Japanese Breakfast - The Body Is A Blade (Official Video)

[@juanpdesan]

The fact that this song was originally called "my mommy is sick" makes me hurt so much. That kind of pain is unbearable.

[@bohemiandream6259]

Same, this song already makes me bawl every time & that fact just made it so much more painful

[@jazminevielle7757]

Yeah the creator of this song had her mother sadly pass away and she wrote a book about it called “Crying in H Mart”

[@jigglycheese8120]

i listen to american sound and where is my great big feeling sm, but I somehow never realized these two songs were connected 😭

[@hologem]

i lost my grandma a few days ago due to covid-19, i’m finding Michelle’s music to be very comforting right now.

[@Peat_42]

Thoughts with you.

[@Peat_42]

Hope you can remember the good times and feel that you miss her because of the love you had which is something to be thankful for

[@hologem]

Pete thank you

[@posinginfilm]

Sending all my love to you, sweet one. I am also grieving and find Michelle’s music comforting during times like this. It’s like a very warm hug

[@Peat_42]

@@hologemnw hope you are ok

[@Sailorcali]

When I read Crying in H Mart, the line “ I didn’t know the comforting words she probably longed for the way I long for them now. I didn’t know the type of effort it can take to simply move.” my mind immediately went to this song. Being so engulfed with Grief that even your body moving takes so much strength. Yet even with that kind of pain, your body still moves from day to day.

[@rhinorun1977]

When I first heard this song I legitimately cried. Not too long ago my mother also died from cancer, and it still eats me up today. When I first learned about Michelle's own situation it really came close to home, way closer than most people I've met in person, as opposed to some musician I randomly found. All the photos in her photo are so familiar to me as well, since my mother immigrated here from Kurdistan, and the parallels are numerous. Her music really inspired me to just try and live life as best as I could, even if the most important woman in my life is gone.

[@nimigeorge8089]

wow

[@rosebud1958]

God bless you!!! You will see ur mother again!!! I will see my parents again as well!!

[@beyzaercan3077]

Wth is kurdistan? U mean they immigrated from turkey?

[@katyastetskiv7806]

@@beyzaercan3077 kurdistan is a region that is devided by 4 countries - irak iran turkey syria. It is the native land of kurds. that’s it

[@trevorbrookshire4715]

The struggles of emotional pain turns into a beautiful acceptance..

[@Rainydayreal_estate]

Your deserve more likes miss/mister

[@hnnggg5001]

dont tell the homies i cried. tell them i broke down

[@messengermage3962]

I’m speaking into the void here. I don’t know if anyone will read this; and I don’t really think it matters. I just sold the woman who raised me’s house last month. My childhood home. She died almost 4 years ago when I was 15. I had to grow up fast. Nobody helped me. This song hit me like a gut punch. I miss her so much. I had to leave a lot of her things behind because I couldn’t afford it. Things she gave me. Family heirlooms I miss her so much. This song really helped me put a finger on the emotions I’ve repressed for 4 years. “What’s this place if you’re not here? Emptied the house and staged it for buying Wave goodbye to all your things” EDIT: I come through this comment thread and read them when losing the house hurts and I miss her. This has been my most played song on Spotify for 2 years and counting - this year I streamed this song almost 150 times. Thank you all so much again for your kind words.

[@dorkcicle430]

I want to give you my condolences for whatever it's worth. I hope that you are doing alright and that you are finding your way out of what I can't imagine other than feeling lost. In your words, I see strength in you.

[@kaworunagisas]

something about this rlly struck a chord with me.....i hope you’re doing alright

[@shaynefrancischristineeckh244]

I read this and just started crying while listening to this song. I hope you are doing better.

