“It’s easier to leave than to be left behind.” I lost a very dear friend last year and that line still tears.

@richardbomber8191

4 жыл бұрын

that is just sad to hear, hope life is now OK

“You might have succeeded in changing me”.. As someone who has had years of social anxiety and depression in the past, those words really hit me when I think about the friends I lost contact with or relationships I didn’t have the confidence to pursue...

@mayavagner1672

5 жыл бұрын

Kopite4life12 I feel you ❤️

@ribbaz318

5 жыл бұрын

Open yourself up to your friends! Your shames, your dreams, show vulnerability! People might surprise you!

@JoniWalker42

5 жыл бұрын

@monsieur62 I know that. Someone I thought was a friend stopped talking to me because of some, in my opinion unimportant, shit. She helped me getting my ass up to lose weight and becoming more selfconfident. Now I feel like i getting pulled back into my old, bad habits. It´s very frustrating.

@BioWolf091

5 жыл бұрын

Thats what i thought too, man. At least we got out alive, right?

@paulagwhyte1720

5 жыл бұрын

Me too. I think so many of us know the words in this song because we've felt this so deeply, intrinsically.

I was an REM diehard in high school, but by the time this song came out I was in a terribly abusive relationship that left me homeless and pregnant. At that time, i had lost my love for music and the hope of a better life. It's been 7 years but in looking back, I have a wonderful son, I'm graduating college this weekend, and can finally find solace in music. I just discovered this song a few days ago and can't get it out of my head. Thanks for staying right here REM, thanks for all the songs!

@matthewgregory8218

6 жыл бұрын

maritsj12 to bad R.E.M. Quit I guess their lights fadded out great bad

@Ciclopea2

6 жыл бұрын

Hope life is still good on your end :)

@Ned-ke3ui

6 жыл бұрын

Well done to you 👍👍👍

@jasonbarbush1794

6 жыл бұрын

first public reply while tasting caramel M&M's

@pietrogallinizitti8843

6 жыл бұрын

maritsj12 c

There is always a REM song that is relevant to your age and your mood

@romy9879

11 ай бұрын

Bellissimaa❤️

@luissampaio2104

11 ай бұрын

YES!!!

@peterthomas3554

9 ай бұрын

After 32 years in New York City, my wife and I are leaving New York for Europe. This song hits my core.

@3cs3hs

4 ай бұрын

and it's always "shiny happy people" time!

Absolutely the greatest band America ever produced. The scope of their interests and the depth of intelligence they set to three + decades of musical creativity and to have "retired" as respectful friends is something I don't see ever being matched by another group. Simply the best.

@StephenDedalus74

2 жыл бұрын

OMG It's exactly what I think !!! :) Man, I wish I had said it as well in my comment LOL... Anyway, you're SO right !!!! :)

@hazelgraham4879

2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree love xx

@kevingarry11

2 жыл бұрын

OASIS are number no.1 best band ever .REM are great though

@bruno3833

2 жыл бұрын

I would say that Metallica is the best American band ever!

@themusic5229

2 жыл бұрын

love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Micheal Stipe is an artist through and through, a great credit to the history of music and art.

"It's easier to leave than to be left behind..." Lost my father this year, and this line hits like a train. I love you Dad, thank you for being the best man I ever knew.

@TinaPit67

3 жыл бұрын

So sad. I know, what you mean......

@simodo11

3 жыл бұрын

So sad ,tears in my eyes right now ,know how you feel,lost my father 2 years ago

@DavidJones-sc6jc

3 жыл бұрын

I got you man. Lost my mom on July 18 of 2020 at 7:10pm. Only two of us could be in the room due to COVID.

@chrisgilsonmusicchannel7144

3 жыл бұрын

Condolences.

@dannypinzon7805

3 жыл бұрын

I wish I would have had a father. continue on please. Much love.

One of the greatest band ever, this song deserves more views. I don't know why people don't like R.E.M X.x

@kennedyknew8701

6 жыл бұрын

Because people are unaware of true brilliance...

@rickpavia5793

5 жыл бұрын

The Trumpers don’t like them because of their left leaning political views. Michael Stipe was never shy about voicing his political views. I remember one concert where he got into with an audience member who told him to quit talking and ‘find the music’. At least they have fans on both sides of the aisle who appreciate them.

