R.E.M. - Nightswimming (Official Music Video) [British Version]

[@davidwags6774]

I was 22 years old when this came out , now I’m almost 50 . There are few things that can transport you to another time and place , this song is my time machine .

[@JoshuaDillonn]

David Wags has time flown by?

[@davidwags6774]

IsItJoshua? Faster than I could ever imagine . If your a young man all I can tell you is , hold on and enjoy the ride , I sure did .

[@JoshuaDillonn]

David Wags im 26 David, but feel about 50 lol. But, it’s just figuring out what I want to ‘do’ still. I want to do music, but don’t have the balls. I’m GOOD. I’m a good writer, but everything is so conveniently easily this day and age, it’s putting me off putting the hard work into anything. I think that’s like for a lot of people in their 20’s now. Wouldn’t call them ‘snowflakes’. I wanted to be in the airforce. However I think society has definitely designed this this way.

[@annmcdonald6180]

@@JoshuaDillonn best of luck in whatever you choose to do. I regret.not following.my dream, too late now.

[@damien1166]

I was 30 and at the time this came out my best friend died in an accident. Every time I hear Automatic I always think of him. Especially Man on the moon as I always look up and imagine him sat up there smiling down!

[@totonash9409]

As a Muslim from the Middle East, it is through the brilliantly crafted songs of R.E.M that I first became exposed to the greatness of Western culture. R.E.M songs remind me of the happy times of my childhood when optimism ruled the day. Things have changed for the worse since then, but I will always have R.E.M hits to fall back on. Thank you Michael Stipe for brilliant works of art! I'll be forever grateful.

[@chrisolagrim3597]

Music unites people regardless of any difference. God bless

[@lorenzodepacas9885]

Music is the language of God. What else has the power to unite people the way music does? It heals the broken heart, soothes the tortured soul, and praises the worthy artist. Music is my religion.

[@jurgakoryte-sabaliauskiene4389]

🫂 I feel the same

[@JoshuaHopkins-j9o]

Stick to the more elegant aspects of Islam and you will be good to go... so much of it is literal truth. The band rem are flat earthers... just like your holy book says... check out the video for "stand"... good stuff ;-)

[@tomitob7364]

Beautifully expressed.

[@ShaninOhio-uu2ms]

This song transports me back to the 80's. My high school friends and I sneaking out during a sleepover and driving with the windows down and too many of us in the car on a beautiful August night. Listening to our favorite music and feeling like we were really getting away with something. It's impossible to recapture the feeling of being that young and care free. "These things they go away, replaced by everyday".

[@jaybee-je9dl]

How many of those friends do you still talk to ? Me none of them

[@darso1980]

class man

[@kojirohyuga9]

"Automatic for the People" is one of the best albums in the history of music.

[@vanhelsing4623]

I agree Is a masterpiece.

[@sronald]

The album of my entire life ❤️🥰

[@AK-wc9rl]

Am I the only person who thinks Up is REM's best album? A true masterpiece imo and a superior record to AFTP.

[@bigdawggkev]

@@AK-wc9rl I like Document the most

[@duncannorburn2991]

this album reignited my love of music, in my opinion one of the great works

[@thelightattheotherside]

It was summer 2001. I was 19. A friend was a part-time park ranger at a local state park, and he would drop the chain over a back entrance so late at night, and our group of friends would sneak in and go skinny dipping in the lake. We'd lie in the grass and look at the stars and talk about life and nothing and the future, smoking some crappy w**d our friend's brother grew in his yard and drinking cheap beer... That September, planes crashed into buildings and ended my youth forever. I enlisted in the military. When I hear this song, I remember the last summer of my youth, skinnydipping when I was young and beautiful and unflawed and wild and untamed, and that line... "September's coming soon"... still gives me chills. This is the ode to my youth. To what freedom meant before 9/11, and how one moment in time changed all of us, forever. How quickly youth is gone and adulthood is upon us. How light the world was before, and how heavy it can be now. What I wouldn't give to sneak into that park and go nightswimming just one more time... free and wild, deep in the water, untethered by even gravity.... forever young and beautiful...

[@daveb6214]

Totally agree with you, the world changed and not for the better , keep the faith , and go to the lake enjoy

[@jaynieblueyes2270]

God Bless 🫡 xx

[@zombiiesque]

So beautifully expressed. 🥹 I turned 30 at the end of that year, after 9/11. I can barely remember that birthday - but I remember it felt so heavy and dark.

