AN INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE FOR PEOPLE IN 2024?! First Time Hearing R.E.M. - Everybody Hurts Reaction!

[@mamasinger49]

This song saved a lot of people's lives when it came out. So many said when they felt like taking their own lives, they heard this song and it helped them so much. REM need a deep dive, they were one of the biggest bands of the 90s

[@mharris7380]

I remember it once being published that this song was the last played song of people who committed suicide.

[@S1MPLECAVEMAN]

Perhaps this song extended their lives with a sense of hope even if for a short while, months, weeks, days.......until.

[@georgiegorge6679]

mamasinger , you are so spot on 🙏🙏💖💖👌

[@karenstacymayne4156]

I read that somewhere, but I wasn’t sure whether it was true or not. It didn’t surprise me when I read it. So glad to know that it is true.

[@johnkonertz8042]

Fighting depression since my teens, and i am now 59.. Believe it or not this song has played on the radio at just the right time for me, more than a handful of times. Depression is a mother fucker !!! Once again, your reaction to this song came at just the right time. Thank you !!!!

[@Pton_reaction_addict]

Losing my religion, stand, it's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine, man on the moon. Just a start. Great band. Sam and Phil time to dig deeper into REM. It will be a journey you will enjoy.

[@glastonbury4304]

Exactly...💞

[@queenie.lawyergirl.pittymom]

This song saved my life and I still listen to it everyday. It's on my Spotify Playlist. Thanks to REM.. LEGENDS. They will never be able to recreate the 80s and 90s. Best music ever.

[@benjamansharer7969]

I've suffered from depression all my life, and at times been suicidal. I'm grateful for thus woman who has been by my side for the last 38 years. Just knowing she loves me faults and all keeps me from making that final step

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

Me, too…thanks to my special, fantastic hubby has been there for 43 years. I’m the luckiest woman in the world. I’m bipolar, so he’s dealt with a lot. Thanks, KWPK. I’ll always adore you. Thanks.

[@JedemPoKucama]

God loves you too guys..more than you'll ever know

[@scotmiller2744]

You need to rewatch the video and read all the captions, they were the thoughts of the people.

[@leeann3920]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I just want to reach through the screen and make them pay attention! Of course, the words tell a story all their own, but this is one time where [particularly well] the video tells a story, too.

[@mikec5309]

@@leeann3920same. Such an iconic video that gets me every time!

[@glastonbury4304]

What a band what a song...one of the all time classics....hugggggge song ❤

[@kevinwright8511]

REM formed in 1980. They were students at University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. I listened to them on college radio stations that played alternative music. That was until they became popular and got regular airplay in the mid 80s and into the 90s. Saw them live in 1983 when they released Murmur.

[@fgrillo29]

Every time I hear those opening chords, this song hits me like a freight train. It's sadness, loneliness and grief. This song reached so many people dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. When the strings come in at the end, it takes a hopeful turn and it just soars. I cry every time I hear this song. When he sings "You are not alone" at the end, that always gets me. It's a beautiful song.

[@metalmark1214]

Most of this song was written by R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry. He quit the band in 1997 shortly before recording their album Up. After that album, the band almost broke up, but decided to continue as a trio. Berry became a farmer. This is an anti-suicide song. Berry wanted to reach out to people who felt they had no hope. Other songs from them to explore Losing My Religion, It’s the End of the World as We Know It, The One I Love, Stand

[@scottsmith6631]

Berry had to retire to a quieter life. Brain Aneurysm, I believe. Too risky for a drummer. Was having blackouts before diagnosis.

[@kenharness1417]

Thank you for this. A good friend of mine took his life a week ago, Monday March 25. The following Wednesday I went to his viewing. I saw all the people who were there to mourn our friend, and to think how alone he must have felt. I then came home, listened to this song, and posted it on Facebook in case someone else needed to hear. RIP John John. I will miss you buddy.

[@TheSmittenman]

One of my friends did the same thing several years ago, after seeing his sister on her birthday, and a week before his 😢

[@barsandbarbells2022]

So sad... sorry for your loss Ken 🙏

[@lauripettit1879]

I have always loved this song!😢

[@willfromyadkinville]

this song still hits me hard! i know it always will!

