Meaning of "So Fast, So Numb" by R.E.M.

The lyrics of "So Fast, So Numb" seem to depict a person who is deeply wounded and trying to numb their pain through destructive means. The references to amphetamines, raw adrenaline, and eating cartilage paint a portrait of someone engaging in risky behavior in an attempt to escape their past traumas. The narrator seems to have been in a relationship with this person but is now watching helplessly as they spiral out of control. The repeated refrain of "You love it, you hate it, you want to recreate it" suggests a cycle of self-destructive behavior that the person is unable to break free from. The reference to Kill Devil Hills could symbolize a turning point or a moment of letting go, but ultimately, the person seems to be unable to truly confront their past and emotions. The song captures the sense of powerlessness and sadness that can come from watching someone you care about self-destruct.