Sufjan Stevens, "The Only Thing" (Official Audio)

[@AliUmbriel]

Sufjan makes this earth a little bit more beautiful than it is.

[@trurisingrecords9801]

+Ali Umbriel more beautiful than it is.

[@AliUmbriel]

+Tru Rising Records yes, sorry for my bad english and thank you.

[@trurisingrecords9801]

[@anthonytelles2226]

I think he helps us see the beauty that's always been there.

[@daydrmnation]

he brings the beauty front and center to our attention

[@King_of_carrot_flowers]

Sufjan has written an album that will help people keep it together during their darkest crises.

[@lifecruisin]

+pianowhorethesecond This album was the only thing that kept me together for the last two weeks. I can listen to all of it in one sitting, and more and more, I feel better. Everything he says, most of it, takes me back to some pretty dark times, and that has been helping me heal. It's a nice sadness, I don't know why, but it's beautiful. It's sad in a way that tells me that things will get better. The way it deals with depression, drug abuse and suicide is truly touching, it probably stopped me from killing myself.

[@King_of_carrot_flowers]

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been struggling friend, but glad to hear you've found some solace in Stevens music, as I have during dark times, though thankfully not recently. I think that when you're feeling really low, it helps to turn to the art of others who have been suicidal, especially is they are someone really great, whose life is so worthwhile, like Stevens, as is yours, I'm sure. I hope that you have someone you can talk to, either IRL or online, and if not, and if it would help, feel free to PM me. By the way, Neutral milk hotel have got me through rough times too, as there's this wonderful tribute album to Judee Sill called 'Crayon Angel', by various artists, that always makes me happily tearful.

[@jonk7632]

NSPL is 1-800-273-8255 if you need a compassionate person to talk to.

[@notforsale9488]

Or break down, which is fine, that break down often leads to a breakthrough, and you’re free ❤️

[@abdulrafay816]

@@King_of_carrot_flowers we need more people like you ❤❤❤

[@Seagirl441]

As dark and terrible as it sounds, when depression and anxiety hits me hard I listen to this song, it's soothing to me, like cold water over a burn. It actually has helped me stop the though of killing myself for about two weeks by now. I hope Sufjan knows how terapeutic and precious his music is.

[@alicehall6232]

Thinking of you, hope all is well with you 💜

[@Seagirl441]

@@alicehall6232 Thank you, I've been doing a little better now, I still fall back sometimes but I'm doing my best

[@kruppcorp2359]

@@Seagirl441 It sounds like shit imo.

[@ColimaChannel]

I feel related with your story and hope you're still doing well. Sometimes when I want to hurt myself to get rid of the frustrated thoughts and feelings in my head, his music really helps me stay away from those things. Sometimes I find his words a little bit hard to understand but the melodies are so soothing. I wish you all the best.

[@anguspalmer3568]

I've found that not many people understand this idea, but listening to a song/watching a movie/partaking in some form of art created by someone who can put your darkest feelings and thoughts into words just helps. Sometimes when you're sad, overwhelmed, and trying to manage anxiety and depression, knowing that someone else - no matter how distant - knows how you're feeling can make all the difference. I know it has for me. Thank you Sufjan.

[@waterglas21]

Sufjan Stevens, the only artist that can make a guitar sound like a harp.

[@AB-ur9rq]

This is a harp?

[@oakgroove6757]

That is the power of mixing and mastering.

[@alalalala57]

@@oakgroove6757 I see.

[@vivek_dahal]

he's using a mandolin

[@tybeedoo]

@@vivek_dahal I'm fairly certain it's a banjo with a capo

[@Nhnhnfk]

"I want to save you from your sorrow." Then that beautiful riff.

[@andrewmoonbeam321]

Until that moment I was like it's good, but then melted.

[@sam3935]

it hits really different

[@qanh96]

Few artists can walk so perfectly the line between depression and bliss.

[@sanchari.c]

Beautifully said.

[@JessicainTheRainbow]

Absolutely agree

[@phoenixdavida8987]

Radiohead. Thats all i have to say.

[@letmegoletmego]

Sufjan genuinely helped me to cry about the lost of my mother. And I love him for that.

