Natalie Merchant - Big Girls (feat. Abena Koomson-Davis) (Official Video)

Natalie Merchant's "Big Girls," featuring Abena Koomson-Davis, from her album 'Keep Your Courage,' out now on Nonesuch Records: nataliemerchan...
Director & Producer: Matthew Shattuck
Line Producer: Troy Cribbin
Director of Photography & Editor: Andrew Pulaski
1st AC: Dante Corrocher
2nd AC: John Jenne
Gaffer: Piotr Ski Jagninski
BB Electric: Stephen Siddell
Electric: Chris Jara
Key Grip: Brandon Roberts
BB Grip: Lionel Maunz
Grip: Brandon Jones
Production Designer: Michael Conti
Props: Brian Stremick
Stylist: Laura Ferrara
Stylist Assist: Coco Hill
Makeup: Suzy Gerstein
Hair: Dennis Devoy
Still Photography: Andres Kudacki
Sound Mixer: Tom Fama
Production Assistant: Mark Califra
Production Assistant: Dash Porter
Produced by Machine Street Projects
BIG GIRLS
(words & music by Natalie Merchant)
Always thought the game came easy,
you never thought about it twice.
Your luck was leaving, so, you just threw the dice
and time was on your side.
Time, was always on your side.
But times got tough and life got even.
So, you told yourself some lies.
And now you truly do believe that
there’s only one way to survive: you hold on to your pride.
Big girls, they don’t cry,
heart of stone, gone cold as ice.
They close the door, they keep it all inside.
You trusted love but love’s deceiving.
Now you know that it’s unfair, you know love is so unfair.
But it hurts the worst, believe me,
when you show them that you care; so, never show that you care.
Big girls, they don’t cry;
heart of stone, gone cold as ice.
They close the door, they keep it all inside.
Know when to hide, know when to fight.
Tell the lies, that’s how they survive.
Don’t let them see, don’t give yourself away.
Hold on, hold on!
Keep your head girl, there’s so much more at stake.
Hold on, hold on!
You took a hit and the ship is going down.
Hold on, hold on!
A spark is lit and the fire is spreading fast.
Hold on, hold on!
See clouds are bursting and the water’s rising fast.
Hold on, hold on!
Stop the wrecking ball or the walls are coming down.
Hold on, hold on!
#nataliemerchant #keepyourcourage

[@MamaBearhEDS]

Natalie Merchant is so underappreciated! I love her and I love going to her concerts when they are in a smaller venue. She's just amazing and still has the voice she had when she was young. Beautiful song ladies!

[@robie1445]

Seen her twice, one of the times was in bethel n.y., with an orchestra, such a pleasant time.

[@TheGreatConstantini]

A friend of mine, who was fanatical about her voice, took me to a concert years ago and I was instantly converted. She is a great singer and writer. I so excited to see her making new music.

[@keithbate9405]

Depends how you define the term "underappreciated " Natalie may not have the profile of a Taylor Swift. But she has been selling out medium sized concert venues around the world for around 30 years. She did the same with 10,000 Maniacs from around 1987.

[@suzyangell1712]

I saw her in concert with my deaf friend and we were right up in front of her so my friend could see the lyrics signed. Most amazing concert ever!!!

[@MamaBearhEDS]

@@keithbate9405 Yes, I know. By underappreciated, I mean she doesn't have any grammys and isn't on magazine covers. I also don't hear people ever talk about her, but I know she has a huge fan base. I've been to three of her concerts. She is my favorite singer/songwriter!

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

40 odd years later, she still makes my breath catch with the first note… and Abena, wow. wow.

[@dpt3232]

Yes! Well said brother

[@annabutler5384]

same!

[@eitherorbooks]

I saw her last week at the kennedy center, having been a major fan for 20 years. The first note she sang my girlfriend audibly gasped. Natalie's natural and creative talent, poise, and politics are truly one of a kind.

[@jennifercohen2305]

My daughter has no minutes on her phone but girls does she ever need to hear this!!

[@Jayhuckster]

Same :)

[@katiecannon8186]

Merchant definitely has a unique, immediately recognizable voice. And she’s aging with such grace, which is just do very cool.

[@tazdeans]

I agree totally. Natalie's voice has been with me for 30+ years

[@jillcrato1680]

Natalie doesn’t sound like she did in the ‘80s and ‘ 90s.Her voice is still excellent though! This is a great song for adult women like I am in 2023.

[@deverekohler7717]

Did you ever hear that Natalie was told by some punk rocker type, that she's so uncool, that she's REALLY COOL!

