The Story of 'A Thousand Miles' by Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton wrote “A Thousand Miles” in her childhood home as a teenager. Little did she know the song would become an international smash hit, a film-soundtrack favorite, and would be repurposed by new artists and the internet for the next 20 years.
VICE meets Vanessa Carlton, "White Chicks" actor Terry Crews, and others responsible for making the song the indelible hit still widely adored today.
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[@VICE]

WATCH NEXT: The Story of 'Unwritten' By Natasha Bedingfield - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3u9hoCOarWNbbc

[@someoneelse293]

Why can't I watch all "the story of" videos in Australia any more? Please open them again

[@aarondavid5866]

white chicks didnt make this song not even close and terry cruz never even made it. Hes such a tool

[@philipt3195]

please do a story for Take on Me by A-ha

[@DISTER141]

One hit wonder

[@kamil12578]

This is certified hood classic

[@Benji_4]

They need a "Damn son where'd you find this" before the song

[@baileytrujillo1834]

this comment rocks bwahahahaha

[@sheemstar]

Facts!

[@jackielerma3067]

LMFAO 🤣

[@TMoore123]

Lmaooooo

[@Mr-ld2gb]

I don't know who decided to make documentaries on classic songs but GOOD FRICKING JOB

[@GroveStreetCJ]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@puddlee]

Frick yeah

[@Mr.G626]

Hmm

[@accuser_of_the_brethren7816]

Totally, it's like a short version of "behind the music" without all the fluff and drama just straight to the point about what song made them "famous" and how it was written and the journey since. I wonder if they'll keep doing more new-ish songs because their were a lot of 00's hits I've always wondered about. I'd want to see "One Headlight" by Jacob Dylan or "Sex and Candy" (I think its called that but not sure who it was) what about you?

[@fredwerza3478]

@@accuser_of_the_brethren7816 --- yeah I hope they keep making mini-documentaries like this about all those 80's and 90's songs we love --- I really wanna see a doc about Suzanne Vega's "Luka" since it's a song about child abuse and I wonder if it was about a kid she knew

[@ilikeditbetterbefore]

The choice of keeping Vanessa's mom around for the video --- GENIUS!!!!

[@scalz420]

its her house what is she gonna crouch behind the couch?

[@angelalane8043]

“Im sure there’s someone who hates the song …” Mom (,immediately): No.

[@ssj-rinne47_]

absolutely pivotal part of the viewing experience

[@Luchodela]

@@scalz420 hahahahaha

[@silksonic3927]

@@angelalane8043 surely Vanessa hates that song to her bones now That song ruined her career forever Whatever she made in future was compared to that song

[@feruizab]

The way Ron talks about the composition of the song with such passion is golden.

[@veronicagorosito187]

Super inspiring!

[@3005lives4you]

Her royalty checks for that one song must be crazy.

[@whimsicalprofessor3963]

She's set for life for sure👑🙌🏽❤️

[@SquatrickPires]

Idk man she was signed very young so I'm sure the producers get the majority of the royalties. If she still tours then that should answer it.

[@gidd]

@@SquatrickPires Nah producers don't get a majority ,not even close It's the label that makes money when you're signed . Normally it's a 80-20 split

[@passiveagressive4983]

Thinking the same thing 😂

[@cable30]

Guessing all that she got from sales anytime of cds before and after cause not sure it was put on cassette any if it came out after cassette stop getting made. but cds and singles guess sold alot besides any merch sold she got from that really anytime. so what ever she noted and signed is what she got paid. even now i guess she stil get paid for anytime her songs are used any and concerts any. all she gotta do is have good team help her manage stuff right and not mess her over any.

[@figarcia63ify]

How awesome is it that Terry Crews participated in this Vice documentary... and reminded everyone how this song changed his life!

[@Sammysam44]

I love him

[@jkolada]

Terry was genuinely excited to do the interview and talk about the song. You could tell it did really have a lasting impact on him.

[@stephcurrytheg.o.a.t]

@@jkolada that's probably his most famous role

[@Bellissimma]

Glad it was brief. He's such a clown.

[@DMWBN3]

How did it change things for terry?? I'm in England and know the song, but nothing about more than that. 👍🏼

[@yellow_three]

Having a one hit wonder means that you created love and wonder for everyone. It is an honestly beautiful thing. This song hits the heart of everyone.

[@jokerpilled2535]

Better to be a one hit wonder than a sellout like many artists nowadays

[@Dropkickpunk76]

Having a hit also allows the artist to have a life they would not have had otherwise. Financially it changes their life forever.

[@LucDevine]

What's a 'hit' though in the streaming age. She's still recording and has so many good songs. Actually better with every record.

[@superzrod7723]

@Theoh Williams that’s what every body says about one hit wonders but she is a one hit wonder. this is the only song of hers that was in the billboard hot 100

[@danimayb]

@Theoh Williams She did carve a career in the music industry after this song, And has made and sold more music.. But A Thousand Miles was her only major hit, It was the only song of hers that made it onto the billboard 100! So yeah it was a definitely one hit wonder. But she didn't mind, She chose not to follow what the industry wanted her to be, She wanted to be herself and make the music she wanted. Her one hit wonder did change her life nonetheless, And then she continued to have a steady income and enjoyment from her new career without selling herself out.

[@realocwon3256]

When you have your mom pushing you and believing in you from young theres nothing you cant achieve props to mama & vanessa 👏🏾

[@samuelcondon330]

It truly is a blessing. My parents discouraged me, and I refuse to do that to my kid.