[@christopherfischer-kf1jh]

Beautiful song.

[@bumble1612]

How I love this song and lyrics. At 61 years of age now,it came on my radio at work today,quite literally stopped me in my tracks. I found a quiet corner to listen and take it in. I can't tell you how it brought memories flooding back,so emotional. Oh well, it's what great music does for the soul.

[@davidargon6623]

Yes.

[@armcchargues8623]

Same age, same effect on me. Was a little hard to breathe for a few minutes. This song transcends generations, as all great music does.

[@derickmiller6875]

This brought tears.

[@colorado50th]

Good for you, love that...do it often👍🤟

[@lovethe90ies]

I always find this song hits me really hard. Just now I burst into tears while listening to it.

[@donaldadams8293]

reminds me of my wife Kathy. we rented a cabin in northern michigan. we swam out in their pond and made love holding onto their pontoon. She passed on 9/28/21. i never heard this song till after she died. I have a mental picture of that. Awesome memory. thanks Michael Stipe!!

[@MichElemental]

💖

[@LynnReece-o8x]

❤

[@micahbodha6129]

Condolences my friend. Much love❤️🙏

[@JamieLamb-ft6io]

I feel you man i lost my partner the love of my life after 32 year together . Norah passed 15-12-2021 Still raw We loved this song ❤

[@petermcevoy4948]

Sincere condolences, good man.

[@DarrenKenyon]

I was 16 when this came out, im 47 now, i loved it then, but now the words have so much more meaning..as i listen to it now and im filled with nostalgia from when i was 16 and had my whole life ahead of me

[@Daisy17-sd7vd]

2024 and still love this at 53 years of age. Still remember the first time I heard it…..timeless.

[@paulskehan693]

Same here 👍💯

[@unzie1215]

😀 same here still love this at 54 Is Timeless an Night swimming is not a very British thing/pastime to do 😀 Jumping in the Victorian Built canals on a rare hot Summer day 🌞 is tho like years ago 😂

[@Daisy17-sd7vd]

@@unzie1215 😂 I’d sink like a brick now 😳

[@RobertSmith-yi8qw]

I am 70. Great music.

[@peterw.5984]

2025 and still rocking

[@JamesRBentley]

I had just got my first weekend job cleaning tables in a department store restaurant. I would wake at 5 am on a Saturday, walk in the crisp air and wait for the bus. Once aboard, I hit play on my Walkman and heard this for the first time. Battling the tiredness that comes with rising at early light, my mind floated away as the world beyond the window melted into a blur. I was 16, and had a life changing crush on a girl that lived a road away from me. A few years later we became lovers, and then she broke my heart. And then many years later she introduced me to her friend, who became the love of my life, wife and mother to my son. When I think back all those years, images of places and people long gone flash by, just as the world did when I rode that bus listening to this song.

[@naturalnashuan]

I listened to this with my Walkman, roller skating alone. I had a crush who only wanted to be friends. I imagined the time in my future when I would be night swimming with someone who loved me. 30 years later I almost drowned while night swimming with my husband and he was instantly there pulling me back up to the surface, holding me up to breathe while he swept my hair from my eyes. That wasn't what I imagined, it was actually more beautiful.

[@vassoge6970]

I cried a little on the subway, reading through your comment... Listening to this song in 2022!

[@JamesRBentley]

@@vassoge6970 ah thanks, 😁, life has a funny way of playing out sometimes. Sending you best wishes

[@lhart99]

Thanks for sharing. This really is a beautiful story! 🙂 I really needed to read this at this moment, I don't know why, but I did.

[@brucepoole8552]

Keep writing your good

[@ChristineJSmith16]

Nightswimming's a flawless song. My Favorite from R.E.M.

[@paulskehan693]

👍👍💯

[@ScotchNWry]

That’s a very challenging decision. I struggle with it all the time because so many of the songs are brilliant. Find the river is utterly extraordinary but so is this. I just don’t know. I’m too indecisive.

[@emmafrye5447]

Instant chills. I’m 22 and I’m a sucker for the 90s. This band is so amazing

[@RidwaanKola]

The 90s was such a brilliant time for great music Literally every week there was a new release of music which would be considered a classic in the decades to come REM Nirvana Radiohead Pearl Jam Stone Temple Pilots etc

[@TheNykaN]

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT

[@timraines9230]

Many years ago, on October 7th, my wife and I danced to Nightswimming for our wedding song. Happy 25th Anniversary my dear.....

