Going through too much....the word in it "why?" . I don't understand WHY someone doesn't care, I thought did and I sure do ccry, thank you:) Need a hug!@@carolynquinn8325
I read a nonfiction book about people that jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the jumpers left a note that said 'I'm gonna walk all the way there. If just one person smile at me on the way, I won't do it'. They fished that person's body from the bay three days later.
In 1992 I was a huge, rabid, R.E.M. fan after the huge success they had with "Out of Time" as an album and "Losing My Religion" as a single. I was 14 years old. In April of that year my 17 year old brother died in a car accident. In October R.E.M. released "Automatic For the People". I bought it the day it was released, discovered this song and cried my eyes out for a week. It was literally a 'Your music saved me' moment.
When the first "Hold on" hits along with the string section, I always get chills. If I'm not already crying, that's usually when it starts. It's a song about sadness. It's also about hope because you are not alone. I always thought everyone getting out of their cars at the end is them finding another way. We can sit here stuck in sadness or, we can get up and move forward. A traffic jam is a great metaphor for things that hold us down. This song helps me deal with sadness sometimes. It's dark, touching and beautiful. That ending is so uplifting and triumphant. Gets me every time.
For you, my best friend Meredith. Died April 1997 aged just 34 from non Hodgkins Lymphoma leaving 2 little girls. She chose this for her funeral as soon as she knew she was terminal. I miss you every day still my darling friend.
I feel for you my friend. I was diagnosed with hodgkin's lymphoma in 1979. It reoccured years later. They found it when I was pregnant with my son. I played to God to let me live to see him grow up. He is turning 43 this year and I am still here. I wish that would have happened for your friend. Love and prayers to you and her family ❤❤❤
@@SueHolmgren-rp7jj I am so glad that you are still here. Meredith is a grandma now, and those children are growing up without their hysterically funny, sassy and beautiful grandmother. The two little girls are just like her too, sassy themselves. Oh I miss her.
@@billmatthews5877 thank you so much. She was a best friend to me, loyal, creative, talented, loving, no bullshit and hysterically funny. Left such a huge hole in so many lives when she died. My whole family adored her and she them. My grandparents were devastated when she died, and my grandma said she would have taken Merri’s place, as grandma had had her life and a Merri hadn’t. I appreciate your kindness very much.
According to REM this beautiful song was written in an attempt to reach teenagers contemplating suicide. I thing it’s fair to say it impacted the population at large that heard it. I don’t know anyone that has heard this song that is not affected by it. ❤️
@@marniethedyslexic6445- This makes 3 of us. I feel this song saved my life in a way too when I was in an abusive relationship as a freshman in HS. I could hear Stipe singing "Hold On..." and somehow I did; thankfully I found my way out of it & I credit the song giving ne the courage I needed to get out of it.
Not surprised you got this song & had such a good reaction. You know, I’m a full time carer to my dad, who has dementia, it’s hard & it gets lonely. I went to the supermarket the other week & the young woman on the checkout started chatting, showing an interest & even gave me a compliment. That didn’t just make my day, it made my week! A few kind words go a very long way
Prayers for you and your father. I know how difficult it is to have to take care of a parent. Been taking care of both of mine almost by myself for 8 months now. Was running myself ragged, had to finally start taking every other day off, it was starting to effect my own health. Reach out to someone. I believe there are support groups for caregivers out there. Just remember, you are important, too.
This song saved so many people...its one you can play over and over if you're in a dark place and gives you reason/hope to hold on...the last scene symbolized how much more noticeable it would be if lots of people disappeared at the same time compared to one here and there..
That's the singer, Michael Stipe, driving. I was watching an unknown group at a small club at SWSW years ago, and he just walks in and stands next to me, watching the same performance. I was stunned to be so close to such a great talent.
Went to college in SC from 1988-92 and spent many trips to Athens, GA (REM's original hometown) to see bands play, especially at The 40 Watt, as it was only an hour away and had great music. Pretty much would see most of the band at every show. Had been listening to them since early high school, so of course fun to look up to see one member or another standing near. Good memories 😊 This song just helped me now, 32 years later. you don't know what someone is going through.
