Lyrics source: Stipe’s hand-written lyrics sheet
There’s a secret stigma, reaping wheel.
Diminish, a carnival of sorts.
Chronic town, poster torn, reaping wheel.
Stranger, stranger to these parts.
Gentlemen don’t get caught, cages under cage. Gentlemen don’t get caught,
Boxcars (are pulling) out of town. Boxcars (are pulling) out of town.
Boxcars (are pulling) out of town.
(repeat 1st verse and chorus)
Cages under, cages under, cages under cage.
Cages under, cages under, cages under cage.
(repeat chorus)
There’s a secret stigma, reaping wheel.
Stranger, stranger to these parts.
Chronic town, poster torn, reaping wheel.
Diminish, stranger.
(repeat chorus)
(Lyrics are copyright R.E.M. unless otherwise stated as a cover version, in which case copyright is owned by that artist.)