[@coyotesambroskii9384]

Don't look back in anger🥵🎭🥶 Look back but don't turn to salt all the world is out our ✋ s 🤯🤕But look it's still all there 🦊⚖️🦋 bless.. All we got is now all we are is ain't nothin either and the opposite it's beautiful Coytesovreverthing 🌬️🔥🌀🐕

[@SadaDoes]

hope you're doing good man

[@pacific2313]

I see this song in a whole new way after reading Zauner's book

[@adventurefaps9571]

Michelle's book is so amazing, anyone that considers themselves a JBrekkie fan needs to read it.

[@ashtree1016]

Me too :)

[@ellery_spector]

same :(( this book broke my heart

[@danielthedegenerate]

me too, crying in h mart is so good and heartwrenching

[@superficialwannabe]

'Your body is a blade' - is such a beautifully arresting image. It's painful, but then it's joyous. It's fighting to live through the tragedy of loss. That ability to keep on living and holding close to one's memories is a celebration. An onward struggle. She writes poetry.

[@celinec3467]

I'm in a very dark part of my life at the moment, stressed by many things and I've almost forgotten how it feels to be truly happy anymore. I was close to my breaking point and the notification for this video popped up just in time. This video reminded me of happier times, it reminded me that I needed to take a step back and be more carefree at least sometimes. Thanks for the wake up call and the lovely music, Michelle :)

[@madeyana3814]

cheer up, you deserve to be more happy.. i know you deserve it :)

[@Flowermouth]

Times will change, remember that people love you

[@manny34ish]

Cheers mate. Things always get better.

[@dakotahope599]

Bless you, things will look up as long as you do

[@spritez7275]

Elly Indrizzo I feel you, dear.

[@hayliep]

LYRICS: Try not to get so righteous about what's fair for everyone Find what's left in you channel something good Try your best to slowly withdraw From the darkest impulses of your heart Try your best to feel and receive Your body is a blade that cuts a path from day to day Calling it off, our hoax of trying What's this place if you're not here? Emptied the house and staged it for buying Wave goodbye to all your things Try your best to slowly withdraw Try your best to slowly withdraw The body is a blade that moves while your brain is writhing Knuckled under pain you mourn but your blood is flowing

[@briannagravely9349]

I like to rewatch this when I need a good cry.

[@jw4d3]

"Waving goodbye to your things." is one of the saddest lines. I've heard in a song....

[@vvas228]

should i count how many times i coped with suicidal thoughts by listening to this song the first 8 lines are an actual instruction for abstracting yourself from your suicidal thoughts "find what's left in you, channel something good" "try your best to slowly withdraw from the darkest impulses of your heart" "try your best to feel and receive" and then the last two lines as proof that i am capable of keeping on living "your body is a blade that moves while your brain is writhing" "knuckled under pain you mourn but your blood is flowing" verdict: this song is very useful for suicide prevention.

[@h2hoe625]

after struggling with depression and self harm for six years, and attempting suicide two times the last year, "the body is a blade that moves while the brain is writhing/knuckled under pain you mourn but your blood is flowing" is exactly what i'll tattoo on my wrists/arms when i fully recover. thank you for everything. edit: Thank you so much for the kind words and wishes! I'm in a much better place now. Striving to get even better. Japanese Breakfast's music really helped me a lot in this journey. With sunlight, art and a support system, life gets a bit easier day by day. I thought I was alone and that there was no hope. But let me tell you, there is. I can't even begin to describe everything I've went through and that I still go through. But now, life's actually worth living and I'm still fighting. Keep fighting and let's win the battle together. It gets better. 🍀

[@Chosen7Stone]

Keep moving. You’ve got this. 💙

[@lunairemeadow9150]

im rooting for u :'))

[@krisnolan3941]

Never give up gentle soul! Been there and its a lonley place, be strong, there are brighter days ahead bud I promise

[@bohemiandream6259]

That’s the part that always makes me bawl. One of the most beautifully bittersweet, brilliant lyrics ever. Coupled with the wistful music, it gets me every time. Definitely one of my favorite songs. Thank you for the hope, stranger ❤️‍🩹

[@daniel23554]

You're not alone. Life is worth living. Sometimes it hurts, yet there's always a way through. You've got this.

