Meaning of "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville" by R.E.M.

The lyrics of "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville" convey a sense of dissatisfaction with small-town life and the desire for something more. The narrator describes the town as a place where nobody says hello and nobody talks to strangers, creating an atmosphere of isolation and detachment. The image of winding up in a dirty factory with no prospects adds to the feeling of hopelessness and unfulfilled potential. The narrator pleads with the loved one not to return to Rockville, emphasizing that they believe the loved one will eventually come back before too long, implying that the grass is greener elsewhere.

The second verse reveals the narrator's own struggles with loneliness and coping mechanisms. They admit to drinking themselves to sleep at night and trying to detach from their problems by being "too far out to sea." However, they express the need for something better to happen soon, implying that they are unsatisfied with their current state of being alone.

The refrain of "Don't go back to Rockville and waste another year" serves as a warning against falling into a cycle of stagnation and missed opportunities. The narrator recognizes that their loved one may not be perfect or necessary for their life, but they believe that in Rockville, others will only bring them down. They express a desire for the loved one to seek something better and not settle for the limitations of their hometown.

Overall, "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville" captures the sentiment of wanting to escape the monotony and limitations of small-town life and encouraging others to seek opportunities elsewhere. The lyrics touch on themes of isolation, unfulfilled potential, and the desire for something better, while also acknowledging the complexity of relationships and the longing for connection.