Welcome To The Occupation

The next time you listen to “Welcome To The Occupation,” try to imagine it without any drums at all. The character of the song changes considerably, revealing itself to be a bleak folk song about American intervention in Central America buried beneath booming arena rock percussion. The effect is surprisingly subtle. Instead of drowning out the tune, the heavy beat adds emphasis and momentum to a composition that might otherwise feel too still and quiet for its own good. It’s important to note that this is the third time Michael Stipe wrote about this topic — “Green Grow The Rushes” and “The Flowers Of Guatemala” cover similar ground, though their lyrics are rather vague — and he seems rather unwilling to sacrifice his message to intentional obscurity. Despite his obvious disapproval of the exploitation of South and Central Americans and their land, the song is mainly addressed to North Americans who are either unaware or forgiving of these short-sighted, destructive policies. The frustrated sentiment of the song and its studio arrangement is underlined repeatedly at its conclusion: “Listen to me, listen to me, LISTEN TO ME, LISTEN TO ME.”