First Time Hearing The Drugs Don't Work by The Verve | Suicide Survivor Reacts

[@MentalAmanda]

💖No matter where you are in your journey, you have a safe place here to share your struggles and accomplishments without judgment. If you've lost someone, you can also share your memories of them here so we can help keep their spirit alive. 💖

[@christamichelleortloff2195]

Hi my dear sister. My suffering has worsened unfortunately. I'm dealing with 4 day insomnia. As well as I feel I have late onset tourettes syndrome. I have primarily physical tourettes while also suffering from some auditory issue,

[@silvercloud1641]

Cannabis still works for me. Still "California sober" for the most part. Minus some social drinking.

[@stevenclarke5606]

I saw him yesterday 28th august at Sandringham performing on the bill for the Who , it was an absolutely amazing day! This song really brings you to tears, it’s heartbreaking losing a family member, Richard Ashcroft is a genius and a great performer!

[@andrewcowin3055]

Richard Ashcroft is a lyrical genius.. and you are correct, he wrote this song about a family member who died from Cancer. Ashcroft was clinically depressed when he wrote the Album Urban Hymns and got everything out in the lyrics. The Album is an absolute masterpiece, although History in my opinion is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@hollies5841]

That's a common misconception but this song was originally written about Ashcroft's own drug use, driven by frustration and boredom. The drugs not working is reference to them not making him feel any better. He has explained this in several contemporaneous interviews. Later there was speculation that it could have been written about his father's death. The different meaning it holds for different people is the beauty of this track - and why it is so hauntingly beautiful.

[@andrewcowin3055]

@@hollies5841 I have actually heard the Interviews but the speculation sounds better 🤣... R.A rarely let's people know the reasons behind a song as he likes people to have their own ideas and relate to them. I've seen him twice with the Verve and once Solo...Absolutely blew me away 👍

[@NoOne-gc7is]

Tysm for this info!! Gotta check it out.

[@AndyViant]

Was a brilliant album. Hugely impacted me at the time

[@thorntonovski]

History gets no love or nowhere near what it should

[@stephencoan79]

As a teenager in the 90s the whole album was a big part of my life but after losing my younger brother to suicide four years ago this song hits a lot harder. I pray that anyone reading this that is fighting demons and intrusive thoughts finds the strength to make out of the dark. Please don't be ashamed to ask for help in battling mental health. You are not alone and people care. ❤️

[@almightythor6089]

Amen to that

[@rosshunter9792]

This song brings a tear to my eye whenever I hear it. Sometimes it’s years between listens but it always kicks me in the guts

[@billbodger4723]

You must be me this is exactly how I fill it makes me so sad but I still have to listen, love the song .

[@skrimnal]

My mother died of cancer a few years ago. Your description of how you lost your father to cancer summed up how I felt during the time from when I knew the end was coming.

[@stevemadrid6522]

What a beautifully painful masterpiece. As I get older and lose more people, this song hits different than when I was younger. Very insightful reaction.

[@paulal-tikriti9420]

I’m glad you found this song. It means so much to so many here in the UK and your advice and understanding is spot on. Keep up the good work Amanda.

[@Ianjowett1]

thanks for your reply to me about talking to a friend yesterday. appreciate it . and everyone else . honestly i was afraid to but now i have i feel so much better and started a road to getting better. xx thank you amanda

[@skyebates246]

You are the first reactor that figured out what it was about. Most people think it's about someone who is addicted to drugs. And when all you have to do is listen to the lyrics to realise it's not. So well done. And like you it was about his father.

[@Darrenski]

Sorry, wrong. You're the millionth person to share that incorrect cliche. He originally wrote it about his own drug use, as he's said many times in interviews. Hos das's death just added another layer of meaning to it. But it was NOT written about that, it was written about the effects drugs had had on his own life. And he has clarified this many times. So many ppl get all their info from KZbin comments that they never bother to check. They just assume that as they see the same thing repeated over and over it must be true ("repeat a lie enough times and it becomes true") . Well, it isn't. And as I was in my mid 20s at this time and lived only a few miles from RA, and had been following them long before Urban Hymns made them mainstream popular, and I've met the man in person several times, yes, it IS about his own drug use. You can argue with that all you like or dispute it but it's a fact and I've heard it from the horses mouth. So well done, you're the millionth person to repeat an age old mistake and assume you were correct.

