I get goosebumps every single time I hear this. It's been the silent soundtrack of my life since I turned 48 when this song came out. How can a soundtrack be silent? Well, how can a song about meaninglessness be so meaningful? I don't know if you will ever read this Natalie but I want to thank you with the utmost thanks.

She has explored music the way music should be explored: as a connection to being human, as a conscience, as the dreamscape of a soul.

@ndg43

10 жыл бұрын

Well-said!

@Sunny25611

10 жыл бұрын

I agree...awesome artist-hands down and two blue+ blue thumbs way up!

@smithgirl888

9 жыл бұрын

Agreed!!!

@kabernat

4 жыл бұрын

ThatWord Amen! Well said and very true. As we journey in this life the music tells the experience

@larrymatthews9790

4 жыл бұрын

namastefromca (

She's like a old soul who's lost her beginning. God, I love her.

It is a highly spiritual song about letting go of everything just to find and see the core of our true nature inside the emptiness. Just deep and wonderful! Thank you Nathalie for your voice and the depth of you soul. 🙏 Blessings to all the listeners 🌟

She is still so beautiful and her voice is like no other. Love you Natalie merchant

WOW, will the goosebumps go down? I have to say this is the Natalie from 10000 and first to last album, with her heart on her sleeve,honest,great and has not lost one step in her grounded life and career. Im glad I get to hear and see one of the truest artist in last 30 years. To be honest she can sing the directions to a street and I will be captivated by her voice...

@jasonroot1733

10 жыл бұрын

sing directions to a street? you mean if she was passenger in your car navigating you to a destination and was singing the directions?

@davidlouallen1949

6 жыл бұрын

Lonnie Kerr I could not agree with you more. And I am more than a little addicted to this song about giving up everything.

I loved her back when and I love her now...truly amazing talent...Wonder is my son who passed away...his song...

Once in a generation, or every other generation, comes an artist with a different view; from a different cut. Unique, in a league of her own.

There are no words to describe this piece of art. I wish miss Merchant could release more music during this decade.

@hadage30

8 жыл бұрын

yes i would like that to happen

@documax123

3 жыл бұрын

Well you should write to Miss Merchant. I'm sure Miss Merchant will get back to you.

@bonniestewart3722

Жыл бұрын

Funny! Rude, but funny.

@Lovejazz01

Жыл бұрын

Brand new album for 2023! And it is one of her best!

At first I thought this was a depressing song, but as Natalie explained in an interview, it's more about letting go of what's preventing you from enjoying what you have

@WilliamKnaub

10 жыл бұрын

Yes. I can imagine her feelings after going through some tough times in life. Many people cannot enjoy life because they only focus on what they lost, don't have are worried about losing...etc...gotta gollow your heart, do not put it in a glass jar...

@mikewoodson6930

4 жыл бұрын

Connor Bowen this song will be depressing for the person trying to find their way, but a song to celebrate for those who know the way

@PRAYERS_OF_FAITH_HOPE_LOVE_777

2 жыл бұрын

@Connor Bowen - Would you happen to recall exactly which interview Ms. Merchant explained more about this particular song?... And if you might be able to provide a link, that would be very much appreciated, thank you!

@affenschwanz64

Жыл бұрын

And yet, at the very end of the video, she's boxing up her heart...

I remember watching "Like the Weather" on MTV when I was ~16 - I'm 42 now. I fell as in love with a celebrity as one could that day, and have remained so. It's been lovely to grow up with Ms. Merchant.

She has an exquisite voice that pierces the soul.

@kabernat

4 жыл бұрын

Luis Enrique Perez Yes, she sure does! It stops you in your tracks. It’s profound, deep, mixed with a tinge of sadness and strength and truth

Amazing song, amazing lyrics from start to finish! What a treasure!

Glad she still sings. her voice can fracture even the hardest heart.....not all hardened hearts ended up that way from hatred. Sometimes being witness to far to much of the bad side of humaity hardens the heart in attempt to protect itself.

@lonniephillips7036

6 жыл бұрын

Dave Hickman nice

@VictoriaLangeCameron

4 жыл бұрын

Well said!

