Meaning of "Good Advices" by R.E.M.

The lyrics of "Good Advices" by R.E.M. revolve around themes of detachment and caution in personal interactions. The repeated instructions to look at shoes and hands when greeting a stranger, as well as keeping money and memories close, indicate a sense of guardedness and wariness towards others. The idea of keeping a hat on your head and home being a long way away further emphasizes the desire for distance and protection. The notion of forgetting names and wanting to see someone from a long way away suggest a longing for anonymity and emotional distance in relationships. Overall, the lyrics seem to convey a sense of isolation and self-preservation, highlighting the challenges and complexities of human connections.