[@WanderingPoet567]

My Nan passed away a couple of months ago and The Verve have been my favourite for a long time but that love was only cemented after her death. The Verve and Richard Ashcroft's music means so much to me and has helped me through the last couple of months.

[@forestduffe5576]

Sorry about your loss billy. 🙏🙏

[@markwilken2492]

Richard Ashcroft (Verve singer) has done some amazing solo stuff. He’s got one called ‘Song For The Lovers’ I think you’ll love. His best work, in my humble opinion!

[@willfromyadkinville]

so many great songs! "Check The Meaning" was a good one! his lyrics are top notch!

[@chuckthefreak]

This Verve Album saved my life growing up.

[@albaPhenom]

Wow, you nailed the meaning in the first verse... very impressive.

[@LordNifty]

I'm reminded of the song "What Sarah Said" by Death Cab for Cutie: As I stared at my shoes in the ICU That reeked of piss and 409 And I rationed my breaths as I said to myself That I'd already taken too much today As each descending peak on the LCD Took you a little farther away from me Away from me and this later lyric from the same song: 'Cause there's no comfort in the waiting room Just nervous pacers bracing for bad news Then the nurse comes round And everyone lifts their head But I'm thinking of what Sarah said "Love is watching someone die" It's a beautiful song, but BOY can it hit hard emotionally.

[@anthonyramirez9003]

Variations on the song. It was written for a loved one who was going to through cancer treatment.. But was still suffering. But also the lead singer Richard Ashcroft was addicted to heroin.

[@slap_A_flamingo]

Ive battles depression and suicidal tenandancies from most of my life. This song takes you somewhere else. Richard Ashcroft has such a talent for writting songs. This and You On My Mind In My Sleep must be his best two songs.

[@geoffwright3692]

Great reaction, immediately picking up that this was about the passing of Richard Ashcroft's father. Presumably he was trying to blot everything out turning to drugs and finding that it literally didn't work. The sense of loss was heightened at the time, as it happened to be a hit in the UK just at the time of the Death of Diana Princess of Wales. If you want another classic to check out that is related to loss and grief, try "My Immortal" by Evanescence. Just as an aside, not every British singer loses his/her accent. Many Britpop bands had singers using their own accents.

[@Nr4747]

The main and literal meaning of the song is actually that the (legally prescribed) medication - "drugs" - didn't work for his father anymore as he was suffering from late stage cancer. This is actually a pretty clever play on words for a band because it breaks the expectation that it would be about illegal drug use. Of course, that interpretation is also still up for debate, the door is (most likely deliberately) left open to interpret the song that way.

[@matthewgoodA1206]

There were some great rock bands to come out of England in the ‘90s, but I always thought The Verve were on another level of their own. Songs like this reach deeper than the more typical rock tunes. As for the title, I guess I always took it literally, but as a kind of resignation. Where it’s someone who’s self-medicating with substance abuse, but deep down they know it’s not working. They know what they’re doing isn’t saving them. To relate to your personal revelations, I’ve been there, too. I didn’t lose someone to death, but I had someone I loved very much decide to exit my life and break my heart. After that, it was an emotional wound that knocked me down into hardcore depression, which eventually also took a toll on my physical health, too. I was simply broken for years after that experience. There were many times I believed my weakened state would last the rest of my life. Amazingly, it didn’t, and I got the chance to rebound and then even ascend. So yes, that is still possible.

[@chrisseager1820]

I remember reading a feature on the Verve in Rolling Stone at the time of the song in 1997. The writer said that the song was banned from some radio stations at the time in the US because it had the word 'drugs' in it....which is a shame that such a moving, beautiful song didn't reach as many people as it could have. So great you're highlighting it now! Best wishes

[@Slarti2]

"Just like you say, if you leave my life, I'm better off dead" - the look on your face as he sings those very dark and negative lyrics. We all know that feeling when someone we loved dies or leaves us forever. The lyrics are so sad and they hit hard. I like that you shake your head, shrug and smile at their bleakness. Very strong reaction.

