ajr: the ceo of making upbeat songs about depression. but fr this song really hits

The intensity of the line "you say that I'm better, why don't I feel better?" hurts my insides a lot.

That last verse is so fucking heavy. Begging for help and not knowing what to do, even though everyone tells you that you're doing better, but *inside* nothing has changed, and it makes you feel like everything is just so pointless. I have to hold myself back from crying every time it gets to that part.

Hello, I am a man living in South Korea I was diagnosed with depression a few years ago. I was getting suicidal thoughts from persistent self-hatred. Now I'm holding on to taking the medicine. But a few weeks ago, I was able to properly listen to your songs on KZfaq, which introduces your songs. Tears came to my eyes while listening to 100 bad days, karma thank you i got my strength Thanks to you, I have the courage to continue living. thank you for everything

“But after an hour it feels like complaining” I feel like everyone has at least one line in this song that hits hard, that one slapped me in the face. I hate opening up because everyone just tells me I’m complaining

those 3 last lines hit *hard* The universe works in mysterious ways But I’m starting to think it ain’t working for me Doctor, should I be good, should I be good this year?

if u like this comment i will never forget about this song

"Wait, don't go away, Can i lie here forever?" Hits me so hard, it's literally my situation, i have no place to go where i feel comfortable and relaxed enough to be myself.

Last verse alone is worth the price of the album.

“The universe works in mysterious ways but I’m starting to think it ain’t working for me” I felt that...

This song made me go outside and take a walk after 7 months of passive life. Thank you.

Ok but seriously HOW THE HELL DID HE DO THAT RUN AT THE END?! I don’t even hear a breath until almost the very end. Mans got some good breath support.

ajr just takes all the weird obscure emotions i feel and somehow explains them through their songs

“You say that i’m better; why don’t I feel better?" God, that hits hard. This entire song is a hard relate and I'm so thankful to AJR. All of their songs relly touch me and make me feel like maybe I'm not so alone after all.

most of these comments are people venting, saying how they relate to this song. well, i just wanted to say, that everything will get better. it might take days, weeks, months, or even years. but it WILL get better. you might have to wait, and it might look like you're making no progress, but you are. i promise you all are making progress. if you haven't started your journey of healing, then, i know you can make progress. you can do it. i believe in you

hello. I am a Korean middle school student who is doing the good comments challenge in moral class. Even though I'm not good at English so I'm using a translator, I still want to tell you this. AJR's songs really helped me a lot. As I passed 2023 and entered 2024, I felt quite a sense of loss, but I was able to get through that period by listening to this song. Although this song is 4 years old, it is as precious to me as a song that came out not long ago. AJR I hope you continue to sing many good songs! go for it! Below is the original text in Korean. 안녕하세요. 도덕수업에서 선플 달기 챌린지를 하고 있는 한국 중학생입니다. 비록 영어를 잘하진 못해 번역기를 사용하고 있지만 이렇게라도 전하고 싶습니다. AJR의 노래는 정말 저에게 너무 큰 도움이 되었습니다. 2023년을 보내고 2024년을 맞이할 때 상실감이 꽤나 컸는데, 이 노래를 들으며 그 시기를 버텼습니다. 4년이나 지난 노래이지만 저에게는 나온지 얼마 안된 노래만큼이나 소중합니다. AJR 앞으로도 좋은 노래 많이 불러주시기 바랍니다! 화이팅!

Hi guys! So my Mum Is a therapist, and i actually asked her what are her thoughs about this masterpiece. She told me in the recovery process there is always a "waiting" period, where the patient is doing everything good but things don't seem to get Better. Mental health recovery is a long journey, and even if you are trying your best sometimes all you gonna do is wait for your bad thoughs to go away. They are going to, but they need their time. So yes, be good this year!

1:51 “Cause I’ve been so good, I’ve been working my ass off. I’ve been so good still I’m lonely and stressed out.” Hit different for me

I’ve listened to this song at least 6 times (maybe more) and each time I get closer to crying. It’s just been that kind of day, and I finally reached my breaking point. But I’m so thankful to have this help me through it. Thank you so much guys!