I believe this song saved my life when I was in my early 30s. I’ve struggled with depression since I was 24 years old after my first daughter was born. I have two daughters .They are the best thing I ever did in my opinion. they weren’t the cause of my depression. Postpartum depression just seems to set it off. I realize now that my mom always had depression that she let go untreated, and in those days it was looked down upon to have depression. People would say get over it get up pull your boots up and get over it. like you were just a little bit sad🤷🏻♀️ They didn’t seem to get it. I heard this song during one of my worst bouts of depression, and hearing that I wasn’t alone meant all the world to me. Thank you so much Jamal for reacting to this song. this song saves lives. I’m so glad that I’m not alone, and some people understand how I feel. it means the world to me.❤️✌️🌼
When i came back from iraq, i found my wife was cheating on me, i couldn't adapt to civilian life, i had no one to talk to. That was when this song came out. Needless to say i was at that point of joining the 22 a day. This song actually helped me, i still cry when i hear it. 100%truth. A simple hello, a simple smile goes a long way. You never know what someone is going through. Now, at 53, i have a great daughter ( sophomore at Penn St), I'm with a woman i truly love, I'm an instructor ( electrician- giving the youth a future) and life is ok ( I'll never say good-a lot of ghost in the head). But thanks, i haven't heard this song in years.
You are so right a hello can't change a life!! I worked at a grocery store and we had a lot of older people that shopped there. One lady, who had a stroke, and people avoided her cause she had some problems. I hugged this lady and talked to her when she came in. Her family didn't live close and she told me my hug was the only human contact she had. Of course we became friends!! Thus lady had lived the most fascinating life and she shared some of it with me. She had served in the Air Force during WWII and has seen stuff I couldn't imagine. Never just look at someone and assume things. Thank God her son retired from the military and he brought her to Hawaii to live with him and his family!! I met so many awesome people from smiling and saying "Hello". I have never ever met a stranger!!!😊😊
REM is one of my favorite bands I love pretty much all there songs I’ve listened to them since the 80s. Rapid eye movement. REM picked it out of the dictionary. This song gets me out of my depression that I have but unfortunately doesn’t cure it. It’s sad that REM disbanded.
@Spo-Dee-O-Dee That's true, unfortunately. The last album that was any good, was New Adventures in Hi-fi. I bought the album after that one as well, and I can't even remember the album title.
Your reaction of sitting back & taking a deep breath was the reaction of all of us when we first heard this song. Michael Stipe (the lead singer) is truly a beautiful soul. I'm a Gen Xer who grew up near where R.E.M. got their start & was privileged to see this incredibly talented band long before they "became mainstream".
REM DESERVE TO BE EVEN MORE FAMOUS ... ... than they already are, just for this song alone. Deep, meaningful message that we should always remember when looking at others or ourselves.
R.E.M. is my favorite band. They got their name by opening up the dictionary and picked it out!!! The lead singer, Michael Stipe, said he wrote this song targeting teenagers because they have such a high suicide rate. And you are right, Jamel, saying "hi" to someone can make a difference in their lives. R.E.M. has 15 studio albums, but they sound best live!
REM is one of the great bands and so underappreciated. Pete Townsend (The Who) said in the '80s: "They are one of the few bands that does what they want (vs. the record company) and remain unique and independent." (to paraphrase from memory)
Brilliant song and brilliant reaction. Thank you. I could stay, I could remain calm. Till I saw "She's gone." In those few words I had a moment to see that man's life, his partner, his best friend. Gone now, before him, without him. And the idea of such a profound loss. Brought to mind my maternal grandmother, who lost two children to crib death and her husband to tuberculosis before I was even born. Her resilience humbled me, and I still can't get past that bit without crying.
I've listened to this song for 32 years and it always resonated with me; but watching it again here, the scene you described made the tears well up -- because I am that man now. Lost my wife three years ago after 42 years of marriage; a person Jamel described, one of those people I stay close to because they invested in me, and I in them. I have my kids and grandkids to turn to in these types of moments, but anyone who knows the love I'm describing knows it can't fill the entire void. So seeing this scene in the video, especially the flowers on the back seat, brought the grief back. Someone described the video as "dark;" I don't necessarily see it that way. There's obvious despair and loneliness and emptiness on display here but the words to the song remind us that even though we might be going through these painful experiences we're not alone in our despair, and not to give up, it gets better. In my case, it has gotten "better," but I'm starting from a very VERY low place after losing my precious Mindy, so I've got a long way to go yet. This tune will help get me there I think.
