The lyrics of "Wendell Gee" by R.E.M. tell the story of Wendell Gee, a man who is reared to give respect but chooses to rebel by whistling as the wind blows through the leaves. He has a dream about a tree losing its middle and tries to hold it up with chicken wire, but it turns to lizard skin. In the end, there is not enough time to say goodbye to Wendell Gee.

Meaning of "Wendell Gee" by R.E.M.

The lyrics of "Wendell Gee" explore themes of rebellion, loss, and the passing of time. Wendell Gee symbolizes the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. By choosing to whistle in defiance, he asserts his individuality and freedom, but ultimately faces consequences as represented by the tree collapsing. The imagery of the tree losing its middle and the wire turning to lizard skin suggests the fragility and impermanence of our attempts to control or contain life's uncertainties. The repeated refrain of "Gonna miss you, boy" conveys a sense of regret and longing for what is lost, highlighting the theme of mortality and our inability to fully grasp the fleeting nature of existence. Overall, the song reflects on the complexities of human emotions and the bittersweet experience of navigating through life's inevitable changes.