[@chrisgorton3415]

Wow

[@Cheemp01]

same bro

[@sam3935]

it happens when some trauma comes and tears just won't fall....like we're dead inside and cannot comprehend what's going around ...that's the time tears are needed the most to empty out our feelings..but they won't come. this song helped me to let out my feelings

[@johnstephenjones7348]

@@sam3935 I just lost my cat unexpectedly. She passed away as I held her. I’ve been numb for a while but this song just let me uncork that bottle. I’m sobbing

[@sam3935]

@@johnstephenjones7348 im so sorry for your loss :((

[@casecandy9257]

I have never, ever heard music that more perfectly described what it is like to be a religious person dealing with depression and loss and trying to reconcile it with your faith. Or, for that matter, music that described depression better, period. This is literally perfect. It's too real. I am not joking when I say I literally cannot even.

[@Victoria-ij3cb]

"depression and loss and trying to reconcile it with your faith" The only song that comes close describing it this well (also by Sufjan Stevens) is "Casimir Pulaksi Day". Weird name, but the lyrics will punch you in the gut. Check it out.

[@Loyalfk]

I 100% resonate with what you said. May the peace that surpasses understanding wash over you. And me too.

[@Turtleproof]

No cross on my mind or my chest, I am astonished by your life like all.

[@AineCarey]

amen case! we're all in it together :)

[@Dog0nWheels]

There aren't really enough words in the dictionary to describe my love for this man and his music.

[@Brazealen]

::squeezes your hand::

[@TheVillageRuse]

Mom, I love you. I will miss you every day that I'm alive. Thank you for giving me a pulse so that I could be a great person for others. See you again.

[@ינאינחומי]

dude i just cried over your comment, i feel sorry for you

[@hallmarket]

does it get easier

[@ameliajbelk]

Yeah does it ^

[@hawtpawket]

Been a year to the day since I lost my mother. This comment caught be way by surprise, that and the song together lead to water works. Miss you forever my wonderful mother.

[@rvshjn5]

@@hawtpawket wish you all the strength in this world my friend.

[@Hazel...2131]

He has truly saved my life in multiple ways, my dad died but we used to blast this song on our car stereo on cruise night. Im bipolar and my s***cideal thoughts gets triggered very easily. This song reminds me to stay because I have so much to live for. Thank you for saving my life❤

[@mephistopheles9644]

Same

[@sarahbeardsley]

How does Sufjan make such terrifyingly tragic lyrics sound so beautiful and peaceful?

[@HOLLabackB0y]

"I wanna safe you from your sorrow" hits me really hard

[@abygailendaya1287]

i just want to leave something here for my Mom if u see this, everyday i love you more than my years that is yet to come, as well as papang, you are all my strength and my warmth, always remember me when my time comes

[@TheElainemarley]

❤

[@martinijazz9]

"Do I care if I survive this? Bury the dead where they’re found In a veil of great surprises; I wonder did you love me at all?"

[@martinijazz9]

I love his ambiguous approach to writing. This song could be written to a lover or anybody but it's so fleshed out.

[@martinijazz9]

***** And likewise, shit is difficult.

[@simoncosgrove7004]

they are natural thoughts to have you're not depressed, just a normal human being who isn't completely deluded

[@shadeofheresy]

That's exactly what I was thinking too, then you hear beautiful music and it reminds you that you do.

[@vishnu2407]

Pretty sure the entire album is him getting everything he wanted to say to Carrie out of his system

[@mattlandonmusic]

I always listen to music with an open heart, and music always makes me feel things. But this is rare. It makes me weep, every time. I can't even describe the feelings it makes me feel because they don't seem logical... I find it devastating, but I keep coming back to it over and over, and not in a masochistic way. Sufjan, you're a fucking wizard.

[@pedrofreitas3041]

Matt Landon i totaly understand your feelings! i feel kind of the same way...

[@rygesa]

Matt Landon I hate you bro

[@steffen23478]

feel the same, bro. it reminds me of the other side, my time with god or just being alive

[@christophermiller8589]

Just ended a 3 year relationship, my ex sends me this. We still love each other, and are friends, but we know for certain that we don’t work. This song reminded me that I don’t have to stop loving her... my heart has enough room. Thank you Sufjan.

