Manic Street Preachers - A Design for Life (Official Video)

[@DarrenKenyon]

One of the best songs of the 90s

[@MohsinWadee]

Definitely the best song of 1996.

[@robnealon1809]

Absolutely one of the best, and that really is saying something. The 90s had so many great songs.

[@kaysussex4991]

Pure uplifting energy

[@rafaelandresrodriguez8049]

One of the best songs ever

[@markcf83]

You won't get me disputing that.

[@luanaalmeida4839]

I'm Brazilian and I'm completely moved because for over ten years I tried to find out who sang this song, and I just found out. My eyes filled with tears of emotion. What a spectacular song! I can't stop listening anymore!

[@ajmurtagh27]

Check out the rest of their stuff. You won't regret it!

[@luanaalmeida4839]

@@ajmurtagh27 thanks for the tip!

[@daveconyard8946]

A true Classic. Keep safe Dave in the UK, 😊

[@KevinKaffy]

That first wow moment we all experienced with this band 👏

[@viniciusmarcon3353]

Conheci a banda faz 1/2 meses, tô viciado hahahaha

One of the greatest songs of the 90's imo

[@cathalnally9661]

+Slyness69 Absolutely, never loses its impact, and I'll never forget hearing it for the first time, has everything

[@paulhatten8873]

+Slyness69 One of the best of all time

[@Elizabeth-fw9ui]

If not THE greatest ...

[@Templar.Knight-Reaper]

the first time I heard it was yesterday…

[@theresaparker1369]

forgot how wonderful this song was!

[@PeterGreen-t8c]

I'm at my happiest when ive got this on full blast

[@phgkeets12]

25 years on still a banger. Just because you’re working class doesn't make you stupid.

[@glencollins2395]

You're

[@tonybates7870]

@@glencollins2395 I love the idea that you had to correct his spelling on this . . .

[@iorekby]

People in countries like the UK erroneously conflate "stupidity" with a lack of access to quality education. They are not the same thing. But you don't want working-class people getting a university education, because then who would clean your houses and work in dangerous factories or construction sites? We couldn't have that now, could we.

[@phgkeets12]

@@iorekby I hear what you're saying

[@emmaphilo4049]

My favorite song of the 90s. I am crying 😭😭😭😭😭

[@manorbier]

One of the most beautiful songs ever

[@24yrukdesigner]

In fact it mirrors what David Icke is saying.

[@manorbier]

It might do but, i don't trust him. He's spreading disinformation imo. No offense

[@exsappermadman25055]

David Icke is a fucking reprobate......Plenty offence....

[@AlloAlloVeraLynn]

Icke has a bigger audience than you - just sayin'

[@jackaslan314]

David Icke is a great science fiction writer, smart bloke. I enjoy listening to him, I think I will right now.

[@denisemunn7193]

54 years old. Discovered this song today.... OMG fan fking brilliant

[@foolishsuckas]

Enjoy it :)

[@t.revspanner8756]

Check out… if you tolerate this.

[@danielthompson4463]

Welcome

[@manorbier]

You're going to have a great time discovering their beautiful songs. And I'm jealous 😎 Enjoy 🙌

[@manic_street_starlover]

Have a listen to the whole of the holy bible.

[@klaxoncow]

"Libraries gave us power" Best opening lyric to any song ever.

[@markdowding1371]

I hear "Leibniz gave us power", which would probably be more accurate! 😉

[@osullivanbere]

​@@markdowding1371, well monads are the basic life force/power ... 😁

[@clive3940]

@Vallonii vndergrvnd stable democracies and philanthropic bequeaths from the estates of those who had something to give back to the public.... Methinks🤔

[@dexstewart2450]

@Vallonii vndergrvnd Yeah - Unions paid for the libraries where these lads were raised

[@markwilliamwestonwilson1503]

Yeah and the Tories want to close them all

[@ChosenEmpathSpirit]

The song moved me a 10 year old girl and today I finally understand why ❤

[@Joe_Sheffield]

"we dont talk about life; we only want to get drunk..." Very appropriate lines then, especially so today 25 years or so later. Band ahead of their time.