I've been so good, I've been helpful and friendly I've been so good, why am I feeling empty? I've been so good, I've been so good this year I've been so good, but it's still getting harder I've been so good, where the hell is the karma? I've been so good, I've been so good this year Why, are you asking me why? My days and nights are filled with disappointment Fine, oh no, everything's fine I'm not sure why I booked today's appointment I've been so good, I've been helpful and friendly I've been so good, why am I feeling empty? I've been so good, I've been so good this year I've been so good, but it's still getting harder I've been so good, where the hell is the karma? I've been so good, I've been so good this year What, am I normal or not? Am I crazier than other patients? Right, I've done everything right So where's the karma doc, I've lost my patience 'Cause I've been so good, I've been working my ass off I've been so good, still, I'm lonely and stressed out I've been so good, I've been so good this year And I've been so good, but it's still getting harder I've been so good, where the hell is the karma? I've been so good, I've been so good this year Ah-ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah-ah Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah I've been so good this year I've been so good this year Time, I know we're out of time But what if sad thoughts come and I can't stop it Bye, I don't wanna say bye If only I could keep you in my pocket To give me some diagnosis of why I'm so hollow Please give me instructions, I promise I'll follow I tripped on my ankle and fractured my elbow But doesn't that mean that the tour's gonna sell though? I try to explain the good faith that's been wasted But after an hour it sounds like complaining Wait don't go away, can I lie here forever? You say that I'm better, why don't I feel better? The universe works in mysterious ways But I'm starting to think it ain't working for me Doctor, should I be good? Should I be good this year?

Bro, AJR somehow managed to form an emotion and feeling that some people can't even describe into a great song. This song is a good representation of existentialism and feeling like nothing matters cause no matter how much you try, you feel like you fail in the end.

"You say that I'm better, Why don't I feel better?" Ugh, that line...

"Should I be good, should I be good this year", that hits hard. In my opinion, you should always be good, all the time, no matter what. But at the same time, its hard to go on while feeling empty, hollow, etc.. You need to feel good while doing something good in order to continue doing it. This feeling of being incomplete, no matter what you do, is depression...as I'm sure many of the people listening to this are aware. I suffer from it, and my advice is this, never give up...

AJR is the only band ive seen that mainly writes songs about relatable, realistic topics. They dont make weird, effortless music. You just need to understand it.

I like AJR because they swear so naturally it doesn't even sound like they're actually swearing.

The lines "but after an hour it sounds like complaining", "doctor should I be good this year" and "you say I am better, why dont i feel better" hit me sooooo hard

AJR gives me such familiar, like nostalgic vibes even if this is the first time I’m hearing all these songs. They really touch my heart it feels like home. Like I’ve already listened to them before

"But if sad thoughts come and i can't stop it" that line hits hard-

"You say that I'm better, why don't I feel better?" Those words hit hard.

Therapist: So how are you today? AJR: *DEEP INHALE*

Two years after my friend introduced me to these guys, I'm planning on going with him to my first concert ever. Surprised my first wasn't something metal, but I'm still very much hyped! Edit: Went on the 14th of June, it was INSANE! I need to go to more concerts. XD

Bruh listen to this before Christmas and its goes kina hard

Imagine being the therapist in his song. How the heck do you respond to this.

"Fine? Oh no everything's fine." That one hit me HARD. Doesn't everyone feel like that at one point or another in their lives? People will ask you about your day or your life and you'll just be like: "Nah, I'm fine!" When In reality you're dying inside.

The good Karma song

Every time I’m in a bad mental spot, I always isolate myself. I always think I’m alone, but AJR’s songs remind me that over millions of people per month come to listen to these songs because they are struggling. It made me realize I’m not suffering alone.

Ajr songs dont really speak to you. They speak for you

Ok but can we talk about the monologue at the end????? Like that part HITS ME LIKE A BUS. It legit gives me chills it’s that impactful

Out of all songs title Karma, this rightfully takes the cake for No. 1

Now this song is better than the Karma Jojo Siwa made-

I get goosebumps when he says "Wait don't go away", Every time

Alternative title: The most relatable song ever

As a person with severe anxiety and depression i have almost all of songs on my playlist you all have helped me with my depression and anxiety thank you so much keep up the good work also i memorized all the lyrics 😁💯👏

I can relate to every single line in this song, literally every single line Kids, stay in school dont end up like the basement dwellers who say "fatherless pfp" these comments are as hollow as their life lol

i feel like this song is about the kind of people who are empaths,like they look out for and help people and are compassionate but no one helps THEM as they sink deeper into the emptiness

It's definitely weird but I love how the song just ends. No fade out or anything it just stops.

This song in final days of the year is fire 🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥

These guys really don't know the lives that they save. I will be thankful forever, AJR.