[@tara-leedawn5509]

I was 16 when this song came out. Right around the time my mother went through cancer and leukaemia battles. She lost her battle, and I have had a drug addiction I’ve been battling since. Some days I win, some days I don’t, but I’m still here. And I’m so grateful for being alive for songs like this.

[@MentalAmanda]

Never discount your wins. Recovery isn't linear. You will get there, please keep fighting!

[@cp368productions2]

The proper term is "lose an accent" the reason is that naturally humans have no accent, for some reason they develop an accent when speaking. This is why accents are regional.

[@stevetokeley6542]

Thank you for sharing.When my mum passes-she's 79-It will destroy me.But your words have given me hope for survival.I will share them with my sister,because she'll need me too.

[@spaceoddity3958]

I remember when this song was released and it was embraced by the nation (UK) as it was released the day after Princess Diana died. Such a beautiful song, and I am glad you are still with us Amanda.

[@DJFREDHEAD2010]

beautiful words. touched many people. so under rated this song.

[@jungliatpil9124]

So true especially when its a younger person who's gone its so easy to slip into that sadness mode and keep on thinking, 'but what about their adult life which they missed'. But even in that short time in the world they gave so much joy and happiness to themselves and those nearby who loved them.

[@forestduffe5576]

I lost my mom for about 4 years now and it's still hard but I'd listen to the music that she'd enjoyed , helped the memories of her. She was diagnosed with pancreas cancer. Feels like yesterday.

[@MentalAmanda]

May you find strength and may she find peace. We're here for you.

[@forestduffe5576]

@@MentalAmanda thank you ❤️

[@FadhlyHazmi-uz8cs]

First time im hearing this song in 2005,my favourite song...miss my friends,and now 2023...this song make me cry..

[@anterohoo7554]

Sad and beautiful song. And lovely reaction from lovely lady. Thank you!

[@martinmillar7137]

I was 14 when this came out... Hurt me then.... wasn't actually taking drugs..i never have...however i was in care/residential/borstal however ye wanna coin it...and this was always a powerful song.. not gor the drug refrences but in my wotld yhe twisted way in which i kept figging a deeper hole for myself all the while fucking up my future..be it running away or being violent to my peers....songs still so special now am 41..in that now i do...fo drugs....well alcohol. Yet when i hear this.. for a few moments..i am calm.

[@benstedall9864]

i love this beautiful song

[@cracked_walnut]

I haven't watched this in full yet, but I'm psyched! And I'll mark this off my list to recommend to you. 😂

[@anasham6150]

My favorite songwriter, thank you for your reaction ❤

[@testtubetrauma77]

god bless you amanda one of the worst feelings about terminal illness is not only the powerlesses to save but also grieving the living.you are and have inspired me to try and be happy or happier again.day by day hey.love your take on songs as well.can i recommend a song for u to hopefully react too in the future the band care called manic street preachers the song is called 4st7lbs.im british and richard ashcroft lead singer is singing in his actual accent lol.take care

[@Srb1973]

I ain't too sure what you meant here but don't you mean James Dean Bradfield?

[@fluffpuckot]

I’ve always loved this song, even though it is not in my “typical” taste. Not being a native English speaker, I’ve always taken the lyrics a bit more literary in that drugs don’t work being you don’t get the same high and/or a lot more side effects. And the “never coming down again” i hear at the very end is someone giving up the fight to get/stay clean and just aiming to live always being high. In similar genre of music, you might want to listen to Que and the song Burning.

[@StevenBreault-o2f]

I'm glad you saw right through this. This is not a traditional love song. He wrote this about his father, dying of cancer. So sad, but completely honest. An amazing song

[@oskarobit]

The short version is: this song is about the passing of Richard's dad for a cancer.

[@TheYorkie72]

Right in the feels this song. Every. Single. Time 😢

[@tomdoesstuff1978]

Richard's father died when he was young. He has previously mentioned this in reference to this song along with his own drug usage around the time the song was written.

[@thomasdalby8420]

British singers don't have an American accent.rather they sing without accent usually. As do most Americans which makes them seem similar. But it's more of a requirement for most British people as British local accents are notorious for being hard to understand so singing without accent is required to sell songs outside of your home town.

