Just wanted to say how much I love your videos and the person you are. Wish I could have been a better person in life, but I live forward and I strive to be a better person every day and you are a wonderful example of what we need more of in the world. Love you Jamel!
This song saved me as a teenager. I had snuck a gun out of my father's bedroom fully intending to commit suicide. I was in my bedroom running through everything back and forth through my mind, hyping myself to finally end it. I had the radio on pretty loud so my mom couldn't hear what I was about to do, and like a miracle, this song came on. I decided to try and hold on. It sends chills through me to look back at all of the wonderful experiences I would have missed had this song not came on.
Oh my...so glad you chose to stay. Life is beautiful, it's everything. Thanks so much for sharing this very personal experience. My first husband committed suicide when this song came out and for us left behind it's one of the most painful experience to go through
I believe this song has pulled more people back from the brink of suicide than any other popular song. I am not being glib. It somehow acknowledges one's pain and shows one how to look beyond it. Certainly, Michael Stipe's personal experience played into it. Watch early videos of the band; the phrase "painfully shy" seems to have been coined just to describe him. We can't ignore his growing up in Georgia in a military family and being (self-described) "queer." I love many R.E.M. songs. While this isn't my personal favorite, it may be the most important song they ever made.
This was written because of the bands disturbance with Youth suicide. So they wrote this song basically as a message that everybody can feel this way sometimes and they are not alone.
I couldn't agree more. Music in general is an incredible gift, but it's a song like this and the impact it can have on a person's life that takes it to the next level.
Hey Jamel. I've turned to this song at times when I needed a good cry. It's a brilliant, emotional, and empathetic song. It is amazing how such a simple song can move you to such strong emotions. And I've been that shoulder to cry on for friends. It ain't easy, but you gotta be there when people need you. ☮️ out!
You know Jamel, this song runs through everyone at some point in their lives. And you saying "You never know what a person is going through" is so right. In 2016, my baby brother, my only brother took his life. Even though my life 'stopped', it didn't, know what I mean? And as I was running errands, not seeing where I was going, just in my head and hurting BAD and I heard my name. It startled me. It was a guy I went to school with who had heard about my brother. He asked if it was okay for him to give me hug because it looked like I desperately needed it. He was right. That gesture was EVERYTHING!
Oh, Annette. I'm so sorry....I lost my eldest brother 2 years ago. He took his own life. I had seen him a week before (I live in a different country from the rest of my family) but obviously didn't read the signs. My father took his own life too 55 years earlier. This song is one that brings a lump to the throat, but it's a beautiful thing.
I'm so sorry for your loss. My first husband committed suicide too. This song had just come out and I stopped the car and bawled my heart out. Peace and love to you 🌹
@@JF-kv1gm Thank you for this. And I'd like to send my condolences to you as well. I talked to my brother on the phone 3 days before and the conversation made me uneasy. I thought I'd cook him his favourite meal and my sweet potato brownies he loved so much and have him vent to me. Unfortunately, that was a Wednesday and by Saturday night, my Dad was on the phone and my world fell apart. I felt like I dropped the ball. It's going to be 6yrs this April 30th and it still hurts. The pain of knowing what a dark place he was in to think that was his solution. I'm not angry with him. Just wish he was able to reach out, but sadly he was in too deep. I have his ashes here and talk with him daily. Not the same, but it's all I have now.
I like how the traffic jam represents the pain and depression that everyone is mired in and the words of the song sort of inspire everyone to say "Screw it!" and get moving again. Just keep moving forward.
The story I always heard about this song is Michael Stipe wrote this song after his GranFather passed away. And in tribute the hat he's wearing was his Grandfather's hat. On a personal note this video was filmed in San Antonio and at the time I was a waiter on the Riverwalk. The gentleman who was on the overpass throwing down pages of the Bible was someone I knew well. He was actually a Rose salesman on the Riverwalk. He went from restaurant to restaurant trying to sell roses to people.
it's so devastating and the interesting thing to me is they're playing "happy" major chords on the guitar/keys. It's the lyrics and the pain in the voice that makes it so sad and relatable. Nothing Compares to You by Sinead O'Conner has a similar intensity.
