Martyrdom. That’s what the song is about. This could be construed as either one person taking responsibility for the breakdown of a relationship, or something more sinister – true martyrdom. Either way, the lyrics are simply flawless. Who threw the crushing blow? Someone has to take the fall. Why not me? In other words, he is accepting responsibility, but the “why not me?” suggests that it is reluctant – a trace of resigned acceptance.
A punch toy volunteer
A weakling on its knee.
Is all you want to hear
And all you want to see.
In other words, the other party is not interested in the truth, but rather just someone who is willing to offer themselves up to take the blame.
And finally:
For each and every gathering
A scapegoat falls to climb.
As I step forward, silently.
Deliberately mine.
Dignity in martyrdom, but with it helplessness. And then the final overall powerful lyrics:
Had consequence chose differently
Had fate its ugly head
My actions make me beautiful
And dignify the flesh
Me. I am free. Free.
Beautiful. Just beautiful. And the final “I am free”, meaning they have done the deed, and are freed from the responsibility – either now dead, or at least having taken the blame unnecessarily. Only REM could write a song this powerful. Jon Simmonds.