[@chrispavlich9656]

There was a Priest on Britain’s Got Talent back in 2018 named Ray Kelly that sang this song and it was so good.

[@Renovion]

This song was life changing for me, I can honestly say that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for this song. It is by far my favorite song of theirs.

[@jonno55]

Thanks for this one. Great band and saw them twice in Belgium during a big festival. in the 80s and in 2005 Wonderful song.

[@LBinsocal]

Losing My Religion was their most popular song back in the day

[@jbjamz7075]

I've heard this numerous times, always cry ❤

[@it-really-hurts2092]

This song and album was my 90s. 1st car, girl in the passenger seat, cassette tape in the stereo. I miss those days.

[@sos2907]

"Shiny Happy People",is a great uplifting song

[@RockinMamaT]

This song has saved so many lives. Losing my religion is a banger as Phil would say 😂❤

[@garbuckle3000]

Everybody hurts. Everybody cries. And everyone is allowed to cry to this song. This song never becomes irrelevant, and I'm glad you noticed the connection between the male singer(s) and the meaning behind it. As long as men are continually told to "suck it up", songs like this have a place. Another song along similar lines is "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush. Highly recommended

[@Dave-no6tv]

oh, and they started in 1982. Losing My Religion was their biggest hit.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

Close.. they formed in 1980.

[@thorfinsky1427]

"The One I Love" is a good one.

[@John_Locke_108]

Great, powerful song. String work done by the legendary John Paul Jones.

[@cyclops60]

Great reaction guys! Great and powerful song and video. This always gets me wondering about all the people I see during a day and what struggles they're going through. REM are massive, 'The sidewinder sleeps tonight', 'Man on the moon', 'Near wild heaven','nightswimming' are just a few of my favourites. Cheers.

[@threekidzmom04]

Losing my Religion was one of my other REM favs

[@nidh1109]

Listening had me in tears. I think because of the commonality of sadness that comes to us all at sometime in our life. It is a beautiful, emotional song and his voice conveys those feelings perfectly.

[@davidharrison1523]

Jane H commenting …. This song has such a powerful message, giving people lost in despair, hope that they aren’t alone, & that there is light at the end of the dark tunnel they are in. My nephew took his own life in the 1980s, at the age of 19, & I often wonder if this song had been around then, for him to listen to, if it would have made a difference. I know that it has impacted the lives of many people. As Elvis Presley sang in his 1968 song, If I Can Dream ….”We’re lost in a cloud with too much rain …. We’re trapped in a world that’s troubled with pain”.

[@fidel2xl]

For some music videos, although the lyrics are great, you also need to actually look at the music video since videos like this one are extremely descriptive and tells a story on screen that helps add to the song. I noticed that while the video was playing, you either had your eyes closed or were looking away, so you missed the fact that there were captions provided under many of the other people who were stuck in traffic. The captions indicated that those people were indeed each going through their own personal struggles. Anyway, R.E.M was actually one of the biggest groups in the late 1980s and 1990s...multiple Grammy wins, and platinum records. Another great song and music video from them you guys should also check out is 'Losing My Religion' (from 1991 or 1992). Awesome song, but the music video especially is a classic since it contains so many metaphors and symbolism. It's not one where you can just 'close your eyes' and totally ignore what's on the screen during your reaction...lol

[@davidharrison1523]

One of the best songs out, & gives a wonderful, life-saving message.

[@t0dd000]

I often wonder how many lives this one song has saved.

[@michaelasay8587]

So many suicide's today in this crazy world...I've felt like it. Hope people vote right next time😢

[@davidmack3806]

This one is always heart wrenching for me as my mother took her life when this was popular.

[@lizawake614]

A real poet. Michael Stipe. People can see him out in Athens, Ga now and then. I hope he is happy and content.

[@Whole_lotta_Milan]

A lot of gems to react to by this magnificent band

[@ericmcnair4083]

So many good R.E.M. songs. "The One I Love" is my favorite because of the opening guitar

[@jwilywily]

Brilliant band with an incredible catalogue. As mentioned by others, well worth diving into.

[@popswvu]

You really need to be watching the video in the words that they put on the screen. You’re really missing a lot of the video and what the meaning of this song is.

