If you think you’ve had too much/
Of this life. Well, hang on.
R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” has so much going right for it. The message is particularly comforting. For a rock star to speak plainly that even he hurts, that even he feels alone sometimes, that can be a comfort to many. That is one of the reasons “Everybody Hurts” has resonated with so many people.
The band R.E.M.s Everybody Hurts” addresses a common problem that everyone faces at some point in their life and delivers a simple message: “You’re not alone”. There is also another issue it addresses: suicide. Stipe’s answer is to “hang on”. For those in trouble, I think this is the perfect message to hear until they can get the proper medical treatment.
The melody of “Everybody Hurts” is great, though most songs at this level of the list will be. The production is stellar. Listen to the percussion. It is almost absent yet plays a key part in the transition from bridge to the next verse. I like the arpeggiated guitar pattern that is the backbone of the song. It is simple and steady, and fun to play (for those of you aspiring guitar players). The strings fill out the song perfectly. Stipe’s voice sounds good and he sings with meaning. “Everybody Hurts” has a bit of everything.
Everybody Hurts Lyrics
When your day is long.
And the night-
The night is yours alone.
When you’re sure you’ve had enough
Of this life.
Well hang on.
Don’t let yourself go.
‘Cause everybody cries,
And everybody hurts, sometimes.
Sometimes everything is wrong.
Now it’s time to sing along.
When your day is night alone (hold on).
(Hold on) if you feel like letting go (hold on).
If you think you’ve had too much
Of this life.
Well, hang on.
‘Cause everybody hurts.
Take comfort in your friends.
Everybody hurts.
Don’t throw your hand,
Oh, no.
Don’t throw your hand,
If you feel like you’re alone,
No, no, no, you’re not alone.
If you’re on your own
In this life.
The days and nights are long.
When you think you’ve had too much
Of this life.
To hang on.
Well, everybody hurts, sometimes.
Everybody cries.
And everybody hurts sometimes.
And everybody hurts sometimes.
So, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on.
Everybody hurts.
You are not alone.
written by R.E.M.