[@getjaxon]

Vanessa's mom is a perfect example of a parent that supports their kid's passion, no matter what. :')

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

Most definitely

[@blacklifestylelives9100]

She didn't know abtbthe business most likely the producer and label owns

[@emilieclarke5074]

Ditto!

[@Nik.No.K]

She’s funny because she reminds me of how my mom would act when I used to show her my music. My dad would have all kinds of constructive criticism but everything I did was perfect to my mother

[@jakenkid]

Controls, more like. All I could see was her mom trying to control the narrative, *visibly disagreeing* with every single thing Vanessa said... Can you even imagine how difficult that would be? That is not even close to being supportive... Literally, while Vanessa is saying, "I mean, I'm sure somewhere someone doesn't like it" (which is an OBJECTIVE FACT), her mom is staunchly and just RUDELY shaking her head no in disagreement, or just before that, when Vanessa is trying to express her own feelings an dher own thoughts on the matter, HER OWM FEELINGS, her mom *RUDELY INTERRUPTS* and says, "Well here is how I FELT ABOUT IT!"... WHAT THE HELL? THAT IS *NOT* SUPPORT! IT'S CONTROL! I can completely understand this poor woman, being controlled her entirely childhood, then having this opportunity to define herself, her path forward, and the record label takes it away, even now, her mom is still trying to control the narrative... It's disgusting to see. But hey, I've always been an advocate of letting people choose their own path, so maybe I am completely in the wrong. I probably wouldn't know if I were. 🤷‍♂️

[@hannah_lundstrom]

"That's a hit, sweetie!" - gotta love a supportive mom!

[@zainb2261]

A hit is a hit.

[@briandooley6899]

her mom is so sweet, i love her

[@duckonmyquack]

She's the star of the video

[@ht-si1lr]

"Somebody Knowsus" - Abel's IVF Service

[@ht-si1lr]

@@zainb2261 The chase is better than the catch

[@sionel2604]

Ron’s passion for music is freaking amazing!!!

[@marcianabuy9203]

you really can feel hes energy and love for what he is doing

[@cakes3958]

It’s annoying

[@rickyray2794]

@@cakes3958 thats what it takes to be real successful in what you do.

[@harpieclan1950]

People like him are a dying breed. Music is a science and has to be studied. Now tick tack fake gram is making these wanna me singers who can’t hold a note or write their own music.

[@PlatinumEagleStudios]

@@cakes3958 He's successful, and you never will be. So shut up.

[@HUSTLER-AT-HEART]

I love the passion of the producer.

[@starmoca]

and the video editor

[@milissabernier5794]

smash

[@MarcusAurelius7777]

Agree it's a FUCKING SMASH!

[@aidentan6547]

Vanessa Carlton - A Thousand Miles Michelle Branch - Everywhere Stacie Orrico - Stuck Avril Lavigne - Complicated My playlist of early 2000s hits!

[@tobiasburrell6055]

Stacie Orrico is so underrated.

[@ana_boogie7168]

@@tobiasburrell6055 Definitely!

[@fattysmoke4581]

Friggin BANGERS

[@sabrina.natalie]

Yes, yes, yes.

[@kjc4779]

Yesssss

[@joshuad1716]

Vice, thank you so much for these little documentaries. No one asked for these but my god I’m so happy to watch these

[@DisneyCruiseShip]

She looks so much older than she did 20 years ago.

[@livideadgirl]

Same I was like some how I just needed to see this thank youuuu 🖤

[@DisneyCruiseShip]

I don't like the bangs.... she looks better without the bangs.

[@DisneyCruiseShip]

@@livideadgirl you're welcome☺️

[@creepuscular884]

@@DisneyCruiseShip no one was talking to you.

[@schrodingerscat8621]

If I ever had to be known for just one song in my musical career, I’d be honored to have it be this song! What a beautiful song it is, beautiful piano melody, orchestra back up, gorgeous vocals, just radiating talent. How is that a bad thing?

[@aaacomp1]

because she's an artist and they are known to be pretentious, never satisfied, pricks. She wanted to be her own boss and that's what led her down the path of being about dropped from her label. She got lucky that Ron saw something he could shine up and present to the world. I'm pretty sure she pissed Ron off as well but that guy was not budging from his big score.

[@tomking7080]

The song was already big but after “White Chicks” it became massive. Great song. I don’t think that Venessa is a “One Hit Wonder”. There were other great songs in that album and her sophomore album. I think that she is great.

[@nicoinformatics]

She is a one hit wonder unfortunately. Not saying that she's not talented, but that's the curse of being a "nobody" at the start and having a hit so big that it became the sole identity of your entire music career. She has been forever known starting at that point as the artist that sang A Thousand Miles, just like Psy with Gangnam Style.

[@ssstylish2681]

@@nicoinformatics Psy is definitely not a one hit wonder, he is very famous in South Korea

[@whatabouttheearth]

That entire album is great, but it's all way darker than that song. I love the album but Thousand Miles was so over played on the radio

[@whatno.6007]

@@nicoinformatics The industry made sure she only had "one" hit. And now you people regurgitate that phrase as if they did not have a media blast talking about "graphic" lyrics that made everyone pull out from playing that song in radio stations. im talking about her follow up White Houses.

[@blackveilbridesbride]

​@nicoinformatics vanessa wasn't a one hit Wonder. she had other songs play on the radio like ordinary day 2002(30 in us billboard top 100 hits), white houses 2004 (40 in the american 100 hits and 86 on the us billboard hot 100) , and hands on me 2008 was on Gossip Girl, which also played on the radio (30 us billboard hot 100 hits).

[@kiuk_kiks]

Even as a clueless 10 year old child in Nairobi, Kenya, I was familiar with her song. It was that big. I don’t think she knows that.

