Oddfellows local 151 behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits to prove a sage to teach
Peewee gathered up his proof
Reached up and scratched his head
Fell down and hit the ground again

Firehouse. Firehouse.

Why do the heathens rage behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits upon the wall to preach?
This boy and girl that gather pearls
Of wisdom falling from his mouth
Wash off the blood, wash off the rum

Firehouse. Firehouse.

Oddfellows local 151 behind the firehouse
Where Peewee sits upon the wall to preach.
This boy and girl that gather pearls
Of wisdom falling from his mouth
Wash off the blood, wash off the 151.

Firehouse. Firehouse.
Firehouse. Firehouse.

There used to be Oddfellow Lodges all over town, just like the Mooses or the Shrinners. The song is actually about all these winos who used to live down the street from us. They used to live in cars. We call them The Motor Club. These old guys would sleep in the cars and drink all the time. I think there was a guy called Pee Wee as well. Michael knew them because he used to live right nect door to them. Every once in a while you'd give them five bucks or drop off a bottle.
Peter Buck 1987

Quotes collected from 'R.E.M. - In Their Own Words' by Peter Hogan

Lyrics are based on fans interpretations and are not official.

All R.E.M. originals written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe.

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By Deaner This song has always reminded me of a Flannery O'Connor story---it's very spooky and quirky, with a feeling that there's a lot going on just beneath the surface.

By jeffbirt