I honestly do not think I could relate to this song more than I already do. Trying your hardest to be a good person, only to realize that there is no outcome of your effort, and you are there to think if it was even worth it is a topic I deal with quite often. With everything with school and relationships with my closest friends and trying not to mess everything up only to question your purpose of it in the first place

At the end when it says "but after a hour it sounds like complaining" I get that so well

“Still im lonely and stressed out” hit me in the gut

This is only THE Karma song I listen to❤️

Final part starts at 3:28 If you wanna cry along with me

Neotheater is just getting progressively more depressing.... and now I’m crying in the corner

" the universe works in mysterious ways but i'm starting to think it ain't working for me" sounds like nobody believes in you

Anyone waching this 2024?

Anyone else here think we need to address how AJR is feeling? I love their music no doubt about it but they seem to be going through some tough times, no?

"i realized that the more i try to be perfect the less perfect i will be." - unknown

the first ever AJR song I had the pleasure of listening to. What a song

This song was number 5 in the terms of what I listened to the most on my Spotify wrapped. Should've been higher to be honest considering this was the most important song for me this year

Ajr - The click - Drama Ajr - Neotheater - Karma ° ^ ° /take my heart\

"Cause I’ve been so good I’ve been working my ass off I’ve been so good Still I’m lonely and stressed out" Anyone else relating to this rn

"The universe works in mysterious ways, but I'm starting to think it ain't working for me" AJR knows how to put into words what I never could express. .

I remember listening to this when it first came, and since Worlds Smallest Violin they’ve became much more well known. I’m glad I was able to see one of my favorite bands blow up a lot more.

I have depression and go to therapy for it. In therapy, they tend to give suggestions on how to try to improve and sometimes I’m not able to work up the ability to even try that. I was never able to really explain why before, but this song explains it perfectly. Thanks AJR for writing this

If only this was a music video. It has lots of potential

I don’t know if anyone will see this but thank you guys for some of the most meaningful songs in my life this helped me through one of the worst times in my life and I have you guys to thank for making it.

I've been so depressed recently. I'm so tired of people putting me down and treating me like shit. I want to throw myself out of existence, die, and never wake up from a dream. And yet, listening to AJR makes me feel better. I love AJR. I cried in my closet last night. I'm so scared. Why am I so hollow? Why do I feel this way... It's their fault. AJR really speaks to me.

Unpopular opinion: Best AJR song, easily.

I like how in 2:39 - 3:03 we can hear the song "100 bad days", it's incredible.

these guys are way to underrated they deserve more this song needs to be played at my funeral btw

no matter how many years pass, for some reason this song is still at the top of my kin list.

The line “ you say that I’m better, why don’t I feel better?” Is what hit different for me. I’ve been told all my life that I’m getting better at everything but it doesn’t ever feel like it’s true like I’m never actually improving, like I’m unintentionally “faking it till I make it” if that makes any sense and it stresses me out thinking that I can’t live up to the expectations that I set up for myself

I was actually crying during this song, I dont know why but the music, the sound just filled me with so much joy and emotion. I love this album so much

Who else thinks this is the best song named karma?✊😐

I know AJR themselves wont see this but..... I have a really amazing friend who introduced me to AJR last few days ago and I already love it, it's so fun, relatable and so interesting, I personally love I won't, Steve's going to London and Drama and honestly they've done an incredible job, I know I'd never see them live but seeing such a close and heartfelt group of friends makes me think that they're still is good in this world, weather it comes in the form of an animal or an Adam, Jack or Ryan it makes a difference in our universe, our world and our community and I would like to say that you've done and amazing job and don't listen to anyone who hates or tries changing your music just tell them that you wouldn't, love you guys ❤️

To all who see this comment. know that just as it is the calm before the storm, it is the storm before the calm. If you’re listening to this song because you’ve tried your best and keep getting thrown back down to the ground. I want you to know that no matter what something good will come your way. You are a beautiful and amazing person that should never stop trying 😊

"Ive been so good But it still getting harder" This :')

I love it when artists do call backs in albums, like the melody to 100 Bad Days at 2:41.

This song touches on one of the saddest truths of life: The world won't treat you any better just because you're a good person.

I legit thought that no one would ever understand how I really feel and I felt all alone in this world. Then my friend sent me a link to an ajr song and I realized there are thousands of people like me who understand how I feel and it makes things a little less stressful. So thank you Ajr!