[@Anamer22]

Same in my country, the Dominican Republic. It was a big hit and English is not even a second language here.

[@jnnx]

I’m sure she knows that.

[@ThatSoonerGuy]

That’s pretty cool. Do you happen to recall what year that would’ve been for you? I’m curious how long it took to make it to Kenya lol

[@kiuk_kiks]

@@ThatSoonerGuy This was back in 2001. We still had music since I was an urban middle class child.

[@buckie48192]

Hi Kikuyu that’s awesome that even you heard of Vanessa’s song way back then!! Many blessings from Michigan 😊❤️🇺🇸

[@BP-or2iu]

There is absolutely no shame in “one hit wonder.” One hit wonders unite people all over the world. The skill and talent it takes to make a song that’s infectious and has a beautiful and memorable melody, and is three minutes... it’s so hard. Most people have none in them. Some people only have one and that’s hard enough. The world is better because of that song.

[@andmicbro1]

Some of the best songs are one hit wonders. Norman Greenbaum's Spirit in the Sky is another of my favorites. You listen to his other stuff and it's really not that exciting at all. But that song, it comes on and I'm all in.

[@Liquid_Mike]

Also sometimes a "one hit wonder" can lead you to an artist that resonates with you, but not necessarily the masses

[@amazingabby25]

Liquid Mike i love her other music

[@EncrypticMethods]

Only other musicians (who aren't successful) will talk bad about 1hw's. You know how many musicians would KILL for just one of their tracks to blow up like that? Sure every time you play the song you go deeper into insanity, however you can make a career playing one song?

[@leigh7507]

Shes actually written lots of cool songs if you check out her back catalogue

[@Rebecca-jh1ct]

I always thought the music video was filmed by a green screen so to find out it was actually real that’s wild to me! Omds well they did great with the video! The song Ofc too

[@EnergeticSpark63]

hey

[@arthurdurham]

People consider her a one hit wonder? Ordinary Day, Hands on Me, White House, etc were on heavy rotation for me back then and I heard her music all over the place. A Thousand Miles is a terrific song but she's had a bunch of other great songs as well. I considered her a successful artist who had a song that was most known but I never thought she was only known for that one song.

[@blackveilbridesbride]

Thank you!! I was like one hit wonder?!?!? What?!?! Ordinary day was my song... white houses too and also Hands on Me was on Gossip girl. That girl had at least 3 top 100 hits after a thousand miles.

[@MichelleQuintiaVLOGS]

Exactly what i said in another comment! ✔️💯 you’re so on point!

[@StewNWT]

yeah I have her first 3 albums. A ton of great songs.

[@bulletsRflying]

One hit wonder

[@katharsis3754]

Well she's pretty much a one hit wonder. Explain why she didn't last

[@schauzeit]

A Thousand Miles is one of those songs that can’t have a remake.

[@veaseyhd2910]

Ever heard of Spinabenz ?

[@ryanandrews6033]

Yep

[@cloverassassinx7099]

@@veaseyhd2910 lmaoooooo

[@bennykiosk]

Who I Smoke?...

[@sultankuto8724]

You couldn't have said it any better,, you're right

[@PhilipJasionowski]

Holy crap Ron is so into it. His enthusiasm is infectious

[@KillerLettuce]

He is a man that loves his job.

[@JBF086]

That enthusiasm is what made it a hit

[@AlexRoseGames]

it's interesting that he knew exactly what it needed to be a hit, but she just wanted it to be what it was. and then she was smothered with the success of this song that no longer really belonged to her, knowing that she would never be that successful again, and knowing that she would be linked with it for the rest of her life

[@kevingarland99]

"Would PASS, Would PASS "

[@kennhern]

Music producers would be like that, if they get into it, they reaaaaly get into it

[@iron2468]

She's so proud of her daughter ❤😊.

[@lambdalambdalambda257]

Terry Crews is so amazing. Doesn't act tough or get big headed. He knows that song really did so much for his career.

[@fuziontonygaming]

It helped everyone’s career involved

[@danielgray8504]

I love how Terry Crews was interviewed in a car the whole time 😂😂😂

[@Coco-chrispy]

Lollll im living

[@TRJ2241987]

I wasn't gonna click on this video and then i saw Terry Crews in the animated thumbnail and I was like, "i must absorb this all"

[@MATTHEWCANCEL123]

Lmao same. Best part.

[@joyeebercades245]

It's a sound track in white chick movie where Terry crews character loves that song.

[@him9232]

Jesus loves you

[@jhopkins213]

My oldest sister died of cancer in July 2002 at 42 years of age. As the oldest male in my family I was expected to be everyone's rock through the day of her funeral. I remember leaving the cemetery alone in my car when "A Thousand Miles" came on the radio. The lyrics "'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles just to see you tonight" brought all of my bottled up emotions to the surface and I cried harder than I think I have ever cried in my life. I missed my sister terribly and it was the first time since she passed that I was able to express any emotion about it. That song came at the right time and allowed me to grieve for my sister. Thank you for this song, Vanessa. As I type this almost 19 years later, I'm crying again, and still missing her.

[@TheViiElle]

Sending you a tsunami of love ❤️

[@stefanniacamero7945]

Does it ever get better?? Losing someone you love ... asking for a friend

[@xylophone3764]

Stay strong brotha 👑

[@nathankennedy4263]

sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your story!

[@christinafazeera740]

reading this make my eyes glassy

[@sample.text.]