[@cathlee4456]

The irony is that her Mom is the one to give her strength to go on with your life. My mom died 2 years ago. And I realize that that was a lesson given to me.

[@Dai-ww7tc]

Every time listen to this, it makes me so sentimental. 😢

[@ImpendingRiot83]

My mother passed 6 months ago now; she died young at 60, suddenly, in her sleep. This one was essential in keeping me from slipping into the deepest possible depths. I don’t know if I could have survived the initial shock of her loss without a mantra like “Try your best to slowly withdraw from the darkest impulses of your heart” to guide my thoughts. Thank you so much, Michelle.

[@mildly_annoying]

I'm so sorry for your loss, sending you love

[@guppy8073]

1:02 is perhaps the most heavenly thing I've ever heard

[@hazunaka555shuhei]

2:13からの歌うカット三連発に心が動く

[@littleviobel]

This song is the love of my life, seriously Edit: I am finally reading her book now and coming back to this song hits even deeper than before. I didn't go through the same thing, but her feelings are so alive and beautifully express in these little homages she pays to her mother that I can feel them in some way

[@TheSyntheticrhythm]

I was trying to explain this band and was trying to describe that single instance when the lights dim before a birthday cake is coming out. But not just that, in a large room with your closet family and friends. The ones you get along with and those you don't really but they are still in your lives. The ones with all of their own complicated lives, bias, and emotionality. You feel older and some of those ones that used to be there are no longer there; but you feel them there as well. There's a sort of transformation in a moment and a complete release of all that burden. Where you feel like a kid again, no matter how old. It's soothing, it's playful. And while you're consciously aware of all the hardships and daggers that life has thrown at you and others, you have this welcoming feeling that you're HOME. There's really nothing else like it. And that's Japanese Breakfast.

[@allisonmiranda10]

I hope she understands how fucking healing her art is. I saw her live and screamed thank you when she announced she was going to play this. Thank you Jbrekkie... Grief is a such a taboo subject youre just unexpectedly forced to endure... Just being able to listen along to someone who knows the hurt. Who is achieving her dreams and dealing with such tough shit.

[@bohemiandream6259]

Same, I hope she knows. She writes about grief so so well…she’s a genius tbh

[@HeatherHolt]

My daughter is almost 2 and it scares me to think of dying before she can even remember me and know how much I love her. Kids need their parents as long as possible.

[@ferdinandsawyer1347]

We found out my brother died 3 days ago and I don’t know how I’m ever going to get through this. I just keep coming back here. My body is a blade. My body will keep going even if I can’t imagine any moment past this one.

[@Wargasmo]

I hope you're doing well now.

[@stefanocaiazzakindergartenchef]

Italy❤

[@masonmayer8139]

This cured my head of all negative thoughts

[@Lola7562]

I loved this song so much when it came out. 5 years, 2 sibling suicide attempts, a car crash, and a puppy in hospital later, I can really feel how powerful the chorus is. Thank you Japanese Breakfast

[@jasmineesparza5914]

My mom has a disease but thankfully she's still alive but for some reason watching this video made me cry which is very uncommon because i'm pretty tough after having to push my emotions down for several years since my mother first became sick. I can seriously feel the pain... thanks for the music

[@jazzmurphy3045]

my dad has a big disease like your mom. I completely understand tour pain, trying to suppress your emotions. message me if you need any support

[@2808879]

The song is beautiful... But the melody at 1:38 is just... Heartwarming 💓

[@jjjj1234_]

It sounds magical

[@mrssheets710]

My mommy has been sick. This song has been one of my favorites from you guys. It's helping me so much. Thank you 🙏

[@swagsavior7]

painfully beautiful. just lost my mom last week, knew her music would be there for me

[@user-ql9yz5lf4m]

sometimes i come back here just to read the comments and see the stories that this song created, and today i decided to tell my story too. i found this song in 2017 when i was having a really hard time in my life and i can say that it saved me. i know that it's a song about grieve, but i think that's the beauty of art, especially music: the meaning it's just what you need and see in that moment. and also, the verse "your body is a blade that cuts a path from day to day" it was one of my first tattoos, cause i want to remind myself that everyday i did it, i created something beautiful to me.

