I seriously think that this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

@raithrover1976

3 ай бұрын

I've been an REM fan since I was 14 and losing My Religion sent them stratospheric and it was only recently that the similarities between this and Wendell Gee from Fables struck me. This song is like Wendell Gee breaking out of its chrysalis and fluttering into the evening sunlight.

@katebutcher4444

3 ай бұрын

Every time I hear this I think of Wendell Gee, glad I'm not the only one!@@raithrover1976

@Michael-fs5mu

2 ай бұрын

Right On

@jaredm730

2 ай бұрын

Thinking the same thing... and, damn, I'm old!er!

@mattwhip

Ай бұрын

It very much is.

My son passed away last Sunday at the tender age of 28. Been looking for a song to be played in church. This is is so fitting, it's beautiful. My heart goes out to all parents who have lost their loved ones. ♥

@pungmide

3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry for your loss...

@policeboxvsthreeblindmice5117

3 жыл бұрын

@@pungmide Thank-you for your reply. I don't wish any parent to feel they way I feel at this moment in time. Being a parent you don't expect your child to pass away before you, that in itself is hard to take in.

@christophmenke1610

3 жыл бұрын

Just read your comment. I'm so sorry for you, no child should die before their parents. But please never give up, your son would certainly not have wanted that. A lot of greetings from Germany.

@policeboxvsthreeblindmice5117

3 жыл бұрын

@@christophmenke1610 hi Chris. Thanks for you comments. You are right when you say ' my son would never have wanted that'. Our children are the future, so we all need to protect them and hopfully guide them in the right direction. Thanks again. Stay safe.

@mathewwhatson198

3 жыл бұрын

Stephen i could not think of a more beautiful song to be played at a funeral , i would like this to be played at mine , very sorry for your loss , keep strong Mathew

Who is rocking this in 2024?

Now 66 still miss this band so much. This track will live forever in the hearts of true REM fans

My cat passed away last night. This was his favorite song. Every time he heard michael stipe's voice he'd get this ethereal look on his face. I played this for him as he passed. RIP my cat Vedder and God bless REM.

@jilligain3409

3 жыл бұрын

So sorry for your loss ❤️🌹

@eileensianez6766

3 жыл бұрын

You will meet your kitty in heaven.That's such a cool story.Your cat is awesome!!

@TheCriticom

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry for your loss

@NAILER1892LFC

2 жыл бұрын

So sweet, so sad. We'lll see them all again.

@congomocha

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry for your loss. Enjoy the memories of your friend😻

This has to be one the most beautiful songs ever written

@KanwarAnand

4 жыл бұрын

just discovered

@mikelwolfe8597

4 жыл бұрын

My favorite rem song.. Rock on

@davemcglynn

4 жыл бұрын

This is the last song on the album that I remember using to cure my sadness and depression as a teen in the mid-1990s, listening in the dark before falling asleep. I would start the album full of doubt, uncertainty, fears, ... by the time this song played, I was always in such a dramatically better mood. As a result this is one my favorite songs as well.

@davemcglynn

4 жыл бұрын

@Dangerous Thinking Very much better - thanks for asking... it was a time I was going through as a teen, low self-esteem, was hiding a lot of things from everyone I knew, never felt truly at ease.. struggled with addiction from then until recovery brought me a higher power and peace. It's tough to put a finger on exactly what was going on with myself back then, but the power of music is a truly amazing thing - songs can reach so many people in different ways. I hope your situation has progessed since 6 months ago.. Crazy times we live in. I needed this song yesterday due to "sheltering in place".

@markvickers6904

4 жыл бұрын

It is.

Total respect for Stipe’s gangster image here.

I feel like this deserves the largest mic drop ever , because really, try top this.

"Nothing is going my way", that is sure to say. After bad luck over the years I am 52 now, still alive after several attempts to get rid of my miserable life and listening to R.E.M. comforting my recent relaxed life style because I am fed up by family and so called friends who've fucked up my life. I find peace in this soothing, beautiful music and thank R.E.M. for making a smile on my face every time I hear their music.