[@paddyblack7525]

I love most of the songs on Carrie and Lowell, but there's just something about this one that reaches that extra inch into my heart to give me that gut wrenching feeling. Most other Sufjan fans seem to prefer Should Have Known Better or Fourth of July, but for me The Only Thing is truly the one song on the album that makes me just... feel.

[@garciansmith1460]

+Paddy Black You should definitely listen to Pink Moon by Nick Drake, it's a better album and certainly touches the emotions in a very strong way.

[@Blink182Omar]

+Paddy Black I think every song on there has its own feel. I absolutely love The Only Thing. But I love Fourth of July (for example) on a whole different level, not a higher one, just different. I don't compare them, that's impossible.

[@ankifunky1]

+Garcian Smith I second that!

[@vonnie0_0]

Fourth of July is definitely my top song, but *this* is the first song I’ve ever heard from him, it’s just enchanting in a way I can’t describe. Oh and I feel Death with Dignity doesn’t get enough attention, it’s the first song in the album for a reason I think. The melody, the lyrics, and his singing is *pure beauty,* it’s like an angel fell from heaven, but he’s trying to do the best he can with a broken wing.

[@philippamay949]

I love 4th of July but this is more universally relatable I feel. Certainly soothes my current pain.

[@ricardoramirez8836]

I've been cuddling with this song for several nights. So much pain and beauty at the same time.

[@candletabletop154]

I honestly haven't felt like this listening to an album in years. This is perfection. Beautiful, tragic, perfection.

[@naseershekh8829]

AL and

[@arono9304]

This is perfection within 5 minutes. Thank you Sufjan, we love you and wish you the best of strength and luck.

[@yingyuemusic16]

💕

[@coolhellu]

everything about this song is overwhelming. a lot of you say its the perfect description of depression and it really is but to me its more of a perfect description of missing or never having your parents love. i wish i could tell sufjan how much his story relates to mine sigh

[@melaniehovis7016]

agree

[@grace847]

Two years ago I escaped from an abusive relationship... I sobbed my heart out to this song for weeks. Happy to say I'm still here and piecing things back together. Thank you, Sufjan, for giving words to our pain.

[@dawnjanvrin4271]

Proud of you, Grace.

[@dingorvr]

Keep it up Grace!

[@grace847]

Since Sufjan has gifted us a new album, it made me think of this comment and reflect on life (as his music tends to encourage you to). I'm so much better than I was. I have scars, but I'm just starting a new rship with a guy who is kind, affectionate and good. I never thought I'd find him or be content in myself - but here I am ❤️

[@sweetcheese360]

@@grace847 I'm happy for you, Grace. I hope you'll cherish your time together.

[@lauramantis5826]

Love to you ❤ you were strong for going

[@seanclancy2587]

I have listened to this song close to 50 times over the last two weeks but I only just realized the French Horn at 3:20. The beautifully subtle layers of instrumentation in this song perfectly complement the beautifully subtle layers of heartache in the lyrics.

[@leeroyjenkins1981]

Sean Clancy This is exactly what I love about his music. Can listen to it a hundred times and still find something new to appreciate.

[@hugginduff]

yeah, i couldn't figure out the instrument that i was hearing and I was a music major, such a beautiful arrangement

[@leudenpijp]

and he plays himself, he studied horn. such a beautiful instrument, listen to "Chelsea" by Counting Crows

[@TheYoungFactor]

Wow great catch! I believe that was the first instruments Sufjan learned how to play

[@tiochips77]

it's been many years and still i think about this exact comment whenever i hear that part of this song

[@jamieether]

It wasn't until after my guardian died that I was told of their bipolar disorder. To this day I have never been so close to anyone, loved so honestly and wholeheartedly. During my depression following her death, I lived solely for her for years. I knew she wanted me to be happy and she was my motivation to be. This song and this album have been such a great comfort to me. I really couldn't ask for more. it is a wonderful blessing to know I am not alone and neither is Sufjan. My heart goes out and beyond for him and so many others. This rare candid story of emotion could not be more of a blessing. I am so thankful

[@wertylasky2344]

jamieether I’m deeply sorry for your loss, I hope it gets better by time.