[@Sogonrei]

I adore this song. It really moves you to your core. Just lost my mom 2 weeks ago July 20. This song helps me smile through my tears and stand a little taller...you are brave Michelle you seem so strong. ❤

[@thegoodthebadandtheugly579]

That wavy sound really reverberates like a forgotten memory in the background.. not noticeable at first, then appears in the background and it all ends with you just hearing that sound.. that’s basically the past, seeking for its return in the future as a question long asked, urging to be responded to.. the ability or inability to respond to it is the difference between a happy life worth living and an unhappy life one will have regret, remorse and resentment towards..

[@ZarZar57]

Beautifully stated !

[@janjann5251]

It hits me every time I listen to it

[@Lith333]

She looks so lonely & vulnerable out there by herself in the grassy field. It makes me want to hold & comfort her.

[@mariavaleriaperezsolis2837]

I will forever be grateful that Michelle wrote this song

[@lynnecarr9697]

Such an incredible talent.

[@natepodany]

my mother isn’t in my life anymore and this song is the perfect time capsule of that initial sting after a loss... feelings of hopelessness for sure.. but also that stinging dissociative veil that covers you... well-fucking-done.

[@adventurefaps9571]

i'm so very sorry for your loss

[@qaisinhd]

i will forever cherish this song for how heartfelt it was. Michelle, your mother would be way more than just proud.

[@magicsolias2845]

beautiful in all ways

[@michiirose]

songs don’t make me cry generally, this is an exception

[@alexisnewell3672]

It's 25th March 2023 just saw the lovely Michelle on NBC How refreshing she is so impressed lovely interview listening to her songs now her book is a must buy 😍 best wishes Michelle love from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤❤❤

[@hypnovertigo7200]

I just lost my best friend to suicide today. This song just reminds me of how strong she was through everything she was going through. She's my ultimate hero. I love you Samarah.

[@DropD1123]

I'm sorry. I lost my best bud to suicide about 4 years ago. Still hurts. Keep the love, all we can do.

[@aliidris657]

Her voice is phenomenal

[@Jnmicter]

This video is so heartwarming, I love it

[@toothliz]

I just finished reading Crying in Hmart... and I’m crying again to this song

[@stephenholmes9386]

I saw the band play in Nottingham, the venue was small but the performance was incredible. Possibly one of the best gigs I've been to... These albums are great.

[@lynnecarr9697]

Like it’s singer, this song is phenomenal. What a talent.

[@MLJ5834]

this song made me realize we are in an age of good music

[@quarteronline]

Your ability to use your voice as a musical instrument astounds me. Thank you

[@monicaskinner137]

wow im crying this is so beautifulllll

[@shamanllama]

My grandmother is dying. I haven't seen her since I was 4, because my mother kept me from my father because he was an abusive alcoholic. I'm 26 now. It's been 22 years. She's 3,000 miles away and there's nothing I can do. Why does this life have to be filled with so much pain and suffering. All I can think to do is keep myself alive and well cared for so I can do everything in my power to make sure no one I ever come across feels this deep of an endless pit. It's like staring into your soul and instead of a mirror, you see nothing. And it's horrifying. I don't want to be like this. Please love the ones closest to you with everything you have, because at the end, that's literally all we have. Bless.

