R.E.M. - Imitation Of Life (Official Music Video)

[@thegood9]

Man I wish there was a 4K version of this video...there is so much detail, so many fine elements. Just a genius video to match a genius song.

[@ipiap]

There is too much zooming in it. I donT know how much the picture quality could be improved.

[@chadderton]

I don't ever remember it being anything other than grainy, even when it was on TV back in the day.

[@asturiasrobocop1341]

HEY! Notice that its done that way. The zooming its on "the video" itself , not on the image. Also , it was 2001 and the monkey is playing mandolin. Why? I dont know, but i think Mike Stipe its cool .

[@RodrigoNishino]

Sooner or later someone will come up with an AI enhanced version... I can only hope

[@ThisUsernameSystemF-ckingSucks]

@@RodrigoNishino Unfortunately AI doesn't create perfect images from such low quality. You would just end up with a video that has a very clear "AI" look. The only way for this video to look better would be if it were recorded on film but thats unlikely in 2001.

[@kruno25]

"The entire video took 20 seconds to shoot. What you're watching is a loop that goes forwards for 20 seconds, backwards for 20 seconds, forwards for 20 seconds, backwards for 20 seconds, with one camera, static, and then using a technique called pan and scan, which is a technical thing that is used when they go from a widescreen format and reformat to fit your television or DVD, moving in on certain parts of the entire picture. And you'll see that we do that picking up various people within the frame." - Michael Stipe, MTV UK, 2001

[@whiterain2546]

Exactly

[@Fh8919]

20 seconds? That's long... most shots seem only to be a few seconds before it's rewinded. But still, awesomely creative!

[@DemiGod1985]

WHy do you copy and paste a comment that has been there for ages?

[@kruno25]

@@DemiGod1985 R.E.M was posted this on they Facebook page and that was interesting for me and i share with society on youtube in comment section...

[@almudenamir7018]

well, I'm thankful for the info. Is the reason why I'm here watching.

[@Hy-Brasil]

this song is like an old friend you haven't seen in ages.

[@falankuk]

Nostalgia

[@JPbarbosa8]

You are damn right

[@katewilkinson6047]

Emily Pollifax YOU GOT IT IN ONE.LOVE IT💝

[@BeforeSleepASMR]

I feel you!

[@HalfLife83]

🎈

[@spoton7683]

An underrated and largely / sadly forgotten classic... The nostalgic refrain of the chorus is superb... 👍

[@RiverWorksCo]

Did you know? "The entire video took 20 seconds to shoot. What you're watching is a loop that goes forwards for 20 seconds, backwards for 20 seconds, forwards for 20 seconds, backwards for 20 seconds, with one camera, static, and then using a technique called 'pan and scan', which is a technical thing that is used when they go from a widescreen format and reformat to fit your television or DVD, moving in on certain parts of the entire picture." How amazing

[@glennhorne6783]

I know it's so simple, brilliant

[@tommyheron464]

I've always love the inginuity behind this video. One of the best music vids ever I.m.o.

[@THEREALLORENZOOZNEROL]

i love freddie mercury snd the queen, but rem are unique!

[@brimzs]

Yeah that's quite something

[@bobbobson9952]

Nice copy paste of another comment

[@aaronvanzile3824]

I have searched for years and years and years and years AND YEARS for this song. I remembered it from when it came out but didn't know any of the words. What a day

[@sebasdebordeaux8347]

I'ts been the same for me until today.. always knew and remembered it since it came out, (and loved it SO much at that time!) but never felt the emergency to buy it or even go for it here on Utube, don't know why.. just enjoyed it when heard on some radio.. and since yesterday I've replayed it 4 times.. and realize this chorus is one of the 5 or 6 best I know.. Sure I'll go humming it for 2 or 3 days now.. that's what I call genius !

[@jendoi]

same.. the words I was able to google was "cmon cmon no one can see me trying"..

[@levenfeld]

I'm happy for you. Happened to me 2 or 3 times with other songs and it's really satisfying when you finally find it.

[@ChiSportsNut18]

I was able to find it just by searching for the line "That's who you are". Those are literally the only words I knew for sure 😅

[@trixysvinylmusicfordjs8799]

the words are easy to understand, a google search for "hollywood sugar cane good" will find it easily!!

[@mizzoupatriot8814]

Michael Stipe has one of the coolest sounding voices ever....Instantly recognizable.

[@high2407]

It's fascinating how sometimes u can wonder what bad you're listening to. And as soon as the singer with the super unique/recognizable voice starts singing it's completely clear haha

[@themusic5229]

Hi R.E.M. & everybody - Good new week 💐💐💐 I love REM 💕💕💕 Hi R.E.M. & everybody - Good new week 💐💐💐 I love REM 💕💕💕

[@ninaj6051]

It strums my heartstrings like no other.

[@bubblegum1948]

Oooooooh does he. I totally agree with you!

[@bellazoe1]

Bob Dylan of his generation.

[@dlon4539]

One of the most intelligent music videos of all time

[@James-if3kc]

Nope, that would be "WAP".

[@alessandromartina644]

whos crying

[@saintniccage2818]

-tenet-

[@msanleon]

Imagine having the creative brain power to come up with such concept for a video. And then executing it. This is a visual masterpiece, with a no less great music to inspire it.

