Meaning of "She Just Wants to Be" by R.E.M.

The lyrics of "She Just Wants to Be" by R.E.M. explore the theme of self-discovery and the search for a new beginning. The woman in the song has left behind her past life and is now seeking a place where she can simply be herself. The references to famous musicians like Mingus and Chet Baker, as well as the game of chess, suggest a life of sophistication and culture that she is now moving away from. She is looking for simplicity and peace in a new environment, away from the trappings of her previous life. The repeated emphasis on the present moment being greater than the past signifies her realization that she can only truly live in the present and shape her future. The song conveys a sense of longing for a fresh start and the courage it takes to leave behind the familiar for the unknown.