This was their masterpiece. The song is actually about his dad who was dying from cancer, and the drugs he was on to supposedly help him - stopped working, and he started deteriorating. The "drugs don't work" line can also be flipped, depending on how you see it. It definitely makes sense either way. A lot of people thought it was about drug addiction when they first hear the song.

I had a little drug problem for 20 years. Clean and sober now for 2 years

90’s England was responsible for some great music, the 80’s too, good times, simpler times, happier times.

This is a beautiful song about his father. He was dying of cancer and the drugs weren't working. It's also a reference to the undesired effect of drugs being taken to block out the pain of losing his father. It's an absolutely heartbreaking record. But do you know what? If you hear a different angle with the lyrics and it helps you through your pain then that's down to the genus of the song writing. Nothing hits the deepest darkest corners of the soul like music does ❤️

Having lost both parents to cancer and watching what the drugs do this really captures that experience.

The Verve released this album out of nowhere, it just blew everyone away... it's all that was played in pubs up and down the land for about 2 years afterwards. Genius.

I know he wrote this song for his father, but it has been such a great anthem for people facing hitting bottom with drug addiction. It really brings you back to a place of facing the pain of a hard truth.

“Lucky Man” is one of their best

This song makes me cry every time I listen to it.

JB, it's because you touched the bottom that you have so much depth. That will get you far. You have a good heart and all my respect. Be happy.

The vocals, lyrics and strings on this track are heartbreaking. But it's Nick McCabe's harrowing electric guitar wails that plunge it right down into hopeless despair.

This song cuts me deep..I haven't seen my daughter since 1997, she will turn 27 this year and I have missed her whole life..I became dependant on alcohol as my "drug" through the later 90's and early 2000's, they didn't work obviously but I always believed I'd see her face again..All she had to do is let me know and I'd sing in her ear again..maybe only in heaven one day..Its also my favorite song to sing at karaoke lol Emotions run high for me hearing this..Thanks for the reaction, Andrew

Always makes me cry. Mum and dad passed away with cancer and the drugs didn’t work

JB you’ve left me absolutely speechless, I love this song anyway as I’m from the uk and the verve fall into my category of music, but watching your face and the look of anguish and pain shown in ur eyes drew a tear to my eye. I feel numb. Stay strong and safe man

This song hits me diffent as my dad died of drugs 💉 makes me wanna cry 😢 😭 R.i.p Tony Antony Broadbere ❤🙏🌍 Jb i saw my dad once a year because he had a heroin and drink addition he died 1 week before my 21st birthday it still hurt now and its been 7 years. Love you jb repsect for this :) x

Hope your free to enjoy the rest of your life as a Man a Father and Grandfather and set a great example to your kids . .much love buddy .

I can't believe it but I've only just found out that this song isn't about the kind of drugs we think he means. He was singing this about his father in law who was dying of cancer. It's the MEDICAL drugs that don't work and are just making him worse - Chemo! >,_,< Suddenly all those lyrics fell into place and I started crying.

I just discovered this song (25 years late r.) and had a similar reaction as you did -- only I cried a quart of tears. Covid, cancer, blood clots, my sister's alcoholism death .... this song provided catharsis. And, congrats on taking control of your life. You can have anything you want if you believe you deserve it -- and you do!

I know this is way late, but this song makes me cry every time I hear it. It's the song that I connect to losing my dad to Alzheimer's disease. It's a hard listen.

The song is actually about his fathers battle with cancer and how the drugs are no longer working just prolonging his pain

I was at their last concert and I spent the whole thing crying.

This years love by David Grey is very moving, he's an amazing singer/songwriter.

Now this is a REAL reaction. Music is meant to take you somewhere emotionally, and to see you feel the music then tell your story and why the song affected you brought tears to my eyes. Keep strong my man and keep up what you are doing!

This man is a legend. His voice as you say is incredible.

Always makes me think of my late Dad and his dementia medication. Always makes me well up, even just 30 seconds of listening.

Lost my Dad to cancer, he would lie on his side as the doctors pumped him with drugs which eventually stopped working. If heaven calls I want to come too and see his face again.

This band is one of my favorites ever, Richard Ashcroft is a genius

This came out around when I was around twelve years old shortly after my dad had been diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. The drugs, brain surgery and all the desperate things he tried to have more time didn't work. He died when I was 13 so I listened up this a lot. It's caused me to be very depressed over the last twenty or so years with the futility of life including a six month psychiatric ward stay. I still love the song though, the lyrics are beautiful although you'd not want them to apply to you.

Amazing song. It was originally banned from any radio play as the subject was misinterpreted. Until it came out that it was about his mum dying of cancer and not his dad as he had already passed away from a blood clot when Richard was only 11 years old.