[@NZBroadcaster]

There's so much more to it on a deeper level as well. 20 seconds of life passes by but we see it viewed from many different perspectives. I believe this is one of the most creative indepth music videos ever created.

[@CelesticaDemonix]

And then Alt-J redo the concept in their video for "Tessellate". I thought that video was original, until now, now I see where they got their idea. However theirs is more artsy.

[@baileyr7553]

@@CelesticaDemonix Crowded House also did it, but only with a choir of kids singing their song. After this song was released. She Called Up. seriously.

[@toyfabrik2993]

@@NZBroadcaster , the woman starting to talk while the video plays backwards at 2 min 43 sec - crazy good :D

[@martinescorcia3978]

@@NZBroadcaster And I can't help to wonder what other stories are buried under the main ones. I would like an aniversary edition where we could zoom at will and not what the director choose to show us. Now we have the technology for that. It won't be as impressive as this one, since the director's work is such a huge part.

[@francescocavallini4959]

20 years today and still the greatest thing since bread came sliced

[@thecuba15]

go keto

[@jasonpeng33]

@@thecuba15 😂

[@annaf3915]

Me thinking "bread that came sliced is a really bad example because it tastes like an imitation of bread ... oh wait" LOL

[@waynechristmas8584]

This song means a lot to me 👍

[@emilywilliams4616]

Bravo

[@Styleo77]

KZbin is the best thing that can come near a time machine

[@mundodoradio-consultorias]

Yeah

[@robfinlay8058]

Time passes so quickly. It's been longer since this song was released (22 years) than it was from the very start of REM as a band to this song being released (21 years).

[@dsidestories]

I always found this song haunting--it's upbeat, but sad. I find myself listening to it over and over again.. Such a masterpiece!

[@eddiewatersjr8133]

It took the internet to find someone who feels the same about something as I do. I knew you were out there.

[@anthonydownie4055]

That describes so much of REM's music. A kind of painful nostalgia.

[@QuadrupleAndy]

I cry almost every time I listen to this. I don't really know why

[@johnnj3858]

​@@QuadrupleAndyreminds me of my childhood and on....brings a tear to my eyes. Innocence lost.

[@ghostapulu7906]

Same! And the video was unsettling to me as a kid

[@kauecardosodonas.9426]

LYRICS Charades, pop skill Water hyacinth Named by a poet Imitation of life Like a koi in a frozen pond Like a goldfish in a bowl I don't want to hear you cry That sugarcane that tasted good That's cinnamon, that's hollywood Come on, come on No one can see you try You want the greatest thing The greatest thing since bread came sliced You've got it all You've got it sized Like a friday fashion show teenager Freezing in the corner Trying to look like you don't try That sugarcane that tasted good That's cinnamon, that's hollywood Come on, come on No one can see you try No one can see you cry That sugarcane that tasted good That's freezing rain, that's what you could Come on, come on No one can see you cry This sugarcane, this lemonade This hurricane, I'm not afraid Come on, come on No one can see me cry This lightning storm, this tidal wave This avalanche, I'm not afraid Come on, come on No one can see me cry That sugarcane that tasted good That's who you are, that's what you could Come on, come on No one can see you cry That sugar cane that tasted good That's who you are, that's what you could Come on, come on No one can see you cry

[@to_dormindo_fi]

valeu seu zé ruela

[@stephanieladeinde3224]

Thank you for this

[@SupaDeibu]

Thanks ♡

[@silviaromero5260]

Thanks

[@robertsmith1762]

Valeu meu mano 🇧🇷

[@analazovic441]

This is my favorite music video. Not because of the song, just the video. To me,it shows that every single thing that's happening is important. That while something seemingly important is happening, there are tons of diffrent little things that make the moment special. I don't know if I'm overthinking this as I always do, but yes, I love this. And the song is nice too.

[@cassiehislop6742]

Ana Lazovic that will wear off as you get older.......

[@analazovic441]

*****​ what do you mean? My opinion that everything's important? I'm not so sure...

[@perreterecon]

+Morten Andersen I will say "Living with your eyes closed is easy"

[@perreterecon]

***** Easy dosent mean good

[@perreterecon]

+Morten Andersen your assuming im taking a higher moral point of view just from some coments your reading from youtube?

[@glads1977]

Imitation Of Life R.E.M. Charades, pop skill Water hyacinth Named by a poet Imitation of life Like a koi in a frozen pond Like a goldfish in a bowl I don't want to hear you cry That sugarcane that tasted good That's cinnamon, that's Hollywood Come on, come on No one can see you try You want the greatest thing The greatest thing since bread came sliced You've got it all You've got it sized Like a Friday fashion show Teenager freezing in the corner Trying to look like you don't try That sugarcane that tasted good That's cinnamon, that's Hollywood Come on, come on No one can see you try No one can see you cry That's sugarcane that tasted good That's freezing rain, that's what you could Come on, come on No one can see you cry This sugarcane, this lemonade This hurricane, I'm not afraid Come on, come on No one can see me cry This lightning storm, this tidal wave This avalanche, I'm not afraid Come on, come on No one can see me cry That sugarcane that tasted good That's who you are, that's what you could Come on, come on No one can see you cry That sugar cane that tasted good That's who you are, that's what you could Come on, come on No one can see you cry

[@cele36963]

Thank u ❤

[@FredK2929]

Maybe one day I'll understand why this song makes me want to cry. I'm not even sure what the lyrics mean, but the words and melody move me so much.