@davidelvidge7172

4 жыл бұрын

@@rickpavia5793 best group bar none but no they will never reform

@fxlett3613

4 жыл бұрын

But they sold 85 millions records, that's quite a lot of fans...

@bepinkfloyd814

4 жыл бұрын

@@rickpavia5793 i find Trump supporter stupid, i find the left too stupid af too. Might be because i'm not american idk but i always loved R.E.M. they are a milestone of music, who gives a fuck about the dudes politic view

This song makes me sad about leaving New York. I've never been in New York.

@brianvonnazareth8248

5 жыл бұрын

Hahaha

@SuzanneDeniseB

5 жыл бұрын

Lol, Same!!!

@cnerlien

4 жыл бұрын

It's really an allegory for leaving a relationship behind

@ludwiganatolstiller5811

4 жыл бұрын

I just left it today...recalling this song.

@kerry3355

4 жыл бұрын

Definitely go its awesome 🗽

REM were awesome lucky to see them live twice. This is an amazing under rated song. I miss REM one of the best bands of the last 30 years

@katinkahealstheworld6350

4 ай бұрын

thought the same, also losing my religion is epic.

those harmonies actually make me cry every time , they're so beautiful

@inaminute1826

2 жыл бұрын

Yes

@darrelirvine5560

Жыл бұрын

Hi, yes it's a beautiful, beautiful, song.

@jrgentrset5070

4 ай бұрын

So sad,I'm crying.😢

I lost my little sister to COVID in NYC 2 weeks ago. This song let me move through the stages of grief. REM and Michael have never, ever let me down. Peace and Love to everyone who reads this. Take care of one another. We're ALL we've got.

@petervanseventer5591

3 жыл бұрын

Nice spoken

@gianmariogarrucciu2842

3 жыл бұрын

Deep sorrow for your sister..♥️

@GoldenBoyFlorida

3 жыл бұрын

@@petervanseventer5591 Thank you, Peter!

@GoldenBoyFlorida

3 жыл бұрын

@@gianmariogarrucciu2842 Thank you SO much Gian Mario. You're very kind, as are 99.99% of REM fans. XO

@jeffjohnson9842

3 жыл бұрын

Lost my father to COVID in April....Stay Strong...Horrible Times🙏

It will take a very deep, well organized, and compassionate group to ever double or surpass REM.Their music is both captivating and timeless. I miss them...

@paulagwhyte1720

5 жыл бұрын

Canada's The Tragically Hip. "38 Years-old", "Wheat Kings," "Fiddler's Green," "Long Time Running," "Blow at High Dough," "Little Bones," "New Orleans is Sinking," the list goes on and on..."Ahead by a century..."

@rogermurray8553

5 жыл бұрын

No disrespect but even the great Gord Downie would be embarrassed at your making a claim like that. If there's never been an AMERICAN band that wrote with the depth, variety and universality of REM, there's certainly no band from north of the border that has. The Tragically Hip occupied the national space they claimed for themselves with talent, class and dignity and it's cool that they were happy and fulfilled doing that.

@waynus2021

2 жыл бұрын

@@paulagwhyte1720 there is a big difference here , i`ve personally never heard of a band called "the tragically hip" . every person on this planet knows REM

@paulagwhyte1720

2 жыл бұрын

@@waynus2021 Try listening to them. REALLY listen to them. And the reason they didn't have the listenership of REM is because they are totally Canadian. Canadian lyrics, references and they every song they did was different and they did NOT have a genre. THEY were a genre.. Listen to Blow at High Dough, read some lyrics, Locked in the Trunk of a Car, 38 Years Old, New Orleans is Sinking (way before the disaster down there) whenever their music spreads, people become converts. Sadly, Gord Downie died of a brain tumour. But yes, the two bands always reminded me of each other in these ways; non-commercial, willing to be themselves, brave, moving and dancing like no one is looking, writing and talking about what no one else is, and lyrics that are genius. Gord could say more in one sentence than most song-writers in an entire song. I love them both. It's allowed.