I don't think anyone dislikes this song. Sure it was overplayed but there's something about it that just resonates really well with audiences of all walks of life. I was in a pop punk band in '02 and this song was just a staple in our tour van. We would connect our shockproof discman via a tape adaptor coz the Econoline only had a tape deck and this song was track 3 on one of our road mixes. From my metalhead friends to my hiphop friends to everyone in between, this song just worked on all levels.

[@silksonic3927]

Everyone likes this song except Vanessa Carlton That song ruined her career forever Whatever she made in future was compared to that song

[@s2lLandals2]

So many stories of young artists are like "they were misunderstood, they were abused, they made them something they didn't want to be" but Vanessa Carlton actually spoke her piece, she had it as she dreamed and it wasn't as she wanted. And that's a beautiful journey to have. Also, this song is absolutely beautiful, but I can see how listening to it a million times can be overwhelming. THIS MOM IS EVERYTHING.

[@Michael-Ray]

I didn't realize she was 40 years old. I guess every time that song plays on the radio one still thinks of her as being 21.

[@peachmills1088]

Yes

[@Stellra52]

Literally a "timeless" classic!

[@mosesm.2993]

I know right....

[@MichaelPlayzOfficial]

You’re not that bright are you 🤣🤦‍♀️if she was 21 in like 2005 it’s not possible for her to still be 15 years later I mean I don’t know exact timelines but we all know we are now 30 + and we heard this song age 19-20 even earlier

[@sharha830]

@@MichaelPlayzOfficial C.T.F.O.

[@krystanoelll]

She said “I’m sure there are people who hate this song,” and her mom was like “no.” Lmao we love a supportive queen

[@rima7286]

cause honestly who can hate this song? mama is right!

[@doreensika837]

@@rima7286 exactly I don’t know one single person that does. Even without her singing the orchestra is insanely beautiful.

[@GrainneScarlett]

I am that person I'm afraid. I appreciate the impact it had.. Just not my cup of my tea. Never was and never will be.

[@thenoisyneighbour]

More like Delusional queen.

[@agateslate7939]

Don't be naive We do not live on that beautiful world

[@lovetroublecat]

I’m a bloke that likes rock music but I still have a place in my heart for this song

[@jsimeonf9141]

Dancehall Reggae lover here who also loves this song

[@1bigboi_629]

Yep, 6ft5 metal head here, and this song will always be a banger hahah

[@samuelcondon330]

Everyone who was around when it came out has this song in their soul

[@cu590]

So true, metal lover here

[@pressley1637]

this song meant a lot to me as a kid, my dad was in the military and was always overseas. so many birthdays, christmases, full years were spent without him. I still can't listen to this song without crying thinking about that time, but that's the beauty of music. it's the soundtrack we need for a certain time in our lives, and our interpretation and use of that song is so personal that it can flood back memories just with a few notes.

[@yokofilmsofficial]

I'm 28 right now and I remember in 5th grade we begged our music teacher to learn this song and she took the time to memorize it on piano for us and let us sing it for chorus. This song means so much to my childhood.

[@reyasoya23]

Hello fellow 28 Year old gosh weee getting old ahhhhh god Bless ya

[@marijanetarot9843]

Samesies!!!! 💜💜💜

[@thetiffingpoints]

Hellooo I’m 28 too and this song is nostalgia! 💕

[@rodaneblackwood1079]

Ahhh 28 club lol

[@casiesilverman]

Im part of the 28 club too!

[@Niggalodeon323]

yo. shoutout to vanessa carlton. literally my fav song of all time. that beat is fucking legendary 😭

[@dontdie777]

This is your favorite song of all time and your name is Niggalodeon..... #subscribed

[@MightyCaucasian]

@@_Smarf_ you good bro? lol

[@annie_xo]

@@_Smarf_ jfc what’s your problem

[@Tomie..]

@@_Smarf_ yo my dude, unnecessary comment tbh, this song will always have a place in people’s heart and you can’t control that. This song is literally timeless even after 20 years. Sorry if that’s hard for you to understand but It’s true and nothing is wrong with that. We all like different things and you shouldn’t go around and put others down for it. Even if it’s a parody channel. I hope you have a great day today and many more.

[@MightyCaucasian]

@@_Smarf_ You expressed your disagreement with some random person who commented on their music preferences, and now you are writing paragraph responses to each person who replied to your bait comment with some dramatic rant that looks like a copypasta. you sure you good bro ?

[@McFred1065]

It is amazing how the production and the ideas (little bit of this, a little bit of that here and there) make a difference, actually makes a HIT. Of course, the foundation was already there since "Interlude", but props to Ron Fair to elevate the song and for not letting Vanessa went her way on not going high in that last chorus. The inflection "...will pass me byyy" (I think their 90 minutes battle over it paid off). And I decided to make this comment because that fraction of the song resonated (resonates) a lot for me. So, regardless the song was already a masterpiece to start with, there's a merit to bow for production as well (hence awards like Record Of the Year for producers and Song Of the Year for songwriting)...

[@davidchandler6885]

Ya the guy knows his stuff

[@poindextertunes]

it probably would’ve been a hit regardless

[@ahxel8173]

that's so true. it's great that the industry acknowledges both artists and producers. both has many things to offer to the table and it's great they're rewarded for that.

[@aaacomp1]

They obviously fought about a lot more than that. She's very stubborn. Super glad that he won some of the battles!

[@juliaalyssandra373]

Thousand miles brings back those feelings when I was this little teenage girl, full of excitement, zest for life and dreaming big because dreaming was all I had and music was my escapism. I was hurting deep down and my family life was terrifying, living with an abusive father in a dysfunctional family. This song made me feel better, like I belong and that I'm lovable and I'll meet the love of my life and I will be far away, thousand miles away from the hurt and the pain I had to endure as a kid. Now I'm an adult, met and with the love of my life, thousands of miles away from my childhood home but that little girl is always in me.