[@Jonny_Red]

Even more so the 'and we are not allowed to spend as we are told that this is the end' 😔

[@shiva8265]

"We don't talk about love"

[@Joe_Sheffield]

@shiva8265 that's what I typed. Damn autocorrect. 🤦🤦

[@craigfothergill1804]

2024 still amazing song ❤🎉

[@janeyorke8684]

This shows again and again what brilliant Music Talent Great Britain has produced over the years....long may it all continue Globally ❤❤

[@craigfothergill1804]

​@@janeyorke8684 There's fantastic people with Talented gifts everywhere its brilliant 👍👍

[@benh.2853]

💪

[@robnealon1809]

More than ever

[@gsd8225]

"Libraries gave us power, then work came and made us free" Powerful lyric.

[@gsd8225]

WHERE?​@@steveanon2053

[@MichaelMitchell-nn2ig]

20 years today. Wherever you are, Richey, stay safe. Love from Scotland.

[@garrytisdell7534]

+Michael Mitchell richey has gone,,James deaen bradley rocks on

[@dannyrockreviews]

+Michael Mitchell we all miss Richey... :(

[@pipleo6313]

Love from Scotland too :)

[@hardcoreuproar9304]

Michael Mitchell mickey is safe and sound living out life somewhere in Spain i hope! . I think we should be so grateful that he left behind a huge catalogue of unpublished music and songs for James and the band to use. In fact their brand new 2018 summer release album has loads of rickey's songs check it out. Have a good day

[@timheathfield97]

@fake name idea for a name cheerful chappie ! !

[@petel2551]

the line where he sings 'we don't talk about about love we only wanna get drunk' and the way he sings it , it's so powerful.

[@raneman6146]

@Zarquon Paul Atreides It is still popular here, at least by me!

[@shaunreynolds7934]

I wish I had a bottle

[@grahamkelly8299]

This is one of the best songs ever written by a band, and these guys should get the recognition they deserve. If you are a musician, learn the song and you'll know why. It's a masterpiece of music.

[@colinesquire2480]

True a classic

[@petermacleod2402]

Motorcycle emptiness is their best song!

[@samluca1244]

Well, everything is a matter of preference and perception. Who can go against these variables?

[@suzybeza9412]

This one and Mororcycle emptyness. masterpieces!

[@suzybeza9412]

to sing it , is also difficult. His voice is so good!

[@Mr1979flapjack]

"Libraries gave us power", one of the best lyrics of all time.

[@eugenemorice3353]

Mr1979flapjack Yup !

[@fernandosucre9718]

Mr1979flapjack And now Wikipedia does.

[@EDDIEM0NS00N]

+Mr1979flapjack "Then work came & made us free" also as great & a stern reminder of humanity's dark aspect

[@garrytisdell7534]

+Mr1979flapjack brilliant- librabries agaves us power

[@garrytisdell7534]

+Mr1979flapjack true

[@jorvikaengelskvinna7157]

I cannot express how much I love this song. R.I.P. Richey Edwards, wherever you are.

[@kierongray3981]

Best band to ever come out of Wales !

[@Im_1EB]

1996 - I'm 38 years old this year. This song is legendary

[@Ggggggggfddxv]

janet t it’s a pure gem mate

[@mrsanselmo3342]

i fell in love with this song in 1997 aged 17. i'm now 39 and still in love with it

[@JohnSmith-tj6vz]

33 here.. Was 10 when this came out. Great memories :)

[@MrGideon63]

It came out when I was 33, the year my children were born. They're now 23 and I'm 56. I still think this song is brilliant. I'm also amazed at the Manic's ability to churn out great melody after great melody.

[@davidabkk]

35 brother, loving it. Stay safe

[@FletcherSketcher92]

One of the most underrated songs ever.. the emotion and power in this is amazing.. and the guitar during the chorus is so good.