[@tamaraisaacsciocci8950]

Natalie and Abena have such great vocal chemistry. Two amazing voices.

[@MrSphandor]

That voice it's just so sweet and deep. It hasn't really changed much either takes me right back to 20 years ago with ophelia..

[@badasssalsa]

Now that old sentimental hippie guy has wiped the tears from his eyes . What a lovely pairing of voices. What is it about Merchant's tonal timbre that evokes such deep heart-felt emotions of love and empathy? Perhaps it's as Robert Pirsig wrote in his second novel, Lila: Sentimentality is a narrowing of experience to the emotionally familiar. The familiarity of Natalies voice evokes a feeling in us that are old enough to remember when we first heard : What's The Matter Here? That was a spark, almost a nail in the Metal coffin of Pop top 40 music. Lyricaly and musically 10,000 Maniacs opened up a heart space in Pop music that only a handful of other artists were creating, and very few record labels were willing to promote.

[@theresaloos1485]

I am 68 and my boys listened to Natalie Merchant. I became a fan all these years. Love to see she is still a fighter for what truly matters.

[@raet7235]

Natalie is my hands down favorite artist. Have enjoyed her since my 20s and I am early 50s. Great duet!

[@celinescrappassion2184]

me too!! People say she is underappreaciated, but the thing is, she did not make that many albums, so she gets forgotten! But I just love her, her style, and i never get tired of listening to her albums!

[@yesterdayitrained]

Same! Exact same!

[@paulhewson4600]

Same.

[@Zen_17k]

Another masterpiece by legend Natalie Merchant. Beautiful song! I must say, the song “River” still gets me every time. 💙

[@detlefkonig5729]

Can't get enough, love is so unfair...

[@laurarominger2073]

Natalie is like Mother Earth to me. So maternal. So compassionate. Look at her songs over the years. She writes about what no one is writing about. I have never heard this other singer but she’s incredible and their voices blend beautifully. From Wonder, people with mental disabilities, to What’s the Matter Here about child abuse, to Trouble Me which I’ve shared with my mom. Such a caring soul.

[@streuselhead4058]

If you think "Mother Earth" is compassionate, you need to get out more. The earth is teeming with brutality and cruelty.

[@laurarominger2073]

@@streuselhead4058 I’m very aware of the evil of people. Trees, the ocean, and the mountains are not evil.

[@streuselhead4058]

@@laurarominger2073 Mother Earth (your term) includes the animals that inhabit the trees, oceans, and mountains. If you take a look at the behavior of those animals you will see there is a great deal of violence and cruelty and a distinct lack of compassion (your term, again). I recently watched a video in which hyenas ate a zebra while it was very much alive. Bears like to do that to people when they get a chance. Weak members of litters are abandoned by their mothers. Mountains erupt and kill people. Oceans capsize ships. Trees fall on houses. I don't know if I would call any of that "evil" necessarily, but it's anything but "compassionate." I am a mountaineer and can tell you that if you are freezing to death in the mountains, Mother Earth isn't coming to save you. But I do love Natalie Merchant's music, so we share that.

[@user-kp4jg7fk3m]

Thank you for the years of your music and everything. You helped me keep sober for so many years just listening to your music thank you for everything. God bless.

[@flyingnachos77]

Wow! 2 beautiful women with absolutely wonderful voices! It would be awesome if Abena toured with Natalie this summer.

[@cherierhynes8514]

I was wowed as well; so visually stunning. Couldnt stop it playing over and over and then in my mind. Soulful!

[@lcat4305]

I saw both NYC concerts at Lincoln Center a few weeks ago and Abena sang w/ Ms. Natalie, it was amazing!!

[@flyingnachos77]

@@lcat4305 Awesome! Hope she’s still with her in September for San Diego show.

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

This is where you go to get some of the BEST music you’ll hear all day! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@green-user8348]

I like the line, "You to hit and the ship is going down fast." This song makes me smile even though it is a bit sarcastic, yet uplifting.

[@davida.krenkelesq.595]

This album is Grammy material.

[@brendonl624]

I agree..but what u wanna bet those idiots won't nominate her

[@tomschmid582]

A beautiful heartfelt tribute to the complications and realities of life.

[@yourdrummer2034]

You know it's Natalie the moment you hear her!❤

[@digital_0630]

If I could only pick 25 songs to listen to for the rest of my life, about 5 of them would be Natalie merchant songs… she’s a gem 🙌🏼

[@putjesusfirst9814]

I love her

[@LuisJimenez-qg8yj]

10000 maniacs's too.