[@Topesio66]

It’s amazing song for wedding..you made me shed some tears..happy 25th from a 54 nightswimmer...

[@ajp484]

Xx

[@strummercash5601]

Yay! My parents celebrated their 60th from Heaven on 7 January, 2021. Happy belated anniversary. May the next quarter century be as amazing and wonderful as was the first 25 years. Congratulations! Peace and love.

[@ramz777]

U did it tim. By darn it u did it

[@kmowiu]

Many years ago you also hit for the cycle

[@daniele7621]

To those brief, simple moments of our youth that will live forever in our hearts.

[@DoctorJohnSmith9]

Quite simply one of the most gorgeous, beautiful things ever to exist.

[@CYoung-e9z]

Achingly beautiful, in my late 40s and this brings me back to when life was full of endless possibilities…”September’s coming soon” is such a gorgeous line. One of the finest songs of that era

[@harrietthespy2119]

You hit the nail on the head…”achingly beautiful”💔❤️‍🩹💔❤️‍🩹💔❤️‍🩹

[@Arupojonu]

It' s beyond me, how can anyone come up with these musical ideas. This band made art.

[@neilwilliams929]

Stay cool stripsy and the other mike did' nt have the greatest voices in the world But what they did have was musical ingenuity all we have to look is their catalogue of work saids it all .Importantly their willingness to explore different directions in music show they are or were one of the most gifted bands of the 80's

[@praxis3560]

The story behind them making this one is really something. According to Peter, he and Mike were competing with one another while auditioning some random compositions and chord changes. Michael nodded his head at Mike's instrumental, so he started it over again and Michael just let loose with his stream of consciousness lyrics. Boom. Done. Peter just stood in the corner with his arms folded and mouth hung open in amazement. Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones added the orchestral stuff in later.

[@christopherbishop5853]

If that is true wow.

[@renecooper1696]

I could listen to this a thousand times in a row and still keep listening...

[@emmanueludoh77]

+rene cooper I listened to the last 3 songs on Automatic For The People almost every night for 2 months during my freshman year in college, so this song and I are very intimately acquainted. Nightswimming and Find The River just send my soul to a serene place.

[@renecooper1696]

It definitely makes you feel things a certain special way...💜

[@wahnamhong]

+Emmanuel Udoh same here, i did the same when the album came out. Those three songs are amazing

[@vtrmcs]

Happy or sad?

[@martinkotalik9455]

The same like me...

[@kenlewiskimcable2793]

Perhaps the most unusually beautiful song ever recorded.

[@daveb6214]

This is one hell of a song, brings back Great memories of better times and friends who sadly aren't here anymore. Still rocks even after all these years.

[@leatheredlife4861]

It was early 90s... I was a stupid teenager in his holidays. Not knowing, what my life would be. A head full of bullshit. It was 3 A.M. one hot summer night, i was watching TV. On one Channel this video started... this melody started, with these pictures, these lines, these words i never heard before. I still don't know, what it did to me. I started crying like a child, it gave me kind of a feeling that my youth will be over soon and a new chapter of life will start. I still remember sooo many years later, like it was yesterday. Now, today, when I go back to this moment nearly 30 years ago, all the words in this song make more sense then ever. Thank you R.E.M. for being with me all those years on my way from a child to a father...

[@nikolettalamar5955]

❤️

[@fenixrising75]

Nice words. It's amazing the powerful things music can do.

[@СветланаЮдина-п4я]

@@fenixrising75 Totally agree with you, mate. 🤗

[@СветланаЮдина-п4я]

Leathered Life, I remember I also cried watching this video. I was only 16 or 17 years old those days. And at the moment, I am crying ( my tears are really falling down slowly on my face) after reading your comment. Your beautiful comment.... It is so touching. Hug you tight, dear mate. 🤗🌷🌷🌷

[@leatheredlife4861]

@@СветланаЮдина-п4я Thanks, this is very nice to read... this song will ever be connected with my life, as much as this band will be

[@NotAnotherMage]

I thank my father for having a great taste in music, always heard him listening to R.E.M. and now im here myself :)

[@radiohead68]

First REM songs I heard were; The one I love....Fall on me....So Central Rain. Was hooked

[@johnpaulwright522]

Is that you son?

[@Oh_I_Will]

Had a dying dog who use to wag his tail when I played this song...that dog turned me on to REM...I have that dead mutt to thank for liking REM...

[@stovepipe9232]

You have learned well.

[@oscargustaverejlander.]

