The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony (Glastonbury 2008)

[@OpinionsColumn]

This is my dad's song. Grew up in poor coal mining town . Slaved in a hot semi truck , got cancer, and dead at 52. But I was proud to have him as my dad.

[@onlycasual1]

Lovely comment

[@joecollins8495]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@vanjose3294]

Sorry man 😢

[@adrianoourique8474]

Sorry my friends, my mother died 2014 , ( saudades = miss ) portuguese Word, sad , your Mother was very special, big hug Rio de Janeiro.

[@bobbyboucher8845]

RIP to your dad, I’m sorry for you loss

[@bokmcdok]

I was working a really shitty job when I went to Glastonbury for the first time. 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I knew they couldn't force me to work weekends, so I took this weekend off so I could go. But I knew I'd have to skip the Verve to be back in time for work on Monday. My friend texted me asking if me if I was excited to see the Verve. I told him I couldn't go because of work. He sent me the best text I've ever received in my life: "Fuck the job. I love the Verve." So when this song came on I messaged him saying, "Yeah, fuck the job. I love the Verve." I ended up missing two days of work before I quit that awful job. A couple months later I started an awesome job at Codemasters. That's the story of how the Verve got me out of the worst job I've ever had.

[@nistafista]

Thats awesome!

[@tjtheedge29]

Codemasters!! LIke GRID and DIRT Rally series? What an awesome story man. Long live the Verve. Absolutely timeless

[@ENGBriseB]

Go with your heart : )

[@richardfox9002]

Live life be happy can we see a Colin mcmrey remaster please

[@MrSuperdelf]

Your job can change job can change job change job can change now you're here in your mold

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

The guitar noise and distortion during the intro are fantastic

[@cnpnrbs]

Nick McCabe is a fucking genius, that's why.

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

@@cnpnrbs 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@xdef1ne]

almost a throwback to their shoegaze roots

[@mariabyrne1954]

💕

[@giovannioperno735]

@@abelisraelcruzayuso4682 .

[@erethjallsen8819]

The intro always gives me absolute chills, one of the most emotional songs ever

[@antegalic258]

Start Crying every time... its just genius

[@HENRIQUEGRAFIA]

@@antegalic258com 6me me vim ok

[@mrgiification]

And vocal too🙏🏻

[@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212]

He's voice is great and fits prefectly with the song.

[@mikebennett6713aceadventures]

You got that right

[@anibalnikov47]

Richard is more than a rockstar, he's a poet

[@aca2077]

Hes a Junkie

[@ollytaylor4231]

Absolutely

[@turdferguson1603]

Wish I could hit thumbs up a thousand times

[@davidmartinez4309]

Don't sound like a sonnet My lord⚜❤

[@patrickmonkman8151]

His voice has aged like a fine wine also almost got a tinge of liam now

[@kev277]

A song that every singer songwriter wishes they wrote

[@LoLzZ85]

Bet Ashcroft wished he wrote the whole thing

[@D.L91]

@@LoLzZ85 He did. Thats why he has all the rights back now.

[@mrihavenoname1512]

​@@LoLzZ85 the best thing that could happen to music is more of the greedy shills who use talent and exploit it to fill their greedy pockets to croak it. July 4th 2009 was a great day for music for that reason.

[@jamesrobert4106]

​@@LoLzZ85The Rolling Stones approve 😂

[@ericguarin1112]

s @jamesrobert4106 Yes ha ha! For those who don't know, the Stones' manager forced Richard Ashcroft to sign over all royalties to this, because nobody got clearance to use the sample of Andrew Loog Oldham's symphonic version of "The Last Time." But in 2019 Jagger and Richards assigned the rights back to Richard Ashcroft.

[@RBMedia07]

You can tell he really likes performing this masterpiece live

[@efegonava3929]

It pays the bills

[@Starchydancing]

@@efegonava3929 it actually didn’t. They didn’t receive royalties for this song until recently!

