It was released on the band's fifth full-length studio album, Document, and also as a 7" vinyl single in 1987.

However, subsequent lyrics in the same verse contradict the love song interpretation and suggest a darker, more manipulative theme ("A simple prop to occupy my time").

Michael Stipe related in 1987 to Rolling Stone, "I've always left myself pretty open to interpretation.

"[6] However, in an interview in the January 1988 issue of Musician magazine, he said that the song was "incredibly violent" and added, "It's very clear that it's about using people over and over again.

All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe unless otherwise indicated.