As my father (God rest his soul) used to say to me, "there's no such thing as 'great' taste, you either have taste or you don't." I struggled with that sentiment for a while in my early days but I think I get it now, and clearly your dad did/does too. It's not about being better than anyone, but about some things just being objectively brilliant, and some of us being more in tune to that than others.

[@lhart99]

I suffer from bipolar & depression, and this song, along with several REM songs, really helps me in difficult times.

[@DarrenKenyon]

Me too

[@lisasimpson8318]

Much ♥️ for you

[@MustardKingCustard]

I remember the first time I ever heard this song. It was 2008 and I was 18, I was very late to the game. I remember it came on randomly through a Pandora shuffle. I was lying in bed. It was so beautiful I cried. After that, I became an R.E.M fan. While I never knew of them before, this song has incredible nostalgic vibes for me. I'm 32 now, and it takes me back to a better time in my life. I miss those days. Beautiful song.

[@beccag3337]

My father died quite unexpectedly that summer night. I swam unabashedly, naked, looking for spiritual comfort, any comfort. Water has always been my relief and that night, it was once more. This song has the most powerful effect on me, I can feel it washing over me once again. The joy and sadness both. Joy for being in my element, joy for this song that revealed more emotion than I could. And for finding comfort in the rewinding of it (over and over) old school style. So much angst and beauty here.

[@free322001]

:)

[@jamesdixon6792]

So beautifully said, Becca. Thanks for sharing!

[@vickilouise86]

Bless your beautiful soul x

[@Radar1zmgkz]

My dad passed away from cancer around the same time. I feel your pain when I hear this song.

[@Hakajin]

This is beautiful

[@josephcolombo8973]

My good buddy Matthew and I would play this all night as we studied for our first year law school exams. We both did very well in school but he could not kick a heroin addiction. He died 10 years ago and I truly have not really dealt with it even as of today. I named my first son after him, Matthew, that is a beautiful name from the Bible and a great reminder of a super sharp South Beach attorney that got caught up in the crazy early 90s.

[@jenniferdiem4072]

I could listen to this over and over again. The memories just come flooding back from a time of tranquility and peace but also transformation. Just so beautiful

[@davidhubbert9445]

Well said Jennifer so very true

[@mariaalessio9077]

I was 21, now 54, so much love for the music and the band

[@jonfers]

Like everyone else here, I'm transported. For me, it's to my adolescence, mowing lawns and cycling the streets of suburban Atlanta without a care in the world. Automatic for the People was permanently fixed in my Sony Walkman. It was the soundtrack of my summer and thus of youth itself. REM shaped my views of the world, both how it is and how it oughtta be.

[@1220b]

Walking to college listening to this on my portable CD player. Desperately trying to not let it jump by walking slowly. She had blonde hair and I loved her, I drunk snakebite and black. I smoked hash and had my grandparents still. A time long gone but still frozen in time everytime I hear this song. I'm 50 next year and I'm happy....

[@MThyne-oz2zu]

I remember I was a freshman in college when this came out. Just turned 50. Things didn't turn out the way I anticipated, but damn, I'm sure glad to have been young during those years. Magic, pure magic.

[@lustforbloodyt3950]

I am 55 now , always loved REM ,many good memories with my husband , still listening in 2022

[@mmassoud1975]

This song brings back sweet memories from my youth days. The 90's were the best years of my life, they were like a "fairytale". Now life has became so cold and cruel 🥺

[@laurentiustefan3816]

One of the best R.E.M. songs. Great, great song.

[@jakobmayer9513]

Not only the musical composition but the lyrics show how much passion the musicians had for this song.

[@hyperios4756]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written, and my favourite R.E.M song.

[@deliciousfishes]

There is no better testimony for the greatness of the music made by REM than what you find in the comments below. Their music moves people and stirs memories of their listeners. It is music like this that will be timeless and remains relevant today.

[@webster7222]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written ❤

[@jackcurtin5772]

Everybody hurts is on the same album, amazingly

[@nakamurabaron]

I totally agree with you

[@malukingulo2308]

Favorite REM song. Brings back so many memories. First kisses. First touches. Confusion. Fear. Ecstasy.

[@davidforster1628]

My dad had automatic for the people on cassette in the car for about 7 years. If i died and could take one album with me its this one. I was 10 when it came out. Still feels like me whenever i put it on. Thanks REM

[@wendyokoopa7048]

David Forster my sister had the green album with stand. She'd always leave an old ghetto blaster in our blue bathroom one day i turned it on drive was playing on the radio I bought the automatic for the people album

[@davelee8961]

I would definitely take this and "Murmur." (And be glad I was dead, and could get away with not paying the electric bill. Or the mortgage. Or the phone bill.)