[@stuart8201]

This song reminds me of my Nan we got the call she wouldn’t see the morning so we rushed to the hospital to say goodbye and this was playing on the radio cancer is evil

[@AndrewinAus]

Watching this reaction I realised just how long it had been since I have heard this song, it definitely kicked me again like the first time I heard it so long ago now.

[@declancoyle3673]

They have so many good songs , you should listen to on your own and history beautiful songs

[@EnigmaTimGaming]

"There’s anew track I’ve just written," he says, nervously avoiding eye contact. "It goes ‘the drugs don’t work, they just make me worse, and I know I’ll see your face again’. That’s how I’m feeling at the moment. They make me worse, man. But I still take ’em. Out of boredom and frustration you turn to something else to escape." He stops to gulp down the remains of his pint. "Sometimes you’ve got to go through these things to taste the extremes... I’m attracted to it in a macabre sort of way... But whenever I pick up a guitar and write now, I’m automatically tapping into the darker side of my nature, I can’t help it, it just happens like that. I wonder that if I’m still stuck in this rut a while from now, I’ll be really messed up. I wonder if I’ll be able to sing these songs every night on tour. I have to feel the songs when we play. I don’t know if I can relive the last six months for another year." Richard Ashcroft - 1995

[@moc9893]

Makes me think of my aunt who raised me from when I was a baby so she was basically my mother, she suffered from COPD among other health issues and passed away in 2020 but it was 10 years coming and I knew any day could be her last, I became her full time care giver, it was just the two of us for 31 years so her loss really impacted me I fell to drink really hard to cope, miss her every day 🙏

[@MentalAmanda]

I hope that you are finding peace now and ways to honor her memory. I hope you've let the loss and pain come and felt what you deserve to feel for this wonderful woman. Please feel free to share your favorite memories of her so we can help keep her spirit alive. 💖

[@oasisnole]

You should try Weeping Willow off the same album. Haunting & slightly disturbing lyrics. It’s my fave off Urban Hymns

[@Anonlb]

We're on the same wavelength @MentalAmanda well as far as the topics you touched upon we are. Now I have to big you up a little on how you picked up on exactly what the song was about. Spot on. It's about how his grief and also his observation of his moms grief in his dads suffering and death from cancer.

[@mfrost71w]

Most UK and USA singers sing in a Mid'-Atlantic accent which is neutral, neither American nor British. To you he sounds like he's singing with an American accent but to us Brits he sounds like he's singing in a British accent. It's a well-known phenomena and "Mid-Atlantic accent' has its own wiki page

[@scifimonkey3]

Brilliant song - simple as that . The album Urban Hymns is a triumph. Have suggested before but taking a listen to ‘Routine’ by Steven Wilson provides another angle on grief. The version with the animation is the one to listen to.

[@TheNotedHero]

This and Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" are my top two sad songs. She cried in the video because the lyrics reminded her of her mum who had died when Sinéad was 18. Although now I just remembered "Monsters" by James Blunt, that gets me teary too.

[@MentalAmanda]

I did Monsters! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGm9ZZ-QZbqjrpI

[@stevenclarke5606]

This made me cry, it’s so powerful

[@markdonovan8884]

My dad had dementia and the tablets they gave him did nothing, this song will hit anyone in the the hardest way possible. Absolute masterpiece.

[@tez2534]

They are from Wigan next to St.helens where I live this is 1 of my favourite songs I never ever looked deaper into it you opened my eyes to the meaning the song EXCELLENT ❤

[@pineappletree50]

I remember this song when it first came out, still cuts deep

[@a-blivvy-yus]

Most singers, with very few exceptions, sing *without* an accent. British people think most songs sound like British singers, regardless of the actual nationality, just like Americans think most singer sound American. It's only a very few distinctive singers who have a more spoken word style to their singing who carry their accent into their music in most genres. Rap an Country music are notable exceptions because in each case, the genre is heavily spoken word focused, but most music sounds like "singing" rather than like a specific accent, to most people. Incidentally, both genres which are most strongly associated with actually carrying the accent of th singer originate in USA, which helps reinforce the American view that only American accents tend to come through in song. There are artists who use rap (not so much Country) style with accents other than American though, as well as certain artists whose performances incorporate enough of a spoken element rather than a typical singing voice to still carry their accents into the music. Oasis are a great example, and The Verve are more subtle about it but still have a recognisable accent while singing. Linkin Park is a great example for an American accent - even when not fully in that rap sound, Chester in particular manages to still have an American accent while singing a lot of the time. His voic has a distinctive quality to it that sounds different from a typical singing voice from most other American singers.

