Disturbance at the Heron House

Album: Document (1987)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead singer Michael Stipe explained to Rolling Stone, November 12, 2009: "The song was my take on Animal Farm, an uprising dismissed by the powers that be. There were rumors then that Reagan's vice president, Bush Senior, might run. I thought those were dark years, the '80s. We had no idea what was to come."

Comments: 3

  • Allan Wood from British ColumbiaThe line "the followers of chaos out of control" is probably a sly reference to Get Smart, a spoof of James Bond and spies in general. Maxwell Smart was Agent 86 for Control (based in Washington, DC, the location of the "monument") and the evil criminal organization they battled was called KAOS.
  • Karenbat from Bristol UkGreat song
  • Mark from New York, Ny"Cogs and grunts and hirelings" and "the followers of chaos our of control" Fantastic lyrics to my favorite song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.