Blur - No Distance Left To Run (Jools Holland 1999)

"No Distance Left to Run" is a song by Blur. It is on their 1999 album 13 and was also released as a single, reaching #14 in the UK Singles Chart. It is widely understood to refer to Blur vocalist Damon Albarn's protracted split from long-term lover Justine Frischmann (Elastica's lead vocals).
Damon Albarn says that he is quite affected of this song: "It upsets me, that song. It upset me singing it. Doing that vocal upset me greatly. To sing that lyric I really had to accept that that was the end of something in my life. It's amazing when you do have the guts to do that with your work, because it don't half help you."
The promotional video directed by Thomas Vinterberg is notable for using night-vision cameras to capture all four members of the band asleep in their respective beds. A DVD version was also released that featured a short documentary about the making of the video. Alex James reportedly dreamt that he "was in Germany in a karaoke bar. I think I was a leopard for a minute."

[@Imarocketlamp]

Graham's guitar playing on this is incredible... Takes a simple chord change and creates so much around it, without ever sounding like he's playing TOO much. Genius.

[@owencampbell8799]

Agreed. Less is more. Class

[@mantoocha]

I just broke up with my girlfriend. We had so many good times, just hanging around, the lovemaking, everything was beautiful. I found out that she was cheating on me, all her promises went to the trash. At first I was even trying to forgive her but, "I won't kill myself trying to stay in her life". Thanks Blur for explaining the unexplainable for me.

[@tonydolton4544]

mantoocha looking back now, do you laugh about it all now the pain has subsided?

[@bobafetting6373]

Tony Dolton I stopped by to say something similar. @mantoocha - here’s wishing your life is awesome now

[@GaryM67-71]

AWALT.

[@Паша-м8м]

@@jhoslerdunn8490 how do you know?

[@talkshowhost3512]

You did the right thing friend. She belongs to the streets. I hope you are happy now, 11 years later.

[@vagflu07]

Graham Coxon is a genius.

[@chrisryland202]

I reckon

[@jameseustace4375]

Nah just a decent guitar player.

[@scotthamilton2005]

Amen brother

[@chrisryland202]

He's one of the best g guitarists I have seen in a band..pce@@scotthamilton2005

[@johnborowski4235]

''tender'' and ''no distance left to run'' on the same album...

[@johnmcluskey]

I think sometimes this guy Coxon can sound like the best guitar player in the world. Nothing show off, just very melodic and talented to the hilt. On some of his songs he plays really unusual chords on a drop D

[@chrispalin4043]

He genuinely hates singing this song. It really upsets him a lot. He's not pretending in the video. Even now, the song really upsets him and makes him emotional

[@FrAgIlEjEwEl]

😂😂😂

[@glx3846]

I feel he should stop performing this song if it makes him sad

[@joaquingalarce828]

How the fuck can you know such thing?

[@FredyGarbagis]

You are talking out of your ass.

[@eliaol4231]

@@joaquingalarce828 listen to how he sings. Its hard not to notice the pain in his voice.

[@vanishing_girl]

we're so lucky Damon and Graham met each other and decided to make music together

[@lautarogambluch91]

It's amazing how Coxon can deliver the same emotions as Damon in the lyrics, but through the guitar.

[@robsdianten1]

It's something that only sensitive people (as Coxon) can do. He once said in an interview he is more creative with his guitar lines when he is trying to express others' emotions and feelings through the guitar and add that he struggles creating guitar lines that express his own feeling. That's why he often prefer compose about other's lyrics.

[@dasher1982]

stupidly underrated album of the century!

[@BT-kc3ee]

Best album of the 90s

[@Eeli2008]

Damon knows how to use his voice very well, which varies from song to song. One might not describe it as perfect, but it's the hoarse and broken part that makes it so special and fit into a particular tune.

[@Ze_Medic]

I know this a 12 year comment- but Damon wrote this song after his long term relationship with Justine, he mentioned playing it live was difficult for him and I looked this one up to see, and I get it now

[@thebandcoca]

Graham was by far the greatest British guitarist of the 90’s. He serves the songs. He’s the perfect counterpoint to Damon’s songs. Melodic, inventive, interesting with some great reinterpretation of the past. And from what I can gather a total grounded and thoroughly nice bloke. 🤓🧠🙌

[@dmrsk1899]

Let me introduce you to Jonny Greenwood

[@thebandcoca]

@@dmrsk1899 awful band.

[@mustaki7620]

The emojis 😂

[@Chrisamusic1]

​@@dmrsk1899why? He's nowhere near as good as Coxon. 🫤

[@matthoughton9544]

Absolutely love Graham Coxon's playing and his tone. And this track is a wonderful example. But 'by far' seems a bit unfair on, say, Bernard Butler, John Squire, Nick McCabe (to name just a handful of British ones).

[@greendayprab]

the scream at the end just show how painful he was singing that song....it was so emotional, it sends the shiver through my spine...

[@indiflow_]

I'm not crying My eyes are just sweating

[@Donkey_Glossolalia]

I've just been chopping onions; I'm making a Lasagne... For one.

