Nightswimming

R.E.M.'s 'Nightswimming' is a song that evokes the tranquility and introspection of a solitary, nocturnal experience. The lyrics suggest a scene of swimming at night, a time when the world is quiet, and one can be alone with their thoughts. The mention of a photograph on the dashboard, taken years ago, serves as a catalyst for nostalgia, as the singer reflects on the past while the present moment is illuminated by the street lights. The image of the photograph turned around, so the windshield shows, creates a metaphor for looking back through the lens of the present.

The song also touches on themes of vulnerability and the passage of time. The line 'They cannot see me naked' can be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's desire for privacy and the freedom to be oneself without judgment. As the song progresses, the lyrics shift from the personal to the universal, suggesting that the experiences of night swimming and the emotions it evokes are not unique to the singer but are part of the human condition. The fear of getting caught and the recklessness associated with youth are contrasted with the mundane nature of everyday life that replaces these thrilling moments.

Finally, 'Nightswimming' is a contemplative piece that captures the essence of a moment suspended in time. The repeated line 'Deserves a quiet night' emphasizes the need for stillness and the value of taking a moment to pause and reflect. The song's mood is one of wistful longing, as the singer pines for the moon and reminisces about a night that was both significant and fleeting. The celestial imagery towards the end of the song, with references to the moon, the sun, and the tides, adds a layer of depth, suggesting a connection between human experiences and the larger cosmos.