[@Biring1]

​@@Starchydancing They get royalties from it now? Glad to hear that!

[@alkaseltzer7794]

usually artist hate their most popular song but definitely not Richard

[@JakeyG-eq1un]

If I wrote this song I'd probably never shut up about it ever tbf

[@GamerPhilosophy]

If you're still listening to this Masterpiece, you have a good taste in music. 💞👌😊👍

[@darrenpearson8451]

Correct. Guitar and Richards voice on 🔥

[@chablee869]

luckily got to see them in slane in ‘98 what a legend ashcroft

[@jamnit23]

One of the best performances of a song ever.

[@aca2077]

Be quiet he’s a junkie

[@sim0n_schmidt]

@@aca2077 What‘s your problem?

[@bavar11an]

@@sim0n_schmidt I guess that guy is a fan of The Rolling Stones or something like that.

[@IndigenousUndergroundPrimate]

@@sim0n_schmidt You noticed of course there was no one there to play keyboards. I`m not saying they lip-synched, but, .....

[@Arend010]

You didn't see much performance then!

[@timmusumba5846]

Listening to this timeless classic on Valentine's day February, 14th 2024!

[@thesvenvids7708]

"I'd like to thank Emily Eavis for inviting us to play Glastonbury. I think her dad didn't think we were gonna be as good as Keane or someone like that. God bless to Keane though. Love and peace to all bands. It's a struggle, life's a struggle. And Monday morning may be a struggle for a lot of you in a job that you despise, working for a boss that you despise. Slave to money then we die. God bless you."

[@andycanasius]

So true. Just quit. Really

[@MFDOOM4635]

The best intro to a live performance and the BBC edit it out

[@ed7519]

So many British bands, are absolutely EPIC. Nobody can touch them.

[@tdubz504]

The Brit’s are by far the most musically talented artists in the world. It’s them and then everyone else

[@OscarStrutt]

@@tdubz504are you American ?

[@simonpaley3421]

@@tdubz504 I think we have a head start with our language, humor, and we`re very good at laughing at ourselves!

[@Dommus50]

Supertramp

[@stevenponte6655]

I agree but I think its also to do with the way the British publish embrace the rock bands in a way the Americans dont. Thats just my 2 cents

[@dixieelder3203]

My husband & I (ages 70 & 65) were in Glastonbury in October 2023. Unfortunately we missed the wildness. I utterly LOVE Verve & especially this song! Old American lady.

[@helendahlberg8571]

Me, too!! 77 and love them!!!!

[@jerrybono]

Why is it evertime I hear this song I feel like it's just for me? So crazy to see people like myself connect with it. This is why music is so amazing!

[@DomingoMartinez-if6pz]

Me volví viejo más de la mitad del siglo en mi vida jamás había escuchado esta melodía es hermosa su letra y su mensaje

[@Adam-oy4ix]

This should be the closing 'ceremony' for Glastonbury every year. The crowd loves it and it was, is, and always will be, a bloody good song....

[@pkg996]

Yep,this should be in the contract for the Sunday night headliners. Not signed,no show!

[@MAC-yo4lj]

British bands are the best in the world. I'm Italian and I lived in UK for the all 90s good bless all the British talents.👍🤗

[@linoma57]

Too right they are,the yanks had motown that's the last time anything ever came out that country where as brits are innovating constantly you get friend get it.

[@stevenponte6655]

so good. I lived in London from 98 to 2007, best time of my life!!!

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

​@@linoma57 it's little odd to say the yanks had the black label motown LoL

[@eddieshredder5740]

Italians are sychophants

[@LG-sx2by]

Well I m a French guy, I can’t say anything more. British or UK bands are the best

[@gabmilitao]

this song will live forever.

[@grijsje]

The guitar sound by Nick McCabe is something special.

[@JKENWORTH1]

For me, it's the gut wrenching tension/energy between the fatalism and somehow upbeat and power of the music that makes this the soundtrack of so many lives - it says keep on keeping on despite the pressure

[@saraafonso4646]

Beautifully said! Keep on keeping on 👊

[@joriskock4900]

A bit late. If you ever decide to write a novel, please name it: keep on keeping on. Or: despite the pressure. Somehow you found gold twice in one sentence!