[@simoncosgrove7004]

music truly does save lives.

[@OMCollective]

Amen

[@chaosinorderrr]

"Should I tear my eyes out now? Everything I see returns to you somehow Should I tear my heart out now? Everything I feel returns to you somehow" Daaaaamn Sufj! You killing me bruh!!!

[@ManuManu-oq8lt]

+chaosinorderrr ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ♥

[@Luis_Domingos]

+chaosinorderrr The falsetto there is just heartbreaking.

[@bruceflacko1518]

this touched me too

[@ck675]

I'm not sure a set of lyrics has ever hit me as heard as this exact set. it's too much, man... too fucking much.

[@EmeraldBayMovies]

chaosinorderrr Those lines are likely a reference to "today" by the smashing pumpkins, I'm suprised that no one else has noticed that. Makes sense because both songs carry the theme of suicide.

[@ck675]

it's almost 2017 and I'm almost positive that this is still my album of the decade so far.

[@jeffjohnson419]

So was it? It’s damn near close for me with good kid maad city.

[@ladygagagal123]

This piece of music caused me to stop what I was doing. Absolute tenderness!

[@HungGarEarthBender]

This is one of the best songs on the album, all of them are so great that they are hard to compare... but this one is definitely gold.

[@jackiewychor1508]

+Corey Brown absolutely^^^^

[@ananddiwakar1326]

You dont find this song. This song finds YOU...

[@dhanashreemehar]

So true

[@caleb_rankin]

I just googled it

[@Ferretofthevalley]

i keep wanting to like this comment but i found it through looking through sufjan's songs on spotify lol

[@cristhianserna]

This album will shiver you (No matter when you read this).

[@madeleinep.828]

I always get these phases where I’m obsessed with a certain Sufjan song for a while and right now it’s this one. He really is a gift to the world!

[@SeraYoshi]

this song is a freaking masterpiece and no one can tell me otherwise

[@agostinaalvarez9254]

"cross hatch, warm bath, holiday inn after dark" these lyrics feel like a tight, loving embrace

[@generalmalaise2930]

bruh

[@matth227]

He’s talking about slitting his wrists and killing himself with that line just fyi

[@giacomogrimaldi458]

this is therapy

[@Hosam444]

You 😘😉❤

[@tomtalismanzuta1303]

when Sufjan is singing, it sounds like he's whispering. Pure and sincere words and voice.

[@sdm12342002]

"Blind faith, God's grace, nothing else to left impart." Beautiful. I want that read at my funeral.

[@nataliarobinson9514]

Anyone who likes and listens to Sufjan is automatically my best friend. Have a good day

[@frankhughes7031]

This feels like laughing at a friends funeral. Like they told you a joke before they left. And as you walk away, the last to leave, you can still hear their their laughter, it's just as vibrant, but just a little bit further away.

[@ganesansanthanam-5896]

Three years ago, I lost my grandmother. In the pursuit of success, I dedicated my time to chasing money and planning for higher studies. Despite achieving my goals of securing a good university placement, a fulfilling job, and a comfortable lifestyle, the void left by her absence has overshadowed my accomplishments. I obtained a scholarship and made my parents proud, yet the one person who unwaveringly believed in me is no longer here. The regret of not being there for her during her last days lingers, casting a shadow on the happiness I thought these achievements would bring some sort consolation. Happiness is when you can cherish and protect your loved. I failed and just want to end it all. I cant handle the hole in my heart. I practice smiling because i am feeling pain just by existing.

[@Budrica]

You're not alone. We're all trying to figure life out as we go along. Loss is a part of life. I hope you forgive yourself. Your grandmother would forgive you.

[@jmharman]

"Carrie and Lowell" came out shortly after my Dad died, and this particular song helped me confront and deal with the grief of his loss. I still choke up every time I hear it and lose the ability to speak.