[@mikmook4781]

The drugs do work. In the short term. In the long term no! They do make it worse. The problem is that it's so difficult to even believe that there's a long term when you feel down.

[@garryleeks4848]

Great bands in the mid 90s , britpop , oasis , blur , suede, ocean colour scene, pulp , great time to be young 👍

[@_eclipz_]

I love this song. Thank you for the reaction.

[@tradeladder146]

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones Sued The Verve for stealing more than 5 Notes of the song which was the agreed amount, read below. Did the verve get sued over Bitter Sweet Symphony? According to Rolling Stone magazine, The Stones originally agreed to license a five-note segment of the recording in exchange for 50% of the royalties, but this was apparently voided when The Verve were accused of using more of the track than they had agreed.

[@CarlosNightman]

There seemed to be this culture of inwards exploration in 90s music which was a rebellion against the excess, the partying, the focus on wealth and sex and power of the 80s. Many bands from the US and UK turned their backs on this and explored deeper, more introspective issues through their music and lyrics. I know you have covered quite a few of the big hitters so far, but for me the band who continues to get overlooked, and who were (are?) the most articulate in talking about these issues, is Manic Street Preachers. A highly politically charged Welsh band, they were ahead of their time in talking about mental health, depression, self-harm, strength, feminism, and any number of topics which other acts seem to be opening up to now. If pushed for a recommendation of one of their songs which encapsulates all of this, I'd say listen to 4st 7lbs. While focused on Anorexia (the lyricist suffered from it before his disappearance), it is a jagged, heart-breaking centrepiece to one of the darkest, most profound albums ever written.

[@rickb.4168]

I lost my Mum when I was 11. The band eventually that got me through that was the WAterboys. I recommend listening to ‘This is the sea’ it’s so beautiful.

[@Katiekin2333]

He’s singing about his own drug addiction. Richard Ashcroft is a former drug addict and this song is about his struggle with drugs

[@maccaisthebest]

Good evening angelic Amanda... thanks to bring that good around you and in my life

[@jabbra1837]

Used to work in a school in Liverpool, I got 2 hours lunch everyday. I'd go get high, and walk around the woods listening to "catching the butterfly" by the verve. Good times (and no it didn't affect my job, I was admin and didn't go near the kids)

[@MentalAmanda]

That sounds like a very zen mindfulness experience!

[@howlandgrowl]

Hi Amanda, You need to listen to Nightwish, Greatest show on earth. It will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and send shivers down your spine! I know you have already experienced Nightwish, but this song is on another level. Look forward to your experience with this some time in the future!

[@willfromyadkinville]

this song and whole album ruled!

[@anthonymccoll5]

Actually surprised this is the first time you are hearing this classic 😮 Would love a wee reaction to Ferocious Dog “The Hope” x

[@moogdome2562]

Just discovered you. It's a joy to see your lovely face and reaction to a cat in a bag. Sorry to learn about your Dad.

[@declancoyle3673]

You should check out Liam Gallagher, you're too good for giving up, a beautiful song with a great message!!

[@7tangram]

.....and yes you certainly live up to your name MentalAmanda.

[@raykerns4004]

You check out skid row wasted times song is about a friend throwing his life away on drugs

[@garyford3533]

wow, a smart American, how rare.you nailed it.

[@dancarter7840]

The most beutifull song ever written!

[@lassemadsen607]

YOu don't have to live 'for' the people you lose. You have to remember them in moments. I've lost many people, loved ones and frinds and whenever I do something awesome I do it 'with them' and that makes me happy. Cause I can remember how they would laugh and smile if they were with me. My point is you never really lose them, you just can't share moments with them, but you know hoe they would feel about it. And to me that's how they 'live' on. When ever I burn a pancake, I can here my Grandma laugh at me and remember her smile^^

[@shinglaijr809]

Yes you are right about losing the love one with cancer… but at same time Richard was said that the valium he took in 1 shot if an average people take in a day will die… so it has 2 meaning…

[@pspreadbury9]

Grief is the price you pay for love

[@matt00793]

If you like the story telling Kelly Jones did a solo album called. Only. The. Names. Have. Changed. Great album by a great artist entirely underrated

[@russellbywater4648]

Wonderful song, emotive, powerful. I would like to ask a question as I think in an almost childlike way. What is a suicide survivor? Either you commit suicide and become a sad statistic or you fail and hopefully get help. Suicide is not something that abducts you from a street and you narrowly survive to tell your tale. Answers please. I know how many I'll get.