[@TuckerSP2011]

Perfect comment!

[@zephyre6338]

amazing observation,YES .....The contradiction finds the sublime beauty of its trascendence....and its power!

[@JC-dy3uk]

Imagine having THAT voice, and also being an amazing songwriter. So good

[@edgray8305]

This must rank as one of the greatest performances ever at Glastonbury. EPIC

[@HardFighter9933]

You forgot muse

[@yougee83]

Never been to Glastonbury, but downloaded a lot of sets. In 2008 when I heard this I thought "f*** me, 12 songs, no encore, but still one of the best sets ever..." This is music!!!

[@Shpanders]

No doubt 🤘🏽🇱🇻

[@zackyvwasin339]

This song and Cruel intentions are one of the best things ever happened in 90's

[@jessicafnahumury7699]

Everytime I heard this song I'll always stick to the film... Cruel Intension,one of the best film ever...

[@VanMartyVideo]

Losing virginity in 98 was the best thing that happened to me

[@shawnthompson940]

Foreal!!!

[@matthewbrig5614]

Wasn't every you ever me from placebo in cruel intentions as well?

[@ChildofGod4ever001]

😂😂😂

[@ethanbrunt7755]

One of the greatest songs ever written

[@paulventicinque9012]

THE GREATEST ! No Debate.

[@jensclarberg6419]

@@paulventicinque9012 Love the song but there are hundreds better lol

[@KanyeEnjoyerr]

Masterpiece, along with the entirety of Urban Hymns

[@neonrays28]

Yes! Weeping willow is one of my favorites of the album along with sonnet.

[@Kvin_levi]

@@neonrays28 and Space and Time

[@seanleafgreen135]

if only the song could be original

[@anneominous7172]

Liam Gallagher said in an interview (at the height of Oasis fame) that Richard Ashcroft is the coolest guy alive. If that isn't a shining recommendation I don't know what is.

[@AndreiStabell-f2i]

Chris Martin said RA still so liked all over the places .

[@aggressivearies]

Hit like if you are agree. You are travelling in a train in an endless journey and you don't want this song to stop.

[@AndrewBower-zf7bj]

Yeah awesome

[@J4ke498]

This is the most relatable song of all time. It will still be relevant to generations after us.

[@ianfoot7583]

Possibly the greatest song ever

[@trevorkobe]

What a fucking glorious performance. It feels like the conclusion.

[@jamiekay133]

Ashcroft still sings as if he's young. His voice and he in himself haven't aged a day. The Verve are fantastic! I know we are talking 15 years ago now for this Glasto performance, but my point still stands. He doesn't sound any different, which we are eternally grateful for. Hopefully Richard will live forever - like Oasis once said.

[@alexgonzalez8954]

Because he always stayed in his own register I believe.

[@IndigoStarrAz]

Gotta' hand it to the world class BBC Engineers who captured and post produced this video so impeccably, and totally nailed it on the sound! 😃😃😃

[@user-xg4td3gg7e]

‘To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all’ - Oscar Wilde

[@Shay2312]

I'm almost 78 & I've loved this song from my 1st viewing of the video Ashcroft walking down a street. Great song.❤

[@TheDendy22]

It’s such an amazing song!

[@paulwalker2777]

I'm 70,thus song is related to everyone who has worked for a living by getting off their arse at all godforsaken hours and got their hands dirty and then sorted their life out and moved on to better things,god bless you all,great band with a great back catalogue of great songs with a singer with a great voice, ❤

[@NelsonConroyRealtor]

Credit to the drummer 🥁 & Bassist. Unwavering steady beat 😮

[@therobable1]

💯 that drummer needs a raise lol

[@sean8102]

Yep. Simon Jones on bass and Peter Salisbury on drums. And Nick McCabe on guitar.