@darthanddedeu2580

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 41, and this song has kept giving me chills since it came out. It's much more subtle than everybody hurts.

@clairenixon8097

3 жыл бұрын

This song saved me tonight! Hugs to you!

@justfrank3135

3 жыл бұрын

@@clairenixon8097 Bless you! Many hugs to you!

@peterimo8530

3 жыл бұрын

Jesus would make a way, find him and believe in him. I love the calmness of this song too.

@justfrank3135

3 жыл бұрын

@@peterimo8530 You're so right, it's comforting by it's calmness, something we need more nowadays...

As a normal everyday person who is sadly dying of Pancreatic cancer I have chosen this song as my first choice for my funeral because its beautiful and sums up life perfectly, we get older and succumb to the inevitable.

@musicaddict5076

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully you aren’t suffering too much. Glad this song gives you comfort.

@ellingwood1

Жыл бұрын

Sorry man.

@teak2670

Жыл бұрын

God bless you. 🙏❤️

@alisonhuntriss7979

Жыл бұрын

So sorry ,,my brother had this played at his funeral he also passed with pancreatic cancer at 46yrs what a horrible cruel disease

@danielsmith3335

8 ай бұрын

Sweetness Follows

Guess what? I just discovered this song. Thank you SPOTIFY.

i am 1 million years old and i love this song

If Bob Dylan won a well-deserved Nobel prize, I think that Michael Stipe should, at least, be considered also.

I'm an average middle aged Yorkshireman from England. I bought this album on release. Always has and will always be my favourite track. Absolutely sublime.

@darcycarmody6908

3 жыл бұрын

peter kelly happy Yorkshire day

@peterkelly93

3 жыл бұрын

@@darcycarmody6908 thank you

@lukesters7234

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah...me too....middle aged, Yorkshire and bought it on release date and favourite track...I had to double take when I read that...thought I’d been drunk posting again..ha!

@leanns5440

3 жыл бұрын

well look at us, picking up a classic from 30 yrs ago all the same week. I had a Michael Stipe craving, hadn't heard this album in 25 years! middle-aged woman on the west coast saying hi.

@gazbo64

3 жыл бұрын

same here mate MOT

I gave my 81 year old mom a copy of Automatic when it came out and she listened to it almost daily for months. Little did I know she’d be gone at 82. Knowing my mom and dad listened to these beautiful songs is so beautiful memories.

I bought Automatic in '92 and loved it. Now it's 32 years later and the words are starting to hit hard.

I turned 55 last week & REM have accompanied me through my whole adult journey. This song helped me through my 20s, heartbreak & disillusionment with the world. I stop what I'm doing every time I hear it & just let it in. There is some deep, unexplainable connection. Hands down, the greatest band ever to make music. I miss them & thank them for the journey.

@makejam1894

Жыл бұрын

Same, 1967 baby. I’m just going back to this after a love affair with it in the nineties and it set me a sail to go get a life. It’s heartbreaking and life affirming, all the themes of the songs that have materialised for me in real life. Now coping with many deaths, I am in constant tears on listening to Find the River. The secrets of life were always held within it but I had to leave to find them.

@michaelquinn5296

Жыл бұрын

I’m 53 and your note really resonates. I lost my dad to cancer in ‘94 and I would listen to this song before falling asleep. I don’t know for how long but it felt like months. The song made me feel less alone. REM always made me feel like what I was going through mattered. Love these guys.

@marystarzyk9596

Жыл бұрын

Their music has gotten me through so much in my life and it still does

@freakfire74

Жыл бұрын

I feel the same. I listen to a lot of music, but this song is just special. I keep coming back it. And keep discovering new nuances, when I get to different ages in my life. I think I got the gist of it when I was in my 20s, but now, while I am nearing my 50's, it offers another form of comfort and insight. And its good to know other people are out there that have the same feeling. :)

@marystarzyk9596

Жыл бұрын

@Mike van Schijndel I am close to 50 too and and you are exactly correct. I am so happy I was able to see them in 1995. It was a memorable experience. They did all their really old stuff. Thanks for the response.