I love you so much Natalie, for over 20 years I have singed your songs in the dark alone, always alone, but with your warm voice. Please remember you are loved by so many and you will always be in my heart.

Natalie you are beautiful in every way. I Love You

I have been listening to your music since I was 14, 20 years. You Natalie are an inspiration!!! My 16 year old showed me this song, omg, I cried, heard it at the perfect time in my life. love, love , love you. Your words are deep and powerful, the impact is everlasting. Thank You!!!

Isn't it refreshing to see an artist who practices her craft so flawlessly. That haunting voice is still absolutely beautiful and compelling! Please keep it coming.....

I’m not sure how to say this, but I’ll try. I lost track of Natalie after the 90’s and just found her again just when I needed to hear what she has to say. My life will never be the same. ❤

When Carnival was released it was at the time in my life I had realized that was my reality. Now this song is my timeline as well. Maybe we all have an artist to relate with and Natalie is mine, although I am a few years older than she is and we will never meet. Her music touches me and has grown with me emotionally. Wonder fits also is why I've had to edit so please excuse typos I may not have corrected due to visual problems.

@jrt1776

7 жыл бұрын

Agree 100% Crystal. Nicely put!

@toffeeme4251

7 жыл бұрын

I met her when I was in grade school. She was a year behind me. We had the same music teacher. I could never compete with her. She was a shy shy shy and gifted little girl. A very lovely person, and she still is now.

@kabernat

4 жыл бұрын

Crystal Belle You expressed yourself beautifully💙

"I mercy killed my craving"..wow..perfect

@WilliamKnaub

10 жыл бұрын

Gr8 line

@kabernat

4 жыл бұрын

Jackie Penney Deep line

Giving up everything My hungry ghost of hopefulness Giving up everything Not haunted by wanting this Giving up everything The fortune I was saving Giving up everything I mercy-killed my craving Giving up everything I've opened up my eyes for this Giving up everything See the cold magnificent emptiness Give what I want for how it is The stone inside and the bitterness For sweetness at the core of it Giving up everything The master plan, the scheming Giving up everything My cursed search for meaning Giving up everything The compass and the map I was reading The hinterlands I'm leaving I'm finally leaving behind Giving up everything The big to-do, the hullabaloo Talk of hope for some twisted truth For the everlasting ache of it No longer sleep, not chained to it No gate, no guard, no keeper No guru, master, teacher See the slow, see the faces Dissolve to black, no traces

@sarahfks

9 жыл бұрын

thanks for posting the lyrics.

@kabernat

4 жыл бұрын

Thank You💙

Beautiful!! Welcome back Natalie; right on time. xo~

Natalie could sing the phone book and it would be terrific.

@petersmith3480

Жыл бұрын

lol true

Wonderful! Reminds of me of some of your work on the "Ophelia" album!

@DharmaRains

10 жыл бұрын

Yes - Reminds me of the video she did for Ophelia.

Beautiful, her face is just serene, her songs had brought me comfort

sooo beautiful.

My higher power’s number one but let me tell you Natalie you’ve carried me through some days as well.

Incomparable sin duda alguna, no hay otra que tenga una voz tan profunda y bella como la que tiene y es este tesoro nacional

I find it odd that people, usually men, judge her for not meeting their expectation of what HER art should be??? Misogynistic much?? She is who she is, and we love her music, most especially AFTER maniacs. SO Don't hate, just enjoy. Who are YOU to say what her music means? where it comes from? or what audience it is intended for, because those of us who listened to her live, before Maniacs made it big, remember her as the VOICE of the band, and she was uncomfortable in that role, that is NOT pretention,it's honesty. And she IS an artist, always has been, she has the album sales and following to prove it, there is no EFFORT here.

really miss this band, one of my fave newwave band during the 80's.

I Celebrate this Song by Natalie .. So Fantastic .. you can play it a Hundred times and get a different Direction flow from it .. I Celebrate it with my Sobriety ! Guru Master - Teacher !