[@dorcasmacharia]

I like how he performs this song live with alot of passion.

[@loveitorleave4421]

Who's listening to this masterpiece 2024

[@glyndowning3076]

A 75 Yr old geezer. Headphones on, completely out of it on this track. Life's still good despite the bullshit politics going on in my once Great country. Shout out hooray for England, we'll be back!

[@CambriaPelletier6090]

Me. Every day. It's indeed a masterpiece.

[@CambriaPelletier6090]

@@glyndowning3076 The U.S. has been going thru it since 2016. #HarrisWalz2024

[@ricardoparedes2781]

Me at midnight in México 😊

[@johnklamp6985]

I am

[@thespies2075]

One of the very best songs of the 90s. Anthemic.

[@linoma57]

It's from the 60s actually just embellished

[@TheSnacklerRevenge]

'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, that's life Tryna make ends meet, you're a slave to money then you die I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet, yeah No change, I can change I can change, I can change But I'm here in my mold I am here in my mold But I'm a million different people From one day to the next I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no (Have you ever been down?) Well, I've never prayed but tonight I'm on my knees, yeah I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now But the airwaves are clean and there's nobody singin' to me now No change, I can change I can change, I can change But I'm here in my mold I am here in my mold And I'm a million different people From one day to the next I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no (Have you ever been down?) I can't change, oh, no I can't change, oh 'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, that's life Tryna make ends meet, tryna find somebody then you die I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet, yeah You know I can change, I can change I can change, I can change But I'm here in my mold I am here in my mold And I'm a million different people From one day to the next I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no I can't change my mold No, no, no, no, no, I can't change my mold, no, no, no, no It's just sex and violence, melody and silence It's just sex and violence, melody and silence I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down Been down Ever been down Ever been down Ever been down Ever been down Have you ever been down? Have you ever been down? Have you ever been down?

[@ed7519]

One of the all time greatest songs. Song is a multilayered symphony.

[@D00R]

Congratulations to Richard getting the rights back to his own song.

[@AndreiStabell-f2i]

Yeah but MJ insists to such a thing 😮

[@AstroJenkins]

@@AndreiStabell-f2iNothing to do with Jagger, but Klein.

[@bustergutz231]

Next time don’t copy music

[@bandiflip]

I guarantee … this will be the best song you’ve heard today

[@RobertNeeds]

Surely the greatest 6 minutes in music ever, this performance is unbelievable ❤️

[@christhiele3836]

If I had a time machine, I would have been there in 2008 and enjoyed every second. Fabulous!

[@dixieelder3203]

LOVE this! I play video whenever I am stressed out. Have lots of health issues, including brain disorders. Thank G*d for Verve

[@11.Possum_pawz]

An authentic rock star's performance and a reminder of the poetic "long walk" video clip, we never forget!

[@greyfox4577]

By far the best live version of this song.

[@mynameisnostalgiaa]

This song is always a great reminder of the beautiful journey of life. Makes me feel alive. Thank you Richard

[@johnabruzzi198]

No debate, best Glastonbury performance ever

[@tylersikora894]

One of the greatest songs ever written and sung in the world! What a genius song, to mix classic symphony music, with pop rock! Simply brilliant! And richard,s classic "rasby" voice! Bravo!!!!!

[@rtreinador]

Probably the best live version of this music. And to me of best musics live ever performed live....

[@wrexshunt]

I've got those shivers

[@blexicon8914]

I'd lose the probably

[@FloydDiamond]

Thank you BBC for posting this good quality version. This is sooooo great.

[@InLikeFlynn21]

Richard Ashcroft at Glastonbury. Dreams do come true.

[@highlander72b69]

One of the greatest and most amazing lines ever written in song.......”you are a slave to the money ....then you die”......

[@comedrone]

That hit hard

[@JamieJones-gh7kp]

Very hard

[@ravegamingchannel6963]

The sign that your song is an absolute hit of all time is that it gets countless covers, remixes and parodies.