[@goobytron2888]

They use a piano version in my daughters ballet class. There’s something both happy and sad about it.

[@Chubbywubbysandwich]

I feel similarly while listening to most REM songs... Melancholy...

[@FredK2929]

@@goobytron2888 I would be a puddle if I saw that.

[@goobytron2888]

@@FredK2929 Gets me every time.

[@sergiomonroy6464]

My 2 cents about the meaning of this song: hypocrisy in society... Amen

[@spuuuuuz]

REM called the social media lifestyle before literally any social media. Greatest band of our generation.

[@stocki7]

3:45 - 3:54 The little girl at the end of the video, she reflects shyness, tenderness and innocence, this scene brings tears to my eyes. After several years of watching this video, the message that I keep is life is made of moments, years go by, and the most important is being happy, enjoy the ones who make our life glad, and keep the innocence , pureness and happiness that children have. Other scenes that I like: 1:45 - 2:00 While the grandpa is going up by the stairs, he's singing: "That's sugar cane, that tastes good, that's cinnamon, that's Hollywood, c'mon c'mon no one can see you try". 2:52 - 2:55 The little girl cheering up a boy to be jumping into the pool.

[@RacerPaul3]

Greatest video ever made and a top 1% song also

[@NextToToddliness]

Easily one of the most underrated music videos ever.

[@dadaferri229]

Me lembro com muito carinho eu tinha 5 anos e era uma madrugada e eu acordei com o volume da TV Meu pai tava sentado no sofá enquanto assistia uma coletânea de clipes do Rem Nós dois ficamos a noite inteira assistindo os videos e cantando as músicas Esse foi um dos bons momentos que compartilhei com ele enquanto ele era vivo E é impossível suprimir em palavras como esse pequeno tempo que eu tive com ele foi importante e mágico Kkkk hoje tenho meus 17 anos e sou um grande fã do REM por causa do meu velho Que deus o tenha

[@sindromedepanico]

Me emocionei com seu comentário, meus pêsames, seu pai está num lugar melhor

[@Faquirizador]

Quem me dera ter uma afetividade assim com o meu pai. Bem afortunado aqueles que tem seus pais como melhores amigos. Não tive tanta sorte.

[@feliperibeiro3026]

Que história legal vc teve cm ele.

[@samueldarcy]

lembrança muito bacana

[@crentedeboas4830]

bonito :)

[@georgeheggie1274]

Good music is like a time machine transports you back to moments you thought you'd forgotten.

[@lorendigiorgi]

Well stated.

[@DaniloDamjanovic-ed3qe]

BEAUTIFUL SONG,AMAZING VOICE.MIKCHAEL STIPE,TRUE LEGEND.I LOVE R.E.M.

[@wenikartikov2625]

Back to my high school, watching MTV, what a happy memories.

[@xmunki1389]

Same, except not so happy memories.

[@aevitamusica2878]

@@xmunki1389 same :/ haha

[@annaf3915]

For me, that`s the title track to being in Morocco without my family knowing because I was studying in Spain and phone calls were still so expensive we scheduled them by email. That trip when I was the sensible one insisting we should spend the last of our money on water and return tickets instead of weed ;-)

[@lbarudi]

exactly

[@JT-iv7ju]

This song takes me back to spring of 2001: when us kids thought we had the future in the bag. Going back to this amazing piece is always challenging.

[@DineshJ]

yep... and then 9/11 happened

[@morganmarkus8488]

​@@DineshJ I adore this song and video, but unfortunately it's inextricably tied to 9/11 for me, because i remember being in college and going to the student union building at the time of 9/11 and seeing this video. Always makes me feel a whole host of emotions and I get weepy every time I hear it.

[@r.e.m4439]

I just can't get over Michael Stipe's dancing.

[@cinziacoltivato7161]

Oddio Richard...sei il maestro ...sei l.unico capo al mondo a insegnare la musica che scorre nelle vene e far capire che gli hanno che scorrono sapranno farti vivere da unico insegnante

[@myarmfell0ff]

I can never stop myself feeling sad when listening to REM. As much as I love them, they were one of my Dads favourite bands. He died 15 years ago, but I just think of him singing to REM whenever I hear them.

[@SillyBeggarFilms]

Boo hoo

[@myarmfell0ff]

Dr. Bombay - You’re right, I’ll try to remember some good memories! There aren’t many things which make me feel sad, but REM always was just one of those things. I think maybe one of the reasons I love them so much is because of the personal feelings behind it anyway.

[@Amalekites]

@@SillyBeggarFilms Fuck off, please.

[@ayoubsbai6339]

@Dr. Bombay thanks for being around

[@raisa_cherry35]

Aww that's heartbreaking,I am so sorry for your loss 😢💖

[@Gnikhtols]

Michael Stipe: That's me in the corner.

[@donremi76]

That (comment) tastes good.

[@rhodigian]

that's you in the spotlight.