[@jamesmaybrick2001]

Nope. Just because youare to young to have heard it before you thing itsin any way underrated? Sweet summer child. This is was a massive hit on a massive album. This had so much airtime. It was up there with Bitter Sweet Symphony.

[@ryanisstuckin93]

​@jamesmaybrick2001 Yep. It's just cool to say everything is overrated. Everyone who was around in the 90's will know this song.

[@AndrewinTas]

i thought it was just me

[@sarawakstudio1111]

They are really good 👍... one of the best UK bands to date. Tracks like 'Australia', 'motorcycle emptiness' are truly classic... God bless them and their career.

[@giorgioosiris3216]

Hear you ❤

[@satkinson8281]

An excellent example of what humans with real talent can produce... Timeless quality.

[@doniemullaneyokeeffe9563]

Yes

[@chazk7530]

Yeah this song is extraordinary. I love the way Nick Wire seems to not give a shit while James Bradfield sings his heart out.

[@stephencooper7459]

Had the privilege of seeing them live twice. Very humble and amazing 😊what a band .

[@tuforu4]

It's TRASH

[@tuforu4]

Watch LADY SAW..

[@alixfarron6730]

This video deserves as much view as Bitter Sweet Symphony.

[@malmaclachlan3088]

bitter sweet symphony is rubbish, dont put this song in the same class as that garbage.

[@alixfarron6730]

@@malmaclachlan3088 I grew out of this song eventually. The Manics are rubbish.

[@noogeti]

@@alixfarron6730how can you call them rubbish when they made the holy bible lol?

[@alixfarron6730]

@@noogeti they're just noisy

[@noogeti]

@@alixfarron6730 you’ve listened to The Holy Bible right?

[@alcatraz3539]

I'm SIXTY years old and it's still legendary to me!

[@the_SBC]

They came back from being in a very dark place after their manager died & richey disappearing, with this absolute classic of a tune!!!

[@markv1125]

In my opinion the greatest combination of genius lyric and breath taking music of all time.

[@taramilton8695]

Richie is alive and well, I saw him in Costa Coffee last year...

[@achintobe5410]

@@taramilton8695 legit? Becuase he could be alive

[@taramilton8695]

@@achintobe5410 He is..

[@markcf83]

Correct.

[@MrPge1970]

There aren't many better songs than this.

[@burnsybaby1987]

+MrPge1970 Here here. One of the best songs of the last 25 years.

[@michaeljames1044]

1990s when good songs stopped being made, RIP MUSIC born whenever died AD 2000!

[@Hellwyck]

There is but that's purely opinion

[@deanthompson88]

@@Hellwyck You call it opinion, we call it taste.

[@RiccardoMemoSmochi]

@@michaeljames1044 lol sure

[@tonybates7870]

James Dean Bradfield: Vocals - fantastic Guitar - brilliant Melody and chord sequence creating - incredible Harmonies - out of this world. If I'm leaving anything out, I'm sorry.

[@jameswatson3243]

4.6 million views, so how many millions either don't know this exists or have never heard a song like this.... Shame!

[@grahampollock9835]

That's coz nowadays youth only like rap someone wants to imform them that rappers rap coz they don't think they can sing they maybe right but doubt young un would think it was so bad pretty good if it was given its old name poet's

[@themanfromvolantis]

@@grahampollock9835 Hate to sound like an old fart but they don't even rap properly or write proper lyrics. That mumble stuff PMSL and when they run out of rhymes they always fall back on rhyming na na na na with na na na na. And the kids go baa baa baa baa Only, why is it that all the kids have a Jamaican accent these days? But ask them who is their favourite toaster and they say Morphy Richards. Ask them if they have any roots and they run to the mirror examining their hair. Ask if they have ska, they show you a graze on their knee from falling off a skateboard. I asked for lovers rock, they thought it was what you buy at the seaside. I would not like to do their family trees because they think everyone is their relative. Ennit cuz? Blood? Bruv? Fam? I may be in the autumn of my years but I have seen the Manic Street Preachers on two occasions, in little sweaty venues, with a man called Richey in the band.