[@frizm1543]

I was there. I was 14 years old right at the front, it was unbelievable.

[@alainlemeer350]

Lucky bastard😅

[@bestofzos6308]

I saw you wearing red shirt

[@SpecializedRider1986]

You must be a wannabe psychic then trying to guess who the OP is. ​@@bestofzos6308

[@jamiethomas9535]

Literally flawless. Best melody, best lyrics EVER

[@jcliffe0]

Gotta be said 5:50 onwards took this to an entirely different level for me, McCabe's guitar and RA throwing in the Love is Noise lyrics. Absolutely unreal. Would genuinely give everything to have witnessed this live, greatest song ever written no question about it

[@matthewmurphy5425]

You’re totally right dude.

[@phillbozz853]

Incredible

[@bannman99]

Just fabulous what an Anthem Thanks Richard Ashcroft

[@moisavictoria]

My favourite version of my favourite song

[@Dieudonne438]

The Brits are so musically talented I'm Quebecois and I've always respected the Brits with their music

[@anthonypetch1125]

Richard Ashcroft along with Ian Astbury and Liam Gallagher are the Titans of Modern British Rock ❤

[@colinwatt3958]

The Verve's set is one of the great Glastonbury performances. Pity the guys couldn't keep the band going - they were a great unit when they were together

[@callen8908]

Shudderingly powerful performance by all. This song means a lot to me

[@123uzuz]

Same brother. ✌️

[@pedrocastro9143]

Message, melody... One of the best songs ever.

[@richardnixon3801]

This song has always and will always be childhood for me and many other people out there, everytime I listen to this it brings me back to a simpler time with no worry in the world and it's pure nostalgia!

[@andrewwkong1638]

Couldn’t of put it better bro!!!!! Urban hymns was the sound of my late teens

[@top5tings]

Same 99s kid

[@rw4025]

One of the best songs ever written

[@Aarballs]

By Andrew Oldham

[@bham01]

A sonic reminder that you are part of the system and things will never change, thanks.

[@gelingarcia]

My Top-1 song ever. Since the very first day I saw the videoclip on the TV. Probably one of the Top-5 songs in all History.

[@LTO1222]

This song always gives me the chills. Every. Single. Time. I remember the first time I heard it in 1997 when I was 16 years old and I thought "wow. That's the most beautiful song I have ever heard." I'm now 43, but I still feel it's the most beautiful song I have ever heard. ♥️

[@ssim3866]

A timeless masterpiece and one of the best songs ever written.

[@Aarballs]

By Andrew Oldham

[@whiskylover339]

thank you BBC for this masterpiece.

[@stephenwalker850]

Yep, thank you BBC

[@jackhamilton1882]

U make the worst movies poser

[@whiskylover339]

@@jackhamilton1882 im just a fan

[@ChatGPT1111]

Fun Fact: It was the BBC that resisted modern music played by Radio Caroline in the 1960's. Radio Caroline was beaten to a pulp and won.

[@Perfectguy2024]

I listen to this song everyday. Such a beautiful symphony

[@Aarballs]

By Andrew Oldham

[@LisaYorko-x1q]

Amazing! The street video was great but this showed his personality! It made me love the song (and him) more!

[@stephenlynch6389]

One the best live performances I've ever seen flawless

[@wesley20124]

It was brilliant, although if I remember right they finished on love is noise which I thought was an odd one to close the festival

[@stephenlynch6389]

@@wesley20124 i mean the video never had the pleasure seeing verve live been to foo fighters that was pretty incredible

[@erikdixon8464]

this is absolutely surreal. THIS SONG IS F'ING INCREDIBLE

[@張智翔-t6w]

One of the best songs in this world 👏👏👏👏 Well done The Verve .

[@raulenriquepintourquizo466]

One word: A MASTERPIECE!

[@jmoore5824]

That’s two

[@JesusRamos-xk3vf]

😂

[@stuarthodge3187]

That's two!

