| "Begin the Begin" | |
|---|---|
| Song byR.E.M. | |
| from the albumLifes Rich Pageant | |
| Released | July 28, 1986 (1986-07-28) |
| Studio | Belmont Mall (Belmont, Indiana) |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:28 |
| Label | I.R.S. |
| Songwriters | |
| Producer | Don Gehman |
"Begin the Begin" is the first song onR.E.M.'s fourth album,Lifes Rich Pageant. Lead singerMichael Stipe has called it "a song of personal, political activism."[2] Though never released as a single, it appeared frequently in the band's live performances as a song early in the set. It was even used as an opening song in the live performances at their inductions into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame[3] and theRock and Roll Hall of Fame.[4] The song was also included as the first track on their 2006 compilationAnd I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987.
As the opening track onLifes Rich Pageant, the song heralded a new clarity in Stipe's vocals.[5] Written on acoustic guitars in Stipe's home, the original version of the song was a minute longer, with five different choruses, lacking melody and a bridge.[6] Replete with references toAmericana and revolution, the title is a pun onCole Porter's "Begin the Beguine".[6]