[@alanshields8036]

Not only is this a great song, the video is one of the best.

[@alexshkoditch4593]

Rock n' Roll trivia note: the string section was scored and arranged by John Paul Jones the Led Zeppelin bassist and keyboard player.

[@Nutty_commenter]

I adore JPJ, and I don't think he ever gets enough recognition. But, hey, he's a humble guy!

[@hartspot009]

The song is iconic imo, along with the video. Super reaction as always!

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Thank you!!

[@trainboy440]

IT'S NOT 20 YEARS OLD IT'S 32 YEARS OLD ......BUT STILL BETTER THAN 99% OF TODAYS MUSIC......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MCP920]

I believe Australia or New Zealand used this music for a Don’t drink and Drive holiday add. Most powerful I’ve ever seen.

[@DanielleBachmann-v2n]

Am 75 years old and still obsess about REM.

[@mynameispaul0530]

REM's debut album Murmur is still my all-time fave of their works.

[@gregholz1117]

R.E.M. is iconic...please dive deeper into them. "Losing my Religion".... "Man on the Moon" ... "Stand"... "Night Swimming"

[@karenglenn6707]

I have written this many times on hearing this song. I lost my best friend Meredith aged just 34 in 1997 to non Hodgkin’s lymphoma leaving 2 young girls, one 13 and one just 2. When she knew she was terminal she chose this song for her funeral, but we used to hear it in the car together before she dies and I would cry, knowing that I would lose her. She went into a coma on a Friday in April, we went up (she was at home) and I sat with her, holding her hand and stroking her hair and telling her how much I loved her and what she meant to me. I truly thought that she would wake up until her little 2 yr old daughter Grace came into the room saying mumma, trying to get her attention and the was nothing, not even a flicker from her eyes, and then I knew and started to sob. Her family was with her and we left late, my husband being a prison officer was on duty the next morning and then we were coming back up. My husband walked in the door after getting home from his shift and said to me that Cass just rang him ( her elder daughter who could not bring herself to tell me) and I knew what he was going to tell me and I begged him not to, so he just said they need you at her house, so we got into the car, with me bawling my eyes out and the first song on the radio was this, the one she had chosen. I knew she was with me to let me know she was there and it was ok. Got up to Bendigo in Victoria and sat with her for ages after she had died. I held her hand again and kissed her beautiful face and didn’t want to leave her. I had written her a letter and left it with her family the night before telling her how much she meant to me, what a loyal and wonderful friend she was to me despite all of my faults. Her brother read it to her while she was in the coma before she died. I received a beautiful letter from her afterwards saying how much she loved me and also my family, who all adored her. She is now a grandma, her 2 beautiful granddaughters are as sassy and smart and funny as she was and I am so sad that they will never get to know this amazingly funny, talented and gorgeous woman. This song has come on at various times in my life, once even after visiting her grave. I still find it difficult to listen to, so many memories of my hysterically funny and loyal friend who I still miss every day of my life. For you my darling Merri ❤️ Thank you for the love, for accepting me completely, the loyalty,the laughs watching Ab Fab and drinking our favourite wine.

[@mikephotos225]

Thank you for this. I have felt very much the same way and feel the resonance of this song. My fiancee died unexpectedly of peritonitis. She was 39. I also find comfort in the Oak Ridge Boys song "I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes"

[@glenbmc3734]

A great group from Athens GA. Having lived in Athens in the late 80s there were so many local groups playing good music at that time.

[@GrahamG76]

R.E.M has always been my favourite band, Automatic for the People Album which this song is from is brilliant from start to finish. R.E.M named Rapid eye Movement after the sleep behaviour disorder.

[@jimcomvideos]

You guys nailed this one, reaction wise. I had just been a part of a mass shooting where 7 of my friends/co-workers were killed. (1996) I was in a bar and this song was playing. Very emotional. Great song, great message.

[@visionaryventures12]

Wow! New to REM. You should hear their song, Man on the Moon.

[@michaelstallings5824]

alot of people miss the captions,of what people are thinking that are stuck in the traffic jam, that goes to the idea everyone has a problem,or hurts in some way but keep it to themselves, near the end of the video,the old gentlemen,missing his deceased wife is one.