One of THE most underrated songs ever written. A masterpiece

@duncan3998

3 жыл бұрын

To be frank, this one is much better than Everybody Hurts. 1993-wise

@leoramirezjr7805

2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely agree. I never paid close attention to the lyrics or gave it much of a listen, to be honest, until 10 or so years ago. I've. been a huge R.E.M. fan for years and it surprised me that this song wasn't always one of my favorites. Then, once time, I stopped to listen closely and I was floored. Not only are the lyrics among the most beautiful ever written, the melody, harmonies, and instrumental are absolute perfection.

@englishthroughtamil1354

2 ай бұрын

Not underrated. Very popular. Look at the viewership here.

Find The River > Losing My Religion

I heard this song when I was 20 years old for the first time. REM now, at 51, is still an inspiration. I am going on 39 years as an REM fan (1985), and I still am inspired by this music.

I was so lost when I was younger. Got 5 years for armed robbery. I used to play this tape constantly. So many lines throughout the album I related too and probably this album saved my life.

@dikeuchechukwu6791

Жыл бұрын

Stay strong brother

@Crazy8xxx

Жыл бұрын

You’re not judged by your past. What happens now is all that matters. You’re doing alright

I'm 42. I got Automatic for the People when I was 14 and had forgotten about this song until now. I can't stop listening to it. One of the most beautiful REM tracks. I never knew what this song was about. I have struggled with depression since my teens. Now I have two children who I adore. Things do get better and circumstances always change. It's worth holding on. Keep searching until you find your river y'all xxx

@toddwilbur1139

2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful song. I too had forgotten about this song. This song is as good as it gets.

@silviademska2

2 жыл бұрын

I started to smile when reading your post:) I am 42, have three boys and was 14 when I got Automatic for the People casette.

@J0NA5_07

7 ай бұрын

Im 16 right now and I just discovered this masterpiece

@MichihiroHonda

2 ай бұрын

​@@J0NA5_07I'm 9.

This is why backing vocals are sometimes more important than you think they are. I love REM and Michael Stipe - but Mike Mills's backing vox and piano esque way of playing the bass is why REM are legendary x

To me its such a perfect end to this album which sort of closed the chapter on the REM of the 80's (and very early 90's) the original band, 4 college kids that loved underground music. Somehow a very unique band in so many ways. I feel like everything they had done was leading to this song.

Mike’s piano/organ play shouldn’t be overlooked in all of this. Simply stunning.

@warrenschwartz5653

5 ай бұрын

And those harmonies in the chorus. Damn.

Is this REM greatest song?????

@tsuaeshae

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely

Agreed 💯. I found this song when I was 16, am 47 now and still the love of my life

Very young Michael with that great voice already❤. This song gives shivers evrytime I watch that video. Still same crush at 75 on you Michael❤❤

my brother passed away last September 19 at the age of 61. This weekend, my sisters and i will scatter his cremated remains in California, where he was born and raised, at the places dear to his heart. I will be playing this great song, among others, in remembrance of Jim. 😥💔🙏

One of the greatest album-closing songs ever. 30 years later it brings tears to my eyes thinking about how amazing that album was.

Message to my Son.

You could just slip away to this

Its harmonies under Michael Stipes vocals are just sublime

How could creatures as flawed as Human Beings create such PERFECT Beauty?!!!

@tonyb.6376

7 күн бұрын

We're all amazing creatures. We need to value ourselves and others.

This is a great song. Sounds like an old John Denver song.

@sojungvage9740

8 ай бұрын

just came here to post basically the same thing :) when I first heard it I thought it was a JD cover, a good one! :)

Rem getting people thorough dark times since 1980

I miss you guys 😢

The perfect album for buying for the hits only to find that the non-hits are best.

It's these guys who made me enjoy wearing dark shades.....

I'm making this my send-off song at my funeral

@tricolore31

Жыл бұрын

Me too

We got married to this song in April 🖤

This song heals any pain

@markb20

10 ай бұрын

Amen

@JasminDojoles

7 ай бұрын

Really❤

Better days... Miss them

Jesus love you what reading this comentáry 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I declare that Michael Mills is the best backup vocalist in the history of rock music

@betarizmolinaarias344

5 жыл бұрын

he write the song

@ronniemac2850

4 жыл бұрын

I declare that you are correct.