[@ВасяПетечкин-ф7л]

He always liked it)

[@leland-bobpalmer4274]

Fat Mike: That's me on the back of the bus

[@torstenscholz6243]

He's in the corner because he thought: Please don't take a picture, it's been a bad day.

[@charlesalmeida3268]

This video is a piece of art

[@kafelka30]

R.E.M itself is art

[@johnmackay5784]

Absolutely

[@juanuribe6769]

Correct.

[@TheElfuco]

Like bosco

[@broughton90]

Happy music 😍

[@TheLoquillo75]

Positive energy and the catchy melody are just two of the reasons why this song is so addictive, but what really sets it apart is the lyrics, which invite introspection and reflect on the nature of life and reality.

[@davidzakaria2774]

A masterpiece. Despite the summery atmosphere, I think it's the saddest R.E.M. song in terms of lyrics

[@witekm2152]

I would say 'Leaving New York' is the saddest in terms of lyrics, but I respect your opinion.

[@Unknown-qv7le]

@@witekm2152 Leaving New York is so underrated for sure

[@terrapinalive6192]

In terms of lyrics and in terms of melody

[@burgerfrites5728]

I would say "Losing my religion" is but it's nice to see other people's thoughts

[@brunomenezes9011]

I think Aftermath is the saddest.

[@andrewmello367]

Imagine if this was in 4k, those zooms would be so high def. The zoom on low quality VHS quality is charming though.

[@InnuendoXP]

Well it was shot on film, probably 32mm, so it's basically equivalent to 4K in image clarity - you can see it better here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHvVmJV5q5uemac & kzbin.info/www/bejne/anbaXnhpn8t-a7c - though if the video was shot on something like 70mm IMAX, you'd basically be getting the analog equivalent of 12K, but that wasn't very accessible or affordable especially back in 2001. The tricky thing & reason for blurriness beyond resolution though is that the camera is having to stick to a single fixed focal point as it's all one shot, in a scene with significant distance between the foreground & background relative to the camera, so regardless of resolution, some things are simply going to be out of focus because of how photons work. A modern digital 4K camera would still have this issue short of the method of multiple lenses to shoot multiple viewpoints in parallel & then using some algorithmic slicing to stitch all the elements together. The old tech version of this was split-focus to simultaneously get two focal points, but that's only useful for cutting a whole frame image in two, and the sections of the image in focus can't cross each other both horizontally & vertically at the same time. VHS only has a vertical resolution of 240 lines, so this is definitely not that lol. The colour grading looks like it's done to imitate a home video of the time though so that's probably what gave that impression.

[@XKenny77]

@@InnuendoXP I'm almost certain it was shot on Super 8 or maybe 16mm in order to get the grainy look.

[@princedkness8577]

Hard to believe this song is 20 years old already! I was 16 when it came out and one of the songs that really got me into listening to the group. It’s still a favorite for me and definitely a highlight from their years as a trio.

[@MysteryPonyFiction]

'87 here

[@sexymuthafunka8240]

Jokes on you loser. It's 21 years old now!! :P

[@rhakes23]

REM didn’t make any bad songs, the songs always get me up an moving!

[@davidbowman4259]

Los of bad songs on this album and on Around the Sun. But this song is a gem.

[@OzzysRadioHalfHour]

*and

[@jpringle1979]

Happy shiny peope....

[@alzgrex5304]

@@jpringle1979 Shiny Happy People is one of my favorites

[@cassioamaral7096]

I have no words to describe how much I love this song. The lyrics and the way Stipe sings are magical. This song reminds of one of the best times of my life, how I miss them :'-(

[@Postbus22]

Cássio Amaral that good times, that never come back...

Cássio Amaral It reminds me of a great past time too

[@nunutch6041]

Cássio Amaral you have all my words b^.^d

[@lutgardafuentes8840]

Cássio Amaral, :)

[@alineoliveiramendesdemedei5712]

Lembro com saudade da minha adolescência, eu recém casada e meu irmão lá comigo, essa música embalava nossos dias, hoje, estou divorciada e meu irmão partiu para outra existência, resta uma saudade infinita! Música que mexe com meu coração, que fala com minha alma! #março de 2019.

[@marciojefferson738]

🌹❤️

[@reginaldonunes8230]

Belo relato. Fica com Deus.

[@henriquefernandes5852]

Se calhar se divorciou por esse seu irmão tar sempre consigo

[@genalsilva5744]

Você tem não só da adolescência mais sim agora

[@genalsilva5744]

Você tem lembra agora

[@richardpagel6959]

One of the most impressing music videos ever.

[@keithclifton392]

This is, to me, REM’s greatest song. Timeless…

[@davidbowman4259]

Off a terrible album. A shame.

[@LostMyBoner]

Michael Stipe: "The entire video took 20 seconds to shoot. What you're watching is a loop that goes forwards for 20 seconds, backwards for 20 seconds, forwards for 20 seconds, backwards for 20 seconds, with one camera, static, and then using a technique called 'pan and scan', which is a technical thing that is used when they go from a widescreen format and reformat to fit your television or DVD, moving in on certain parts of the entire picture. And you'll see that we do that picking up various people within the frame."