[@jemxs]

One of the most powerfull songs of the last 30 years, perfectly executed! Fantastic song and band, try Losing Your Religion by them.

[@VicNoel-fk5vg]

This song saved my life.

[@oldsoldier4u814]

At almost 60 years old I've FINALLY been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Today was a total 💩 day and I really needed to hear this today. Thanks for the reaction!

[@JudeAussie]

Almost 60 too with anxiety and depression. Hang in there! ❤️🇦🇺

[@Jude_196]

Hope you BOTH hang in there!! As you know: some days ARE poo....but, then a couple o' days later: ya feel ok! GOTTA STICK WITH IT to get to the OK!! Been there.... HERE's to the "OK" days!! 💗💗💗💗

[@manna6618]

Stay strong chief... quite a bit younger than you but really feel you are needed here, for guidance and wisdom...pass it on to us mate, your life experiences can really help, genuinely. X

[@neilmartin99]

Someone turned me on to the British humor author, P G Wodehouse, around 15 years ago. His books, especially the Jeeves series novels and short stories have since got me through many rough patches in my life. 😄 it's not the complete solution but as someone once told me "laughter is the best medicine." Give him a try.

[@oldsoldier4u814]

@@JudeAussie You too! One day at a time ...

[@zigman63]

What this song meant to me is when we walk past someone or in this video stuck in gridlock, we never know what other people are going through, so metaphor aside it's something we should be aware of more.Everybody Hurts.

[@chrish5856]

Hi from the Uk. This alternative rock band were from Athens, Georgia and formed in 1980. They were pioneers in this genre of music. Your in depth interpretation and meaning of the lyrics is spot on. love your individual analysis. You are one of the better reaction duo's out there. Best wishes.

[@Patreides9]

When I (!) was young. :) Losing My Religion (1991), Everybody Hurts (1992).

[@user-hk2qb9vy8u]

You must follow this up by watching the official live video from the Glastonbury Music Festival...it is a deeply moving piece anyway, but lead singer Michael Stipe knocks this out of the park live.

[@timothybush9633]

REM formed in 1980 and has many good songs that I'm sure people will tell many but one that my daughter did at her school talent contestant was "Fall on Me"

[@amyaeschbach3581]

Great reaction. More REM. Losing my religion! Watching this song live, is so worth it. Would ba a great reaction, but if not, it’s a must watch even just personally. This song dropped my junior year of HS. More than nostalgia. There was on instance I sobbed uncontrollably to this on repeat at 16 yrs ails already on antidepressants in 1993. I guess everyone has their story of how this songs fit in their life! ❤✌️

[@denisestorm4475]

I listen to this song when I'm feeling down ... gives me hope. REM is one of my favorite groups .... check out their other works

[@dianajefford9164]

You should check out Home Free's One Voice, Featuring Billy Gilman, who wrote and recorded the song as a kid and is now a man. Powerful, very powerful.

[@bhurzumii4315]

"Drive" and "strange currencies" are both bangers by REM!

[@gaefferson1]

Always an amazing song

[@matthewstevens1954]

Popular song but also started in "When a Man Loves a Woman" with Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia

[@mb-fs1yo]

Always liked this tune as well as End of the world and Stand

[@eggstu]

REM are legendary. Orange Crush is really good song to listen to

[@Prodigal1]

Check out “ Losing my Religion “ by them. Big hit!

[@Marc-g3s9e]

String arrangement by John Paul Jones of Zep....

[@mikebrock7606]

REM was huge! So many great songs. Try the song, "Drive".....

[@andersgranstrom7128]

😍😍Thanks guys! Great reminder!

[@Young-Turk99]

You HAVE TO react to R.E.M. "Man on the Moon" the Live at Austin City Limits version!! 💯🤘🏻

[@gunnarjinx]

One has to WATCH the screen to live it completely .... most of the msg is there in written words ... !!!

[@76Bigsmile]

The cars symbolise the shells people are in, not talking about their problems and their hurt. At the end of the video, everyone gets out of the cars. "Hold on" bit is how people with suicidal thoughts should seek help.

[@t0dd000]

You nailed the traffic metaphor.

[@anglosaxon5874]

Great song though and it has helped a lot of people with depression.