[@marcovagt7222]

A Painting of a song. I think I've never heard something that is so powerful and beautiful at the same time. A timeless masterpiece. Thank you, R.E.M. :)

[@alanneilson956]

Not just the best REM song but one of the best anyone has written. Beautiful and thought provoking.

[@briankennedy1192]

I've heard and read Paul McCartney and Neil Finn say the same thing!

[@alessandrabertolotti941]

I agree with you.

[@aar1978]

Everybody hurts is better.

[@randyirvan2336]

It breaks my heart!

[@SindyJ37]

Without a doubt. And it seems the more times I listen to it the more deeply I feel its meaning

[@Speeder76]

After all these years it is still one of my favourites. Who's watching this in 2020?

[@thedarktrainer5692]

Me im

[@thedarktrainer5692]

One of my dad's favorite songs

[@stefanoambrogi1077]

Masterpiece

[@ThePgalloway]

me!

[@keithj8437]

Me!!!

[@jaygamble6131]

I can't listen without an intense release of emotion, memory and reminiscent thoughts. The best.

[@nuotonelblu]

I'm having a flashback of a time when everyhing was so pure. This song brings back memories of beautiful Summers that still live in my heart.

[@thanosgioule8044]

Yeah the world and society is getting worse and worse.

[@joshnelson3803]

Me too.

[@lasarod]

This comment makes my heart break with its bitter truth. 😭

[@stevenre7]

The 80s, 90s, early 2000s seem to have been an artificially good time for those of us in the West - "The End of History" - except the chickens are now coming home to roost for the "golden billion". And yes, I love this song - and REM

[@chrishall3480]

Never before have I vented my appreciation for this band. What a brilliant noise from Georgia, USA. Appreciated by a Scottish soul.

[@free322001]

We dig Simple Minds

[@pwfortner]

Athena Georgia I believe

[@free322001]

@@pwfortner Athens

[@rawlandbogan1878]

It's such a beautiful song. Brings back sweet and loving memories of how those who beloved me have been with me throughout my life. My heart always goes tender when this song plays in my head.

[@patrickpraitano4272]

Just about one of the most beautiful songs ever written

[@sunshineofrays6977]

I cry everytime I hear this...the piano is just beautiful. ...reminds me of a friend , now passed, when we swam together at night under millions of stars....' this one laughing quietly '...😊😭

[@jhelch1]

I was reading comments and the this one laughing quietly part was synced perfectly as I read yours.

[@sunshineofrays6977]

@@jhelch1 That is so lovely...maybe that happens for a reason...I hope you love this too 😉

[@vickilouise86]

They them special moments x

[@mikebradt8080]

This is the same piano used on eric Clapton's layla...you can hear it

[@gingered3311]

There isn’t a single track on this album below a 9/10 rating. Unbelievable consistent quality. Very unlikely to ever be beaten. Just Glorious.

[@IanTula]

Agree! Love REM

[@herminasonnemans9152]

I am 54 and remember this song like it was yesterday and I was a student nurse. The memories of being young and free and breaking into a Moscow swimming pool at night in 1991. We were drinking of course but the memory is forever and I relive it when I hear this, time and again whether I like it or not

[@patminturn2267]

"These things they go away, replaced by everyday." This line hits me whenever I listen to this song. I get this longing for youth when things seemed simpler. The innocence and hopeful optimism that possibilities were endless; so many things being experienced for the first time. I was 13 years old when this album came out and listened to it quite a bit on my brother's cassette tape. I loved every song. But now being 45, the themes on this album, especially "Nightswimming" and "Find The River," resonate with me now more than ever.

[@rockeraaj]

Wait till you're 61! The resonance you'll feel!!

[@renbanks5099]

My grandma passed away last month after her battle with cancer. This song will forever hold a special place in my heart. Not only was this played at her funeral, but it was also the last song she heard before she passed❤️

[@kaylacourtney4302]

i am sorry for your loss❤️

[@aussieevonne7857]

Bless your grandma. Great song to send her off. Such a lovely idea that that was the last one she heard. I'd be ecstatic if that was true for me. RIP your grandma.

[@shannonnonnahs6943]

That is beautiful

[@juicewrldfan3758]

You shared beauty with your grandma

[@vrs2011man]

This song will never age. REM make timeless music.