[@danielaquino6666]

Thank you so much for that!

[@OperationPhantom]

Garth Jennings & Michael Stipe directed. They must've rehearsed really well before the "Action!" though; so much going on. It's a brilliant concept for a video too ofcourse.

[@jessicamicaelagarbo9888]

Rock in rio 1985 lo mas

[@S3r53]

Wow thanks for the explanation

[@WitchettyMan]

"Pan and scan", as in zooming and moving around.

[@DurvalLacerda]

For some reason, this song fits so well with all we've been through lately...

[@redskies4530]

Hi I recommend a song here on youtube called 'Looking Into The Mirror'By Robert Nix

[@alanovski.]

It fits with everything you go through

[@MattiasPilhede]

To me this music video is about everyone being able to undo their mistakes, and as a result they learn nothing and live a facade of a life.

[@RicArmstrong]

That's an interesting theory 🤔

[@nicholasngsingkwong8947]

learning i s equired to undo mistakes

[@ramsesdie9999]

I really find annoying this people that theorize every music video on KZbin

[@tobiasnn5792]

you here bro? love your channel. More grandpa stories plz

[@alyssajp2019]

Brilliant. To me this music video is about nothing but life as it is.

[@JeffJadrich]

Quite simply, one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@lupask]

If this isn't a masterpiece of recording, then I don't know what is. Imagine that the whole complex set, everyone having their part assigned, everyone performing their part simultaneously. And then they had to find each part and arrange them in the correct order and do the panning thing to get here 👌

[@jjlenny]

I read that the video is actually only like 9 seconds long. They recorded for those few seconds, and they pan and rewind and such for the whole video. That, to me, is amazing.

[@gummiewormproduction]

At first I thought you were talking about the recording of the song lol. I was going to say "dude, that's how most songs are recorded"

[@matthiascerebri3315]

Perfect music Video , also perfect for making a memory game

[@antoniomigliore5977]

Parlate della musica dei rem grazie... 😮😅

[@sagnier]

Okay yeah, but go and watch Russian Ark if you really want to be astounded by such things. Nevertheless, a great video and song.

[@timothymcgivern6883]

My favorite REM song, if anyone even cares to know!!

[@robertl2956]

All the way to Reno. Live

[@timothymcgivern6883]

@@robertl2956 Nice! Another great one.

[@GrizzlePawz]

I'm with you on this. I know they have more poignant songs, more pop-perfect songs, more political songs, more _______ songs, but this one persists as my favorite because its got it all.

[@timothymcgivern6883]

@@GrizzlePawz Amen. It is more personal. U can get thru it and it is ok to be scared! That is what I take from it.

[@timothymcgivern6883]

@@GrizzlePawz sorry to bombard U. Also, Don't go back to Rockville. It is amazing what a song means to the listener as if the artist wrote it specifically for u, but to find out that it was not the same for them. I remember reading that Don't Go Back to Rockville was a mock song because people categorized them as a country band. To me, it is simply amazing...the lyrics certainly!

[@yingle6027]

The only sophisticated art to come out of America

[@ibrahimmchumo941]

The thing about REM is that they are so dynamic, all the albums aren't the same for me thats a sign of truly talented and amazing musicians

[@Brunopigdbdnsn]

I feel like this song is calling me. Like if it’s saying “wake up! Wake up!”. First time I ever heard this and still it feels nostalgic. No song had ever touched me like this one

[@SaintMartins]

I remember back in 2004 i was riding the subway & some guy was busking this song during my entire ride downtown. I said thank you & gave him $ 20 !

[@Fan_Made_Videos]

Wow, I remember when I saw this debut on MTV back in 2001. I had just moved into a brand new furnished apartment and was busy moving all my crap in and took a 10 minute break to watch TV. It felt like a new day and new era for me and I remember this video leaving a strong impression as this song carried over in my mind in the months to come in my new town and home.

[@ellengulinski7188]

I remember first time I have watched this musicvideo was in February in 2010 here on KZbin, because I have heard it on the radio. 🤔📻

[@SillyBeggarFilms]

A furnished apartment? Lucky you

[@abrahamcm3463]

The sophistication in this video is absolutely mind blowing especially for that era. Always loved REM

[@brianwolters7560]

Why doesn't this video get more love? Truly a work of art and I never tire of watching it. So glad I've been a "Chronic Town" life long fan of R.E.M. (next to RUSH, R.E.M. is my favorite band)

[@gregkiteos1936]

I love this song so much. I loved it when I first heard it as 16-year-old back in 2001 and I still love it 20 years later. Definitely one of my favourite songs of theirs, and that's across all their eras.

[@martafigueira7310]

Can't believe it... I remember watching this as kid on TV. I've just understood that this image was recorded in my mind since then... I'd recognize this anywhere, and that's amazing!

[@otaviosoares6611]

i liked your comment. xoxoxoxo

[@indefexe]

Same here! As a kid I used to record everything I liked on VHS cassettes (yeah I had a bunch), I used to replay this for myself a lot.