[@watsonsatot1962]

She realized how cruel and evil the music industry was. She did the right choice to go away and be free to do whatever she wanted to do. Rather than being a puppet.

[@mattmartian1658]

She also Aparently didn't want anything to do with the bad stuff she witnessed at the baleigh school.

[@lauzroze2981]

Integrity 💖

[@GroveStreetCJ]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@rtobias137]

We gonna ignore the fact that our boy terry crews is doing this interview in a car and not on a chair like everyone else?

[@AMELIAANN]

LMFAO

[@Tcentenom]

He is the coolest guy

[@dizondreams]

Right?! 🤣

[@Manis4817]

Watched white girls for the first time in years** today ironically 😭😂😂

[@ericpabon2458]

hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@williambillyshears9129]

I've been a record producer since 1979 and there are two records you make. The first record is the song you write, the second record is what is recorded. The production behind this hit is so brilliant and in 2023 sounds a fresh and modern as it did when it was released in 2002.

[@tempbauer2131]

My hubby almost 70 and Vanessa is one of his favorite artists still I love Ron. He’s a crazy fun guy to watch

[@cinemoni]

the piano melody in this song is just iconic. it's no wonder why everyone likes that song, it's catchy but has this sentimental feeling at the same time. her mom knew it as soon as she heard it like she said "that's a hit song"

[@_rogertaylors_car]

Ok, wait, you're the KZbinr who made a video with a Saoirse Ronan lookalike, right? I thought it was the real her! lmao

[@sleezus]

@@_rogertaylors_car oyuurtpi my

[@_rogertaylors_car]

@@sleezus what

[@_rogertaylors_car]

@Boxing Fan you can't even spell his name

[@_rogertaylors_car]

@Boxing Fan that's right, i don't like the who is smoke, cause it kinda ruins the song for me, but i like it when Vanessa supports black artists.

[@jennyng2994]

Trust me, even if people say they hate the song, it's only because it's been played so much. They actually like it deep down.

[@alyssa221]

and im one of them

[@GroveStreetCJ]

@@alyssa221 m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

We saw Venessa open for Stevie Nicks late last year. I was very indifferent to her as the opener until the show started. She was FANTASTIC. Told some fun stories, did a lot of songs I didn't know and just seemed happy in general to be performing for an audience again after the world kinda stopped. After that show, I would totally go see her again in a heartbeat.

[@blakelewison9872]

A Thousand Miles is without a doubt the greatest song of the last 20 years and it'll continue to stand the test of time for another 20 years.

[@just_evandre8698]

Imagine if her Mom never said "that's a hit sweetie", then we would've never gotten this masterpiece 😳

[@_rogertaylors_car]

Ikr, but her mom is so supportive!

[@ThaMobstarr]

That’s why supportive parents are so important and valuable!

[@jesusfelix2605]

“Meeehhh it’s cool I guess ,“ says the mom

[@Darkest_Soul_187]

Masterpiece? Average and forgetable

[@_rogertaylors_car]

@@Darkest_Soul_187 Ok

[@juanitasthings]

Amazing song. But what was even more amazing was her strenght and determination as a 17 year-old to stick to her vision and pave her own path. Still to this day. She didnt want to fit into any mold and she didn’t. She made her own. Bravo, what a strong woman!

[@desij.7487]

Love this comment !!!!❤️

[@OlYables]

Similar mentality (and time period, incidentally) to Sara Bareilles and her resilience against record label demands - leading to her hit "Love Song."

[@iranesparrago4069]

@@OlYables Her and Sara Bareilles are good friends. Sara used to open for Vanessa and that's where it started.

[@GroveStreetCJ]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@Pauls-World]

So, she basically threw her prime away because of the business. It must be a total grind. I remember the Counting Crows video and always wondered why she never blew up.. she had the looks and the talent like crazy. I fell in love with her eyes because of that video. She definitely has a hit or two in her because she is so talented. I’m glad she’s alive and in good health. Give us one more hit,

[@RoxasLov3r4Ev3r]

I LOVE the historical perspective of how this was before the Internet Era. I think we take for granted how much easier it is for today's artists to get exposure and how much more difficult it was back then, and how many risks they took with this song :) Makes you appreciate all the risks and hard work even more!

[@Normally_aspirated]

Wild understatement. It was a different world.

[@adelaideo7417]

Her mom’s unwavering support and belief that her daughter could be anything she wanted is just amazing! ❤️

[@theonly1258]

That’s real motherhood

[@jasminebeydoun7426]

Okay I’m obsessed with her mom LMFAO SHES SOOOOO FUNNY “Vanessa. Put on a hat🕵️‍♀️. Look down👀🤫. She’s simply iconic

[@GroveStreetCJ]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@Lostmusicvideos]

Asian parents are similar. You can be anything, so long as it's a doctor or engineer.

[@Aquella]

This is genuinely my favorite part of the video!

[@moomootoyou]

"I hit replay. And I hit replay. And I hit replay. And I hit replay... So I called Jimmy and said 'There's a FUCKING smash on this. We CANNOT drop this artist'." Ron Fair, absolute unit.

[@justdontyellmyname8600]

Calm down weirdo

[@cap10zomb]

Hahaha that's a good one

[@1tri]

@@justdontyellmyname8600 ur funny

[@user-ux1vj9vx7s]

In some cultures, Unit means cock.