@paulagwhyte1720

2 жыл бұрын

@@rogermurray8553 Try listening to them. REALLY listen to them. And the reason they didn't have the listenership of REM is because they are totally Canadian. Canadian lyrics, references and they every song they did was different and they did NOT have a genre. Yes, the two bands always reminded me of each other in these ways; non-commercial, willing to be themselves, brave, moving and dancing like no one is looking, writing and talking about what no one else is, and lyrics that are genius. Gord could say more in one sentence than most song-writers in an entire song. I love them both. The HIp didn't care about universality, nor were they even worried about what people thought or how they rated them. They were Canadians and life was fine with them. They didn't write to appeal to the rest of the world. But it doesn't make their music any less great There was never a band like them as far as working together, their love for each other, and their absolute loyalty and brotherhood to each other. The rest of the band worked with Gord like they were part of him. Of course every band has huge differences or they would be the same band. But I find similarities I can admire and love. I don't find the Hip "lesser."

theres so much emotion in Michael Stipes voice...

@lucvalynseele7148

3 жыл бұрын

completely agree with you !

"It's easier to leave than to be left behind. Leaving was never my proud". Powerfull lyric, so truth and yet describe one of the worst things to feel when you're the one left behind.

an underrated great song from the later years.

@pato2200

5 жыл бұрын

Well put

@jasonbarbush4991

5 жыл бұрын

too bad you can't find this stuff in stores at the mall. I recommend Soundgarden in Baltimore for a store with good variety if you can find it and if it still exists.

@stephen1562

4 жыл бұрын

Not underrated at all. Everyone thinks it's a great song

@krzysztofmilewski4742

4 жыл бұрын

@@stephen1562 Well, the stats tell a different story, I'm afraid. Hardly 2 m views... I'm not surprised they called it quits, a great band like this cannot exchange for such minor successes, you know? And Leaving New York is a beauty. I know you're going to say it doesn't matter, the fanbase still love it etc., but that's just not enough.

@stephen1562

4 жыл бұрын

@@krzysztofmilewski4742 I'm afraid, like many, you're falling into the trap of confusing "underrated" and "not popular". They are two different things altogether.

I come here every now and then to take my dose of beautiful melancholy and emotion of this song. Mike's vocals are awesome 💎

Questa canzone mi fa sognare e i falsetti finali delle voci sono magnifici. Nulla è a caso, tutto perfetto.

Quando eu era criança assistia esse clipe e vê-lo hj me trouxe boas memórias. REM ❤

This song is perfect.

@consultingfirmsrl4891

5 жыл бұрын

R.E.M. were and are perfect

@franciscocolin2008

4 жыл бұрын

I want Yankees Stadium to sing this song someday

@mattybailey9470

4 жыл бұрын

Should of played this song when cc Sabathia walked off the yankees stadium for the last time.

@jenniferkonstant5920

3 жыл бұрын

@@mattybailey9470 agreed!

@themusic5229

2 жыл бұрын

love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 love R.E.M. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Yet another REM masterpiece.

@eduardomota2429

3 жыл бұрын

One of 345

@johnpelletier7641

3 жыл бұрын

@@eduardomota2429 For sure. In my opinion, America's greatest band. They are missed, but we have their music. I hope they do one-offs here and there at some point.

@eduardomota2429

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnpelletier7641 best american band. Maybe Big Star too. Stipe is a treasure for humanity. Regarts from Brazil

@johnpelletier7641

3 жыл бұрын

@@eduardomota2429 greetings from New York State USA. Yes, Stipe is one of those very rare special geniuses. And I love Big Star too.

@Leo-qe3gl

6 ай бұрын

R.E.M. are maybe next to the smiths the Band from the 80s with the most masterpieces.😮

The chorus is just genious. So well composed. Always gives me shivers..

Ho ascoltato questa canzone a ripetizione all'aeroporto di Stansted mentre lasciavo Londra dopo averci vissuto a lungo, che tristezza e che bella canzone :')

@neilwilson5785

4 жыл бұрын

I don't do languages, but can say that Stanstead Airport is very efficient, but not very close to London. Best get a train to Liverpool Street.

@louishyper3210

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, you don't do languages...

@fabiod4587

4 жыл бұрын

Anch'io ho vissuto a Londra a lungo, 8 anni: si, davvero non è facile, nonostante tutte le difficoltà, andar via da una città come quella. Comunque sono contento di aver fatto quella esperienza ma non rimpiango di essere andato via ! Per ogni cosa c'è un momento giusto

@simonemarchesi1302

4 жыл бұрын

Davvero bellissima canzone, hai ragione!

@juriaroundtheworld7903

4 жыл бұрын

Fabio Droghieri e non resta altro che pensarci ogni tanto di nascosto ...

fails to chart on billboard yet although less promotion than other singles, number 5 in the UK. We know our music.