[@cindydoan7630]

2 beautiful strong women! Amazing cant stop playing this song! Thank you ❤

[@detlefkonig5729]

One of the most beautiful songs ever

[@detlefkonig5729]

It is still the outstanding best song ever

[@snordstrom3953]

Natalie, I have always loved you. I am happy you are happy..

[@lepeicious]

Gorgeous voices, lyrics, and music!!!

[@rinnywee]

The first time I heard this song I burst into tears. Such beauty and love. The album is sublime. Thank you.

[@cherierhynes8514]

Its nice to see 2 mature women beautiful visually and with such voices singing together in a way that unites us as women. Not going at each other competively speaking but loving each other 💙

[@semiprime6034]

You just made me cry

[@miguelenutube]

Natalie Merchant!! I missed her voice so much!! Her attitude singing, her persona, she's amazing 😊 Ever a true fan...Waiting to see her in Barcelona, if she comes.

[@sosoc2616]

I'm blown away by the harmony these two women create together! Two unique voices become one, and then become twice as brilliant! Just wow! 😍

[@user-jj7xe3li7x]

Wow!! Just wow!!.

[@pnwtreehugger806]

Is it okay that this song about big girls not crying is so beautiful that it made a big (old) boy tear up? So lovely. By the way, I've ordered Ms. Merchant's new CD.

[@chrisl203]

It’s for everyone 😊

[@rcomyns4664]

Made this frail old woman cry too. My beautiful daughter is a big girl and I feel her struggles. I've always loved Natalie, she's the real deal.

[@le_th_]

It's long over due that all males be able to feel their feelings in a healthy way.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Is it literally about physically big girls or emotionally mature girls?

[@pnwtreehugger806]

@@JohnLee-db9ztThe answer to your question can be found by buying and listening to Ms. Merchant's album "Keep Your Courage."

[@ShannonFarmer-rk8wc]

Thank you both. Living with AIDS for 12 + years is so hard

[@WITHETSTORMXX]

Sending love and prayers❤

[@TedJamesLytle790]

Natalie's voice is timeless and is as electric today as it was in 1985 when I first fell in love with it when I discovered 10,000 Maniacs. Two very magnetic voices (Tracy Chapman is another) are like time traveling for me. Love it! Discovering her new material now, as we are the same age, is pure magic.

[@cjazzgap5924]

I could not love her more! The songs of my youth and now the songs of my middle years. She truly is a wonder. ❤

[@steve6548]

Absolutely Beautiful. No words.

[@cindydoan7630]

Masterpiece!

[@worldsgreatestimpressionis6462]

Natalie Merchant is the finest female vocalist/ songwriter in music history. Soaring, mellifluous, other worldly.

[@barrykarpowich731]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL THANK YOU ❤🎉

[@midday2706]

Gosh I had forgotten how much I’ve missed Natalie Merchant’s voice. Great song ladies !

[@jennifercannon3351]

THIS ⬆️

[@ginawhoever9734]

listened 3 times straight. I SO NEEDED THIS TODAY. Thank you Natalie and Abena... i felt like God was speaking directly to me through you with something i needed so much to hear today!

[@MishaGreer]

Ummm, y'all knocked this out of the park. This is a hit, at least in my book. Beautiful lyric, instrumentation. And, the video is so lovely. Natlie- the expressivness you reveal in your face hits home! Abena- that voice, wow!

[@lena.dymytrenko]

i'll add: to have Van Gogh’s ear for music - it's Not about her.Yearh.

[@calmingbabysleep1256]

Im 30. Ive never heard of either of these ladies. Love it Beautiful powerful collab and voices.

[@Lovejazz01]

Wow, you owe it to yourself to check out more from Natalie Merchant, she’s a legend! Former lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs to a brilliant solo career! She’s one of the most legendary songwriters also…

[@calmingbabysleep1256]

@@Lovejazz01 will definitely do so, thanks!

[@green-user8348]

Thanks Natalie. Keep going strong.

[@sdavis6456]

Big fan of Natalie way back when she was with 10,000 maniacs! Aging myself. Glad to see she’s still singing! Very distinct voice! 🫶🏽

[@DerraughDawson]

Just saw this great musical artist in SF (Natalie Merchant) and have been playing her music ever since. Absolutely Love the harmony on her Duets with Abena, and her free flow dancing. The lyrics and music together in the song Big Girls is absolutely motivating for any person paying attention. The other musicians were awesome too and the sound over all was flawless top the ear.