[@dainab2761]

[@corypalmer5495]

I love her story, very wholesome and pure. The thing about being a "one hit wonder" is that the one song she did have that made it big eclipses the other hits of other artists who have had multiple hits. A one hit wonder usually has that one song that EVERYONE knows and it can be bigger than another artist's multiple hits combined.

[@weendymils]

This was my first non-classical piano piece. I can't remember how I came upon it, but for a while i only played the piano piece itself, because i only had classical training so far--i didn't know it was a song. Idk why but i initially thought notes were exclusive or of practical use to classical training only, but a thousand miles showed otherwise. Because the piece really felt like a song. Learning piano then felt less stifling after discovering a thousand miles. It's currently past midnight and tears trickle as im writing this incoherent comment, reminiscing those afternoons when i played a thousand miles. Thank you for this wonderful song, vanessa and ron.

[@joycillin]

The best part of the video is when she finishes playing “A Thousand Miles”, and we all expect her to turn to the camera, but no. She just turns and yells for her dog. And just continues with life. Speaks wonders.

[@GroveStreetCJ]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@af-ni6ej]

Why is nostalgia so bittersweet? This song defines an incomparable era that just fucking rocked.

[@liveactionlink8736]

The original definition of nostalgia was/is "to open an old wound". That makes more sense to me than just saying that it relates to a good memory. It's the good and the bad, the wounded and the healed past

[@kovy689]

I vastly prefer Ordinary Day. Thousand Miles still good tho.

[@af-ni6ej]

@@kovy689 the whole album is an absolute classic

[@apocalypsedreams563]

I'm writing this at the 1:51 mark and I've already teared up because this hit me right in the childhood

[@kovy689]

@@af-ni6ej Yup

[@paolabueso]

This just brings me right back to White Chicks. Love the fact that Terry Crews is a pivotal part of this story! Also, I admire Vanessa for standing up for herself and she has an absolutely amazing mother! What a blessing for anybody on this earth, especially an artist, to have such a supportive parent! 😀✨

[@edizzleislands8704]

My story with this song. In 2002, I was sentenced to prison for 5 years. We had access to a radio with headphones. We only had like 6 stations. At first, I only listened to the hip-hop station, got bored of the same 15 songs. I turned to pop station, and this song would play a lot also. So I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard of this song. It, for sure was an upbeat song. But then again, I did have a girl who didn't walk 1,000 miles to see me, so I would get mad. Looking back, it's funny that this song played a part in my life. When I hear it, it brings me memories of 2002 to 2003 and where I was at the time. The Nelly with Kelly Rolland song and Tim Mcgraw "BBQ stain on my white t-shirt" song also reminds me of that time.

[@alexhaasit]

I love how her mom is so supportive even after her daughter said some people may hate this song... moms like "no" shakes head* lol

[@AlexJ1]

Such a motherly thing to do lol

[@TRJ2241987]

Reminds me of Jerry's mom on Seinfeld....."HOW COULD ANYBODY NOT LIKE YOU?!?"

[@haveaday1812]

That girl won the lottery with parents. Good people for sure.

[@haveaday1812]

@duckyzzz Did you not watch the video at all?She credits the film with exposing the song to a larger audience, but the music executives and the producers already knew it was going to be a smash hit.

[@stanbalo]

No..even without white chicks which came out in 2004, this song is already a legit global hit in 2002 and nominated for grammy record of the yr

[@theboujieproletariat]

@duckyzzz white chicks isn’t known in most countries, but this song is.

[@waynebell6835]

It’s an enormous perk that they’re still married. That’s what you’re supposed to do. That’s what our culture should be like.

[@miket6978]

@Endoe ONE I didn't meet the right one until I was in my early 30's, if I stayed with the first girl I was in love with I would be miserable.

[@na0pppa8881]

the mom, the dog, everything about this story and the why it's told here is beautiful and fun and just heartwarming

[@emmylene62]

Her mom is adorable - and so is she! I’m glad I got the story. Loving this series!

[@quinnletendredrums1336]

The Ron interview breaking down the track is amazing, you can just tell that dude has been DYING to explain all the nuances of the track to somebody. Great song and video! Really enjoyed this

[@ShottaKenya]

Yo he’s been waiting 20 years for someone to ask him how they made the song. Like “yeah Vanessa came with a cool little riff or whatever, but look at all these little things I added to make a damn wall of sound. FUCKIN SMASH!!!”

[@rushofblood994]

Agreed!

[@shooter7a]

Yes. Watching Ron go through the musical arrangement at 10:05 onward is fascinating. What a genius. And so passionate and enthusiastic.

[@lobsterboy80]

I could listen to that guy talk about music for hours

[@onnixcarmichele3911]

It’s kind of amazing how well-written and well-executed the song was. Nowadays, pop music is so lazy and without nuance.

[@fadedblue2676]

The biggest surprise I've learned from this is that the MV didn't use green screen

[@helinatek8792]

I KNOWWWWWWW

[@_rogertaylors_car]

Ikr

[@100samanthamarie]

They did use the green screen, didn’t they?

[@_rogertaylors_car]

@@100samanthamarie they didn't! The director of the mv said it!

[@I_WANT_MY_SLAW]

Then why does the video look so fake? It literally looks like green screen.

[@yuliussetiawan3107]

For me this is a magical song.. 2002 fresh graduate from senior highschool.. Then suddenly this song became hits.. All around the world..

[@00708046]

I fell for this song instantly. The magic of the piano's notes , pure magic and anxiety . What hopes and dreams are made of ! Then add that young wishful voice with so much expression . A masterpiece ! There are not many songs that are this powerful , that trigger so much feelings . ❤

[@ZatchBolski]

Her yelling at her dog at the end of the video in her moms house is my favorite part. Seems like a totally normal person who is just grateful for where she is in life.