[@annaburduli84]

it's the weirdest thing. i discovered Sufjan through cmbyn more than 2 years ago and for all this time,his voice has been my sanctuary. Every time i feel lost,empty,hopeless, i come back to him.listening to his voice feels like a warm hug, like someone finally understands u,loves u, that everything will be better at some point.Every word he says feels like something warm pouring down my heart and lungs.

[@STOPjammietime]

I lost my mother last year to cancer. She was always remote somehow, unreachable to me. These songs are so painful but so soothing to me. It helps to know someone out there feels the same.

[@thisb3]

I wish someone understood how much this song (and Sufjan's music in general, especially anything from Carrie & Lowell) means to me. I'm scared that I don't have enough time to share the music that holds a special place in my heart. Not sure why I'm saying this in the YT comment section lol, I just don't have literally anyone (like, literally) in my life to confide in.

[@creeks-and-peaks]

I understand how you feel. This is difficult music to share with other people because it is so soul-shattering. I hope you find someone to listen to this with. :)

[@MORindie]

favorite track off the album

[@andybruce904]

mine used to be death with dignity and probably still is but this song is soo close. then its blue bucket of gold duh.

[@tbdkll4218]

4th of july for me

[@lucianomontanha]

It's very difficult for me to choose one...

[@TheMiels]

Of his entire career imo

[@julialassosdans1349]

'

[@alessandrobilancia3695]

Oh my God I brutally envy you USA.. you have the best contemporary songwriter...his lyrics deserve a Nobel now actually more than Dylan after 50 years

[@lauraberkholtz7959]

One of the most beautiful and heartbreaking songs ever recorded. I love you for this, Sufjan. Miss you (so desperately) Mom. God love us and keep us all.

[@inkky69]

Sufjan Stevens is just a wonderful artist and lyricist ("he called me Subaru" I'm talking about you) and I listen to this song whenever I get that sinking feeling nothing is right, that I'm worth nothing, like a lifejacket it pulls me out of the dark sea that depression seems to be. As melancholy as this song sounds, it's comforting to me. I just want to listen to this song with a friend after we've both cried for far too long.

[@heyitsmira17]

This album compiles everything so well. The dilemma of loving someone so much that their loss feels overbearing. The tragic feeling of realizing that maybe that love wasn't mutual. Still longing for that person and having so many thoughts and regrets that it takes you away from yourself. Drowing in depression, trying to find a way to keep going despite everything. And relying on faith, but also understanding that faith won't heal you completely and instantly. Grief is something that we all have to deal with sometime, and it's okay to let yourself feel those emotions too, in order to let them go.

[@BowtiesSayGeronimo]

i find myself with my eyes closed every time i listen to this song. i need to sit quietly and just take it in wholly.

[@pwarren9672]

"I want to save you from your sorrow" How relatable in such a personal way, that''s just as much about your life, as it is about how you want everyone's life to be important because it is important to them. When it comes to any sudden natural disaster that kills a lot of people--you feel such unique sense of despair/angst at the tragic nature of how quickly those individual lives were unaware of the end!

[@smoothcriminal6622]

A lot of people commenting about sad shit but for some reason this song brings me peace and makes me happy 🧍‍♂️

[@aIiza]

_"love, for you, is not like the usual romantic love. its like a religion. no one will ever want to sleep with you."_ - Richard Siken, _Litany in Which Certain Things Are Crossed Out_

[@lauramantis5826]

Whats that??? I love it ❤

[@markdisomma3913]

This song makes me cry .... so beautiful !!

[@stevenlomon]

Sufjan has created the 'Johnny Cash - Hurt' of this generation. 10 seconds of this song is enough to make my eyes hurt and I can't listen to the entire song without crying as if someone close to me has died and almost physically feeling my heart hurt. It's just as sad as it is absolutely beautiful

[@Nehmi]

Did anyone else burst into tears when he sang "I want to save you from your sorrow"? And I was at the gym.....🫣🫣🫣

[@jackmcmuscles]

it bothers me so much when Sufjan gets lumped in with other "sad indie folk guy" artists because he tackles the genre with more genuine love and sensitivity than anyone else

[@philaeew4866]

...and other indie artists do it for the fame or something, you think? Every artist has their own reason for creating music, and there's a story behind every sad song. I agree that his songs are authentic and genuine, but I disagree with the notion that other musicians are in any way less genuine and therefore inferior, no matter if one likes their particular style or not.