@ipiap

6 жыл бұрын

That was a long time ago. Today it would not chart in the UK either.

@andrewpatton3805

5 жыл бұрын

Great

@latenightlogic

5 жыл бұрын

Pfft. It was number 26 in week 2

@grapefruitm00n

5 жыл бұрын

We know our music in the US too...it's terrestrial radio and the programming directors that are shitstains

@bobwolenski5720

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's why you give marginally talented bands like a-ha a whole career.

REM, quel groupe d'excellence, pour le monde entier. Quelle voix, Michael Stipe, la voix de Mike Mills, également, les textes, leur musique, tout est tellement bon !!! À écouter sans modération, j'ai connu ce groupe en 1992. Un bonheur !

Leaving New York is a very cool song! !!! And Rem is also one of the best bands in the world

@Leo-qe3gl

6 ай бұрын

Gabi, da hast du recht.😊

What can you say. REM is the best American band in history hands down!

@janisgeezer1724

6 жыл бұрын

Hmmm.....or is it the Eagles? Very close.

@montanacaleb

6 жыл бұрын

hello Linkin Park!!

@seanbateson3398

6 жыл бұрын

linkin park are good but its doesn't compare to REM by a longshot

@markhamer4168

4 жыл бұрын

@@montanacaleb Goodbye Linkin Park!!!!

@robertomarazzotti

4 жыл бұрын

The Doors from Los Angeles, California

Never underplayed or underappreciated at my home...one of my most favourite REM songs

Comence a disfrutar REM a mis 17 años en el instituto. Ahora con 51 años sigo disfrutándolos como el primer dia. Me evocan sentimientos y percepciones que ningun otro grupo musical ha logrado. Tienen algo especial, melodico, profundo, sentimental, holistico..., inigualables. Las nuevas generaciones deberían conocer y disfrutar a estos dioses.

The vocal collaboration of this song is just one of the best sounds you will ever hear in a song everything they produce is exceptional this song is one of there best imo

Love and peace to all who read this, this song is a masterpiece and so underrated. To everyone who has suffered loss and pain its just part of the journey we have to travel and feel. Everything will be perfect one day for everyone. Tell your family you love them even if they do your head in. And try and do 1 good deed each day. Promise you will get far more back in folds x

@marcoventura9451

2 жыл бұрын

May God bless You.

I'm English and saw them in Worthing (South coast) back in 1983 and raced out to buy Murmur the next day. Have been a huge fan ever since along with my wife at the time. I love this song - a top-ten REM song for me. Hard for me to listen to after my divorce but I can now.

Michael is a handsome man with an ethereal voice.

@franciscocolin2008

4 жыл бұрын

Yankees tonight!

@papovavirus

4 жыл бұрын

@DIVI TV so what?

One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever .......

@nevermindshort3

5 жыл бұрын

This song moves me to tears

@CoachRobbBeams

4 жыл бұрын

@@nevermindshort3 Was thinking the same thing...I have literally listened to this song 10 times in a row...can't leave it today!

@Saxon1947

4 жыл бұрын

REM beautiful music the worlds most under rated band enjoy! 🙂

@tpsam

3 жыл бұрын

And it's arguably not even their top 3 songs This band is that good

OMG this song is so wonderful!!

@gerryduggan6821

4 жыл бұрын

Just like you.xxx

@bordy6526

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah

@scorpioonthelow7783

2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful

Omg this song is so good. It deserves more views and likes

I’m moving from NYC next week. Been there since I was a teen, now in my 30s. This song hits me in the feels. I’ll be back one day.

I heard this video reviewed on the File Under Water podcast and in the Perfect Circle book and fully expected to hate it, but I was surprised to find it's absolutely gorgeous. So well filmed and edited and really brings the song alive. I can't believe it missed it at the time. It actually makes me appreciate Around the Sun about 1% more, as I can see what they were trying to do with the look and sound of it. Both the podcast and the book criticise that is concludes at an awkward dinner party with Michael Stipe's friends, but what we see at the end is clearly a flashback to happier times, and it's a really emotionally truthful moment. So I think they're missing the point. Yeah. Loved it.

Just love this song, long time fan of REM but this is personal for me…

Sadly a very underplayed and underappreciated song!

This band has so many great songs. They kinda don't even have to try (at least that's how it seems). When you're this good, it's seemingly effortless. They should release another album.