This song should be hitting the airwaves a lot right now, IMHO. We are probably in for a whole lot of hurt and shock and grief...it's coming. Be ready to comfort those who will be having a very hard time.
You're right about a simple "Hello' having a positive effect of someone's life. And that simple hello affects not only the listener but the speaker. A warm smile helps too.
That ending was spot on perfection . Those lyrics till the strings hit ..you can almost feel your heart beat go a little faster . Brilliant ...genuis and a song that's saved hundreds if not thousands.
@@Corvid76yih i had the same reaction. nowhere near dark. the exact opposite of dark in fact. i got a bit upset for a second there at the thought that anyone would use the word dark to describe this beautiful song.
Such wise words, Jamel. And I'm sure singer Michael Stipe saved lives with this song, when singing 'Hold On'! Because he did with mine! I´m a 58 year old man with a lovely wife and two great sons (but not always lovely and not always great, nor am I!), but before april of last year - due to many reasons - I suffered from "feeling bad" during three-four years, with in the last one only black, negative thoughts - even though before those last years I had nearly always been happy and optimistic. At a certain moment only watching this clip - and that of Nightbirde (Jane Marcewski) at AGT - helped me to survive. And listening to music, my favourites from all kind of genres. But it wasn´t untill I finally searched for and found professional help (psychologist) that things got better, slowly. Talking, crying, letting all my emotions out, often I surprised myself during those sessions. Untill one day, in april last year: all the pain, anger, grief, blackness... had disappeared. For years I had thought I´d never get better anymore, but now I can scream it out: it´s so INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL to just feel good (again), I´m so glad. And even though I realise bad things will always happen (next to the good ones), I now think I will be able to face them. And, Jamel, don´t ever underestimate what people like you, with always those positive messages and attitude, mean for (sensitive) people like me!!! Thank you very much. Greetings from Belgium
Dude, I can't tell you how much your videos mean to me. I am so sorry that you had such a a rough upbringing. But I am so glad to you came out the person that you are. I want you to know that I love you so much. You are an inspiration.
The video was filmed in my hometown of San Antonio. The upper deck of the highway had just opened and passed right next to my previous office which I had moved from just a couple of weeks prior.
That song came out at a pretty dark period in my life; I had just divorced, and although I never really contemplated suicide, I recognized the pain and also the hopefulness of this song. Like all great songs, it comes from a place of truth and speaks to the hearts of the people who need it. Amazing...
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline This song came out April 1993. My mom committed suicide in April 1995, when I was 17. For a long time this song made my cry like a baby. It took me years to realize my mom choosing to do what she did was nobody's decision but hers. It was nobody's fault. Depression is real, and it's brutal. Know the signs, and get help! 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
I rarely comment on these music channels, but you seem like a lovely caring and genuine person and I love your reactions. Much respect from an English lady ❤
I agree. And, the sincerity of his soul came shining through - I could practically feel his heart bleeding for the parishoners who came to him with their own pain. Seeing that performance brought me back to REM again. What an incredible gift.
True legends. I'm so happy to see them live at the concert. My favorite song - "Drive" is on that album Automatic for the People (1992), which also includes this song from reaction.
Grew up with REM Your right just saying hello can change one’s perspective in a moment I say hello and have a wonderful day to hundreds ..everyday!! You can see it in peoples eyes..the change Love your channel Jamal!! Always happy to see you!
The ending has also been often considered to be an allusion to the Rapture. Can radical self acceptance of one's own pain and suffering lead to a form of salvation?
Father Ray Kelly ( B.G.T.2018 ), is performing this song for his first audition. Nothing beats REM’s original but F. Ray’s interpretation of this song takes on an almost “ holy “ experience, bathed in love, humility and hope. ❤
I believe that what we feel when listening to a song, even if it's from a language you don't understand or even just a melody, is because the music speaks to something that is inside us and sometimes we didn't even know it was there. This song really moves me, it's really incredible.❤
I've been following you for years now Jamel, and your attitude and message is infectious. I'm a 50 year old man who has struggled with substance abuse and depression my whole adult life but i try and live by that same message, that just because i struggle, it doesn't mean i should not try and be a good person. I'm from Australia and a good mate once told me that you should always try and say g'day to strangers...it doesn't hurt, it makes yourself feel better and it just might make someone else feel better. Love your work mate.