[@themountainradio]

Me too

[@Kyle1444]

exactly the same. "music video" is imaged by a still of this in my mind

[@danielscherrer6004]

Marta Figueira

[@tommaso7649]

This song makes me cry because I first heard it while I was little in my dad's car... now Im 18 and many things changed of course, new responsabilities and problems, but this song takes me back to when I was without fears or thoughts

[@georgefotiadis3787]

I can relate to what you are saying,I'am 15 and i use to listen to this song when i was a little kid and hearing it now brings back all those memories

[@Antoniooo1206]

This video deserves way more views than it has. What a shame. Who's with me?

[@thebasement]

I completely agree. I was never a huge fan of REM, but I vividly remember the first time I heard this song (from the music video) playing on TV. I was blown away and deeply moved. I finally understood what people saw in REM, and it was from a single noone else paid attention to.

[@charlesrossouw703]

Fuck yea

[@TheDailyMemesShow]

I am 👌

[@Shan-mw3bg]

memories smoK Classic Video. Very authentic.

[@Antoniooo1206]

@@Shan-mw3bg Totally agree.. :) It taught me to cherish small things in my life. All the best, my friend!

[@flyinbrian9414]

I bought this alblum in 2001 because of this song... turns out over half of the songs on this album are amazingly great, R.E.M. thanks for the awsome music!

[@ivorytrotty9288]

Michael Jackson movie Michael Jackson movie Shirley Caesar

[@danmetcalf3866]

Flyin Brian - what album?

[@flyinbrian9414]

Dan Metcalf Reveal

[@verginiacorrea9801]

b .

[@5xDille]

Charades, pop skill Water hyacinth, named by a poet Imitation of life. Like a koi in a frozen pond. Like a goldfish in a bowl. I don't want to hear you cry. Thats sugarcane that tasted good. Thats cinnamon, thats Hollywood. C'mon, c'mon no one can see you try. You want the greatest thing The greatest thing since bread came sliced. You've got it all, you've got it sized. Like a Friday fashion show teenager Freezing in the corner Trying to look like you don't try. Thats sugarcane that tasted good. Thats cinnamon, thats Hollywood. C'mon, c'mon no one can see you try. No one can see you cry. That sugar cane that tasted good. That freezing rain, that's what you could. C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry. This sugarcane This lemonade This hurricane, I'm not afraid. C'mon, c'mon no one can see you cry. This lightning storm This tidal wave This avalanche, I'm not afraid. C'mon, c'mon no one can see me cry. That sugar cane that tasted good. That's who you are, that's what you could. C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry. That sugar cane that tasted good. That's who you are, that's what you could. C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry

[@7elegrama]

So clever, what a master piece. It moves something inside of me, the circle of life, the constant experience, the hidden details and different perspectives.❤I cry every single time

[@basti4655]

One of the best songs in music history, so sad it doesn't have billions of views.

[@SemberijaKingdom]

They don't make such music anymore, sadly. Pure quality, pure lyrics.

[@manoelamanuca4239]

A geração é outra! Mas fomos felizes!

[@joaojr7918]

Essa banda é inexplicavelmente maravilhosa. Melodias simples e tão profundas...haja personalidade!!!

[@pauldasen5868]

Unforgettable.. just love keyboard solo and Michael Stipes voice. REM - forever.

[@zahirhashim5478]

is it normal this song wanna make me cry?!😣

[@waynequirion1749]

zahir hashim Yes as this is a world that will never be again.

[@bakshijoon]

Fairly normal for an REM song :D

[@TheFloyd87]

Im crying to this song as it makes me remember hearing this song when it was out in 2001 i was just thirteen then

[@cristianosanseverino4899]

chill out, no one can see you do it

[@patriciamilan8437]

Tdr

[@DUXALMUSIC]

Michael Stipe's voice is a blessing

[@viddrone]

This whole album feels like an artifact from a different timeline for me. I just remember listening to this album constantly when it first came out at work (at the former wtc) and being so hopeful/sure about everything. Before the songs seemed so uplifting in general and after 9/11 EVERYTHING was gone. It's so weird now because I still like the album but they just seem from another life/me that might have been.

[@Shibi1176]

I feel that so much

[@Hound45]

Peter Buck….REM secret weapon! Great guitar parts all the way through the band history. Thanks man.

[@chrisjohnson3227]

REM continues to dominate my playlists. Timeless and creative genius.

[@jesseburleson432]

One of the best music videos ever made. REM is a brilliant rock n roll band.

[@zoranmrdjenovic6080]

I totally agree. Bravo.

[@mbsilveirabr]

Rock n roll? ahhahahahahahahahhah!

[@gabrielmello8541]

This is probably my favourite song of all time

[@liamself9829]

Something I've only just realised is that some of the lip-synced parts are during the reversed bits (preseumably the actors has to mouth the words in reverse)! Like the woman sitting on the rock at 2:40, she's singing while her kid is reversing up the waterfall. I swear every time I see this I spot something new!

[@dianakalstein3644]

This song reminds me of nostalgic 90s memories, watching VH1 all day & all night on summer break from school. Such beautiful music. ❤🤘

[@albertomonachesi3650]

"That sugar cane that tasted good That's who you are, that's what you could C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry" What a wonderful way to describe sweet memories, past dreams and expectations and present regrets.