[@MentalAmanda]

Suicide is a symptom of depression just like tumors are a symptom of cancer. When you face suicide, when you attempt, when you are truly ready for it all to be done and you live to fight another day, you are a survivor just like when you face cancer and you come out the other side.

[@georgejones6657]

being a survivor myself i really recommend listing to Jxdn-Pray

[@ronniecox5910]

My mum died on her 50th. I love her so much and miss her!!!

[@MentalAmanda]

Feel free to share your favorite memories of her here so we can help keep her memory alive 💖

[@ronniecox5910]

@@MentalAmanda thankyou so much

[@sasquatchbigfoot3120]

In answer to your question "why do british people sing in an American accent?" well quite simply they dont they sing in a mid-atlantic accent like many US singers do also, Mid-Atlantic accent is a blend of British and American which is why you hear it in as American but Brits hear it as British it sounds "normal" to both sides

[@steviehope7718]

What a wonderful lady you are

[@otter662]

"Blue Pacific Ocean" ... A very nice song / piece of music / atmospheric ... (oddly) unreleased from their last album "Forth" ... the music builds as the song progresses : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYbQhXZ-oZl4fdE

[@amandas.9973]

Hi I'm subscribed to your channel and I have the notification bell turned on as well.

[@johnholliday1961]

Ur absolutely right he is talking about his wife ❤

[@martinmillar7137]

I didn't see a cancer reference i have to say... Spose why would i? I seen more a reference to myself dying by my own hands. Which is super specific to me.. i suppose a great song can be interpreted individually.. with songs like this yhe one constant and unifying opinion is...its amazing...

[@christopherhuot2826]

Always chokes me up😅

[@DarkPsyence]

Very nice reaction, do you have an reactions to Muse planned?

[@blakeblack8681]

Try amity affliction all f up they talk and sing about mental health and emotions I think you will love it

[@AndyViant]

The problem is the drugs DO work but they remove all of the positives as well as all the negatives. They may stop you losing the peak depression that makes you want to die, but they take away all the reasons you would want to live too

[@getrealplease8766]

Great reactions. But just fyi the song is not about a family member dying. That is a myth that has caught on and those who have lost loved ones have adopted the song and twisted its meaning (which is totally fine of course). The lyrics were meant to say “the drugs don’t work they just make ME worse”. However, the label wanted to change it for obvious reasons. And the drugs he takes that don’t work is in relation to a lost romantic love whose face he knows he will see again. Hence, the words “Coz baby oooh” and “Never coming down, no more”.

[@steviesellers]

Its the last thing his dad said to him before he died is the title of this song

[@MrMarkjames67]

The drugs don't work is not a reference to cancer drugs or anything medical.The drugs don't work is talking about street drugs.The song is about depression.

[@NealeSmithy]

No it isnt

[@tommyzam]

Oh my god, all my life i'm asking the same question: how are all the British singers losing their accent when they sing

[@sretePtraB]

I think "the drugs don't work, they make you worse, but I know I'll see your face again." Is the selfishness of the loved one who doesn't want to say goodbye, so even if the drugs make them worse, at least their loved ones get to see their faces again.

[@jeffhardytributes1125]

You gotta check out Adam gontier's cover of this it's amazing

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

The Verve were a bit more than Brit Pop! Great reaction.

[@MrDreaddrum]

Funny story the day this hit number 1 in the UK I got put on paroxetine and that's how my life got ruined

[@LambriniSupernova]

Great reaction, check out 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' By 'Oasis' which has a more...optimistic reaction to loss

[@justahumanbeing.709]

I think the song is more just about illegal drug use and how his relationship wiill last and get them through all the bad stuff the drugs have caused, The singer himself said it was about his own drug use.