go

Me, my thoughts are flower strewn
With ocean storm

Bayberry moon
I have got to leave to find my way
Watch the road and memorize
This life that pass before my eyes
Nothing is going my way

The ocean is the river's goal
The need to leave the water knows
We're closer now than light years to go

I have got to find the river
Bergamot and vetiver
Run through my head and fall away
Leave the road and memorize
This life that pass before my eyes
Nothing is going my way

There's no one left to take the lead
But I tell you and you can see
We're closer now than light years to go
Pick up here and chase the ride
The river empties to the tide
Fall into the ocean

The river to the ocean goes
A fortune for the undertow
None of this is going my way
There is nothing left to throw
Of Ginger, lemon, indigo
Coriander stem and rose of hay
Strength and courage override
Two privileged and weary eyes
Of river poet search naivete
Pick up here and chase the ride
The river empties to the tide
All of this is coming your way


  This is a nice, simple song.  The highlight for me is the end, but I particularly like how Buck changes an Em7 to an A7sus4 with one finger change ... 

FIND THE RIVER

Intro/ Break:

e|-----2-----2-----2-----2-------|

B|---3-3---3-3---3-3---3-3-------|

G|--2--2--0--2--2--2--0--2-------|

D|-0---0-2---0-0---0-2---0-------|

A|-------------------------------|

E|-------------------------------|

Verse

e|-2---1---0---3---2---1---0--------|

B|-3---3---3---3---3---3---3--------|

G|-2---2---0---0---2---2---0--------|

D|-0---0---2---0---0---0---2--------|

A|---------2---2-----------0--------|

E|---------0---3-----------0--------|

Chorus

e|-3---0---2---0---3---0---2---2---|

B|-3---2---3---3---3---2---3---1---|

G|-0---2---2---0---0---2---2---2---|

D|-0---2---0---2---0---2---0---0---|

A|-2---0-------2---2---0-----------|

E|-3---0-------0---3---0-----------|

End

Guitar 1

e|-----2---|

B|---3-3---|

G|--2--2---|

D|-0---0---|

A|---------|

E|---------|

End

Guitar 2

e|---5---|

B|--7-7--|

G|-7-----|

D|-------|

A|-------|

E|-------|