LIVE AT THE OLYMPIA: ON THE FLY

  Another song that didn't fit ACCELERATE, but maybe might've weaseled into a longer version. I hope there's a studio version out there somewhere that stretches out the thought, but this is the era of short song R.E.M.. It's like the group picked up some Ramones and Weezer albums. There are shades of Galveston and Country Feedback around the edges and it's the type of track that reminds me R.E.M. is a southern band. Bill would be happy that this track sits on the border of old school country music. According to the recording, this song was one of the first they wrote for the album. Love the stripped down version in the video below.



ON THE FLY

You said that loving me was falling off a log
You always had a way with words
I'm in a barrel over Niagara Falls
I wonder if I am the first
Now if I asked of you for just one wish
Would you turn on me and take the fifth?
You're off again at some epic celebration
Shooting barrels full of fish
You found another hole to waltz into
You found another car to crash
I figured out that humor serves me up
Another this too shall pass

It's easy to laugh off, easy to brush aside
We're living our lives, we're here on the fly
It's easy to laugh off, easy to brush aside

We're living our lives, we're here on the fly
And I just happened by

I stood there naked by the trains again
Frozen stock still in the yard
A Heron waiting for a fish to jump
I never let down my guard
I've been exclusive when it comes to you
I don't receive at all
I wish I felt the same when you call me late
I almost wish you wouldn't call
God knows what I'm looking for
And god knows what I am
Cause even Jesus had his reservations
I won't be doubting you again
I won't be doubting you again

It's easy to laugh off, easy to brush aside
We're living our lives, we're here on the fly
It's easy to laugh off, easy to brush aside
We're living our lives, we're here on the fly
And I just happened by

I'm living my life, I'm here on the fly
And I just happened by
I just happened by

   I kept this one very simple. The key here is the Cmaj7 and that pinky on the 2nd fret for the Em. There's some loose slide going on that can be figured out pretty quickly upon listening which follows the chords. The intro has the second guitar picking the high strings on the 12th fret. Maybe this one's on the lazy side.

ON THE FLY

Verse

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

B|------0---0-------1---0-|

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

D|-0-2--2---2-------3---2-|

A|------2---3-------3---3-|

E|------0---0---x3--1---0-|

Chorus

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

B|--1---0-------3---0--|

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

D|--3---2-------0---2--|

A|--3---3-----------3--|

E|--1---0---x3------0--|