[@aceface3212]

Too good, will we ever have artists like this again?

[@AndrewBower-zf7bj]

No worse luck Glastonbury this year is shocking 😢

[@MagicMahoney]

2024, still most EPIC live stage performance, mate!!!

[@wrexshunt]

I'm gonna get this show on a download and get on my hammock close my eyes press play and have an free out of body experience- much love and thanks Richard and the boys

[@mornevorster3434]

As a young man i remember hearing this specific song for the first time. Wow. As a gap student bought 2 cd, yes cd's that year. Oasis as well as Coldplay. Memories for a lifetime! Take me back!

[@thereason7825]

” try to make ends meet , you slave to money then you die ” So true

[@stephenwalker850]

Ooooft

[@boldbenedict4488]

@Daniel Wood why? you got rich parents?

[@memeboi445]

@Daniel Wood why mate? I’m guessing you’re never willing to work bc you know mummy and daddy will lay for everything

[@saulaguirre7297]

@Daniel Wood everyone in one way or another is slave to money, wether it’s needing it to survive and working a 9-5 or there’s those who never can satisfy that love for money and just keep accumulating.

[@stevestanko3868]

One of the most underrated songs ever ❤

[@SpecializedRider1986]

In no way has this song ever been underrated 😂

[@scottc9100]

Whoever choreographed that entire performance deserves a medal, that was absolute perfection. Her voice is incredible.

[@abrooklyngirllinda]

i am dead. richard ashcroft. forever rock god. i would have given anything to be here for this performance. incredible. the guitar player is insane on this. one of the greatest tracks ever.

[@paulabrownyates6515]

Literally gives me chills and goosebumps every time!!!! LOVE IT!!!

[@sauroleben]

You don't want to let this song finish.

[@alasdairduncan3796]

The greatest performance of a song at glastonbury ever in my opinion !! So happy they got back together for that !!❤

[@Serrati_9]

One of the greatest songwriters ever

[@conormccolgan4758]

I don’t think there’s enough superlatives to describe Sir Richard Ashcroft, genius.

[@KalK-ym7cd]

Music is subjective, but for me, this is the greatest song ever written & composed!! Thank you Sir Richard Ashcroft!

[@AndrewBower-zf7bj]

Agree 💯% Fucking awesome

[@Aarballs]

You know he didn't write it, right?

[@jbryantphotographer]

Hey kids, see how there aren't any cell phones being held up and yet people are still having the time of their lives and making real memories? Pay close attention...

[@carrnil]

There's cameras and cellphones, but i hear you.

[@Dukers1000]

Totally agree

[@tidbits_philosophy]

The voice of him singing it live takes it to another level. 😲😲❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@stephenmiles8424]

this isn't just a song it's pure art at it's finest

[@Milan_N13]

I just need to see this legendary song live.

[@stefmousley6155]

This seriously does not get enough recognition as one of the best ever Glastonbury sets.....

[@taraa9087]

Richard!! Epic performance! Love this Symphony. Timeless and he is just giving his all. I wouldve loved to have been there.

[@wezclarke8230]

Believe me it was special. Glastonbury itself is a unique place, but to see these that Sunday night will never be beaten. Just one of them moments in life where everything is perfect..... and then Monday morning came and it was every bit the struggle Ashcroft said it would be before they started this song 😂 Still amazes me that they had the balls to end their set with Love is Noise when no one had ever heard it before until that point.

[@taraa9087]

@@wezclarke8230 Hi Wez! Glad you had a great time. Lovely to hear your Epic experience.

[@matu1204]

My son is born this month and i have still watch to this video..... song of my life

[@Chaplin1219]

Multicultural ❤ vibes, this song will always be ahead of it’s time.

[@0nine0seven]

i’m turning 26 next month and i find this song quite comforting/interesting/pure joy in itself. listening to this song makes all the pressures of being a young adult male melt down. one of my favourite songs to play when i’m the gym working out.

[@jorgen_bernle]

Oh this song....one of my all-time favourites!!