[@rafaguak70]

indeed

[@johnclark3697]

yep REESPECT.

[@dangoodbad1951]

I thought it was older than 8 years old.

[@inkoinfinity2]

Dan Goodbad It was released in the 90's bro.

[@acemccloud3497]

Dan Goodbad it is older than 8 years old I think that's just when it was added to KZbin

[@silviopazzo]

One of the most beautiful songs of all time

[@chriskidd7778]

My favorite musical artist and band. Always has been!

[@onlylexus]

How is it possible to compose a piece of music such as this? This totally wondrous and this most movingly beautiful work of art? Just how is it done? I am sometimes scared of playing this in company, as when I do, I know the tears will come streaming down my checks, I just cannot stop them. I am a man of 67 years of age, I am not that emotional, but this is just one piece of music that gets to my heart every time it enters my heart. There is no way to describe the feeling it gives me; it's just got something that touches me deeply. Perhaps REM did not realize the deep attachment many of us have to this, the miracle of it, the sheer miracle of total art. As long as I live, I cannot forget this piece of music, it's just heaven and a masterpiece of music. God bless REM for giving me the feeling I get from this, God bless them.

[@TheFiestyhick]

My friend, your comment is an artistic masterpiece itself. Such beautifully expressed concepts. Really touched my heart and you captured the tone of the song as well. Cheers

[@onlylexus]

@@TheFiestyhick Oh I thank you my fellow in spirit. Love from Scotland xx

[@DirectionlessStudent]

This comment just proves you are an artist at heart. There are many other songs that have that effect on me, too. As one example, While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison. When he says ... I look at the world And I notice it's turning While my guitar gently weeps With every mistake We must surely be learning Still my guitar gently weeps When I hear "we must surely be learning" my (his) sorrow and despair for our species and the world is so palpable I am always brought to tears. And yet, some people seem oblivious to that sentiment. But I know in my heart that I understand exactly how he felt when he wrote those words -- I only wish I could have expressed the thought so beautifully myself.

[@naturalnashuan]

I'm 50, just listened to this with my best friend. We both were lonely young people when we first heard this alone. Now we listen together.

[@jacalyn3]

Your comment just moved me to tears on top of the tears this always brings me. Bless the ability we have to share music. Beautiful.

[@RobertJones-st3wj]

Love how everyone has their own indvidual stories of what this song means to them truly shows the beauty of music

[@divernater]

Quite simply the sublimest R.E.M. moment,, I never tire of Michael Stipes voice,, superb!!

[@gregnew424]

28 years and the beauty of this song still gives me chills. The John Paul Jones arrangement with strings and oboe makes the song.

[@band885]

The strings is actually arranged by John Paul Jones which is so cool!

[@miamitten1123]

31 yrs now. Crazy

[@twjclarke1]

A couple of minutes ago I was worrying about almost everything 'wrong' with my life. This song came on the radio and everything is cool for the rest of the day now. Miraculous.

[@caoimhinmckeown54]

Wa

[@twjclarke1]

wa?

[@gerrym7593]

Yes, deep breaths and looking out the window helps

[@twjclarke1]

yeah that too Gerry, but for real music lovers this song does too! But next time I will certainly try staring out of the window just like you, sounds fun. Nice one.

[@twjclarke1]

***** nice one man.

[@BEKim-eb9rz]

Went night swimming, years ago. Found this song that summer too, and played it nonstop for my innocence and sentimentality. Two decades later, we reminisced fondly about that night, the woman and I, the heartache of our breakup long gone. It was a beautiful memory in my life, made generational thanks to this gem of a ballad.

[@BEKim-eb9rz]

I admired her throughout high school, but the courage never came to me. I only watched her shine amongst others, and pined for her under the moon. Six years later, I returned to my hometown for a summer job. She was there. The light in her eyes was “replaced by every day” and the uncertainty of serious mental health issues. Photographs kept turning in my memory, and I recalled her understated persona, culture, and athletic glow. This time, I summoned the courage. Our time together put some of her misfortunes in reverse, and I could not describe my feelings when her fair smile returned. But “these things, they go away”, and I knew that come September, life was going to call us elsewhere. My mind and heart turned endlessly between our quiet laughter and tender moments-how can this work?? Late one evening, she took me swimming at a park that meant very different things to each of us. I floundered by the shore- “you, I thought you knew me”! She, the varsity swimmer, took fluid laps across the lake and back. She I marvelled at in the moonlight. I gathered her heartbeat into my arms; it was so strong, even, and sure-“you, I thought I knew you”!? It became clear that I could not know her, and knew not how to handle her fragility with the right strength, nor her strength with the right fragility. Quite some time after that summer, I heard “Nightswimming” for my first time. Especially when the song comes to two moons, “side by side in orbit, around the fairest sun”, I remember that time together. Ever so brightly.

