Listen to Animal by R.E.M.

Animal

R.E.M.

Alternative

9,027

Apple Music Note

OVERVIEW

LYRICS

Upcoming Concerts for R.E.M.

Sep
30
Sep 30, 2025
Terminal West
Atlanta

Featured In

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Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS

Bill Rieflin

Performer

Hahn Rowe

Performer

Michael Stipe

Lead Vocals

Mike Mills

Bass

Peter Buck

Guitar

Scott McCaughey

Scott McCaughey

Performer

COMPOSITION & LYRICS

Peter Buck

Songwriter

Michael Stipe

Songwriter

Mike Mills

Songwriter

PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING

R.E.M.

Producer

Pat McCarthy

Producer

Bryan Gallant

Additional Engineer

Jamie Candiloro

Jamie Candiloro

Recording Engineer

John Keane

Additional Engineer

Kirk McNally

Additional Engineer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Hey, what's the big deal?

Tell me how to feel

I know where I boomeranged and fell from grace

Point me to the stars, I'm up for the chase

I know where we fell on our face

Jump with me, you jump with me

[Verse 2]

Hey, what's the big deal?

I'm an animal

(The answer landed on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(The future and the truth on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(It's calling me to work it out)

(It's calling me to work it out, whoa)

[Verse 3]

I don't want a boomerang

I don't want a cannonball

I'm not anglin'

I don't wanna fall

Tell me I'm the anchor of my own ascension

Tell me I'm a tourist in the fourth dimension

[Verse 4]

Hey, what's the big deal?

I'm an animal

(The answer landed on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(The future and the truth on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(It's calling me to work it out)

(It's calling me to work it out, whoa)

[Verse 5]

Work it out

[Verse 6]

I am vibrating at the speed of light

Take my hand, we'll wind up the night

Spin me, win me, lift me, kiss me

Trap me, cuss me, fit me, trust me

Touch me now you take my hand

You trust me, now you understand

[Verse 7]

So, what's the big deal?

I'm an animal

(The answer landed on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(The future and the truth on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(It's calling me to work it out)

(It's calling me to work it out)

[Verse 8]

What's the big deal?

I'm an animal

(The answer landed on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(The future and the truth on my rooftop, whoa)

I'm an animal

(It's calling me to work it out)

(It's calling me to work it out, whoa)

[Verse 9]

I am vibrating at the speed of light

I am vibrating at the speed of light

Written by: Michael Mills, Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck

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