[@C0FFEE4NDTV]

@@Donkey_GlossolaliaFLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS 🙏🙏

[@gjw000]

definitely one of britains best ever bands, (so far)

[@andym28]

Great guitar tone

[@blapo38]

Coxon and Greenwood play in the mount olympus of talent while you mere mortals keep on discussing whom of both is better.

[@MyRanita97]

I honestly think this is one of Blur's best performances, every time I see this video, and watch/ listen Damon's voice, it makes me cry.

[@MichaelMorrisseyNYC]

Still listening 17 years later ❤️

[@yuccatree4298]

Michael Morrissey 18yrs later

[@Aliya1733]

@@yuccatree4298 19 years later..

[@guilperea09]

Still?

[@tallulahgreen5425]

still listening 22 years later, this songs 7 years older than me

[@mydesireSE7]

24!

[@bentheled]

Coxons talent really shines through on this song

[@goops1071]

I want those sunglasses!

[@el_edu_xd]

What are those?

[@nathanregan8620]

@@el_edu_xd Aviators

[@el_edu_xd]

@@nathanregan8620 what brand

[@TheFunkhouser]

Songs about hurt, yeah its sad but its about sharing it and making it way less. Hes hurting, sunnies help hide tears, mad props D :( Bless.

[@chrispalin4043]

TheFunkhouser he gets very emotional singing this song. genuinely. He said he hates singing it because it upsets him

[@TheFunkhouser]

Yeah can understand. Bless bro

[@Thirdfish]

I bought 13 (of which this track is on) and I didn't think much of it at the time back in 99, now I play it a lot it's one of my favorite albums and one of their best albums to date. This song says it all really, if you've ever experienced this sort of a relationship break down as Damon did with Justine Frischmann.

[@nezbit8989]

Beautiful beautiful song. It’s how a broken heart sounds yet somehow peaceful at the same time. Awesome band these lot👌

[@Ablottm]

That guitar sound man

[@karziflora]

Melancholic and beautiful!!! God I miss the 80's-90's...

[@vacuumreality]

this is so painfully beautiful.

[@joanwilcox1278]

OMG so heart renching

[@sigonetosaigon]

listen to this song at least a few times a week for months, its just straight beautiful, the lyrics, the music, the energy that goes into it - something special.

[@3JAC3KiE3]

I think Damon Albarn is the only person who can make me cry with their music.

[@charlie-kt8li]

13 was the first album i got and us my fav ablum becausr of swamp song bug man trailer park and many otheres but this song when i first gave it a listen it didnt effect me that much but listening to it nore it rlly gets to me and i love this song its so sad but peaceful i love this song and grahams playing u can hear the hurt in damons voice and he sounds genuinely upset and its makes me sad but i love this and the album its amazing

[@themperorgontier]

lovely blur song

[@hazyskyline]

One of the best performances of this song... Just incredible.

[@mumiaparalitica]

I keep coming back to this

[@fsheehanx1482]

I love Damon to bits. I hate seeing him in such pain after a breakup. I wish him and Justine the best

[@setzer1987]

yes an underrated genius

[@tedstelz44]

This song should never be forgotten......

[@shadygroves8252]

this song is so hauntingly beautiful. what a performance. real class / true artists... especially after reading "Bit of a Blur" & finding out that both Dave & Alex have their pilot's licenses, Dave has a law degree, Graham & Damon are arguably some of the best songwriters / multi-instrumentalists to have ever lived... people throw around the word "genius" a lot but these 4 are fucking genius

[@takuanp1ckles]

Dude this video breaks my heart seriously

[@cyyytr0n]

One of the best album ever ... all tracks are indescribables ...

[@bentheled]

I really love coxons playing on this track,beautiful song!!!

[@MinaBear011211]

Man, just look at him poor thing :( I'm about to cry right now, this is so beautiful & sad.

[@robertdarby2857]

My favourite band 👌

[@Everton176]

christ almighty this is a sad song when your heart is broken

[@Explorations84]

A beautiful piece of music that reminds me of my old friend who took his own life aged 17.

[@elsylovesplacebo]

This song makes me cry.

[@paulineskorik4747]

Great song n performance

[@LoztInMars]

This is truly amazing, such a wonderful song and incredible performance. Damon just puts all his heart in the lyrics.

[@softj-x1e]

this song is brilliant. so melancholic and emotive. and so much depth in it. albarn is a genius.

[@gloriaorth4628]

These lyrics hit so much harder as an adult 😢.

[@obiegloria]

its sad and thanks to him skrew my ex. the falsetto sends chill through my spine everytime i hear it

[@riquebq]

awesome video and congrats, an amazing description

[@AVirtualTourist]

Excellent song. So sad and hopeful at the same time. If you just had a breakup and you want to continue wallowing, I suggest "The Fine Art Of Falling Apart" by Matthew Good. It's where I'm going next.

[@ivansmoke13]

i love the fucking intro.heavy guitar

[@johnnyscifi]

Best voice in the game!!