[@marekfabis8575]

You are Great!!!😄😄😄

[@raisa_cherry35]

You are an expert in lyric interpretation 😂👌👏💖💖💖💖

[@malukingulo2308]

Some people are just blessed with incredible insight...like you

[@RufferBaraldi]

He is talking about drugs.

[@luisfilipe1215]

The whole thing is a masterpiece

[@anthonyhoey6394]

What a band and micheals voice,I could go on and on but you know what I mean,simply brilliant,greetings from Ireland.

[@RicardodosReis]

Sempre que ouço esse som fico reflexivo. R.E.M faz parte da minha história.

[@ftt-thiagoo4106]

✌😄😉💪

[@DanielFranc35]

Pieto teua historia e una 💩

[@ankhanhvu2614]

This strange,yet familiar melody takes me back to 2001,when everything used to be so easy,less-industrial than now.When we used to have little Nokias and Motorolas in our pocket,....all that is in the past now. ---- This song is lovely.

[@Pamekeb]

"less industrial" and "little nokias and motorolas in our pockets". Who would thought that brands will carv so hard in our society that someone thinks it's not industrial

[@titania4347]

It was easy because you were young and still not as worn down by life as you are today

[@alexcoyg3281]

Офигенная песня, как и большинство песен Р.Е.М., со смыслом, красивой мелодией и невероятным клипом.

[@sonikku1011]

I was very depressed the first time I discovered this song and music video. I was 11 years old, and had no clue how to express how I was feeling... but I would stay up late because I just couldn't sleep. This music video came on, and man I fell in love with the song. But it makes me a bit sad whenever I hear it. I don't know if it's because it makes me think of being a very sad kid, or if the lyrics just hit different now.

[@Ryuhza]

"No one can see you cry" Oh thank god

[@roccoclaps3098]

You did not understand a shit.

[@wolfganggoethe7810]

I think i don't get it, can you explain?

[@BreadPeed]

Cane Macchina, as if you do.

[@happydolphin1432]

Ryuhza When someone asks me about social and love life "Don't worry, no one can see you cry"

[@wario9164]

R.E.M did it!

[@mehmetaliozuturker6007]

"Imitation Of Life" Charades, pop skill Water hyacinth, named by a poet Imitation of life Like a koi in a frozen pond Like a goldfish in a bowl I don't want to hear you cry That's sugarcane that tasted good That's cinnamon, that's Hollywood C'mon, c'mon no one can see you try You want the greatest thing The greatest thing since bread came sliced You've got it all, you've got it sized Like a Friday fashion show teenager Freezing in the corner Trying to look like you don't try That's sugarcane that tasted good That's cinnamon, that's Hollywood C'mon, c'mon no one can see you try No one can see you cry That sugar cane that tasted good That freezing rain, that's what you could C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry This sugarcane This lemonade This hurricane, I'm not afraid C'mon, c'mon no one can see me cry This lightning storm This tidal wave This avalanche, I'm not afraid C'mon, c'mon no one can see me cry That sugar cane that tasted good That's who you are, that's what you could C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry That sugar cane that tasted good That's who you are, that's what you could C'mon, c'mon on no one can see you cry

[@syberiaok]

mehmet ali özütürker Thanks!

[@RobWright1981]

Sussed instead of sized?

[@MrBetinho187]

Thanks.....big hug from a Brazilian bro

[@marlongoncalvesdias502]

Minha nossa, como o tempo passa. Eu lembro deste clip quando era jovem. Tempo que eu tinha prazer em asssitir clips de músicas lindas.

[@theshuriken]

this song never failed to makes me cry

[@gpeddino]

R.E.M. was ingenious. Pretty much EVERYBODY liked their music. It was catchy and full of hooks and jangly rhythms and singable melodies, but it was also cryptic and poetic, with hidden meanings and interesting references (this song could refer to the homonymous film or to Aristotle). One of the best bands ever.

[@josephcunningham1103]

Yeah ! Spot on. It's about values and principles. Leaning towards Kantian ethics .

[@ageofelinovel1784]

Absolutely Right. Very much like Pink Floyd for quality lyrics!

[@oraculo775]

Gui Porto show de bola 😎

[@harajukuvirgill]

pure artists..

[@gt452]

and you, manu ochenta, need to learn the meaning of "pretty much"

[@Big_Smoke90]

This music video is like one big GIF file.

[@IkesDaddelbox]

+Big_Smoke I don't even want to imagine the effort they had to put into the coordination. The lady sitting on the pool even had to sing in reverse. Golly!

[@musicandactionfigures]

+IkesDaddelbox You're right...and not just her, all who had their singing parts were sung in reverse! You won't even know which scene comes first chronologically. This video was damn hard to make, and the song is one of the band's best! \m/

[@mrStraker888]

+Big_Smoke hehe :)

[@heidig.3054]

+Tonkurt Joyosa +ikesDaddelbox hahaha! It didn't need to be sung in reverse, it was a matter of carefully planning the video having the final result *in mind*, that is, thinking how the whole video would look like. In the first 15 or so sec of the video, you can see (when is zoom out) some of them singing (or mouthing) their part. In 0:09-0:18 Michael is dancing and mouthing/singing the close up in 2:34 "what you could, come on, come on"♫ Another, in 0:39 the close up is the girl throwing the cup but in the background, it's the lady sitting in the large rock mouthing/singing the close up in 2:46 "this sugar cane this lemonade .."♫

[@IkesDaddelbox]

Heidi G. Actually most videos like this are sung in reverse. I've just noticed the woman singing while the boy soared up in the background and everyone danced in reverse in the foreground. Also look at the movement of her hair. No matter how they did it, this is a very well and carefully caculated piece of art.