[@loriparker2163]

I used to go night swimming in my parents swimming pool at night when they where out and I would listen to this song , and I loved this band and songs esp this one 👍🤎

[@wkandle]

REM has some of the most heartfelt and emotional music of all time. If you listen to songs like this one, Losing My Religion, and Everybody hurts, it's impossible to not feel anything. This music really touches you.

[@GentlemanJack2190]

Also (my 2 favorites)Leaving New York and At My Most Beautiful. 💚

[@writersherlock]

A young man who was a very good man took his life with Everybody Hurts on repeat and man I kills me every time I hear it... 20 years later and only 35 years old now... he was 15

[@Alan-gi2ku]

I’ll take the rain.

[@feelfinewithbeatles]

I really, really like the piano in this, it's simply p.e.r.f.e.c.t

[@jsphillip60]

Mike Mills on the famous Layla piano at Criteria(?) Studios, Miami, FL.

[@nicolahempsall6416]

For the last few mornings this song been going round and round in my head . Had to listen to it , god it made me stop in my tracks flooded with all my wonderful teenage years . Made me think how lucky I really was . Lost my dad last year to cancer all the memories of dad in my life was like yesterday . Miss him so so much . The world is a big scary place without him

[@privatesalsa1700]

I used to listen to this album 25 years ago. I would play it in bed and fall asleep to this song. It was always one of my favourite REM songs. A masterpiece.

[@yuyanhe7431]

One of the greatest songs ever written. My life will be different with or without the song.

[@barrythomas1148]

I was 26 when this song was released and it took me back to being 16 and the springs of northern Florida. First time I think I really experienced nostalgia and seemed like life was happening to fast. 57 now and I'm beginning to look forward to finding the river.

[@freakinfrugal5268]

This has been one of my very favorite songs since the first time I heard it. It is absolutely gorgeous. The violins just wash over me. I swear I could listen to it over and over for hours and never get tired of it. In 1993 I moved to Athens Ga because my husband was a professor there. I worked at a homeless shelter that was a couple of blocks from Michael Stipe's house, so I always drove by there hoping to see him taking the trash out of picking up the paper. Alas, I never spotted him.

[@speefy7311]

I can't get over how unique and iconic Michael Stipe's voice is.

[@tomtimelord7876]

It's true. I feel like no one has ever managed a truly great R.E.M. cover and I think the reason is because Stipe's voice is so unique and central to the feel of R.E.M. songs.

[@thecynic9232]

His voice makes me want to cry on their slow songs.

[@StratsRUs]

The Greatest.

[@lennybruce6476]

I love those warm tones.

[@Shagyamum]

Reminds me a bit of oasis even tho REM were around first

[@amywilson4278]

I love how certain songs mean something different for everyone. It's a beautiful thing.

[@tonywilson9437]

This song is like the finest, most beautiful poetry half sung, half spoken in a most moving way to equally moving, thought provoking and emotion stirring music. Those strings and that Oboe when they start!!!

[@imkegroteluschen1664]

One of the best R.E.M. songs ever.

[@fezor1]

This song magically transports to memorable times...moments in the album of my memories...even as remote as when innocence reigned, and it was not evil, just mischiefs...😊

[@barcodetroit6044]

Head injuries have robbed of so many memories.. I cant remember what was happening in my life at the time this came out and I discovered this song. But everytime I listen to it all the emotions flood back.. Proving music is pretty magical

[@GeorgeTinson-nl9cz]

I will pray for you.

[@Diatonic5th]

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The lyrics are stunning.

[@royden-y4h]

For me...this takes me to 2006. An 18 year old me with 6 of my friends travelling the world. We were driving to Queenstown, New Zealand in rented vans in the middle of the night....and this came on as we got to town around 11pm, under a big bright blue moon. Oh the memories! How young, dumb and truly free we were. We've all moved on with lives now, in different parts of the world, apart from one who i remain close. But all of us will have those moments together. Thankyou REM for being part of me.