[@danidusi]

The video also remind me when i lived in my hometown, its very nostalgic for me, and the music is perfection

[@Zeokoz]

The image of the body as a blade in this song reminds me of a poem by the Vietnamese poet, Ocean Vuong, from his collection 'Night Sky With Exit Wounds' I'll just leave it here, as it, perhaps coincidentally, also contains endearing images of the speaker's mother. I feel that those who are drawn to this song may also appreciate the images evoked in this poem. Enjoy my friends :) HEADFIRST // Ocean Vuong Don't you know? A mother's love neglects pride the way fire neglects the cries of what it burns. My son, even tomorrow you will have today. Don't you know? There are men who touch breasts as they would the tops of skulls. Men who carry dreams over mountains, the dead on their backs. But only a mother can walk with the weight of a second beating heart. Stupid boy. You can get lost in every book but you'll never forget yourself the way god forgets his hands. When they ask you where you're from, tell them your name was fleshed from the toothless mouth of a war-woman. That you were not born but crawled, headfirst - into the hunger of dogs. My son, tell them the body is a blade that sharpens by cutting.

[@camille1324]

Thanks for sharing that's great

[@syddoku]

Christopher beautiful

[@annam4660]

Best thing I've seen today

[@ammerahsaidi]

Legit made me cry

[@DlomedeS]

Nice! dude.

[@firecrystal13]

This song is so amazing 🍃wow

[@j.j1916]

The body is a blade that moves while the brain is writhing

[@sandramichaels9916]

I came across this video a few months ago.. While watching it the first time i was floored... The beach/boardwalk scenes are shot in the next town over from me in Asbury Park & Ocean Grove. I lost my mom 6 years ago and the beach was a huge part of our summers. This song makes me cry every time

[@areyousureaboutthat5500]

i cried

[@leviheichou5769]

Love this song. Hope your mom is in a better place. She must be very proud of you. ❤

[@kevinbraswell163]

This just made me cry reeeally hard, before I read any of your comments or knew anything about the song. Now I'm a mess.

[@dastTHZ]

There you have it, one of the best artist from this decade.

[@johnonyango3166]

This song makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside.

[@livxoxo2988]

Something about this song is so addictive

[@cloudstrifeinadress7464]

Bands like this make life worth it.

[@phoebexxlouise]

such a sweet, whole and perfect video

[@hiphopspikes]

This is amazing. The boardwalk scenes are my favorite, because I've been to that one before and it really lets me connect to the song

[@edwise4543]

I've forgotten how beautiful and perfectly constructed this song is.

[@gab8525]

I already knew and love this song, but yesterday I lost my grandma and now I'm really understanding the feeling of the lyrics. I hope someday everything will be ok and this pain goes away

[@葡萄柚月]

人生において、家族や恋人、友人等との別れはいつどんな形であれ平等に避けら れないものです。その深い悲しみを乗り越えたあなたが、今この瞬間もどこかで 暮らし、音楽を続けていると思うと、勝手ながら勇気をもらえます。 現実と記憶の間を浮き沈みするような映像も、歌詞の世界により奥行きを与えて いて大好きです。

[@hannahott9185]

This song is so haunting. You can feel a fraction of her pain when you listen to it.

[@judyledkins2831]

NEVER HEARD OF THIS BAND, BUT OH MY GOSH WHAT AN EPIC SONG. I NEED TO LOOK UP THIS BAND AND THIS WONDERFUL ARTIST. This is a very powerful song, and the music is incredible. Thank you for sharing.

[@warmblanketlover]

this song really grew onto me with every listen :)

[@MIMIForever7]

Such an underrated song and MV! Truly beautiful and deserves much more recognition!

[@holohulolo]

This has just become one of my favourite MVs of all time. The other is norah jone's come away with me. It doesn't really have one coherent narrative like watching a very short film, it's not too abstract and filled with symbolism. It harmonises with the music so well. I don't really know how to describe it. It's like if you close your eyes and listen to it, those are exactly the visuals your imagination would manifest based on the music. I wasn't even really listening or trying to understand the lyrics but it brought me to tears with a sense of quiet happiness. It's perfect.