[@Seonal]

i saw Ms Merchant last mothers day in cincinnati, a wonderful 3 hour show, the young woman she had accompany her was great, but if she had this lovely lady there it would have been wonderfully over the top

[@wintergarden7539]

Natalie's songwriting just stops my heart every time.

[@kevinv6455]

Her music soothes my weary soul

[@ashleyme8174]

Natalie has always been terrific when it comes o music. I am so happy she put out new material. It is really good stuff.

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

so powerful and beautiful- what a harmony between those two voice.

[@katstephenson8493]

WHERE HAVE I BEEN!!! I've only just come across this artist and I can't believe how amazing she is..I just listened to 'Carnival' and omg. Absolute Class..But this track.. I needed to hear this.. Thankyou for your lyrics,your words,your poetry.🙏☮️💓🇬🇧

[@paulhewson4600]

Always was and is stunning mentally, physically and spiritually.

[@TheCarlosBrandy]

Some songs of 10000 maniacs an 'Carnival' were my company when I started to recover from a hard drug addiction in 2007. I became christian after been in prision in 2016-17 now have peace and joy not like the World understand it, it's in my heart. Nice to hear this song. God bless you Natalie, and all who read this thing

[@AnthonyMiyazaki]

Beautiful music from beautiful people. Thank you for sharing this with us Natalie and Abena!

[@brendalaster]

Her songs make me cry in a good way. This is one of them, along with Kind And Generous (think of my Mutti) Natalie is one my faves for over 30yrs

[@TammyMartinBLUE]

🤷Where ya been girl? I Miss you🙇

[@keithpost2409]

Natalie Merchant is absoluty beautiful... ive been in love with her for 20+ years.. im playing 6 of her songs right now... what a voice... she saves my day when i hear her !

[@BarbieCooper-zo3dw]

Natalie is an amazing artist. Her music is so kind and she is so generous. She is my favorite singer/songwriter. Love 💘 her and Abena koomson-Davis

[@darthminogue]

I see what you did there.

[@amyeldridge8275]

Love you Natalie!!! Always have and always will. Thanks for the duet. Helped me along my day.

[@melodicRaconteursDen]

powerful shout for women's grit ‘gainst the gears of society: _`Keep strong, proud, don't let 'em walk over ya.`_ highlights knowing when to duck or punch back on love's unfair game - _stand together, ladies_ 💙

[@melodicRaconteursDen]

_"Be strong"_ they say, _"hold up the house,_ _Play by the rules, don't be a mouse."_ But these words come with a cost, A weight women bear, and at what cost? _"Suppress your feelings, do not desire,_ _A man will lead you with a safe hand higher."_ These manifestos, macho, outdated and old, Their chauvinistic tone, so callous and cold. Will break the chains, will speak their minds, Will shatter the archaic walls designs. For they are women, hear them roar, Their strength and power, forevermore.

[@irisscot101]

@@melodicRaconteursDen Wise words and true. ❤️

[@tinyrabbits557]

I’m a heterosexual man and I love this song 😀😘

[@melodicRaconteursDen]

_Choose to love men,_ See their greatness then Embrace them, but don't hurry. Let go all not available, not worthy, Focus on good, call forth the right, Build them up and shine both so bright. For a conscious world needs hearts that choose what's right needs hearts that know they _deserve_ the right.

[@regiment6541]

@@melodicRaconteursDen 💤😴

[@mdh2o530]

Thanks ladies for speaking from your soul to mine. Much love, respect and admiration. AAF

[@yesterdayitrained]

Beautiful women, beautiful voices, beautiful song- that is both strong and heart-breaking. The lyrics don’t lie. Thank you ladies!

[@annmarietornabene]

Natalie, how do you always have the power to make me cry with your voice, words and the look in your eyes in this video? Thank you for your music, always.

[@angelikakierstein4688]

one of my absolute favorite artists, she is so special, so giftet, I love her since long,

[@cristoferjustin1553]

Such meaningful lyrics… I find myself unable to beat life or time anymore. Aging faster than I can run…😢 As always, Natalie knows exactly how it feels. Beautiful sentiment!

[@hopenr9355]

Ive been a fan of Natalies for decades and I love this song. Their voices together are sheer magic. But I am so curious cause big girls cry, man, we really do cry!

[@lena.dymytrenko]

c'mon, knock it off

[@exton2174]

Simply Two Awesome Voices! Beautiful.❤

[@arisagustoni9706]

What a fantastic album !! So many great songs in it...amazing !! Hope to see her live in the upcoming tour !!