I’ve been known to randomly complement strangers. Always brings a smile,most times with surprise. My compliments are genuine and spontaneous and I will never hesitate to bring a smile if I can.
This song has helped me a lot. Whenever i'm feeling overwhelmed by life, this song gives me permission to cry and helps me release those emotions. It has probably saved my life a few times.
REM have a ton of great songs. I think they were one of the bands that got people into "alternative" music in late 80s and early 90s. Instantly recognizable.
I have been through depression a number of times in my life and one of those times I just didn't have family to talk to. I had to see a professional psychiatrist about it and I was able to get through it all because I was totally exhausted. I was given something to help me sleep for over 24 hours. When I woke up I woke up in a blizzard and was welcomed by an angel in a long coat who turned out to be a good friend at the time. Yes she was a gorgeous woman but she really made it easy for me to get over my depression. After that I wet home and started my life over. Today I am married and have 2 beautiful children and am very happy with my life and am able to handle what life throws at me. Life is good and too short to even think of taking it away. So please live life to its fullest and peace out. ✌
I love this song, and listen to it often when I feel sad or low. It helps, it mets me where I am in that moment, and allows me to be sad without having to fix it in that moment.
❤ .. love ... love .. , we all need to love each other. This song hit hard when it was released .. and it still raises the light to be aware , and care. Thanks brother.
Hey I am just popping in to tell you, we ALL appreciate you man.. the commentary, the authenticity... I am here for your reactions, have been for years. DO NOT STOP!
One of my favorite songs of all time. Has helped me through so many different stages of life. Everytime I see the video I am thankful for including people of all ages and stages of life.
I have a version of this song titled WTC remix that came out not long after 9/11. It has newscasters reporting about and from the crash sites, bystanders describing the horror of the day, police and firemen speaking from the sites, all between the speaking parts of this song - all the silent parts of the song filled with people reacting to the unimaginable horror they'd seen, filled with the sadness and hopelessness of that day. This was a perfect song to unite us and let everyone know it's ok to be sad and feel hurt. A very belated "thank you" to whoever put that mix together so beautifully. As always, thank you Jamal for your honest reaction, showing your feelings and reminding us to always "Be humble, be kind, spread joy, peace and love."
Be that light for others and you will shine inside. No matter how hard of a day, time in your life, take time to smile, share a smile, a hello, and you will improve the world around you!
that was part of the video at the end, great reaction, REM have been around for ages and are really talented, I cried during this one, I dont have family or friends
When You see random people in the video, You can read their thoughts. When You see the singer, You can read his thoughts, which are the lyrics. So brilliant detail of that brilliant song. Btw: usually I'm not a friend of Coversongs, but british band "The Corrs" have made a beautiful cover of that song.
When you meet anyone, the person serving you coffee, delivering your mail or package, a new person on the job, anyone, start with a smile. Please and thank you. Your welcome. Have a good day. Be the light, and see the difference.
I've known three people in my life who lost that battle. It's hard to understand the pull of that darkness personally, though. This is probably the most impactful piece of music producing the last 50 years. We can't spread this message enough. Live in peace❤
You have such a kind gentle soul💞. So happy you were able to rise above the turmoil in your life. If everyone would adopt your attitude, what a beautiful world it would be. Thank you for sharing such wisdom.
For those that live live with the reality of utter loneliness, it’s effin effin hard..... Listen to this nearly every day....takes me closer to me.... Give as much as you can to humanity, care and say a few kind words, an act of kindness could save a life.....
One of my favourite songs ever, beautiful music, but sad truth, especially nowadays when its getting less and less that we acknowledge strangers with a smile and greeting 😢
Love watching you discover the music I grew with, or, in this case, shared with my daughter as she grew up with it. One might think that we were born too early, or too late, for the music of a particular era, but great music is timeless, and being born somewhere on the edge of its midst, is a wonderful experience!
Fun fact, Kurt Cobain and Micheal Stipe were rumored to supposed to be working on music together but sadly it didn't end up happening. At least as far as I've researched but they were good friends
This is another one of those songs that was EVERYWHERE for a while but in middle school I couldn't really comprehend all the lyrics I knew by heart but now encountering it as an adult is haunting 😳❤️ thanks for this one