I hope you see my comment. I saw this the first time you reacted to it. One of my favorite songs of all time. I can't express the strangeness of you reloading this. I'm being evicted which I completely understand but I really need this right now. Your blessings continue to inspire and encourage. Sending much love and light to you, yours and the universe. Thank you💜
A song that will carry on generation after generation. I love it lyrically so so much . Many of us have felt this way at some point. Wishing EVERYONE WELL!!! Find ur happiness!!!!! Keep being YOU!!!
What I love about this song is that it really touches one of the main human experiences that is totally universal. That’s why I think it resonates with so many people. 🙏🏼❤️
Hey Jamal, I’ve been watching you for a while and it’s because you have a beautiful spirit and you bring so much joy and much-needed healing during such a difficult time for people. At the same time you gracefully express the truth & our reality with so much genuineness and compassion. You’re exactly what the world needs right now and you have a huge positive impact with every video you do. 👌🏼👍🏼 You are always thanking us for the support, so Thank You for doing what you do on your channel every day❣️ Keep going & God bless 🙏🏼💖
Thank you Jamel for this video. My next door neighbor needs help. She is an alcoholic, has visions of someone coming into her house at night. She has issues with reality. Her house is a big mess. When I moved next door here in SC, she drove me nuts with her antics. I help her with the lawn and things. Her son will not help her because of her antics. I have helped her here and there. She has been getting on my nerves, and I have not been too kind to her. This song and your words have jumped started my heart to start helping her again. Thank you my brother for waking me up to what God needs me to be. You da Man!!!
Thank you for being one of the few today who are actually trying to effect change by recognizing the humanity in the guy next to you. This world needs more guys like you to help combat the "me vs. you" and red vs blue everything "versus" that we slog through these days. We all share so much more than we will recognize! We can have our different faiths and politics and cultural traditions....but at the end of the day we all only want a good supper on the table for our families and warm and dry beds to rest our weary bones in each night and a good day's pay for an honest day's work. Good health and a nice "Hey, how's it going?" from our friends. We really are all pretty much the same. Thank you for helping us to come together and enjoy good music and your good example.
"Automatic For The People" is a very somber and subdued album, with only a couple of upbeat hits (Man On The Moon and The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight). REM wanted a more reflective and serious album to follow up the huge success of "Out of Time."
This song from 93/94 helped me grieve when my first husband committed suicide at only 33. Even today it can make me tear up as I remember those dark times. So touching... Michael Stipes such a brilliant songwriter and the piano....
The fact that he wrote Find the River for River Phoenix who obviously passed away & if I recall it was the song Kurt Cobain left on repeat in his home when he decided to opt out of his life. Kurt was a friend and huge fan of Stipe's. There's a lot of loss there. After Kurt died, Stipe bought his guitar which is featured in the What's The Frequency Kenneth? video.
Exactly Jamal, what may be a "simple hello" for one person could tell the receiving person "you matter, you are valued and loved...". And yes, a simple hello or a smile can change a person. For I was changed by a simple wave, after years of being bullied and told I was worthless. So somewhere there is a person who may never know their simple act kept me alive back in 1982.
I wish I could have played this with my brother on his last day here with us. 5 months ago. August 16, 2023. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know how he could be gone now but he is. But brother Jamel - the first reaction I saw you do was Van Halen - Panama. Laughed my ass off with you - Took me back to the Day... 1984… Watched that one on my Mom’s deathbed with her a month before she passed in ‘21. She remembered buying the tape for me in 1984 and she laughed too. One of our last memories together. Now crying my heart out with you and this song for the loss of my brother. Lost Mom, Dad and Brother in 2.5 years. Did you know you have a healing effect on people? Sometimes you pull me out of the dark. Love and peace to you bro.