Thank you for continuing to share your talent with the world. ♡

Going to hear this song live later today and I am pretty excited, it is one of my absolute favorites of hers. This song to me almost seems meditative, maybe like a chant, and very much Buddhist? From Wikipedia: "As humans we tend to expect happiness from states and things which are impermanent and therefore cannot attain real happiness." The message of the song to me is that it is time to stop clinging to the past, craving things that you don't have, and wishing for things to be different than they are. Instead focus on the here and now, what you have, and the people around you. I remember thinking this song seemed depressing the first time I heard it, but after many more listens and much time spent considering what it meant to me I no longer feel that when I hear it. It is deeply calming to me now. I feel resignation and hear a reminder to refocus my life on what is important.

masterpiece

When God created Natalie, he gave us all a little gift. It is the little gifts that are the most meaningful.

This is so beautiful. Natalie IS beautiful. Bliss!

@carllyoms1895

7 жыл бұрын

wow, you are right

this is amazing. i have to say even if you don't read you've always inspired me. i've always seen you as a wonderous brave beautiful authentic unqiue woman..that i aspire to be as i age to yours..your creativity and magic is just amazing.

I can't believe I was the first to give this the thumbs up!!! One of the most beautiful songbirds out there!!! A picture of beauty in every way!!! Love love love!!! :). Xoxoxo

This is haunting and beautiful and raw. Gorgeous work, Natalie.

@REMChicagoBoy

10 жыл бұрын

It's so perfect…

@DavidBender

10 жыл бұрын

REMChicagoBoy It truly is.

Speaking to my soul, even when it doesn't want to listen, it hears, it feels, it does..

Love this song love the album. So glad shes back I hope shes penning her next album now! cmon Nat, none of us are getting any younger we want more!

This is one of the best songs ever made.

Anyone who hears this needs to realise it's one of the most important philosophical statements they've ever heard.

Her song carnival is woven into my life, I feel at peace every time I hear it. This was a great song as well!

Haunting, disturbing lyrics & a perfect video to match! I absolutely adore this song!! So worth the wait in between albums! This is quickly become one of my favorite Natalie Merchant tracks of all time. Hullabaloo....you don't hear that word used often at all in music. I'm totally excited for May 6th!!

@WilliamKnaub

10 жыл бұрын

Luv that hullabaloo line

Great artistry with the concept of the video. How even the blank expression of the mask seems to evoke her emotions. A sad and true song but hearing Natalie is always a joy.

Tears every time. You have a beautiful soul and I'm grateful to have a peek at it

Long time

Get the symbolism in this video? Giving up everything.. at the end, she encases a heart in glass. In life, you must follow your heart, or you are giving up everything... your heart knows... where God wants you to go....

@ndg43

10 жыл бұрын

I didn't get any religious meaning from this song/video.

@WilliamKnaub

10 жыл бұрын

www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nataliemerchant/givingupeverything.html Symbolism..1st, she is in a BOX, She gave up Everything. Most people live confined in the societal box of what is correct, and proper. An old women with a frown…Notice the back and forth between N It is a song giving into the Atheist Case ..ie: Scientific Case-Big Bang theory… All of this is an accident… Giving up everything, 
my hungry ghost of hopefulness.
 (Without God, what hope is there for a better future for our kids) Giving up everything, 
not haunted by wanting this.
 Giving up everything, 
the fortune I was saving. 
 Giving up everything,
 I mercy-killed my craving.
 (Gave into God/Jesus?? My interpritation) Giving up everything, 
I’ve opened up my eyes for this.
 Giving up everything, 
see the whole magnificent emptiness.
 (Double meaning here. 1-Depression after you’ve turned to God, and it did not work out… Pain and suffering in life…everyone has it., 2-God did magnificent work, but Atheist would say, it is all haphazard and by chance…Big Bang…God did not create Humans… We all originated from??) Gave what I want for how it is, 
for the stone inside and the bitterness, 
for the sweetness at the core of it.
 (See the book of Job. He gives into the bitterness, and those who are bitter get off on it, IE Talking trash about others… Job’s family and friend’s turn on him…People turn to anger and depression… and talking about over and over and over again, blaming…. Odly makes them feel better, but not really… it gets them through it) Giving up everything,
 the master plan, the scheming.
 (Atheist would say, no master plan, everything is coincidence. No symbols or signs to follow) Giving up everything, 
my cursed search for meaning.
 (She holds up the baby. Atheist case, no meaning to life. Why bother, nothing is going to change…Our kids pay the price for this apathy that many people have. We live in a Fight with the other side society, where our side is always right… and there is no room for new ideas…It is the way it is… and no one and nothing will change it…) Giving up everything, 
the compass and the map I was reading.