[@alexkawamartins8548]

REM são um extraordinário grupo que nos deixam música de elevado nível melódico e estruturalmente muito bem construída, por músicos de elevada categoria! Ao longo dos tempos nunca nos desiludiram na sua constância e cada vez mais complexa sonoridade, típica de bandas de elevada estirpe musical. REM Forever and ever!!!

[@stu6533]

It is a masterpiece. One of the best videos ever - and of course, it’s only 15 seconds long. In a way. What’s even more impressive is that some of the mimes are filmed backwards. They’re not all forward playing.

[@PaulodoRioedeMG01]

Foi o que comentei em outros termos. Na história de vídeo clipes este com certeza está na galeria master dos melhores dos melhores de todos os tempos. Como também aqueles do Michael Jackson clássico "Thriller" e o clip do "Sabotage".

[@gloriafernandezmunoz4080]

R.E.M is the greatest thing since bread came sliced

[@Farhad091969]

😂😂😂😂

[@auramacha]

I don't care if we discover new planets, but I think we all deserve a remastered version of this video.

[@ripbeni6198]

LOL

[@mrjones29]

They were the "American" Beatles. They were that good in their prime years. By the time 2001 rolled around the group was already diminished from their former glories - but every now and again their later albums produced an all time classic. Imitation of Life is a R.E.M hall of famer single.

[@cosdrag8807]

I think Bill Berry actually did become a farmer

[@jonnyoneplate]

😂cool bro. Hows your band going???

[@ZoolGatekeeper]

I was trying to say ALL the time: It's the best music video of our time...

[@plutoreturns9630]

0:03 that opening though 💯

[@adansribeiro7833]

Essa música é atemporal. Essa música marcou minha vida no ano de 2001 Há 20 anos atrás. Que nostalgia!

[@antoniohenriquepereira2227]

Verdade 😃😃😃

[@L4sz10]

I think there's so much more in this clip. The title is important, it's just an imitation: everyone is trying so hard to look like they have life, that they really matter. But in the end, nothing really matters, they are making the same rounds over and over again, and nothing changes. A man burst into flames, but no one cares, because everyone is so engaged by something else, so everything become irrelevant. A child makes his ultimate jump into water, someone tries to fill a glass pyramid that falls apart, and so on, everybody are imprisoned in the moment. At first it looks like that dark-haired young woman tries to break the circle with that drink spilling on the other, but with that self-satisfied cloth-dragging after that, it looks like she was just as self-justificating as all the others.

[@valjean76]

nothing really matters, anyone can see,

[@budevans207]

You described this perfectly and I feel that's what this song is about and its pretty dark when you think about it because the people are stuck in the moment and doing the same things over and over

[@geraldofernandes4481]

Alguém do Brasil🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷, ouvindo R.E.M.? Essa banda fez parte da minha infância.

[@alteviraraujo3295]

Você não está só!! Hoje já dei uma revirada na legião urbana também!!!

[@iaguin1237]

tmj

[@kekatorres631]

Opa, salve MG

[@EdyIggs9790]

Oh no! Gracias a Dios

[@vividares3299]

Amo❤🍀

[@MagicJacket]

My favorite R.E.M. song and one of the most underappreciated videos ever made. Brilliant. Genius. Whoever came up with this concept deserves massive recognition. How do you even plan out something like that? And the song...is beautiful.

[@fraserbailey6347]

I agree. But much as I love the video I still don't really get what the concept is. I guess I'm missing something.

[@MagicJacket]

@@fraserbailey6347 I don't know if there is a thematic concept other than suburban things all happening at once, just kind of a dull, middle-America day with tiny dramas happening. But the concept of filming 20 second bits, with several different cameras and having all the actors lip syncing along to different parts of the song, only to have the video focus on them at that exact moment...just a weird idea to try and it worked brilliantly.

[@BrickArts_Inc.]

Im with you

[@curly_wyn]

@@fraserbailey6347it’s about how even in everyday life, not everything is always as it seems. In both good and bad moments, there’s always something to discover about yourself and the world around you.

[@wedersondorotheo550]

Um dos clipes mais criativos já realizados. Uma obra de arte. Eterno. 👏🏽👏🏽💜

[@JASANTI]

2023. Thank up R.E.M. For this masterpiece during one of the best summer of my life. Class 1989 here.

[@pornsakpongthong1092]

My cousin Gary and I died in the 911 terror attacks. We were on the 88th floor of the north tower. We were listening to this song when it all went down. I survived. Gary lost his life. Every year. On 911. I watch this video and remember Gary. I love you Gary. See you in heaven. You were the greatest brother anyone could ever have.

[@pornsakpongthong1092]

@@username0754 I agree

[@Marcel_Audubon]

He was your cousin and your brother? Do Appalachians think 9/11 is something to joke about, you sad little mouthbreather?