Begin the Begin
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"Begin the Begin" is the first song on R.E.M.'s fourth album, Lifes Rich Pageant. Lead singer Michael Stipe has called it "a song of personal, political activism."[1] 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[2] and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[3] The song was also included as the first track on their 2006 compilation And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987.
As the opening track on Lifes Rich Pageant, the song heralded a new clarity in Stipe's vocals.[4] 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.[5] Replete with references to Americana and revolution, the title is a pun on Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine".[5]