Meaning of "What If We Give It Away?" by R.E.M.

The lyrics of "What If We Give It Away?" by R.E.M. touch on themes of authenticity, conformity, and the struggle to maintain individuality in a society that prioritizes material wealth and fitting in. The speaker seems to grapple with the pressure to follow societal norms, represented by phrases like "You're mistaken, no one's standing there" and "Take the order, sew it on your tie." There is a sense of rebellion in the repeated questioning of "What if we give it away?" as the speaker considers the possibility of shedding expectations and societal constraints to reveal their true self. The mention of a year passing without movement suggests stagnation and a lack of progress, perhaps highlighting the consequences of suppressing one's true identity. Overall, the lyrics encourage listeners to contemplate the cost of conformity and the importance of staying true to oneself even in the face of societal pressures.