This song makes me think of My Sister Roz (AKA Fozzybear) who we sadly lost in 2015 due to complications related to her Diabetes. The local health trust kept giving her synthetic Human insulin which her body just rejected, this despite big red letters on her medical note stating "Do NOT prescribe Human Insulin, Bovine/Porcine only" Despite this they refused to allow her to use her own insulin and always gave her the synthetic human variant without her or our knowledge.. She found out about this and started a claim as she'd suffered massive problems in every visit to hospital for over 20 years, any overnight stay lead to weeks or months there as her blood sugar would tank or be through the roof... She was awarded £250,000 in compensation but never got the chance to spend it as she passed away before the funds cleared into her bank... This song was a favorite of hers, she even stole my copy of the album which I didn't get back till her passing, I still have that same CD to this day... It HURTS to listen to but also has a special place in my heart for the memories of her inexhaustible spirit and joy of life it brings back, particularly this song, Sonnet, One day, Space and time, Catching the butterfly and Bittersweet symphony... Miss you Fozzybear.... Always will... In the words of Stephen, the mad Irishman from Braveheart "I'll see you after..." sigh....

The song is glorious and also so sad - it resonates because the song applies to a lot of us and can mean different things to different people and their circumstances -music is what helps us feel somehoiw bonded in the worst of times - even a connection with strangers when your family isn't there and doesn't get your pain - someone will and does.

Urban Hymns is a masterpiece.

Many people loved Oasis but at the time I remember Verve was my favourite.

I have total respect for anyone who can kick suck a terrible addiction and change their life for the better , especially to be able to open up and talk about that dark past

This is the great thing about music. Different songs connect with different people for different reasons.

I'm sometimes a bit sceptical of some these reaction channels. Everything always amazing and never a bad word. That said. I believe this man's words to be from the heart.

His solo album ‘Alone with Everybody’ is astounding.

This song has a true meaning for a lot of people out there who has or had a problem ive experimented with drugs but i got hooked on painkillers but ive only been clean and sober for a year

It was about a mother dying of cancer and the drugs didnt work and he was with her till the end.....imagine him sitting beside her bed and listen to the words again with that in mind.

Every time this song plays I cry for my dad and brother

Urban hymns, masterpiece of British music

You're honest, humble, and self aware, but you don't make a big deal about it or the negativity, it's always about the music and how you connect to it, which is why enjoy watching you, i feel like i'm introducing music that i love to a good open minded friend.

One of my fav songs of all time I remember when it first was released. A classic and you are right a masterpiece

Richard Ashcroft has the best voice, he bought out a solo album that can break your heart. One song called "In my mind when I sleep" crushes my heart

I'm a 70's/80's dude but extremely proud that my son covered this Verve song and love's this era as much as I do. Crazy think is there was at least 5 distinct genres of music in this time...Soul, Psychedelic, Rock, Disco, Punk, New Wave and Metal. So much choice and music rich. Thanks for sharing your touching story man, well done!

James, the reason you get so many replies and likes is because you always show your humanity when reacting to music. You have an all too rare quality in people. There should be many more like you man.

Good on ya pal, your honesty is admirable. The Verve were one of my favourite bands of the 90’s, I recommend lucky man and sonnet from them.👍

Mate, I could see the pain you were feeling through the song, I shed tears for you. I'm loving your musical journey. from the heart and the UK.

That song has a message in for all who have and had pain and loss in thair lives You James are an inspiration you have been incredibly strong. God bless you always 🌹

Hey man, It's a year exactly since you uploaded this. I am proud of you for beating your destructive streak. Love from Australia.

It's good to hear how open this guy is, and it's great to see that he's come through some dark times. I feel a lot of what he said and I can relate to it...... Good, honest reaction....

randomly saw one of your reactions then saw a bunch more and subscribed! You're a beautiful soul, honest, genuine, and sensitive to the beauty of music

Richard Ashcroft has one of the great voices of rock.

I take this song differently. I’ve never taken a drug in my life. But the drugs that don’t work are past relationships. And “if you want to show. Just let me know. And I’ll sing in your ears again” hits hard. Anyways it’s a banger

watching you react and feel the way you did is what motivates us as songwriters...people gotta be reminded they're not alone in their struggles. big thanks!

Massive respect to you, you're an inspiration to many x

Raw honesty right there, well done, love The Verve

🥺🥺🥺i felt that song too, my father and my brother died of cancer too, it's very hard, greetings from chile

Just listening to you now; you're one of the strongest people I've come across in a while. God bless ya dude.

Some 20 odd years ago I went with a bunch of mates to see Ashcroft. Halfway through his set he said apropos of nothing, "to all you who have thought about killing yourselves, please don't! you are beautiful! life is beautiful! I tried to kill myself the other day and I am so happy I didn't." Some of the crowd jeered and thought he was just seeking some attention but me and another mate just looked at each other and said, "holy shit, he actually means that".

Love you man... Only watched about 10 of your vids and you remind me so much of myself with your attitude... I can see your a great guy although you have been through shit in your life and that's what makes you and me a good person... Don't ever change bro!

Madness, as a whole, is a really fun band and their song "House of Fun" is a fun song. It'll make you feel like you're at an amusement park. 😊

You're reactions are so good, insightful and in this instance very personal. Keep up the good work.