[@kgwin1763]

i feelyou

[@zad_rasera]

@@philaeew4866 I feel you

[@tikermothyn9393]

@@philaeew4866 I do think there will always be artists that create purely for money, and there are almost certainly indie-folk artists that do the same. The difference between this and let's say, daughter, I love daughter btw not dissing, is that this feels so much more intimate and really pulls you into the moment, it creates an entire story and character while some others are just "sad". This song does way more than just being sad. again not dissing daughter, I love their music, it's just a different experience to this.

[@Umbrey_Dunctum]

@@philaeew4866....Good point, there's a lot of Elliott Smith in this... coming from that same sweet pain.

[@Racykona11]

Thank-you for being so poetically vulnerable. This song is profoundly beautiful; not just for the truthful lyrics but also shedding light towards our heart. Most of us hide in the shadows at times, and people only see our smiling face. Much love XooXoo For thou art greatly beloved.

[@unwritten_zephyr]

“Should I tear my eyes out now, before I see too much? Should I tear my arms now, I wanna feel your touch.” Breaks my heart, man.

[@Jellyztothebelly]

Sufjan, you're a dream. Edmonton needs you.

[@jamesthewineguy]

It takes all of my courage to listen to this song. I am chocked up and gasp to breathe. I am compelled to listen--a glorious sound of Sufjan;s voice, instrumentation in a key of E♭keeps me attuned and ready to listen even with lyrics that are painful and bore a hole in my spirit and yet at the same time are elevating feeling. I have gone through this pain that he has lived through as well.

[@leahisme3513]

No matter how long it has been (almost three years now), this song never fails to make me Remember Him, the night he died, the things we said, the way I cried, with his urn at the front of the room, fake flowers, fake people, Wrongness. His smile, his laugh, his anger, his cruelty. No matter the type of person he was, it is hard to live with his ghost. I have no God to keep me going... I guess Sufjan will have to take that place.

[@Maxlp15]

I keep on explaining to other generations how they may have had incredible music but they didn't have Sufjan and I keep getting laughed at. Since getting Carrie & Lowell on vinyl, however, not one of those people has laughed at me when I've used this song as my evidence.

[@casecandy9257]

Max Levine-Poch He is one of a handful of songwriters in this generation who could easily go toe-to-toe with any musician from any era. Almost peerless in his musicianship. They used to say that The Beatles were the best writers since Bach. I think one could easily make the argument that Sufjan as the best songwriter since The Beatles.

[@Maxlp15]

Case Candy And I would put Justin Vernon in that very same category of songwriter. He and Suf are real poets with musical brilliance coming second to it.

[@casecandy9257]

So many good ones out there. Sufjan, Justin, Sam Beam of Iron & Wine, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, Ryan Adams, Fleet Foxes... folk and alt country are really rich genres when it comes to songwriters. Suf and Justin in particular have the haunting, choir-like voice going on...

[@Evi1hamst3r]

Case Candy Not to mention Ben Cooper of Radical Face!

[@DaStoneboat]

Max Levine-Poch Like Paul Simon said, " Every generation sends a hero up the pop charts." Let'em laugh, if they must; you know good music when you hear it, and its always been about the lyrics, and there's no question, Sufjan's intimate, personal sound, and poignant lyrics will have people seeking him out generations from now.

[@user-ms2sb7pm3i]

A smile instantly emerged on my cheeks, Slowly replaced with tears. Music shouldn't be this beautiful :)

[@pandahugs2271]

this song just tears me up after listening to it on 'after life'... lovely song

[@jannatuladnin6241]

i could overdose myself while listening to this. Too much beauty and pain to take in.

[@Dead00017]

Keep holding dear 🕸️

[@theeurinworld590]

Have you ever felt like a sound track makes you reminisce on a vivid memory that you actually didn’t have?

[@thepurpleraccoon5736]

Miss you, Zach. I'm sorry. Love you.