You and I have the exact same personality, but I've been down that darkness 3 times...its scary as hell and if it wasn't for friends and family who knows where I'd be. And of course you'll never know how much watching your videos helped 🤗
This was the first song I listened to after I lost my sister to covid in September of '21.. this song hits different when there's a loss.. beautiful song.. rest easy Sami aka "sissy" 🙏 💔 🕯
The timing of this is perfect. At the age of 56, my employer is showing less interest in keeping me around. All that is going through my head is "What is my worth?" I have to admit...my mind has been dark at times. Thank you for this.
The music video was directed by Jake Scott, son of movie director Ridley Scott, famous for movies like Blade Runner (1982) and Gladiator (2000). Filmed on Interstate 10 in San Antonio, Texas, the clip is set during a traffic jam where people's thoughts are revealed through subtitles.
You truly are a great dude Jamel, one of the only people I visit regularly online that I can confidently say this to, I love you man, you give us hope for this crazy world
Jamel, so glad that you chose this to react to. I think it's a song that everyone relates to at some point in their lives. Other tracks by REM that I love..."Cuyahoga", "King of Birds", "Nightswimming", "At my most beautiful" Thank you for continuing to spread the positive stuff. It's so needed, particularly with this pandemic dragging on. And you're right, sometimes a simple "hello" or offering to lend a hand, a smile (not so easy with facemasks), even just acknowledging the existence of a person can really be a big deal for someone who is struggling. Bless you, Jamel. Hugs from Italy.🇮🇹🤗🎶💗
I fully believe this song has saved many, many, many lives. It was probably the one thing for many people that were on that edge of the cliff ( literally and proverbially) that helped them to step back and give life another chance. This is a song that shows the power of music, and in this, for the greatest of good. Be kind, and hang on.
The love of God surrounds us like the air we breathe around us As close as a heartbeat and as near as a prayer and whenever you need him he will always be there 💛 💓
R.E.M. kept me sane for so many years. And they're all good dudes who shared everything equally within the band: profits, credits, & lyrics. Nobody is above each other. I really miss them. Never a bad album or song. Pure poetry.
Im suffering from severe depression and anxiety so much so I have attempted suicide on numerous occasions especially over the last 18months and what you say is right a simple hello can make a difference,I'm alone 24/7 no friends or family but I know there are people who are far worse of than me so I try to stay positive but it ain't easy
hang in there. you're not alone. there are many of us out there. try getting out and getting some sunshine when you can. get a pet if you can. you'd be surprised how much they can help.
Stay strong Michael. You're not alone as you think. Look within and listen to your heart. Believe in yourself and reach out to those that can help guide you, whether it be religion or counseling. I'm rooting for you, pal.
Michael…. Many care!! Stay true to urself and stay positive. Reach out should you need it!! I don’t know how old you are, but I lost my 37 yr old son. I miss him every second!!! Many many would miss you too!!! HOLD ON !!! I’m proud of you for trying to stay positive!
R.E.M. was a name the band took out of the dictionary! They said it can mean whatever you want it to mean. The lead singer, Michael Stipe, said that these lyrics were written for teenagers because of their high suicide rate. He's letting them know that everybody hurts, tells them to take comfort in their friends. The last line in the song is "you're not alone." This song isn't only for teens, it's for all of us. R.E.M. has 15 studio albums, but here's the thing. Their live performances are BEST!
@maddogziggy yes that is the literal meaning but I think they chose it because it just sounded cool and not for its meaning so people could think of it what they will.