@thasquid9185

4 жыл бұрын

I can not and will not argue with that logic

@roberteaves5108

4 жыл бұрын

probably accurate

@mjedgerley

4 жыл бұрын

I have to agree, Millsey sits comfortably in that conversation. His voice and counter-melodies are a unique aspect of their brilliance.

The amount of rem songs that intertwine into your life still astounds me. I am 42 years old,been to their concerts in the uk in my early 20s had spells of not really listening to their music especially after they broke up but recently reconnecting with all these amazing songs, such a class act from their beginning to the end. Timeless classics.

Me my thoughts are flower strewn. Getting increasingly difficult these days but live in hope.

All of this is coming your way

@EctothermalPuppy

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly

I never understood poetry except through music, and this song is my favourite poem of all time.. “there is nothing left to grow, ginger, lemon, indigo, coriander stem and rose of hay, strength and courage override the privileged and bleary eyes of river poet search naïveté “

Hey now, little speedyhead The read on the speed-meter says You have to go to task in the city Where people drown and people serve Don't be shy, you're just dessert Is only just light years to go Me, my thoughts are flower strewn Ocean storm, bayberry moon I have got to leave to find my way Watch the road and memorize This life that passed before my eyes And nothing is going my way The ocean is the river's goal A need to leave the water knows We're closer now than light years to go I have got to find the river Bergamot and vetiver Run through my head and fall away Leave the road and memorize This life that passed before my eyes And nothing is going my way There's no one left to take the lead But I tell you and you can see We're closer now than light years to go Pick up here and chase the ride The river empties to the tide Fall into the ocean The river to the ocean goes A fortune for the undertow None of this is going my way There is nothing left to throw Of ginger, lemon, indigo Coriander stem and rose of hay Strength and courage overrides The privileged and weary eyes Of river poet search naiveté Pick up here and chase the ride The river empties to the tide All of this is coming your way

I hope everyone finds their own river

If everyone listened to this everyday the world would be a better place

Automatic for the people, the whole album is a great piece of art.

@jamesallen5591

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, it is.

@wungabunga

Күн бұрын

Has certainly stood the test of time.

I know R.E.M. from 1984. Have all their records, bought them in "real time", and I here declare - Best song of this best ever band.

@yiannisclerides9782

8 жыл бұрын

+Eiran Shoshani have to disagree - I know them since 1987 of course bought all cd's best ever band I agree but they have many - man on the moon, voice of Harold, begin the begin,

@LyricalDJ

8 жыл бұрын

+Márton Szigeti Which is a good sign, really. You don't have to have a favourite and even if you do that doesn't mean you can't love (rather than 'merely' like) a lot of their other songs. When I listen to R.E.M. I usually look for one song that tugs at my mind but then listen others as well and go "Oh, yes his one is good too! And this one, and this one!" In my opinion R.E.M. made lots of great songs and even though I have a favourite in name which, in spirit it depends on what I feel and then a song comes up I may not have listened in a long time that fits.

@zroosh

7 жыл бұрын

+yiannis clerides voice of harold.... Did you raely wrote it ????

@novid77

7 жыл бұрын

it denpends on your mood

@PoetDoc8

7 жыл бұрын

Maps & Legends, Wolves Lower, Perfect Circle :)

I’m tearing up.

We miss the R E M !

This song will be played at my husband's funeral as his centrepiece, this being his favourite band and song. Having saw REM at Murrayfield, Glasgow, Stirling,Perthshire,Balloch and Dublin with my hubby I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every moment. Thank you Mike and the guys Ax

This song is the best thing to ever happen to me

@sidpheasant7585

2 ай бұрын

Tell us more!

Bring back old memories of working in Warminster

Cindy Ezel. Lucky you. I have been a fan all my life. I am jealous that you are discovering this. It means you are listening for the first time.