[@deltoidsforaltoids]

I love you, purple raccoon.

[@gabrielborjas7923]

May i know who's Zach?

[@KLienne]

It's been over a year. How do you feel? @ThePurpleRaccoon

[@OMCollective]

@@KLienne This is excellent internetting.

[@arjunravin4769]

it’s been 3 years wow

[@johnsonblazkowicz721]

it doesnt make me depressed or want to die, it makes me feel very ambient and connected to everything and nothing and wanting the story to end but also go on forever

[@Falaalagabalal]

The most beautiful thing about such a difficult lyrics is that you can assign any meaning to the song and the melody. It can convey everything you feel at the moment.

[@ableroo]

The purest encapsulation of grief and love intertwined. Nothing else so perfectly distills the tender anguish.

[@aamahwilliams9462]

Sufjan is a beacon of light in this cracked and broken Earth. “Everything is cracked, that’s how the light comes in”

[@agussaefulloh8388]

Oh that part "in a veil of great surprises I wonder did you love me at all." Is beautiful and hits me hard. I remember that time when I figured out that my father never planned to have me. So he left, before I was even born. I made peace with that, but boy did I cry so hard two years ago. Because my family never told me anything. I wasted years obsessing the idea of him, wondering. I'm okay though :)

[@michaelc438]

You can definitely hear Elliott Smith's influences on Sufjan Stevens on this track and on Carrie & Lowel.

[@owlicks58]

+C. Michael You know, interestingly I really don't see Sufjan as an Elliott Smith listener. I don't think Sufjan would have anything against him, but I've never heard Sufjan reference anything about Elliott Smith. Elliott was only about 6 years older than Sufjan. They were peers. I think it's much more likely that they shared similar influences -- particularly the more folky side of Simon & Garfunkel on tracks like this.

[@freakygepsyhotmailcom]

Yann Tiersen was born less than a year after Elliott Smith, he still references him as a major influence, cried on stage at his death and has called his son Elliott in his honour. So I don't think that being peers amongst successful musicians rules out influence!

[@freakygepsyhotmailcom]

ummm, i was talking about yann tiersen, not sufjan stevens.

[@sevchyk]

You can definitely hear Simon and Garfunkel's style...

[@MCVessels]

The influence shows up in Kill, too, on the album A Sun Came. Compare that song to Roman Candle by Elliott Smith...

[@Mlgrunt]

When a series brings you to a old good song when fades away thanks to the series after life🙏

[@mrigankshekhar8565]

I see you.

[@jeff-onedayatatime.2870]

This song was very important to me around the time of my not-suicide attempt. It was a "not-suicide attempt" because I had the loaded gun in my hand, and if I'd made an attempt, I wouldn't be here typing. But I couldn't even cock the gun, much less point it at my head and pull the trigger. At any rate, the second verse of this song, "Holiday Inn after dark" and all that, just rips my soul into fucking shreds.

[@undertheseaabovethesky]

Hearing Sufjan's use of metaphors to represent this feeling of being alive while feeling dead is so comforting. It makes me feel like I'm not the only one and that takes away my loneliness.

[@akaenteng2895]

This song have some of my favorite lyrics like "Signs and wonders: Perseus aligned with the skull, slain Medusa, Pegasus alight from us all." But when he sang "I wanna save you from your sorrow," that's when I cried rivers :(

[@payman3050]

I’m currently grieving for my beloved mother who passed away 2 weeks ago. I decided to drive 3 hours from Portland to Florence to witness the sea lion caves Sufjan sings about in this song. I stood in a massive dark and stinky cave, 150 feet below the ground to see and listen to hundreds of sea lions inside a massive cove. I don’t know if this will help me feel better in the long run, but it sure was cool to see. Thanks Sufjan.

[@sighswoons]

The reverb guitar at 2:38 is everything

[@TheReventusElites]

It's the one right at the end that gets me every time.

[@mattrichards8590]

I have listened to that part over 200 times since I read this comment 3 days ago. I've been studying for finals almost constantly for the past 72 hours and I just can't stop. Thanks (sort of)

[@billydenkmusic]

...it's pure magic. Ethereal...not from this world...