@jmsl910

Жыл бұрын

they disbanded (obvi) & michael stopes said "we will never reunite"

An amazing song... one of my favourites... the bridge that starts at 2:56 just gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes. and that line easier to leave than to be left behind resonates with me.

Not every song is perfect. But sometimes, they are. Nobody knows how to make a song feel like REM. This is a song supposedly about moving from a city, but then encompasses the whole sense of moving, leaving, loss and sadness. The mourning when you have to move on. The sense of loss even when you choose to leave. Beautiful. Every single time I listen to it.

It's quiet now and what it brings is everything Comes calling back a brilliant night I'm still awake I looked ahead I'm sure I saw you there You don't need me to tell you now That nothing can compare You might've laughed if I told you You might have hidden your frown You might've succeeded in changing me I might've been turned around It's easier to leave than to be left behind Leaving was never my proud Leaving New York never easy I saw the light fading out Now life is sweet and what it brings I tried to take The loneliness it wears me out It lies in wait And on a loss still in my eyes Shatter a necklace across your thigh I might've lived my life in a dream But I swear this is real Memory fuses, and shatters like glass Mercurial future forget the past But it's you, it's what I feel You might've laughed if I told you (It's pulling me apart) You might have hidden your frown (change) You might've succeeded in changing me (It's pulling me apart) I might've been turned around (change) It's easier to leave than to be left behind (It's pulling me apart) Leaving was never my proud (change) Leaving New York never easy (It's pulling me apart) I saw the light fading out You find it in your heart, it's pulling me apart You find it in your heart (change) I told you forever, I love you it's forever I told you if I love you, I love you forever I told you forever, I love you it's forever I told you if I love you, I love you forever You never You might've laughed if I told you (It's pulling me apart) You might have hidden your frown (change) You might've succeeded in changing me (It's pulling me apart) I might've been turned around (change) It's easier to leave than to be left behind (It's pulling me apart) Leaving was never my proud (change) Leaving New York never easy (It's pulling me apart) I saw the light fading out (change) Leaving New York never easy (It's pulling me apart) I saw the light fading out (change) Leaving New York never easy (It's pulling me apart) I saw the light fading out (change)

There's a strange thing about this great band - that even as they seemed to be declining, they made some of their biggest hits.

This song is simply incredible

I’ve lived this song twice. I’m so thankful that this song exists because it has helped me. Thank you REM.

Gracias R.E.M por tantas grandes canciones.!! 💖

Es una canción hermosa. Me recuerda cuando tuve que dejar mi pueblo para buscar un mejor porvenir en la ciudad. Gran grupo REM. Saludos desde Colombia

The Band that has interpreted music in its most artistic form in the sense of ART. Their music videos are timeless works of art.

excelente cancion.... ya no hay grupos que te arrancan suspiros tan solo con las melodias o con la voz .. como los tenia REM... solo falto Bill Berry .. :(

R.E.M. might have been the Beatles of our generation. And most didnt notice.

@benclifton4466

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@tebogophadu7284

4 жыл бұрын

agreed

@allyharvey3494

4 жыл бұрын

Me too

@lucvalynseele7148

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a Beatles and REM fan !

@markhamer7220

3 жыл бұрын

REM were far more productive than the Beatles.

M.Stipe is the most complete front man. and Mills and Buck are the most complete band of all...

Not a song I listened to a lot when it came out. But it came back on my radar recently, and the lyrics have a lot of meaning for stuff in my life recently. What a great chorus.

Out of their entire catalog, "Leaving New York" is my all-time favorite R.E.M. song, followed closely by "Texarkana".

@pleasantville4529

Ай бұрын

Bad Day, stands up against anything they did. Along with Finest Worksong and What's the Frequency.

This song was in the background a lot as we were still getting to know each other. And now it's the song that's playing in my head as we walk away from each other fourteen years later. I wish you nothing but love and joy. I hope you know how awesome you are.

@paulhynes170

2 жыл бұрын

This song means a lot at the time it when came out I was young and in love and wish I was back there nothing has been better since then

What a perfect song for so many sad feelings that we've all had. Wow.

One of my favorite songs of all time. My favorite part of this video is the smile Michael Stipe exchanges with the little boy. So much thought and truth to this exchange.