[@thuurmichels763]

It's weird to me how the lyrics are still applicable to the modern youth. (We don't talk about love, we only wanna get drunk...) The descending guitar chords after those lines are just perfect, and how James Dean alters the melody by singing slower near the end. Just a timeless masterpiece.

[@lizyates153]

I’m 50 and this is still a banger !

[@jakeharvey1319]

I spend hours think how there could be a better song than this. Working class empowerment.

[@gustavodean-gomes2926]

25 years and sound as strong as the first time. Long live MSP.

[@jollyroger1824]

Listening in November going into December 2024 🎵🎵🎵

[@seanoconnell6845]

What an exceptional piece of music. Tbf Britpop was on 🔥 in the 90s.

[@aaanesa]

One of the greatest songs ever. A timeless masterpiece.

[@bjrnsjlstad7578]

Agree, awesome song, still, after all these years

[@Philip-vg7um]

Surely the greatest song ever from Wales in the modern era

[@pcole980]

close between this and If You'll Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next. Both very worthy candidates

[@janejoseph7740]

I'm 60 years old now this song is a masterpiece from my younger days moves me to tears😢 just brilliant

[@tonybates7870]

Magnificent ain't the word. No, hang on - yes, it is.

[@JamesDbradfield]

Hello,how are you doing it's nice meeting you here..

[@BarnabyDrury]

What a group of legends deserve more respect than they get

[@greycats99]

1st day of 2021 and listening to Manic Street Preachers, what else?!

[@jefferio]

The song that changed my life. Still beautiful in 2024 x

[@adamlitchfield3371]

Same. First heard it in 1996 when I was 15 and it gave me good music taste forever...along with several years of dressing like Nicky and Richey ☺️

[@deborahcornell7919]

2023 and this still sounds as Freaking awesome as it did back in the day. Love the Manics ❤😊

[@tirarosaurioreads]

This song doesnt get old at all. Even more so nowadays, because middle working class barely exists anymore and the lyrics are more spot on than ever.

[@gordianknot6867]

Thank the WEF

[@adrianwilliams469]

I love the orchestra mixed with the guitars and the emotion in his voice makes it a classic.

[@Secret-sw8ih]

And drums 😊 I agree!

[@louisebradley9261]

Libraries gave us power Then work came and made us free What price now For a shallow piece of dignity I wish I had a bottle Right here in my dirty face To wear the scars To show from where I came We don't talk about love We only wanna get drunk And we are not allowed to spend As we are told that this is the end A design for life A design for life A design for life A design for life I wish I had a bottle Right here in my pretty face To wear the scars To show from where I came We don't talk about love We only wanna get drunk And we are not allowed to spend As we are told that this is the end A design for life A design for life A design for life A design for life We don't talk about love We only wanna get drunk And we are not allowed to spend As we are told that this is the end A design for life A design for life A design for life A design for For those who love to sing out loudly 😃

[@markunwin2109]

Beautiful voice you have Nicol’e Bradley...

[@louisebradley9261]

@Thorheim LARPersson you’re most welcome 🙏

[@SD-ym1rt]

Only way to sing it! 🤙

[@johnkk7863]

Guilty! But hey thank you so much!

[@sydneyballantine862]

Thank you for the great words 💕

[@bupine]

An absolutely classical rock composition masterpiece, served with top of lungs guttural singing, contrasting with the most wonderful string arrangement. Gives me the same goosebumps today as in the day I first heard it in 96. One of the best songs ever recorded.

[@OthelloPanda]

"To wear the scars, to show from where I came" - My favourite lyrics of all time.

[@manorbier]

my fav line 💙

[@lordIanHouston]

Release NOW This sound needs to be heard now....

[@pancake6131]

looking for the name of this song for 8 years and finally finding it, totally worth it

[@dines1687]

One of the best and most underated bands ever

[@LytRoni]

Woke up in the middle of the night with this stuck in my head. Love.