 (Your heart, the signs and symbols… are the compass… the map? Bible? Heart? These are the things you are reading to ensure you are on the right path…) The hinterlands I’m leaving,
 I’m finally leaving behind.
 Giving up everything, 
the big to-do, the hullabaloo, the tug-of-war for some twisted truth. (?) 
For the everlasting ache of it,
 no longer slave, not chained to it, 
no gate, no guard, no keeper, 
no guru, master, teacher.

 (No God, Nothing… No messages from above… all b.s.. A psychiatrist conversation with Moses, Jesus or Abraham would have been interesting…) See the slow-receding faces 
dissolve to black, no traces. (The facemask shows depression and dispair…Death in the box.. The atheist case would say, everything dissolves to black, no traces… that’s it.. it’s over… Baby to Death…) (At the end Natalie caps the heart with glass around it…Think about this, how does that heart work? Who do you think made that? That organ is haphazard? The brain? Skin? Blood vessles…What makes the heart go?) I have followed my heart in my life… I’ve been on both sides of the belief… Trust me, there is something out their greater than us… Obviously, the music is meaningful in different ways… but I’ve followed Natalie from 10,000 maniacs to now… and God is in the music often… Trust me… This is the Athiest / No God / Depression case… Nothing means anything.. Why bother…Remember the baby?? Who came 1st, the mommy and daddy? Or the baby... If you can answer that question with out involving a higher power, you are lying to your self… No baby would survive on it’s own…So, a fish, came out of water and takes care of a baby… What? Big Bang theory is bunk. Natalie believes in a higher power, so do I. She is symbolically trying to get a point across.

@ndg43

10 жыл бұрын

William Knaub Nowhere in her lyrics do I find any religious meaning. 'Giving up everything' means giving up EVERYTHING, including belief systems--"no guru, master, teacher." Anyway, you and anyone else are free to interpret the lyrics any way you want.

@WilliamKnaub

10 жыл бұрын

ndg43 I agree she says nothing about God... I stated this is the Athiest case...I used a little God/religion to interpret. The heart enclosed in the glass at the end was symbolic. You close your heart off from your body you die.... You give up everything, you midas well be dead... cause you are living as if you were dead. Natalie is a big believer in God and in an interview she said she was trying to create a mantra for herself. She did go through tough times including a divorce. .. at tough times in people's life. They give up everything. .. I think she is voicing that struggle people have in tough times... but she believes in God.... being this is her attempt at a mantra, you better believe it has something to do with her belief system.

@documax123

3 жыл бұрын

Thank God I'm an athiest.

My First and Best Dharma Teacher. Thank you for all the wisdom you have given me through song. I grew up listening to you. You are a precious Bodhisattva. 🙏

This is stunning. Once again Natalie has made me love myself, by putting words to what i couldn't speak.

Beautiful Natalie. Life is so much better now that I've seen this. What a beautiful heart....

Never give up, Natalie!

Incredible talent.....

Luv her, this is other worldly beautiful...

Loved it , thanks for still making amazing music for today's generation love U

Profound. It must have taken a great deal of courage to write this.

Nick, she's beautiful regardless of her light or dark. I believe she has always had both within her 10,000 maniacs or Natalie Merchant career. I think she is authentic and never think of her as pretentious, just real. We all show a bit or pretention in our lives. Turning 42 this year, I feel exactly like she feels sometimes. That doesn’t mean I always feel this way. I’m so thankful; she can still hold our hand as years approach upon us.

I just got to come back and listen to her .. one on the most haunting and in chanting voices ever .. beautiful and down to earth.. so much of her music touches you .. makes you feel

The magnificent Natalie Merchant! So glad to here her again with new music. "Giving up everything Not haunted by wanting this Giving up everything The fortune I was saving... Giving up everything I've opened up my eyes for this Giving up everything See the whole magnificent emptiness" It's about some type of spiritual awakening - letting go of attachment. Along that line. Dark and beautiful at the same time. This is a true artist.