[@sailorastra8174]

You guys are TRU artists. SO UNDERRATED YALL NEED MORE APPRECIATION

[@spritez7275]

This song gives me a sweet escape. Which nothing else can do. I feel me, I feel emotional. Recently I haven’t been able to see my emotions. I feel dearly sorry for Michelle, and her mothers passing due to cancer. Thank you so much for being there for me every step of the way, even though you most likely don’t know I exist. This song is so heartfelt and nice. ❤️✌🏻💮

[@florida5963]

we just sold the house that we lived in while he was alive, so this is hitting harder

[@FranziskaLee]

Thank you thank you thank you I'm half Korean and I love your music and this means the world to me.

[@leabun4395]

I’m bawling my eyes out. This song 😭😭♥️♥️

[@bohemiandream6259]

Does that to me every time 🥲

[@lavorre_]

i adore this song and video so so much

[@belgiumreal]

this song always makes me feel so choked up.

[@DavidLopez-uo9ie]

One of the most beautiful songs ever created

[@shahshek3737]

this band deserve more recognition

[@Astral_Rein]

Thank you for the memories

[@reznaputra6618]

i love this song

[@aaabvfefe3872]

Oof. This isn’t even a tear jerker at this point. Made me full on cry.

[@deafegg]

Beautifully nostalgic. The entire album is delicious.

[@acovenofmany333]

Beautiful song for her mom that passed!

[@dewaeryadi7776]

Impressive, i love both the music and video, greetings from Indonesia, best wishes!!

[@ariefpratamar393]

Yes!

[@ganggahayu5647]

Me too

[@MrMemozzza]

Most underrated song of 2017... so emotional, wow

[@ceaseoccupation]

my 91 year old granma passed last week. leaving behind my 94 year old granpa... and is breaking my heart. im far from him, and i cant go to comfort him... for some reason this song speaks tome like my granma.. i translated to spanish for him. Intenta no volverte tan correcte, Acerca de lo que es justo para todos. Encuentra en ti lo que queda Canaliza algo bueno Haz tu mejor esfuerzo para retirarte lentamente De los impulsos mas oscuros de tu corazon Haz tu mejor esfuerzo para sentir y recibir Tu cuerpo es una cuchilla Que abre el camino Dia a dia Ya, hasta aqui, el engaño de intentar... Que es este lugar si tu no estas en el? Vacie la casa, la aliste para vender Me despedi de todas tus cosas.. Haz tu mejor esfuerzo para retirarte lentamente Tu cuerpo es una cuchilla que se mueve mientras tu mente sigue retorciendose Amasada por el dolor, te lamentas Pero tu sangre sigue fluyendo..

[@salvant77]

=) Esta historia me hizo el día.

[@ayyl-mao6742]

beautiful

[@eddyconejoii2447]

Fuerzas Casiana!

[@ceaseoccupation]

Just wanted to let the readers know...my granpa passed in July, 2 years after my granma Queca, Ma Angelica.. left in his sleep while her voice colled him from heaven... the song more raw than ever. I didnt get to say goodbye, I live far from him....Lectores, paso a contarles que ya mi abuelo tambien fallecio, dos anos despues de mi abuela Queca... el se fue mientras dormia.... la cancion es mas cruda que nunca.

[@nyrfan444]

Incredible video. Slowly grew to be my favorite song by JB. Thank you Michelle for sharing your story so openly.

[@mikelucky3838]

This album and this song in particular mean w whole lot to me.

[@Lxtremez17]

this song gives me strenght on the hardest times, is a blessing.

[@kira_9667]

Ever since I listened to this it has been stuck in my head. Thanks

[@mike-wi8wm]

Saw you last night in Amsterdam paradisio, so good live! Great energy, amazing songs and excellent synergy. You deserved a better crowd. Will be seeing Japanese Breakfast as soon as possible, enjoy your UK dates.

[@shan7943]

this song has stuck with me lately. i'm thinking about my father-in-law who passed away from cancer last year. thinking of all the change. even thinking about love lost from past relationships and friendships. what's this place if you're not here? the memories make a monument of places.. but it's not the same.

[@dpiercyscomics]

The visuals with the lyrics just slay here. ❤️