I cry like a baby every time I hear this song my brother committed suicide two days after my sister committed suicide and shortly thereafter her youngest son also committed suicide and everytime I hear this song I cry and think of them
When you can't pull yourself out of the "Sometimes everything is wrong"...this sums up the past year for me perfectly...I've had many health struggles these past 10 months & I'm trying my hardest to hold on when it would be so easy to let go a lot of the time...this song is more than a song 😔💔💚💪💪
This is the second time viewing your reaction, the first time the message in the beautiful song struck a chord and gave me a powerful wake up. This second time your message gave a just as powerful wake up call. Keep putting that message out there because at the end of the day and in these times of untold pointless death and destruction everybody hurts and everybody matters. Thank you for all you do.
You are the first reactor to this song that has picked up on the fact that the lyrics that are being shown on the screen are their individual thoughts. THANK YOU for catching that.
Seeing you treat this topic by respect.. - It's a difficult topic and you have a 100% of my respect for taking it seriously. Thank you, much love from Sweden
This is a brilliant song that's been there when needed for countless people, myself included. It's an uncomfortable subject, but everyone can relate to it in one way or another. Great reaction, my friend. 👍👍
Another neat version Is from Puddles the Clown…it’s an awesome song..those who’ve been depressed/anxious/down….why we should keep it happy when go to store, gas station, wherever…people need encouragement…God is good for artists and smiles….
Around the age 13 or 14 yrs old, not only kids who grew up in the projects hurt at something., but also people who have cancer, people who grew up in a poor country, people who lost a loved one, people caught in a political suppression, war children, job loss, Earthquake damage, fire damages. And more.
I really love you Jamel you are such a lovely person I was drown to you from the first time I clicked on your podcast I could see the light in your soul it shines so bright from Ireland 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🇨🇮🙏🙏
i have a great friend who was feeling suicidal not too long ago and i sent him this song and he credits hearing it for the first time for lifting him out of that mindset. This vid of yours literally brought me to tears. I needed to hear this song again myself. These last two years have really been taxing on everyone's soul. hugs back, my dude.
you are a champion man, your message at the end, got my heart, bless you my brother. So glad i found you. Thank you from sunny Australia, my love to you.
Jamal you are a good man and I love watching your videos 💕 and you are right you have to be kind to people because you have no idea what they're going through 😭 this song is a wakeup call and reality it is 😢
I too am in a dark place and it's not easy getting out. Can only keep trying. Keeping in contact with all you here, through music, does help. Keep the faith...I'm here for all of you spiritually and praying for your peace and strength to move on to happiness. 🙏💖🙏
Jamel I love watching your reactions so much ! When u show and share your emotions the trigger my emotions. I feel like I am experience the song for the 1st time. Thank you my brother !!! Much love
Great reaction. Great Song. You amaze me. You could have made different choices but you chose the light, the goodness and not just for yourself but to spread that love and positivity. God bless you, brother. Much love. ❤️
I came across a video of yours an I love your videos. I always end up with a smile on my after watching your videos. Music no matter the genre and has always been a big part of my life. It has gotten me through good an bad times. It's has help me make many memories. It's so nice to see someone put so much positivity into the world at a time when the world needs is much happiness as it can get and keep music of all kinds alive. Thank You ..
R.E.M is on my list of all time favorites. I love Michael Stipe. Thank you for this reaction. ♥ im glad u found your way out of that dark tunnel because you sure a bright light. Always feel good when i take time for Some Jamal videos. ✌🏽🤘🏼♥🎶
Jamal just continue to be a good lad and spread beautiful words and smiles! You are not alone! I just love listening to you because you are so honest. Greetings
It hits hard the first few times you listen to it. My brother’s best friend killed himself right after college. It absolutely devastated my brother. He does not know why or if her could have helped. He will never know. We never know what someone is going through. Be kind to one another.
I'm sure he's had people walk up to him thanking him for releasing this song because it saved their life. That's gotta be one heck of a good feeling knowing that one of your songs have saved people's lives.
The song was written for teen suicide prevention. It is a beautiful song. It was the theme song for that for that HBO show TAXI CAB in New York City some years ago.
