can gather, throw a fit" has often been misinterpreted as "We can gather, throw up beer." He has also acknowledged that much of the song is made of nonsensical vowels strung together and that he merely approximates the words when he sings the song in concert. To the extent the song contains decipherable lyrics, they seem to be inspired at least in part by Stipe's sister, who is deaf and teaches deaf children. Marcus Gray interprets the song as being directed at a child, possibly a deaf child, based on its title referencing a common exhortation restricting children and other hints in the lyrics. A line in the refrain announces that "I can hear you." Music writer J. Niimi states that this line "binds the obtuseness of the lyrics" and performs a similar "cathartic" function as the audible line "Call out in transit" performs for the murky lyrics of "Radio Free Europe." However, the last line of the song "Can you hear me?" turns this phrase around. This brings the song back to the theme of deafness. Music writer Craig Rosen also interprets this line as a challenge from Stipe to listeners to try to understand his vocals. Niimi interprets it as an expression of the band's fear that, despite their own confidence in their murky style, listeners won't be able to accept them. Other appearances The re-recorded version of "Sitting Still" was included on the 2006 compilation album And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987, with the original being on the album's bonus disc. A live version was included on the 2009 live album Live at the Olympia. References 1981 singles 1981 songs 1983 songs American folk rock songs American punk rock songs Hib-Tone singles Song recordings produced by Mitch Easter Songs written by Bill Berry Songs written by Michael Stipe Songs written by Mike Mills Songs written by Peter Buck R.E.M. songs Unprintworthy redirects