[@Bloop187]

SO TRUE

[@Bloop187]

Matt Richards SAME

[@BlessedLifeOriginal]

She has gone on now. Along with my most beloved. Expressions can barely soothe my personal loss. But music is healing. I love Sufjan's articulation.. of all of our griefs. God bless this musical angel. That's what he is.

[@conductivepsalms]

Right now, this is my favorite song from the album. Last week it was blue bucket of gold. Anyway, reminds me so much of so many important things, and also this: "clocks ticking....and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee... and hot baths....and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every, every minute? Stage Manager: No... The saints and poets, maybe they do some." - Thornton Wilder Poets and saints are rare, and I think Sufjan is both. This album is such a masterpiece and a blessing.

[@aliciashoshana]

la sensibilidad de sufjan es impresionante... bellisimas canciones

[@mightseemmad]

This album gets me through my lonely nights. It is so beautiful

[@maxguterres6267]

Same here my friend.

[@CouveTJ]

Yep. It's getting me through one right now as I speak. To be alone for your entire adult life is very sad indeed. Maybe that is why I like music so much. Hmm.

[@vidyasagar5844]

lonely nights are our best friends to be with ourselves..

[@trucquynh3948]

this song makes me fantasize about a life i will never have

[@TheClay1881]

Yeah in a beautiful way that sums it up.

[@cattmahr9855]

Fall asleep to this every night

[@leesfans]

This song always finds me when I need it most. Thank you Sufjan.

[@FintyLovatt]

Hey guys, once again I am feeling suicidal and I feel I am in complete isolation with life. I am not asking for pity or anything but I am just trying show that depression effects everyone. Yesterday I was happy and smiling and today I feel like there is nothing I keeping me here. Living hurts so badly. I even cut myself again today after not doing it in a week. I know I have to keep trying and I will in the hope that life gets better; I just really hope it does.

[@aidajuma8852]

it will , keep pushing i know we will make it😊

[@creeks-and-peaks]

There is beauty yet for discovering

[@shashankdevikar4896]

There's always hope

[@captain_keanu]

Hello... I hope you are fine stranger.

[@FintyLovatt]

@@captain_keanu hey, yes stranger I am doing a lot better.

[@marjoriecohn3868]

I can' even understand the words but the music is making me cry.

[@senylalala]

real

[@elluiguiperez9722]

Just had a bad day at work and i may be expelled from college, and i arrived home and see my dog and he seems so happy to see me again and that just broke me to tears

[@jileszeed8391]

The sound brings out nostalgia. So many good songs from carrie & lowell.

[@Dani.Perzed]

Thanks Afterlife and Ricky Gervais, thank to you I knew and love this song

[@kill4life1000]

this album has been my touchstone for four years. it's like balm to any wound i have. i could sing it straight through in my sleep.

[@TylerP-rs4lk]

I’ll take Groundhog Day.

[@robertgosselin14]

Such a beautiful ending to a great season 2.

[@DaTa-wm5yc]

Robert Gosselin I agree 😊 At first I was afraid Tony would kill himself...hope there’s going to be season 3

[@TylerP-rs4lk]

Saja 09 On one of ricky’s live-streams he said that the reaction was so great that he has to do another season. We don’t know when season 3 will come out because of corona virus but hopefully soon. He can’t end it there.

[@DaTa-wm5yc]

Tyler P That’s great 😍 Thanks for sharing with me. Can’t wait

[@matteoatzeni7529]

But she deserves more

[@mr.giang_salesmanager6563]

This song really made me depressed a lot , but , I can not stop listening. "Should I tear my eyes out now, before I see too much? Should I tear my arms out now? I want to feel your touch"

[@VoOrT3xX]

This album is so powerfull. It can cure everything. Bon Iver For Emma is the only other album like this, love this guys

[@EdBirdandJC]

After life series 2 brought me here ❤ Just beautiful x

[@slinky4452]

“I want to save you from your sorrow” that line hits me like a speeding truck down the freeway every single time

[@beifuska5717]

3:50 makes my heart break every time💔 He is not a human, he is an angel❤️