The best city in the States. The best band in the World. Such beautiful worlds so whats not to like. Take care everyone Ax

Bei ricordi con questa musica. Noi 60enni siamo stati fortunati a godere dalla giovinezza in poi di tutti questi grandi artisti altro che quelli di oggi.

It's difficult to say which song by REM is my favorite, but damn, this one comes close!

What an amazing heartfelt song, it means more to me than I could ever say

It's easier to leave, than to be left behind Leaving was never my proud Leavin' New York's never easy I saw the light fading out.

@matthewgregory8218

6 жыл бұрын

Fede Brown this song came Out after 9-11 I think

Omg....this is my first listen to yet another wonderful soul filled song......my wish to meet Mike. Lol, it's on my bucket list before I expire....shit I would settle for a phone chat.

@jamesolfert8428

5 жыл бұрын

Galaxygaysex

Rem where are you when we need you you most?? ♥️♥️♥️

This is a great song and I think REM is an exceptional band. As years go by, I seem to forget these songs but they are in my mind. whenever I hear their songs on the radio they strike me as the first time I listened to them.

Totalmente , inovidables rem!!! Por siempre en mis recuerdos voz espectacular 🤩 ... Lo masss. Saludos desde argentina!😍♥️👌

@edgarmoraleslaurente6757

3 жыл бұрын

asi es

this song is lifting the quality of my life. 'I love you, I love you, I love you' Fantastic

I saw REM in a literal train car club in Carrboro NC. I worked at a nearby Harris Teeter and finished my shift early to quietly sneak in as I was underage. I had heard them on the local radio WXYC. Great memories!

@Leo-qe3gl

6 ай бұрын

When did you see them?

I was a first grader in elementary school, when my father showed this band, this song. When I got my first mobile phone, I asked him to download it for me. I listened to this song a lot, it was my ringtone also, even if I didn`t understand the lyrics, because I am Hungarian. Now, that 7 years have passed, and my dad left me, I found it again. It reminds me of the old times, when I lived with him. Now, he barely talks to me, but thanks to R.E.M., the memories remain.

Nice. I'd like to personally thank Peter Buck for showing up for the taping.

@plathrop7737

5 жыл бұрын

Lol

Is it me, or did REM songs become more and more melancholy as the years went by ?...

Oh my god, my heart is so full of REM right now!! Was this one of their last songs? It kind of sounds like they are saying goodbye to their fans. Gorgeously sad...

@jwhoadley

4 жыл бұрын

Not one of their last - they did a couple albums after this...i think he's saying goodbye to a lover he left before it all went to shit...check out o my heart from the last album, which kind of sums up stipe and REM for me

I actually discovered REM through what's widely considered their dud Around The Sun, and it's the only album of theirs that I listened to when it was new. My mom and I got the album as a gift for my dad (either Christmas or his birthday, I can't remember) and I remember listening to it with him a lot. I was only 5 at the time. This song was one of the first I really understood the meaning of as we had moved out of New York City about a year prior. I still revisit the album occasionally. It's not their best by any means, but it's what got me into the band, and Leaving New York is one of my favorite songs by them.

They were no longer the college radio darlings at this point, but this is up there with their best

I know, that this song is supposed to be LITERALLY about the city of New York. However, I cannot help but interpret it as leaving a certain person (probably a partner) because of this verse: "It's easier to leave, than to be left behind." That only makes sense, when you talk about someONE, who is capable of leaving you behind. You cannot be left behind by a city, because that would require you to remain stationary, while the place somehow moves away.

@secretsymphony

4 жыл бұрын

I agree. I've never visited New York but the lyrics: I told you, forever I love you, forever I told you, I love you I love you, forever I told you, forever You never, you never You told me forever It always reminds me of someone I loved. There's something about the delivery in Michael's voice which makes me want to sing it with conviction to the person I once knew...

@sinisternightmare

4 жыл бұрын

​@@secretsymphony I feel the same way. Some hurts just never go away. And if someone really has that much of a boner for a city, then simply DON'T leave! xD Or is this song about a someone, who literally almost dies of heartache each time, when going on a vacation? By the way: There's another song by R.E.M., that has a baffling correct interpretation: Shiny Happy People. Whenever I listen to that song, I'm absolutely sure, that it is about forced, superficial happiness and I can actually point out several specific parts of the lyrics and the melody that seem to be ironic or almost dark. But in actuality it is really not more than a stupid happy sing-along song for children.