[@FinalB055]

And I am grateful that she shared her sound with us.

[@z0mbyd0nky21]

So basically vanessa is saying without saying that there were creepy old men trying to get some things from her that she was not giving up she was not selling out for fame and fortune good for her she is a smart person...

[@_rogertaylors_car]

She's so brave!

[@vanman757]

Not necessarily... Why do you instantly jump to such a conclusion ?.. You professional victim....

[@manuelestuardo89]

@@vanman757 its true

[@vanman757]

@@manuelestuardo89 What is true ?..

[@Thrill_Hou]

Just like every industry since the dawn of time?

[@Fatblue246]

I think seeing Drill Rappers from Southern Florida remix this song and use it as their beat to a diss track truly shows how universally appreciated it was and how big of a early 2000's American staple it really is. Those dudes are as hard as it gets and even they can't help but get lit to A Thousand Miles.

[@therealshortycocoa845]

😮😮😮😮 wait....what? I never knew that!

[@EdmondOliverLives]

Which drill song are you talking about? I'd love to listen to it.

[@SS-hg6yu]

Youngeen Ace - "Who I Smoke"

[@777colin1]

I have loved Vanessa Carlton since 'Be Not Nobody' days and I have all of her albums. Love all of them, but 'Heroes and Thieves' is awesome, 'Spring Street', 'Fools Like Me' and 'Nolita Fairytale', but most of all 'Home'. The meaning of the song is awesome and the piano break at the end almost makes me cry every time I hear it. It's so perfect. Thank you Vanessa for some excellent music through the years

[@tjslam26]

I love how Vanessa's mom says "I'm her mother" like it explains everything. And it does.

[@GroveStreetCJ]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@KittySnicker]

I’m delighted to hear that Terry Crews really does love this song!

[@HumpD624]

I was going to save this video for another time, but now I can’t wait. Thanks….

[@Slow4x454]

Same lmao 🤣

[@LuzMaria95]

Me too haha 😂😁♥️

[@danielfurey3081]

Confirmed. The song is about Terry Crews.

[@GorillaFan_32]

@@danielfurey3081 the song is terry crews. confirmed.

[@jrodohio]

I've watched this ten times now, and it never stops being inspiring.

[@lilbeezyspc]

Now that I'm older and have a way better appreciation for this song... it sounds so good. Also, her mom is a saint. Parents could learn a lot by listening to the way she supports her baby.

[@lexhildebrandt]

You can tell how supportive her mom has been this entire time no matter how Vanessa felt about it. Solid mom.

[@Jchasser]

Yea I love whole dynamic of the over the top producer and the ever loving mom

[@gamedevastation3501]

I love her mom being a mom throughout this documentary. Vanessa: "I hated this song." Mom: "I loved this song."

[@ye23.]

Lmaoo her mom could be a sitcom character

[@DylanRomanov]

Her mom is the reason she is so talented I believe. Positive encouragement changes lives.

[@bopeepaleep]

I LOVE how they left her in the frame when she said "no" after Vanessa was saying she's sure some people hated it 🤣🙏

[@GroveStreetCJ]

@@DylanRomanov m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCxl6J8eZV2bdU

[@lisaorr6647]

This song will always remind me of a very specific time in my life when I was young and had my first professional job and life was a little scary but exciting. I still love it 20 years later and love the memories ❤️.

[@frankwitte1022]

Always loved her work, the shadow of this song loomed large over everything she did afterwards. I was fortunate enough to see her perform twice in small club settings in London. She shines when it is just her, her voice and her instruments. Or like that time in 2012 with KT Tunstall duetting "I don't want to be a bride" ... find it on KZbin, it is glorious. I think we were with like 100 people in the audience ... pure magic. I think Vanessa made her best songs long after "A Thousand Miles" ... and I hope her very best are still to come. A wonderful artist.

[@Jpizzle0422]

There's something relaxing about someone with such success living with her parents, pandemic or not

[@manuelestuardo89]

She doesn't live with her parents

[@natalie9884]

Oh my God was just thinking that. She is so relatable.

[@TheWaveBloke]

@@manuelestuardo89 She literally says word-for-word “I’m living with my parents” twice in this video.

[@manuelestuardo89]

@@TheWaveBloke her parents live in PA. She lived first in NY then moved to Nashville. She was just visiting them when they recorded this video. A couple of days ago she mentioned she sold her house in nashville and moved to a new home.

[@MichaelPlayzOfficial]

She didn’t sell her soul to the devil for women there’s only 2 ways in Hollywood or female devils way or good way and the most famous woman or singers have offended sadly had to go down the wrong way to get famous bc big boss executives in music offices like to sexualise women or use sexual appeal of women toward men to sell and I feel like she didn’t sell out to that

[@arsenalarsenalCOYG]

Vanessa says, “I’m SURE some people hated the song,” but then mom immediately and franticly shook her head NO. 😂

[@_rogertaylors_car]

I like her mom, she's so supportive

[@PrinjPal]

cus that what moms do.

[@xMissEerie]

@@PrinjPal Supposedly..

[@NaomiSwanson]

SO cute

[@zackfair1868]

that mom is a legit sweet supportive mom.

[@poeticlicensetokill]

The purity of playing it on that yamaha piano that she composed it on is just beautiful. Hearing it in its purest form is something else.

[@Koderfacts]

There's one hit wonders, but then there's this, one hit forever.

[@maxamil]

*dies from cringe*

[@thischarminglovehound2376]

2 hits* "Ordinary Day" was popular too.