She's back and looks like the best of Natalie Merchant is yet to come. Loved it...Thanks

Natalie's music & videos and her physical beauty to me are incredible works of art. Her songs touch my heart & soul like no one else. I adore her & am amazed by her talent!

On September 13, 2014, a perfect, exhilarating and unforgettable New York City concert. Oh our dear Natalie, performed 21 songs, nobody does that these days.

Natalie, Don't give up your beautiful gift of natural inquiry challenging us to be more humane -- compassionate, loving, and giving human beings.

So great to hear new material from Natalie - this is hauntingly beautiful!!

Natalie, you are something else, unusual, special. The voice alone is compelling, but your personalities as revealed on stages and interviews compounds the effect. Do I think I know you? No. Yet you seem very valuable.

I love this song... deep meanings...

Natalie... so elegant! I so love this song. Reminds me of Verdi Cries with the haunting violins in the background. Brilliant. Can't wait to see it live. Keep doing what you do, Natalie. NO ONE sounds like you. No one.

Devouring time, blunt thou the lion's paws, and make the earth devour her won sweet brood; pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger's jaws, and burn the long-lived phoenix in her blood... Perhaps Natalie knows something about time and is not afraid.

All but God. I could never give him up, but yes to all the other stuff.

this is everything.

una canción hermosa! estoy esperando el album! bien hecho natalie! xoxoxo

I took the train from Pittsburgh to NYC, my colleagues took the plane, what a haunted, barren landscape that journey is, the entire trip I listened to 10000 Maniacs and Nathalie, from start to finish, every album, it’s like the soundtrack to infinite melancholia, and when I got to Cafe Reggio I opened my wallet and there she was with the band in a faded picture from the Clarendon Park, Hammersmith, England 1986, looking straight at me about to sing Tension. The only youthful thing left in my stone, cold, corrupted heart 😔

NATALIE YOU ARE THE BEST FEMALE ARTIST ! ...NEED YOU... WRITE MORE ...SING MORE... I ADORE YOU...

@jaiblue25

8 жыл бұрын

But she is giving up everything ;)

I have grown up with Natalie. No one compares to her. Superb

One of the four new songs she sang at the MPAC last month. I am reading a lot of welcome back Natalie. Where did she go? I sense that some older Merchant fans failed to trully appreciate her masterpiece, "Leave Your Sleep". Four years later and I am still digesting it's beauty and complexity. But if you are a fan from the Ophelia era, which I am, then I guess it is "welcome back Natalie!

@jackiepenney7597

10 жыл бұрын

still loving Leave your Sleep..your comment is right on

@jimsha9984

10 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Hopefully the new CD will bring back some of the older Merchant fans who will end up "discovering" Leave your sleep.

@DavidBender

10 жыл бұрын

Your comment is spot on. In my opinion, Leave Your Sleep is a masterpiece. It inspired a photography project that I'm still currently working on. That's powerful stuff. I have met some Natalie fans that didn't love LYS. I just don't get it.

@jackiepenney7597

10 жыл бұрын

David Bender I saw her in Maryland when she did the Leave your Sleep tour..it was riveting, her soul comes through so calming and she is exquisite..she came around the aisle and I held her hand for a moment..would love to spend time just talking to her..her intelligence is far beyond, as far as the poetry she chose for LYS..her descriptions and stories of the poets were magical. Can you imagine being her child and being so well schooled in Natalie's view of life. She will grow with a deeper understanding of who she is well before her schoolmates.

@jimsha9984

10 жыл бұрын

David Bender

Madre mia... Esta mujer me mata; todo lo que hace me traspasa, es qu'escucho el primer acorde y...? Ufffffff!!! No queda ni un poro de mi cuerpo que no haga por respirarla, el lacrimal se rebela y...? M'entrego a la catarsis que me provocan sus temas. Esperaremos al 6 de Mayo para rendirnos por completo a su (sin duda) maravilloso trabajo. Pdta.: Ese fotograma final me, me...? Me!!!!!!

