Texarkana (song)

"Texarkana"
Promotional CD single
Song by R.E.M. from the album Out of Time
Released	11 March 1991 (UK) 12 March 1991 (U.S.)
Recorded	1990
Genre	Alternative rock country rock
Length	3:37
Label	Warner Bros.
Producer	Scott Litt, R.E.M.
Out of Time track listing
"Half a World Away" (8) "Texarkana" (9) "Country Feedback" (10)

"Texarkana" is a song from R.E.M.'s studio album Out of Time. Though not released as a single, it managed to chart at number 4 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 6 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. This song was written, musically and lyrically, by bassist Mike Mills (credited to Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe), as vocalist Michael Stipe had been having problems for weeks trying to come up with lyrics for it. As a result, Mills also sang lead vocals.

The title is a reference to the city of Texarkana (located on the border of Texas and Arkansas), originally mentioned in the chorus before it was changed.

It is one of few songs that the band never performed live.

Charts

Chart (1991)	Peak position
US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[1]	4
U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks[2]	7

Personnel

• Bill Berry – drums
• Peter Buck – guitar
• Mike Mills – bass guitar, keyboards, lead vocals
• Michael Stipe – backing vocals

References

1. "R.E.M. – Chart history" Billboard Alternative Songs for R.E.M.. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
2. "R.E.M. - Charts & Awards - Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2011-05-06.