[@jamesjayme7676]

White houses is good too

[@JangoFett0796]

Made her so much money she doesn’t have to

[@tristancreed]

Not to mention White Houses.

[@bdaquatics7584]

One night... This song came on the radio at work. I listen to metal and my boss listens to punk rock. My boss looked at me and he was like you can change it if you want and I was like naw you can. He was like naw. Me and that dude were makin our way downtown with no shame. Good music holds no boundaries. It's just a classic. That's coming from a dude who listens to Brutal stuff 😂

[@candideggplant1575]

It's a good song. I like some of the bodom and agonist songs, but this song, terry crews, it's all good

[@alexbarton7791]

I listen to some brutal stuff, but you will never catch me not jamming out to a classic 2000's song. no shame

[@walex19]

@@alexbarton7791 lol I’m the same

[@temanmeditasi7329]

Wow hahah

[@timberbytucker5601]

Same situation my buddy who I used to listen to Tool with for hours at a time was also a huge ambassador of this song.

[@mrblackbond]

That album was underrated. GREAT music in that. I remember where i was in my life when that came out. I was in college and I listened to that CD over and over again. Such good memories. This song will be immortal.

[@atanakika6004]

I still listen to this song...and i was born 1990...my all time playlist...

[@babesmagee1]

Absolutely love hearing Ron talk about the process. His passion is huge. Mad scientist vibes.

[@Liz-ls7hu]

100%

[@Desnes7]

Yeah its oozing. Love hownhe explains the buildup.

[@kristofferwash1]

Bad man.

[@Gaetano.94]

@@kristofferwash1 what?

[@TheJRSvideos]

And he was 100% right about having her go high for that one note. That’s what a good producer does; bring the absolute best out of an artist. Even if they have to drag it out.

[@DReed1945]

The world has asked for this story for years. She shook us all just with Interlude alone, the radio version, her voice, innocence, and rawness. Her name became written in our minds forever. It’s awesome she stopped everything before she was controlled and lost herself.

[@nil-8026]

Makes me think a little bit of that documentary I watched about the black eyed peas female vocalist that was in the group before Fergie. She didn’t take off because she refused to sell her sexuality

[@KamaliLowe]

The way Ron explain the music, makes any artist excited, I'm not an artist but that's the way I'm feeling.

[@nach3589]

Love how supportive her mom is especially when Vanessa said people probably hate the song and the mom said NOPE. Just the piano intro hits hard right away wish i would of kept up playing the piano

[@RS-jb1lf]

Her mom is a sweetheart. She is so proud of her daughter and she’s right, the song was a hit from the start.

[@Dyamanti22]

Everybody who has heard this song, will never ever forget this song.

[@ecoRfan]

The piano part is unforgettable. Never heard a more intoxicating piano riff in popular music.

[@maxamil]

truly a day to rue

[@anais9263]

Facts

[@taahirahedwards4724]

Beautiful !!!!

[@fauzianalwoga1002]

A song that represents my life with my now late mum. She introduced me to everything including good music and fashion but now she's gone forever and I can't believe it

[@LBrown-fo7sr]

I love how her mom is her biggest cheerleader. That mom is special.

[@TheCinnamondemon]

I was playing this song once like 7 years ago and my dad said “i love that song” which surprised me soo much because he’s a 60 year old African man and I didn’t even know he listened to music tbh

[@GardenMinistry.]

That's so cute 😊😊😊👍🏽

[@deucey222]

lmao this comment made me lol

[@gojenson]

Haha. That is awesome.

[@foxibot]

Aww so wonderful. Music reaches us all regardless.

[@ReallySveet]

“Theres a f*cking smash on this I played it for an hour and a half” Love that energy

[@stephanier6783]

I think that was what could be called PASSION? lol But yes, his energy was palpable when he said it.

[@chrisakans]

This video is the first time I learned of Ron Fair. I dig producers, I’m going down a rabbit hole now. Love KZbin for moments like this!

[@JessieLarkMusic]

agreed , one of my fav parts of the film

[@chrisakans]

@@JessieLarkMusic thanks for commenting! It got me on your page, and you’ve got a new sub! Enjoyed your 🎶

[@JessieLarkMusic]

@@chrisakans oh wow, that's awesome! Really appreciate it Chris. I'm working towards 1,000 subscribers so I can become a KZbin partner, so thank you for helping me get closer to that goal and supporting my music. 😃

[@corypalmer5495]

UGH to be growing up and hearing this on the radio for the first time was amazing. The 90s-2000s were so good.

[@curlysue224]

I think this is the best Doku from this series - all because of that mom. I love that support !

[@jamesbarr333]

So there definitely needs to be a "The Story of Ron Fair". I didn't realize he had a hand in so many other hits. I could listen to his musical analysis segment for hours. What a character. It's a f***ing smash!

[@melbomcguillicutty5402]

Yes!

[@brianpeters7847]

Yes

[@politecat4236]

He signed Christina Aguilera!

[@redpillras3456]

Agree

[@Lawrence89MUSICman]

I pulled out my score for the song and was following along to him. I loved how he broke the song down. That was so fascinating!

[@gabbym333]

I love her "no fucks given" personality. We could use more people like her in the music industry.

[@_rogertaylors_car]

YES

[@holohulolo]

You can tell the mom is such a supportive parent. Like towards the end of the interview when vanessa said she hated the song, her mom immediately says she loves the song, and again when she was talking about how some people probably hates the song, her mom keeps saying"no no..". Also its just so wholesome to her being so honest about how she feels. Like she hates a lot of the other aspects about the success of that song, other than the money. And I think its such a great analogy that the one hit wonder is like becoming a writer based on a high school paper.