Best. Lyrics. Ever.

Saw Natalie perform this with the Louisville Orchestra last year. Beautiful song!

As intense as everything she does. I hope you never give up! And keep fighting. I am very happy with their new album. Congratulations Natalie for this beautiful new work.

Love her voice and always have. Truly a remarkable talent.

Beautiful! Thank you Natalie for sharing your talent!

This song just makes my heart so sad and makes me want to reach out to her with care, compassion, and concern.

@misterporcupinesimon2257

5 жыл бұрын

I agree...

@PRAYERS_OF_FAITH_HOPE_LOVE_777

2 жыл бұрын

@Kindiah - I agree... I searched the comments section to read if anyone else might have 'picked up' on this observation, as well... It is a very haunting song... The lyrics are disturbing... It seems like she could even be inside a 'coffin' (symbolizing it)... And at the end, she falls down lifeless... Covering the candle (scented candle?) with a see-through glass also seems like a symbolism for 'The End' (e.g., no more light, no more fragrance)... This song--even the title ('GIVING UP EVERYTHING')--seems like it is a message of weariness, hopelessness, and escaping life... It is very sad, even depressing... It made me want to pray for Ms. Natalie Merchant out of care, compassion, and great concern... I sincerely pray she is NOT stuck in a cycle of sadness or depression (like some musicians who sometimes experience such throughout the years--sadly, even up to their own life's end)... Keeping her and all in prayers--for God's Love, Light, and Blessings... +

@PRAYERS_OF_FAITH_HOPE_LOVE_777

2 жыл бұрын

F.Y.I. - Here is the lyrics to 'GIVING UP EVERYTHING' by Ms. Natalie Merchant... Giving up everything My hungry ghost of hopefulness Giving up everything Not haunted by wanting this Giving up everything The fortune I was saving Giving up everything I mercy-killed my craving Giving up everything I've opened up my eyes for this Giving up everything See the cold magnificent emptiness Give what I want for how it is The stone inside and the bitterness For sweetness at the core of it Giving up everything The master plan, the scheming Giving up everything My cursed search for meaning Giving up everything The compass and the map I was reading The hinterlands I'm leaving I'm finally leaving behind Giving up everything The big to-do, the hullabaloo Talk of hope for some twisted truth For the everlasting ache of it No longer sleep, not chained to it No gate, no guard, no keeper No guru, master, teacher See the slow, see the faces Dissolve to black, no traces

@bonniestewart3722

Жыл бұрын

Thankyou! I was just gonna look up the lyrics to better grasp the nuances.

It's dark and spooky and great… welcome back, Natalie… !!!

que increíble, voz, música. La estética del video... perfecto.

Awesome to see such honesty from a true artist.

Wie sehr ich denn song fühle 😭 einfach schön und so wahr 🙏🏻

Just gorgeous, on every level - so glad she's back :-) x

Wow, spectacular in every way. Gr8 video, gr8 tune. Welcome "back" Natalie

Nick Harman she was the band.......she did not lose a step by going solo....this woman is one of god's gift....best believe i did not check for the band after she left

Awesome music artist 😊🎶❤️😊🎶❤️

Thanks, Natalie, for keeping memories of times past for me with songs like this.

Magnificent!! She has put herself in a whole new arena. That's a good thing!

Amazing. Great song. Remember hearing this in 2008 at the Hiro shows!

Welcome backkkkkk Natalie! !!!!

so gracious, so sweet, so real

Insight, at its essence, is that which applies to all of us equally. The more time we spend defending sanctuary, the less energy we have to set what's inside free. What's it like there outside among the living?

She is amazing.

Stunning. Beautiful. Powerful. Please tour.

@veggivet737

10 жыл бұрын

She is touring this summer!

@REMChicagoBoy

10 жыл бұрын

She is… just announced Chicago! My boyfriend and I are so there! :-)

@DJdext

10 жыл бұрын

Michael Roth REMChicagoBoy of course she is and of course she's not coming to Houston. Tear.

@teawells964

10 жыл бұрын

DJdext or Austin :(

@DJdext

10 жыл бұрын

Tea Wells boo! I must see her!