[@denisemunn7193]

I wake up with this song far too many times...... It's frigging awesome

[@mukesh.dhimar]

Really weird. Me too. I'm not even a Manics fan

[@mrmojorisin291278]

One of the most underrated bands to come out of the UK and i can safely say this song is pure lyrical genius, if you understand what this song is about it makes it even better. My dad used to explain the meanings behind the lyrics of songs when i was younger i grew up to be artistic and poetic and i give my dad the credit for that even if it is the only thing i can give him any credit for.

[@markgraham8468]

They are a great band. What makes you think they are underrated? Play stadiums and arena's get lots of press coverage awards etc. Chameleons, luke haines, Mccarthy (who the manics cover) Camper van beethoven (who they also cover) are truly underrated

[@RR-hx7nj]

What is the meaning behind the song ?

[@RivieraKid69]

@@RR-hx7nj Every song is open to interpretation. And with the Manics, you really need to listen a few times. For me, this was always about class struggle, rich vs poor. They borrow heavily from others, as do all the greats. To me, it comes across as if they are annoyed at their impending success.

[@gooders7366]

@@RivieraKid69 ‘every song is open to interpretation’. 👍🏽 Well said. But how? Answer: By contemplation. I have listened to this song countless times as it is on rotation on the factory radio. I do love the song and have history with the band. My best mate was a big fan years ago. He isn’t with us now, died from alcoholism 3 years back. Back in the day he was going through a troubled patch after his wife left him. He called me for company one evening. When I got there he was basically in a psychotic state. He had the manics playing on the stereo. I sat with him for a while, not knowing what to do. He pulled a stiletto knife out and stabbed right through his right forearm, there as he sat in the armchair. After this, the torment passed. He lived happily for a good few years after this. I think this incident was for a purging of the grief of his failed marriage. But he had damaged his organs by this time on the spirits, so even though he pulled through mentally, his body was damaged and he died in his mid 40s. All that to say, human angst is real, and respect to this band for speaking out. Loudly. With guitars and melody, and yes, art. I remember the Steve Lamaq nterview with the band after a gig- he asked them ‘are you for real?’. Richie cut ‘4 real’ in his arm with a blade. I came back here to honour my friend and thank the band and say, pain is real. My interpretation to this song comes after much contemplation over many years. One can contemplate alone, and you can get far along the path of love of the good, but this song begins with ‘libraries gave us power’. There are philosophers whose books are in those libraries who will help me get along better than I could alone. One such I found lately is known as the Lone Wolf of Canada, or the Owl of Minerva. His name is George P. Grant, and he went to town throughout his life to drill our modern angst, post two world wars, our ‘design for life’. He drilled our case by contemplation, thinking through how moderns got here. He acknowledges the basic complaint of this song (and blur’s Modern Life is Rubbish), and gives a way out! The way out is by way of contemplation of Plato’s Good, and reversing the modern’s reversal of the order of the vita contempletiva and the vita activa. ✌️(Thinking comes FIRST, then action afterwards) Free to read is Brad Jersak’s amazing introduction to Grant/Weil thought- his degree paper gained at Bangor University IN WALES. ! 👏😭😆✌️✌️✌️❤️ research.bangor.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/we-are-not-our-own--the-platonic-christianity-of-george-p-grant-from-the-cave-to-the-cross-and-back-with-simone-weil(752431c4-2c75-4ccb-b3f6-ac2d1184e2fc).html RIP Philip Alston (Mr Figis) of Royton, near Manchester. See you in just a little while, brother ❤️❤️❤️

[@nicolamillar4958]

Credit where its due. Nice you got your talent from your Dad. My Dad taught be how to iron his shirts!😁🤣 He could sing though!!

[@johnmccormick9303]

This, to me is THE song of the 90's. Raw, aggressive, tuneful, and all the band as one. Just fantastic!!!