[@katherandefy]

Natalie always makes me reflective wondering things. Oooo love the perfect instrumentation with your voices wow I feel like I’m on the ocean and these melodic harmonious peaceful sirens are exceedingly kind to tell me to hold on.

[@brandonjahve8008]

Hello katherandefy How are you

[@joannapavel2803]

Absolutely love this new album. Natalie and Abena sound amazing together. So powerful!!!

[@marya3402]

These two ladies are amazing looking forward to hearing more from both of you

[@patrickarbuckle8078]

I love these two voices together; my 40th time on full Album listen. This is one of three that I just can’t get enough. Seeing her in Portland in September; can’t wait.

[@beakhammer2638]

I can still see the little girls in you two. Keep it up. You are treasures. From Ireland.

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

Two beautiful angels coming to the rescue, love to you both.

[@BonelishOfficial]

🙌Beautiful and warm melodies🙌

[@kviz1111]

Im crying because I didn't know us thick chicks gotta a anthem

[@ruthgunneson-poling1571]

Wow! I love their harmonies.

[@DeborahDynamicBridging]

Two beautiful women as models of feminine empowerment.Wonderful singing collaboration . 🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@irisscot101]

Strength, dignity, experience, defiance and wisdom, all wrapped up in a beautiful poignancy. May this powerful duet bring inspiration and courage in troubled times. Thank you

[@balburke]

Exactly ❤

[@carolann5959]

I just love this song. ❤❤❤

[@jennieladew-duncan132]

I just love this song, and their combined voices are beautiful!

[@MethodiousMind]

Wow. This is too good. I had to pause it just to take it all in.

[@lorio5003]

she's coming to my city in a small vintage theater and i can't wait! all the years i grew, learned, loved and lost with that wonderful voice! 💖🎶

[@shortmeister4321]

I am doing everything I can to hold on. Thank you.

[@joewerda4022]

Love Natalie!

[@preyes621011]

I saw last night this magnificent performance of Natalie in Fort Lauderdale Fl, and she make me cry, She does a so spectacular interpretation. I love Natalie, God bless her voice, style,

[@beevandyke1959]

I love how you age with grace and strength alongside us and your music reflects the issues of our lives as we grow. So much depth and wisdom in your music . ❤

[@NightOwlAmbient]

Wow...Absolutely beautiful...and Powerful.💗

[@barryconway]

The whole album, every track, is just growing growing growing on me…

[@katzparov]

Yes, Yes and yes again. The album, absolutely great from the very beginning just continues to grow and grow on you. Love it.

[@TheSchuyler75]

i’m not crying 😭❤ I love you so much my sisters 🕊️☮️

[@adamfriedman3510]

I feel as though I've been suspended in a moment of so many big emotions. Thank you for more amazing music. ❤

[@John-un5uz]

beautiful harmonies! beautiful song....Natalie, "it's been so long I've missed you..."

[@aimilios-christos363]

Natalie reminds me of Maynard James Keenan. She is set apart from any other musician, unique, mesmerizing and timeless. The 90's were the best imo.

[@pennlawrence6520]

Thank you Natalie for sharing your remarkable gifts all these years. Both singers sound absolutely beautiful together.

[@southsidekarl]

It’s been so long since I heard her voice, it still calms me to listen to her. It gives me a warm feeling inside. ❤❤❤

[@Jayhuckster]

Natalie is one of the best lyricists I've ever enjoyed listening to. THANK YOU for so many years of beautiful music. And Abena, thank you as well

[@williamhuallpa1844]

Natalie...is my favorite...they are songs...they are poems...associated with ethical sounds...she is a great fabulous...!!!

[@ScarletRed.]

Added to my ever growing favorites!

[@underock4]

Wow...that just took my breath away. For 40 years+ I've loved Natalie's originality & brilliance as a songwriter...this is majestic !

[@tom-ss2mn]

Same

[@TheSchuyler75]

we need this so much right now i feel this so deeply and wow i can’t tell you how much i love Natalie for her devotion to our spirit of sisterhood and I see her as a woman I look up to and respect so much. 🕊️☮️💕🕊️☮️💕🕊️

[@angelapoole5822]

She's beautiful inside and out, her inner light shines so bright! One can only embrace love through her songs and my being psychic,this is wonderful to experience on all levels!

[@andrearenee7845]

Great to see you, Natalie. What a beautiful performance. So heartfelt... Thank you both. In love & light.