Goosebumps on top of goosebumps. Total masterpiece. Tears streaming down my face. Keep strong. Life is for living. Hardships in our lives form who we become. Lost my mom last year but I live everyday as though it is my last enjoying everything and making wonderful memories along the way. Take care everyone. Love from the UK x

I lost my mom the same year this song was in the charts, so it holds bad memories for me personally. I've only just started to listen to it. It's funny how music reminds us of certain times in our lives.

I love how all your reaction vids come from a very real place! Authentic and respectful. 👑

Richard Ashcroft is definitely one of the greatest songwriters of all time 🙏♥️♥️🙏

I'm so happy you managed to turn your life around and kick the demon drugs that was keeping your life held hostage. +1 Good for you bro.

As soon as I hear this song I start welling up and now the tears are flowing again, just a beautiful song sung with such passion. 😭😭😭😅💖. I lost a relative lost to drugs, and drink ,someone gave them an unknown drug and it killed them, It's still so hard to get over the death of my relative.😢😢😢😧😧😩

Oh, this hurts. There are two faces I’ve long hoping to see again. I’m so glad you’re back. Love to you, and thankyou for this. ✌🏼💜, j

Love your channel ❤️ your reactions are so genuine and honest , it's so refreshing to see you are not afraid to show your vulnerabiliry . I love this song so raw and heartfelt 👏

Will always be one of the best songs ever written. 23 years this has been one of my favourites. Thanks for he review mate. I love how music connects the world.

Richard Ashcroft the lead singers solo stuff is great too, such a amazing songwriter...check out his "Buy it in Bottles"

You really need to listen to A Song for the Lovers, by Richard Ashcroft. The lead singer from The Verve. Absolute classic.

Appreciate your honesty.....stay real and continue to be who you are....whether you know it or not you are an inspiration and so many people need true people in these trying times..... love love love your reactions as they are real and a blessing to so many....

Hey I recommended this to you my friend in your previous Verve reaction. Pleased you are giving this a listen. :-) Thanks. Listen, I commend you, your strength in your personal battle. All I can say is how much of a true, warm and genuine person you are and it shines through in this video. Love your channel.

JB - If you want another track like this to react to, try Talk Talk - I Believe In You It's a beautiful track about the lead singer's brother who died of a heroin overdose

Thank you for your constant honesty. It's a wildly refreshing take on life these days. Hope you're continuing to stay well. :)

That really moved me, more of an alchie than a drug person but eventually they stop working and you get very sick hoping to be better soon and will keep strong bro.

Love your honesty friend.....and you can see you've got a good heart, through your responses to great songs of feeling and soul.....

You are such a special person it's clear to see for me. And Lo Your Father in Heaven Was Is and Will always be with you. Peace be with you brother

Jb spoken from the heart beutifull song but sad as well. Amazing richard Ashcroft.

"Sonet" is beautiful

Btw I respect your genuine love for all types of music.

The lead singer lives near me and I see him around all the time :) This song came out a few months after my mum died in an accident. Always makes me think of that time.

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a brave & lovely soul ❤️

Strength and love to you brother, wishing you all the best

Great reveiw mate the verve are legends this was the sound of the 90's era in the uk.. Hats off for the sobreity i too have had my battles. Stay strong. One

This album was a classic...a masterpiece by The Verve.

That was a real and beautiful reaction. Much ❤.

This reminds me of my best friend (since we were 3 years old) . We always did everything together and then in the early nineties we got into raving (UK) and had some wonderful times together. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 and died when she was 36. The last time I saw her in the hospice she told me that the drugs to alleviate her pain no longer worked and asked me to bring her some E but back then you could go to prison for just possession. I wish I had been brave enough. I wasn't there when she died, her brother held her in his arms and he said a single tear rolled down her cheek when she took her last breath. I still think her about her all the time even though it's been such a long time but hopefully one day I will see her face again. I've never had such a great friendship as I did with my friend Jacki

Hey, man, I don’t know you and I don’t know where you are in life, but I feel you. I send you my heart from Louisville, KY. We all hurt, so you are not alone. Keep the faith.

The singer/lyricist Richard Ashcroft has always got the plaudits for The Verve's - Urban Hymns album, perhaps deservedly, but it wouldn't have been half of what it was without the huge atmospheric sounds and flourishes coming from Nick McCabe's guitar to flesh out the sound. One of the best bands of the 90s who sadly fell apart shortly after their biggest release and while they were probably still at the height of their powers.

Love and respect, man. 👊

Pain makes people do things to try and make themselves feel better,you came out the other side.Well done

Bubs- get your passport & come over here (England ).

This is beautiful, I love it. I have a challenge for you, The Proclaimers 500 miles! and Sunshine on Leith!! They are very Scottish ! 😆

I’d forgotten this one...another great song ...certainly hits when it’s personal....

Love your honesty dude, keep strong.

I'm glad to see you got yourself clean and turned your life around. Good luck to you.