[@sthldn2843]

Upon UK release of this tune, the 'Release Meeting' at Sony were in total awe at this video being played. This is Brit Pop/Rock at its best. Proud to be involved in the promotion of this timeless classic.

[@CamyKazeX]

Great band... Great song... This music gives me the will to live...

[@aelfredhauscarl]

a song for the soul my never met friend :)

[@CamyKazeX]

​@@aelfredhauscarl 😊

[@elennapointer701]

I'd heard of the Manics prior to this, but this was the first song of theirs I ever bought. The album is possibly one of the most beautiful farewells to a friend I've ever heard.

[@paulmulcahy4187]

Living in London summer of '96, this song brings it all back!!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Me too. I remember Euro '96 and a hot summer where it seemed hope was in the air. The post Cold War nineties were the calm before the storm.

[@catringarratt405]

26 years old today & still as excellent as when it was first released 👌

[@JamesDbradfield]

Hello,how are you doing it's nice meeting you here..

[@steviezxr]

Not listened for this for about 15, 20 years. Goosebumps all over. Can’t think off another song that has ever done this. Entirely personal I’m sure. But nonetheless, this song must have something extremely rare.

[@craigbuchan]

sounds like it could of been written yesterday! timeless masterpiece.

[@radhaor]

Could have* been 🙏

[@PistaParsons]

I miss the music from my youth, fear of sounding like my dad, but there is nothing today that I connect with as much as back then

[@thebatman4279]

As soon as that heartbreaking opening arpeggio riff kicks in, i'm floored. An immensely sad yet brilliant song. Probably their best?

[@manorbier]

Their absolute best 🙌

[@scotthunter9985]

Hell yes, a classic for sure.

[@funknews9230]

It is quite fucking delicious.

[@manic_street_starlover]

Imo, not their best, the holy bible and this is my truth do have more powerful lyrics, but is an absolute masterpiece. Maybe its because im a manics superfan that I think there are better songs.

[@bigbilly3347]

This song gives me goosebumps especially when the strings kick in half way through. A stroke of genius from the MSP's

[@davegadge1]

RIP Rickey Edward’s! Great song!

[@mikewood9514]

When music hits you hard. Pure class.

[@MrNickoboyo]

I've known these guys,well,James and Sean,all my life! Our parents were friends,good friends. These boys are the salt of the earth lads!

[@michaelcarr3924]

Yep, and I went to school with Jessica Rabbit and Elvis.

[@slabbyrider8665]

Can you tell them to lighten up then and make a tune that doesn't make me want to shoot myself in the fucking head

[@outsidersongs2682]

You are lucky! They seem really decent

[@JohnSmith-tj6vz]

Top stuff my friend. Great band

[@JohnSmith-tj6vz]

@@slabbyrider8665 these songs are the best.

[@dif4921]

Such a fantastic song with so much energy. So proud to be of Welsh heritage.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@stevetaylor7206]

I've got 18 per cent welsh in me, but a proud Englishman.

[@bimbobaggypants4820]

I'm Welsh but 25 percent English

[@carl9746]

Up the Celts❤

[@autistic.adventurer]

The 3 greatest 3 opening lines to a song ever written. Libraries gave us power, then work came and made us free, what price now for a shallow piece of dignity.

[@samturner6061]

I remember I was with my mum in Asda, age 10 or so. Mid 90s. Maybe a little older. I only had a pound to buy whatever I wanted from the music area. Yeah Asda used to have a straight up record store back in the day just in the store. Crazy. Top single CDs were 1.99. The limited edition ones with fancy cases were 2.99. But there was a basket of random tapes for 99p. I looked through them for a bit and found this one mysterious looking tape with a golden, unnamed, unmarked cardboard case. Intrigued, I bought it and returned home........ to hear this. Song's stuck with me ever since. Still listen to it today. One of the great rock ballads of the 90s. Of Britain in general.

[@chriswinwood6501]

Limited edition CDs with fancy cases. This cassette in gold. I am suddenly a student in Virgin Megastore all over again.