[@eviltypist]

one of the best!

[@Jxdefnbr]

brilliant song having a recent heartbreak myself it really does sum it up :-(

[@Magnet0730]

This song is the shit! I fucking love it!!! scribbles the juggalo Denver, peace and kindness, and understanding, and forgiveness to all

[@L1nK1n0]

Divina sei il top Mi manchi bell pezzo di paradiso.

[@iancamone]

and 20 years later,stripped down,this song is even better!

[@samuray1000000]

esta cancion es asombrosa this song is awesome, the best of blur

[@birjarq]

Here after watching Damon performing on piano, I thought some songs are not meant to be performed again, hopefully it will be played by them alongside with other songs from 13

[@domagojsabic6591]

I miss the 90s

[@MillieWarhamcheckedandvetted]

I love Blur truly the best of Britpop

[@CMONCMON007]

im going thorugh some of that right now..and yes this song is on repeat indeed

[@angelceballos9385]

It's been a year since I felt this song deeply in my heart due to a heartbreak... I'm quite better now, but it's just really, really strange how time works when you're totally fucked up, and then, you just have the memory but the feeling has finally vanished.

[@csakennyitakartam]

I wonder how Radiohead would adopt this song.

[@NataliaVilla-7-]

+csakennyitakartam fuck! I will also have this question in my head also because of you! =)

[@csakennyitakartam]

+Natalia Villa always happy to help!

[@neviatha]

Actually, I would love to hear that. I'm thinking 'In Rainbows' era Radiohead....

[@ludrixte1938]

csakennyitakartam I guess ‘True Love Waits’ can interpreted as such?

[@raisinbum]

I do hope that Blur play this when I see them in Manchester in just a few weeks time.

[@zay-ju8fb]

Did they?

[@blackaristofon]

great information! This is a great song.

[@bluesquirrel2472]

I'm not sad I'm not sad I don't miss you I swear..

[@thebeesification]

Hahaha

[@bubbacalling]

why do people type this on every video that has a sad song?

[@donnylad73]

brilliant song!

[@alanlee3922]

incredible...

[@yiyoto]

great info mannnnnnnn tnx for posting

[@darkstar3794]

Esta sonaridad es tan estupenda que me lleva aún lugar nostalgico donde me es inevitable plantearme varias cosas como el porque termine mis vinculos con aquellas personas que me hacin sentir bien momentaneamente pero superficialmenge que jamas pude resolver en mi short life

[@liverpool2878]

fuckin tune,now then n always,our kids kids will love this

[@Damon83]

13 is more expermimental, intense and complex album than any of radiohead ... completely underrated

[@Boshunz]

Damn this is a good song! It hits the spot whenever you're feeling emotional

[@guvanor66]

Graham's guitar tone is unbeatable

[@etherealfilms858]

brilliant. . .

[@SethHesio]

Heroin wrecks lives.

[@tyjodun376]

I don't want to see you 'cause I know the dreams that you keep. That's where we meet

[@lolno]

it'll be a Gibson ES something or other got that big humbucker sound, which when put through a bit of fuzz just IS heartache, for me.

[@Ju4n.n1]

Thanks man

[@justmadeit2]

very good

[@futsol55]

this song is a solace.

[@luciano.3347]

You're so great and i love you

[@russjerome8539]

Tremendous

[@TalkieToaster4U]

Makes me see and feel the hole inside, you make me smile you make me cry, wish you could be mine :(

[@samwalton5242]

Those 5 dislikes need slapping

[@billythekid771]

Awesome

[@407019384]

Un último beso afuera del metro Ermita; donde fue el primero

[@elioquintanillagrandez1807]

Mark Zuckerberg on drums.

[@luka-lk7hx]

It is actually him

[@StuartMakesMusic]

The Universal is a song about being optimistic...

[@juaniortelli2705]

I miss you so much

[@onestepbeyond95]

he reminds me of weller in this

[@PoorGondrano]

I subscribe your opinion...great comment & great song.

[@EmilyMantis]

he looks so sad here... poor Damon, you won't have to run any distance away from me! Why would anyone want to end it with him???

[@iseverythingokathome]

good call, really have to be in the right frame of mind, otherwise it can be shit. sometimes i wonder whether this or think tank was more experimental, great albums both of em anyways

[@briancox9357]

Think Tank is one of the great Blue Albums. Damon's live versions of Battery hit really hard.

[@paucannell]

In context as a songwriter and musician Damon is vastly superior to Noel Gallagher

[@PhantomSnake84]

They're both incredible.

[@lectoro]

esta cancion es de akellas, que escuchas bajo la lluvia y speras su respuesta de alguien, aunke sabes cual s es bella!!

[@ykoshy]

well, i used to care about Radiohead a lot, i thought their contribution to music (ranging from the cathartic, acoustic sounds of the Bends to the fucking beautiful piece of art that is Kid A), were pretty significant and have had a massive influence on the scene today from Burial to Bloc Party.....but having heard that this was thebobbseytwins soundtrack to the long breakup with the 90s, i take it back.