Jack: *excessively loud inhale* I been so good... also Jack: *casually speaks every thought I've ever had* ummmmm okkay

this song didn't have to hit so hard the entire time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE (To everyone that celebrates it. Happy Your-Holiday to everyone that doesn't)

This is the anthem for anyone and everyone has tried to succeed at life, but has constantly shit upon by it or people who haven’t put in even half the time or effort to get where they are.

At first I thought he was being “helpful and friendly” to other people but now... I realize he’s talking about self care: The hardest process any person could go through. It is something I constantly struggle with, but let’s be good. I’m never alone if I know that people are listening to this song and feeling the same as me. We can do this!

The line "give me instructions I promise I'll follow" said with so much desperation hits so hard. Like you don't care anymore about what you have to do you just want to feel better

This goes to every person who tries but gets put down by popular people.

This represents every kid in school that actually tries

in Primary School, I worked my ass off with no reward. Now I am in my third year in high school, or Year 9. I am 15 now, and I have decided that it isn’t worth it anymore. AJR has honestly been my only outlet, as it’s really the only band I can listen to without getting annoyed. Adam, Jack, Ryan, you won’t see this, but you guys are absolutely amazing. Edit: How did a depressing comment like this get so many likes, my usual range for likes maxes out at 20 Edit 2: why are so many people replying to this

Yesterday, I hadn’t ever heard of AJR. Around 3pm a guy from Bible study texted the group, said he had an extra ticket for their pittsburgh show… That was starting in 3.5 hours. I did a quick KZfaq search, listened to 3 songs, said I’d come if no one else expressed interest. Found myself spontaneously spending my evening next to a guy I exclusively knew from Bible Study as he fanboyed and told me all about the band, his favorite songs and the impact AJR had had on him, and I had an absolute BLAST. Their rapport with the audience was fantastic, lighting and their visuals were amazing, their sound and lyrics inspired. I still have no idea what the song titles are, but my favorites were “I’ve been so good” The love song Trilogy, and the one with yellow lighting where the trumpet absolutely shredded it (Still looking for that one…) Next time they come to Pittsburgh I’ll be buying my OWN ticket!!

It's somewhat comforting to hear a song that expresses how you feel but have a hard time putting into words. Life hurts. That's true for everyone. Some people notice it less, some people find ways to lessen the pain... knowing that I'm not alone with these thoughts helps

WHY 👏DOESN’T 👏THIS 👏 SONG HAVE👏 A 👏MUSIC 👏VIDEO 👏

3:27 this whole verse is just like a slap in the face of reality. It's like you always want someone to listen to your problems and you always want someone to tell you what to do and how to do it and how to do a right but the world doesn't work that way doesn't matter how hard you work it always feels like things are getting worse. But things will get better so I think we all should be good this year.

첫 소절부터 눈물이 났습니다. 힘들었던 순간들이 보이는 동시에 그 때의 저에게 위로가 되주는 노래가 된 것 같습니다. 노래가 끝난 지금도 그 여운이 가시지 않네요 늘 AJR 노래 잘 듣고 있습니다. 감사합니다 앞으로도 응원합니다. 사랑해요❣

a wize man once said"if you're expecting good things to happen cuz you're good you're a fool" and another wize man said "if you're good cuz you want good things you aren't good you're being nice"

The entire last verse is just fantastic. Especially the line "Wait don't go away, can I lie here forever? You say that I'm better, why don't I feel better? The universe works in mysterious ways, but I'm starting to think it ain't working for me. Doctor should I be good, should I be good this year?" This line is my favorite in the whole song. I get emotional every single time I sing it.

For some reason I see this song as the idea of being the “gifted kid” or the expectation and soon enough instead of getting rewarded for good behavior or good grades you’re just expected to have it. Like you hear people say, “you should be more like ____” when talking to someone else but referring to you. Then something happens and you have a bad day and can’t put in as much effort and the story is, “you should be doing your best, I know you can do better,” but you like can’t? Idk I might just be self-projecting here.

Sometimes, it looks like AJR put some elements of another songs in their music, and I love it.

The line “ i’ve been trying to explain the good faith that’s been wasted but after an hour it sounds like complaining” that one hit me so goddamn hard. Really expresses how no matter you try to express yourself to someone or try to tell them how you feel they’re just gonna think that you’re just “complaining” or “you should just get over it” so you feel so frustrated that you have no way to let out your frustration to anyone