[@tomoshobbs]

Seeing people here for so long... hate to be cringe but it brings a tear to my eye knowing that their music has not been forgotten

[@Secret-sw8ih]

That's not cringy, that's lovely!

[@rickyevans3845]

One of the best songs ever written. IMO

[@ciaramccluskey6230]

Ricky Evans 👌

[@joseptim]

What does it mans IMO?

[@joseptim]

Micah Bell thank you, good man

[@hopsail]

If you see these, playing live, (try to do it in Wales), the crowd singing to this is the best I've heard. Couldn't see through tears, and I'm a tenor.

[@daffydad]

Nearly 25 years on And here we are fighting to keep our library

[@mtsenskmtsensk5113]

dave oconnor Many libraries were gifted by Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnet (over 600), so councils may have a duty, if it is a Carnegie library.

[@daffydad]

@@mtsenskmtsensk5113 I live in Wales pretty sure miners contributed a great deal setting up libraries but I could be wrong.👍

[@mtsenskmtsensk5113]

@@daffydad Yes you are correct, in Wales, but Mainly in England and Scotland Carnegies libraries were funded. See 68th IFLA Council and General Conference August 18-24, 2002 In the Aberdare Leader newspaper for 21st February 1903 it was reported that the small South Wales mining township of Penrhiwceiber had turned down an offer of £700 from Andrew Carnegie to help establish a public library in the area. This was not a unique occurrence, although generally Carnegie’s offers had the opposite effect of concentrating local minds, overcoming any opposition and leading to the provision of a public library service. But then, as the report makes abundantly clear, Penrhiwceiber was not interested in the local authority funded model of public library development either, which the community also dismissed as ‘municipal doles’. Why such strong feelings and such strong language? Was the local community implacably opposed to the concept of a library service for the locality? The answer is no, quite the reverse. The main reason for Penrhiwceiber’s decision was that the township already enjoyed a library service from a local Miners’ Institute and had done so for some years. The community did not see why it should forfeit its ‘independence’ and pay twice for a library facility via their own contributions and local rates, or be beholden to a wealthy American philanthropist, whose handouts were frequently seen as ‘blood money’. Beginning in the late 1860s and early 1870s, i.e. when public library enabling legislation was already firmly in place in the British Isles, many South Wales coal-mining communities had looked to themselves to provide for the growing reading needs of their inhabitants. Libraries and reading rooms could meet these needs, whether they were educational, cultural or recreational, but in the newly emerging mining communities of South Wales, where there was little or no tradition of municipal governance, their answer was formed by entirely different traditions. Whereas the older, more established towns around the fringes of the coalfield, such as Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare did adopt the Public Library Acts between 1887 and 1901, smaller townships and villages all across the coal-mining region of Monmouthshire, Glamorgan and parts of Carmarthenshire and Brecon established well over 100 libraries and reading rooms in the five decades before 1914, generally as a major, if not the most important feature

[@jennystone2852]

Massive. Love love LOVE

[@jorjajackson6156]

this is such a gorgeous song, it was my uncles funeral song. i can’t stop listening to it

[@TimFisheroo]

Those strings in the last chorus.. man.

[@TheDrewtho]

....you are right Tim, big time

[@manorbier]

Tears me up every time

[@WrinkleyDude]

My love for great music brought me here, again.

[@joelmay3322]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@FlamingoSkull]

My 47 year old Stepdad is currently showing me some of his old tracks that he used to love, allowing me to gain great interest in this band :-)

[@TheIkaraCult]

They did Richey proud by making this the anthem it is

[@chatek3858]

I'm so blessed that I living my teenage life during the 90'

[@End_Orca_Captivity]

I saw Manic Street Preachers around 4 or 5 times back in the day, when I wasn't even into them. My friend down the road was obsessed with them and had no one to go with; we were both into alternative rock, so I'd go with her just so she didn't miss out. Long story short, they grew on me, not just cos of this song, but Kevin Carter and If You Tolerate This....., There By the Grace of God (love that song so much). You don't really get much social commentary songs or political music these days, like MSP and Pulp could do so well.