The power of music to move us is beyond words.

@sidpheasant7585

2 ай бұрын

IMHO, music can carry good or evil, but beauty, love and truth in music is a property of the Holy Spirit - His inspiration of genius in the direction of transcendence is the recognition of the wonder and meaning and tenderness to which we are granted access even in this fairly rotten and pretty evil world.

If u hear the whole album and not share a tear, in the end of it this song will emotionally break u up. If not, you havent got a heart.

@jessicazoubek9678

3 жыл бұрын

yes and i thought i was the only one..the piano lyrics and medley and video

@Zippy115

3 жыл бұрын

Just listened to it for the umteenth time in my life and I am now.

The keyboard and Mike Mill’s vocals behind Stipe’s....haunting. Off-topic: that dog should’ve won Best Actor! 😉

One of the best songs ever Talking from Sandy, Utah

May all of us grown-up 90s kids find the river one day.

@ripelivejam

4 жыл бұрын

Still looking...

@jennifermyre3051

3 жыл бұрын

You're riding the river now, just as we all are.

@paisleyprincess7996

2 жыл бұрын

Treading hard, treading life

How gorgeous is this song. Have the great distinction of having Michael Stipe sing this while looking at me for about 4 seconds at a concert when I was in the front row. Was on a high for a week.

@pyt7778

4 жыл бұрын

That’s so cool! I miss seeing them live! Michael is a sweetheart, last saw him in Amsterdam in 08.

@alanstenglein6999

3 жыл бұрын

Big smile!!!

@joycehall4866

3 жыл бұрын

So jealous! I've been in love with him for so long, and him with me in my dreams.

@kiteblowin

2 жыл бұрын

Cool, they didn't play this frequently live.

I wish they would get together again. Beautiful music.

started listening to these guys when Murmur came out so long ago. I was loyal to the core, and now, I weep at the absence of beauty in music since they have called it quits.

My mum and dad loved this song r I p mum and dad it is a lovely song regards Michael ❤

there's something very special about this song

the gold colored cassette should be cast in real gold and placed in a permanent display at the Smithsonian!

soul-based ephemeral lyrics in the best tradition of authenticity

My favorite REM song!

we'll never see the likes of them again.

@catsilvy

7 жыл бұрын

That's incredibly sad.

@zeddblue

7 жыл бұрын

preach

R.e.m. for president?

There is nothing left to throw of ginger-lemon-indigo, coriander stem and rose of hay.

Automatic for the People is possibly the greatest album ever made.

@ryandooner1440

3 жыл бұрын

It is an extremely therapeutic album

@marywatkins6798

3 жыл бұрын

Agree.

@clairenixon8097

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Helping me so much tonight.

@haroldgardner9463

3 жыл бұрын

Really is a solid album just beautiful music!

@Johnthemanc22

3 жыл бұрын

Bettered by Monster in my opinion. Went down hill with Up and retired soon after.

IMO one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Love the message in the video.

A song which looks into the unwanted years of humanity.The elder years..

I listen, and watch the video. This is the best representation of my relationship with my children (dogs) and the moments with them. I’ve been blessed with them. Two. When I retire my second will be seven, I hate that I will outlive my children.

Nowadays, it's hard to find a band with as many legendary songs as them

@patrickward2526

7 күн бұрын

Simply not true

I'm a 63 year old rocker, but I am not ashamed to say that this song touches my very soul

@briandavid4610

3 жыл бұрын

Fucking,a dude 👍👍

@jeffe8311

3 жыл бұрын

I totally agree

@shannonofner9709

3 жыл бұрын

Yes

@karenjadlowski4317

3 жыл бұрын

oh,hell yes from another old rocker REM timeless...

@rodrigosoares7126

3 жыл бұрын

Why should you be ashamed?

im a biggest fan of REM in japan. Im just fascinated with REM music. Especialiy This is my favvorite song.I hope Japaanese peoeple love REM songs.

On certain days this is their best song.