[@JulioHernandez-chico]

I was what 12 back in 2001 .listening for the first time to 97.1 Delilah . I was going through a lot . Being bullied at home by stepbrothers and going to school and being bullied there. .. I came to being tired . I waited for my father to come home and everyone being home. I pulled a knife out and screamed at all of them . My stepmom my stepbrothers "this is what you want just say it let it be known!! I fxxxing hate you all " _show those colors Infront of my dad now fuck you!!!!". .. one of them did . My dad was in the army for a long time and he started crying in anger and I started crying in just him believing me . For once.

[@jerryday813]

Such a powerful song! I always get goosebumps at the last repetitions of “hold on”. If you want to hear the opposite end of the spectrum from them, try “Crush With Eyeliner “ or “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?”

[@norkannen]

Saw them live in Stavanger Norway back in the days 🇧🇻😎☺️

[@nellyweini8188]

Beautiful and meaningful song and great reaction!

[@raisa_cherry35]

Such a touching song 😢❤❤

[@RLG-]

You should check out the 70s band Nazareth, Love Hurts and Hair of the Dog. His voice is amazing, doesn't disappoint.

[@BillGraper]

This song is actually over 30 years old! Man, I feel old. 😥

[@valeriebrown57]

This song has been used for a lot of Suicide Prevention efforts. Hang on, because everybody hurts. It will get better.

[@John_Locke_108]

Pretty much everyone wants to die when they're in High School. When this song came out it was literally a life saver for me.

[@SunShine-qk4rb]

Great song Great analysis and reaction

[@christopherking4932]

Awesome reaction. Love this song so much.

[@jeffthomas3707]

This song came just a little too late. I have a friend who lived in Wales, UK. He was a huge REM fan (in fact, the reason I got into them) and sadly, he took his own life very unexpectedly and for reasons that will forever remain unclear to myself and his family. This song was relesed just a couple of months after he passed, and I can't help feeling, such was his connection with REM, that maybe he would have listened.

[@JulieConkle]

If you're a Big Bang Theory fan, Amy Farrah Fowler sang this with her harp on the show.

[@elainebyrne1039]

This might be familiar because it was the theme song of a tv series about people being filmed in taxis and their stories; it was played over a montage of yellow taxis in the rain.

[@theoneandonlystork]

THIRTY years ago, not 20! 😮 Still great.

[@ryanratcliff2548]

Maybe check out Nightswimming. It’s an absolute masterpiece. Another that doesn’t get mentioned often is Imitation of Life. Great song. Great music

[@athos1974]

There is a live version from one of their concerts that is awesome.

[@Jude_196]

This song ALWAYS hits HARD.....GREAT JOB with this TUNE!!! :) They have so many GREAT SONGS!!! Orange Crush...It's The End Of The World As We Know It....Shiny Happy People (with Kate Pierson of the B-52s - which, by the way, I don't recall ya'll reacting to - you should check out Rock Lobster by The B-52s!!).....but, I LOVE R.E.M.!! GREAT REACTION, YOU-GUYS!! ENJOY!

[@ronaldalagia9211]

phil watch the video and see what the people in the cars are thinking. you're missing alot.

[@tomekstrand1988]

You had your eyes closed or were looking somewhere else and you missed the very important captions!

[@MervynNancholas]

The tune by rem is infact is roughly 30yrs old or more !!!

[@NetVoyer]

It is amazing that you haven't had a dozen REM songs on the channel. They were huge. P.S. this is 30 years old.

[@peterstrayhorn5316]

Great song jest about every one has done a cover open my favorite song from REM.

[@ortizu2]

Losing my religion the song is amazing

[@Vader1138]

A lot of reactors start with this one. It does have a lot of general appeal and touch many at the time with it's message. A lot of hits around this time period but I would recommend going back to the early days. Their first single release was in '81 with "Radio Free Europe". They started out is the post punk / new wave era and became known for the jangly guitars and Stipe's murmuring lyrics and were big on college radio across the country. Another one is my first introduction to them in 83 with "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)". It is still my favorite if I can pick one. It was played for the first time before it had a title on the David Letterman Show and remember watching the broadcast then. Album version is better though.