[@niningsetia4213]

Thanks for your SONG GOD bless everyone Barakallah fiikum 😂😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@kyrie-deelyons367]

I had never heard of manic street preachers until I got tickets to Bon Jovi at Liverpool Anfield Stadium and found out that they were going to be the support act for Bon Jovi. WOW what a performance it was by manic street preachers!! they even sung guns and roses' sweet child o mine! they hit every note perfect!! Ive still got goosebumps, they were amazing :D

[@markv1125]

The Manics are pure class. Bon Jovi not so much.

[@melaniecatlin4447]

Wow - now there's a double whammy for you! Deffo got your moneys worth there you lucky sod!! 😘

[@stevenjoyce421]

JDB was stood outside having a smoke like a normal geyser. Class.

[@veratravel4691]

I am Romanian and I love this band!... so no matter of nationality!..

[@kltown1879]

hearing this song live makes a chill go down my spine its that fantastic

[@jessicastark4811]

I am proud to say, this is the first record I bought.

[@suburbia2050]

was my first minidisc!

[@NotQuiteFirst]

My first was Mr Blobby

[@boofuls]

@@NotQuiteFirst another classic artist 😂

[@庶民満尊]

so many of us can relate to this song now.

[@TheGabolism]

the most underrated band and song ever!!

[@cesarmonteiro4424]

the most underrated BAND ever are THE BAND OF HOLLY JOY ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKKpi5KPmct9sMk

[@hezzycatasmr1886]

This still breaks my heart like it did. You know or you dont.

[@seculardojo7738]

I do. It blew my mind!

[@rodneycooperLMSCoach]

Their best song. Stands alongside the finest popular music ever written.

[@tramlad2]

Ripper of a song, just an outstanding band, their body of work is just on another level, never a bad track on an album, and live, they just own the stage, awesome band, love them love them love them

[@tomgwilliam6762]

Going to watch these boys live in about 9 hours for the first time after listening to them all these years 👍

[@allraargast]

THE most underrated band in the history of music - EVER!

[@serhiogruzdev3316]

Согласен....

[@janeyorke4197]

❤ Brilliant Musicians ❤ Great Britain produces Music Geniuses and there are many...

[@TylerDurden-oy2hm]

have to respect the sincerity and passion of these guys....theres no filler here...just earnest honest lyrics and heartfelt intensity.i salute you gentlemen...kia kaha from New Zealand

[@sayitlikeitis9868]

Slainte from Ireland 🇮🇪 🤘🇳🇿

[@saritnachman2798]

Love this band. One of the best ever ❤️ love this song.

[@LouiseMorledge-pd2jx]

3:56

[@domerust6899]

Absolutely majestic. Pop music that matters.

[@vaughie]

One of the most honest and beautiful songs ever made. The Manics never let us down!

[@johnbeckett6430]

I am Welsh, and they are brilliant.

[@tdurb0]

This is such an amazing song on every single level. The rebirth of a band who’d been through such a crisis, such a horrible time in their lives. Richey, you’re more missed than you could ever have imagined

[@themrflibbleuk]

Your comment is it. It’s this song. It’s in many respects why it’s sad they didn’t get the worldwide stardom they deserved. This song, this song after the tragedy they went through. Good lord, it’s just, there’s no words.

[@tdurb0]

@@themrflibbleuk I still miss him. I’ve still got all the NME’s with 4 Real and his disappearance and everything. I can’t ever throw them away

[@exsappermadman25055]

"We don't talk about love, we only wanna get drunk", the whole of the 90's right there.......

[@Ivy-og5xd]

The whole of my life right there.......

[@theshakter]

These days it's all about who gets stoned

[@danieljames6646]

Words are, "We only warn about drugs".

[@exsappermadman25055]

@@danieljames6646 Nope......

[@exsappermadman25055]

@@Ivy-og5xd #EasyLife!......