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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.

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.

"Sometimes Everything Is Wrong". We've all been there. Couple of simple chords and a haunting voice and the 90s

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've always considered this to be one of the most socially responsible songs ever.

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!

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.

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 vocals, lyrics and pace of the song combine to speak to the hurting soul. Beautiful.

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!!!

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!

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💜

This song gets me every single time!!! I always cry, it touches my soul.

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 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.

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!!!

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 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....

You have to listen to Nightswimming and Find The River. Masterpieces.

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.

"Everybody Hurts" is one of the centerpieces of the album "Automatic For The People," which followed up REM's biggest selling album "Out of Time."

This was the theme song of every teen drama of the 90s. Great song.

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" 🙏 💔 🕯

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.

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

This song has gotten me through so many losses that I didn't want to survive through ..but did. Beautiful. Thank you REM.

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 💛 💓

Such a beautiful reflection on the song and its message after it finished, Jamel.

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!

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

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.

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.

As someone who has dealt with bipolar disorder, this song has always healed me.

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.

I cry every time I hear this song. So many memories of dear ones lost by their own hand.

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 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.

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're a lovely human being Jamal, pity there's not more people like that around.Keep up the good work!

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. 👍👍

" A simple "hello" can change a persons day" . . . comes back to being good humans.

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.

Preach it, Brother! You are a good Human & that’s why I keep coming back to see your reactions. You are the Best Reactor on the web!👌❤️😋

Jamel, you are right!👏 I always try to smile or say hello. Thank you for spreading a message of love, peace and 'be a good person.'💙

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 😔💔💚💪💪

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….

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

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.

GOLDEN!!Priceless reaction.KZfaq... bring it on in#Be a good human virtual group hugs!

Just constantly my favorite content on KZfaq. Thanks Jamel, you transcend the genre of reaction videos with simple sincerity and openness.

This song gives me goosebumps every time. Thanks for sharing, I needed it today.

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. 🙏💖🙏

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.

I am a fan of REM, but this is one of the saddest songs i've ever heard. Anyway, the fact it is sad doesn't mean I do not appreciate ir. It's on the list of songs to cry.

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 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 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🇨🇮🙏🙏

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

I love how you said a simple hello can change someone life. I agree. Kindness is everything! A kind word, a smile, a compliment, a listening ear!

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.

Jamel, you are so on to it every word you said was so precise and true. If more people thought like you it would help so many. Excellent reaction

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.

You’re an inspiration to a lot of people. Thanks brother 🙏❤️

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 ..

This is such a beautiful song, gets you in the feels God Bless you Jamal 🙋🏻‍♀️

I cover this song at my gigs. So beautiful and filled with so much hope. Great job, Jamel.

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. ✌🏽🤘🏼♥🎶

You are a beautiful soul. Thank you for lifting me today. Much ❤ love.

Been many years and this was on my playlist from back in the day.

This song always make me tear up.

In my opinion this is the best R.E.M song❤❤Hey Jamel 😊

always great to see you man, amazing tune, trying to get through his without crying, dam :(

Reminds us to be Kind! Love this strong message they do so well

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 😢

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

She Talks to Angels - Black Crowes

Jamel you are an awesome guy and thank you for sharing videos and your reactions. Lots of peace and love 🙏🤗❤️🎶🎶🎶🎶

God bless you Jamel. Thank you for making me feel better about myself.

Hey Jamel.... I'm on a hard time. But this video, reaction and R. E. M made smile... On this face... TY for it!!!!!..... Please keep safe!!!!

Everybody hurts, but music heals. Thank you, Jamel. You are too cool My brother.

Just an amazing song. So powerful. Glad you made it to the light. Very thankful for the people that helped you

This song is deep and pulls on your heart strings.

Nice pickup on the captions. I have only seen one other reaction that saw that. It makes the song that much deeper.

I love how you remind us to say "hello" and what a difference that can make. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing your personal story, Jamel. Makes me feel positive and alive.

This song has the power to change a life. Some songs are selfish, or just entertain - this one gives

Thank you for always being a positive influence to see, when there is so much negativity in the world right now.

This song always brings me to the verge of tears every time I hear it. It brings back some of the saddest and must sullen memories of my life

The right song for the right time Jamel I needed this today

This reaction is why my wife and I love your channels on KZfaq.. you speak a truth, or at least a truth to us, that we can identify with. Keep it up my Man, we thoroughly enjoy your humor and compassion!

I understand about the shirts.. I wear you shirts “just be a good human”, and I get compliments and positive reactions nearly every time I wear it!

Wonderful song. I love REM, great band, very thoughtful...powerful track and glad you listened to it with us. Love ya Bro!

Coolest ending to a video ever !!! They just got out and walked man . Love this video and the song hits you everywhere .

Thank you Jamal because everytime i hear this song i have some tears in my eyes

An amazing band. R.E.M. shared with on other as my favorite band. Amazing song like this. And I love your reaction at the end and you 100% bro

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Wish the world had more people like you!

Your a great human brother! Keep the positive vibs flowing man ..

Finally!... I was requesting this song for you to react like 1,5 year ago. I am very happy that you did it. :)