My 22 year old daughter is starting to explore R.E.M. more on her own after growing up in a house where the bands music was the score for her life and so much before she arrived. She recently asked me about the meaning of the lyrics for “Gardening At Night.” She gave me her theory, but, what I’m interested in is finding any actual commentary that Mr. Stipe might have given regarding the meaning of the lyrics. I spent some time thumbing through the index of a couple of R.E.M. books that I have and, also, doing a Google search. Both offer up a variety of interpretations referring to various comments made by the band members over the years (e.g. roadside pee stops, a neighbor gardening at 2:00 AM in a suit, etc.). But, I have yet to find out Michael’s take on it, specifically, being the lyric writer. Can anybody point me in the right direction?
Read the liner notes for the Part Heart collection.
Thanks. I did review those liner notes, but, Stipe didn’t comment specifically on the lyrics. Thanks for responding, though! 
Lyrics to many of their songs have different meanings and origin stories even for the individual band members so it’s not always going to be something that’s clear cut.
Understood. Thanks.
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