[@maxsteele4555]

Automatic for the People is why REM is one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@0.penn-gates365]

❤Ich liebe diesen Song seit 30 Jahren. Und ich werde es tun bis ich sterbe. So ein wunderschönes Stück Musik ❤

[@francinehibberd4955]

I used to listen to this watchin the snow fall late at night

[@flexx7543]

This is song is impossible to describe with words...there are no adjectives fitting enough. One of the most beautiful tunes I have heard, it just gets better and better.

[@vicentemorales2533]

Beautiful, just beautiful and genious. Everthing is beautiful.

[@moscouagent212]

This is my favorite song ever, already heard thousands of times, always the same feelings, incredible...

[@EmilyMarcello-vz7jr]

Gorgeous song, lyrics and string/piano arrangement.

[@lesflynn4455]

An utterly beautifully crafted, written and performed song. I haven't heard it in nearly 30 years. For some reason it popped into my head and I had to hear it. The video is perfect too. I'm 51 and it took me waay back, almost bringing tears to my eyes.

[@lawrencejhutchinson]

The highlight of Automatic For The People for me!

[@summerbayexile]

Their finest song from their finest album and my favourite Michael Stipe vocal. The piano is superb, especially the way it complements his voice. I just adore this track.

[@onmoz]

Please ,I need to comeback to that ERA where music were REAL and AUTHENTIC , some kind of lyric that touch my soul , i m so deep in my emotion

[@mistersixpence]

Such a beautiful, poignant, evocative track. Stipes' plaintive tone and that piano are a wonderful marriage of sounds.

[@buckwheatROCKS]

mistersixpence yes and the orchestra in the very beginning...

[@WICKEDCHARMD]

This song is the absolute best!

[@kjr413]

Listening to this amazing masterpiece of music, facing the endless ocean with millions of stars above me...just perfect

[@luissampaio2104]

I can't thank REM enough for their amazing and remarkable songs. Glad you guys exist. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

[@algernonfarquhuar1531]

Beautiful. Brings tears to my eyes nearly every time as sweet and sad memories wash over me. Swimming in the summer sea. Listening to REM with my dear departed friend. Crazy and emotional to the end.

[@zackcarty4790]

Makes me remember my beloved wife... was by her side when she died, Sept. 18, 2019... will never forget that day.... tears come to me for this too.

[@kitchentrout5867]

This song is so beautiful and speaks volumes. I can't help but think of all the great memories I have of being a kid every time I hear it. One of the greatest bands ever.

[@oneprizeonegoal]

My mother was a big fan of REM in the 90s, still is in her 60s now. Time moves on cruelly. I’m glad for all the mix tapes she made me in past years. REM is a terrific band and incredibly unique

[@davidwags5703]

“Time moves on cruelly” truer words were never spoken.

[@andreaswenk9367]

Warum gibt es diese Band nur nicht mehr? Die waren so groß!😥😍

[@KimTHRC]

Coincido 😢

[@paulskehan693]

I think they got so big that they just exploded!!!😢 From Ireland 🍀

[@KimTHRC]

@@paulskehan693 totalmente

[@hen5436]

One of the best bands ever!

[@gabrieldoherty1095]

'Everybody hurts' is without question one of the greatest songs of all time, and yet it wasn't even the best song on the album. This was. That's how good REM were at the top of their game.

[@ritch8088]

I remember hearing this song for the first time on MTV when I was 12 in 1992. I had never heard of REM before but I asked for 'Automatic for the People' for Christmas on CD. I must have had it on repeat for months. This song just randomly popped into my head, and I love it even more 30 years later!

[@hasimirfenring5660]

Same age as you, but did need a bit longer, cause I had to buy tha album for myself in 1994. Nevertheless same feeling about the song as you. Brother in mind

[@crtglowgames]

Same age as you but only just getting into REM now. Not having MTV sure stunted my musical growth. Ah well, life begins at 40 something..!

[@16rocketqueen]

I'm the same age. They played Shiny Happy People at the school disco, so that's why I liked them, but Automatic For the People just blew me away. This is still one of my favourite songs after all these years.

[@ritch8088]

@@16rocketqueen Surprisingly, this was one song I wasn't a fan of. Maybe because I heard it so much on the radio at the time. However, years later it's now one of my favourite songs from R.E.M. What a band!

[@natalierozean5989]

I graduated in 92. Gen X lived by these lyrics. No wonder the inability to grasp today’s auto tune. Our music was written in blood and tears... the musicians, brave enough to bare their souls to the world on a stage... in front of fans that cried with them.

[@crissytina8058]

Perfectly said🌈🌟🌈