I remember when I was a foolish loved up teenager, I had just found out my girlfriend at the time had been seeing someone behind my back. I quietly finished my dinner, went up to my room, shut the door, put this song on and the second I heard that intro guitar I starting bawling my eyes out into a pillow. I think I had it on repeat for a few plays whilst I cried into that pillow. It really helped me get out that initial shocked emotion, we broke up, I thought I'd never love again but of course we keep going and life goes on. I find that with REM in general actually, I use their music as a coping mechanism usually late at night when I need to have an emotional breakdown. I always feel more calm afterwards and can sit quietly and vibe to their music afterwards. It's why I think the band means so much to me. They've saved my life on so many occasions

They don’t make songs like this anymore.

REM's "Stairway to Heaven"...epic

for my best friend Scarlett the most beautiful dog ever Ness you every day xxxx

It's interesting that REM's "hits" were not close to being their best work. This song should be in everyone's ear.

Find yourself. Find inner peace. Find strength by yourself in this pandemic, or anything this traumatic life may throw at you. I’ve seen everything. No Fear but Fear itself 💪😎

@clairenixon8097

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

We’re all going to be old one day.

Stipe looking full 90s in this

The final three songs on Automatic are the most beautiful the band ever wrote. I always think of them as a part concept, within the whole concept of mortality that the album explores. Man on the Moon is about not accepting life for what we're told, Night Swimming is about innocence, regret and the need to enjoy every moment from our lives, and Find The River is acceptance of mortality, that we are all here for a finite time and not to worry what we do or don't do with the time, because at the end there's a river for all of us that leads to whatever or wherever we believe it does. I'm sure this isn't anything that Michael had in mind....and I don't care because my version of this has brought me great comfort over the nearly 25 years that I've adored this album. :)

@wueros2737

5 жыл бұрын

Excelent

@emmawatkins5140

5 жыл бұрын

Spot on

@jasonbarbush4991

5 жыл бұрын

life is measured out in moments not hours nor minutes. time is an illusion and death is not the end in Jesus. troll me if you like.

@XxowendanxX

5 жыл бұрын

Well stated!

@gazhazzler1916

5 жыл бұрын

Stipe has said that New Adventures was where REM hit their peak but he is wrong it is definitely Automatic, that album is completely beautifully perfect. You're right in your analysis, it has themes of life and death however you want to interpret them.

The trilogy of songs: "Man on the Moon", "Night Swimming" and "Find the River" aren't just the pinnacle of this band's creative genius, but possibly of the entire alternative movement. No album ever ended better than Automatic, Sgt. Pepper's not withstanding, and no record so encapsulated the depth and breadth of the alternative movement quite like Automatic did. In every conceivable sense it was a masterpiece, and I can think of no better coda than this song.

@markstockel8514

5 жыл бұрын

It is how Michael came out of the closet - seriously

@Hammsamitch

4 жыл бұрын

I think you nailed down the description I've been searching for since this album dropped in 1992. I was in high school and it landed at a critical time in my life. If you're well over 40 like me, we were fortunate to have had this in our lives.

@spookavision

4 жыл бұрын

Automatic shits on Sgt. Pepper's.

@reubenmitchell5269

4 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad that others share this opinion, the end of Automatic always struck as the best ending to an Album ever

@lukesters7234

4 жыл бұрын

TackleberryFife I couldn’t agree more. Sublime

For me I feel lucky re REM. When I first heard just a chorus or two of RADIO FREE EUROPE over a week's worth of listening to the only station playing COLLEGE ROCK circa 1983/84 I attempted to get the TOWER RECORDS clerk to ID the song so I could buy it. Many many years later after seeing them play over a dozen times on several continents it is this song that still reverberates the deepest. To be alive and to have gone on this ride with REM is time I hold close to the heart. In a sense I grew up with them and learned that life's palate is full of many mysteries and many wonders. And indeed "All of this is coming your way". It IS all good.

REM is the closest thing we have to the Beatles

One of the greatest songs ever

In case you’ve forgotten just how great REM is

I may love metal, but Automatic for the People has some truly beautiful songs-this being one of them. Just such a gorgeous tune and it always brings tears to my eyes. Just beautiful.

Best R.E.M. song hands down