@secretsymphony

4 жыл бұрын

@@sinisternightmare likewise, the thought crossed my mind with SHP. This is exemplified by the mournful intro and bridge: Without words it's sad and the singing makes it happy, leading to bridge where it becomes sad again.

@sinisternightmare

4 жыл бұрын

@@secretsymphony Yes exactly. Especially with the melancholic bridge it's sounds like as if the silly happy music is violently pushing away the sadness. And the verse "There's no time to cry" sounds almost like a threat to me. Sometimes crying is the appropriate reaction. And even the word "shiny" in the title sounds kinda weird. Polished, but not real.

4.02 / 4.29 : I would like my life to look like exactly like that... That blue light, the cool talking between friendly people... And what a beautiful song... I listen to REM since 1990 and I'm pretty convinced it was the best american rock band from its first record to its final... The poetry of the lyrics, the amazing voice of Michael Stipe, and SO MANY damn good songs, year after year... Thank you from the bottom of my heart REM ! :)

Leaving New York. never easy. The traffic is backed up for miles.”

@hectormoreno46

3 жыл бұрын

I loved it!

@eduardomota2429

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha great

@marcomostertz7142

3 жыл бұрын

2003

@jenniferkonstant5920

3 жыл бұрын

LMAO so true!

Simplesmente lindíssima essa canção! ❤🕺🎼🎸🎼🎸🎼🕺🎼💥

Song always gets to me. Reminds me of a time in my life that I still today never got over. But I love it . To me beautiful . Love rem

I've never been to New York, hope to go someday, but this song reminds me how hard it is to leave Seoul, my true home.

@martachalas6660

5 ай бұрын

Seoul is too amazing to leave it behind.

@nathanlamadrid1027

5 ай бұрын

@martachalas6660 true, but I had to, last year, after 6 amazing months.

Absolutely beautiful. Genius. 😢

Actually this song leaves me speechless, such a beautiful haunting classic.😳

Il talento, i testi e le musiche dei REM sono qualcosa di palpabile, percepibile alle prime note.....ed è tutto meravigliosamente unico !

@rossellacasati1727

4 жыл бұрын

Bravo Valter, il tuo commento centra in pieno la straordinarieta dei REM ❤️ ineguagliabili😍

"It's easier to leave than to be left behind"...Seems like a simple line but it feels like an epiphany every time I hear it. Makes me think of my best friend who was tragically murdered in 2005. I miss you Lori ❤

Uma das maiores canções que já ouvi. Incomensuravelmente linda. Meu sonho é conhecer Nova York. REM não é deste planeta.

@Moonsandbutterflies

2 жыл бұрын

"Incomensuravelmente linda" é lindo!!🤗💖💖💖

When I was around 5 or 6 years old my parents couldn’t play this song because it made me too emotional.... 11 years later it still does

@alerob2176

2 жыл бұрын

That song makes me cry everytime i listen it. (Sorry if my English is not good enough i'm from Argentina)

Loved REM since forever,this song is so under rated.

the maturity and sonic complexity reached by the rem in this song has few equals in the history of contemporary music. exceptional video for poetry, thought, narration.

18 декабря конец самого трудного и не удачного года, вдруг вспомнилась эта песня всех с наступающим, добра и здоровья в ваши души .

This song should have been massive like everybody hurts. Maybe if it had been released in the 90's ...

@tpsam

3 жыл бұрын

That's The music industry Success ain't related to quality

i love this so much. it makes me emotional all the times!!!

Podría escuchar esta canción y ver el video una y otra vez. Me da mucha paz.

What a band!!!! What a track!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

Certain things in life are far off better explained through music and lyrics. R.E.M. songs have had that impact on mine; like now I'm grieving having to let go of someone I loved like none before.

This song makes me feel sad but a beautiful song just listening to Michael's voice it's just amazing 💞💞

I´m very proud of R.E.M.

@jasonbarbush1794

6 жыл бұрын

have pride without the ego and conceit if you can handle it and keep it in check

This song literally summed up my feelings leaving New York back in 2005. Heart break and after 4 years living there and loving the city and the USA left heart broken and empty back to the uk. It took me years to get over that. This song aired I think when I left and I felt it was just for me. I broke down in tears.

@Leo-qe3gl

2 күн бұрын

🥲

Ogni grande band che si rispetti deve avere il suo leader e Michael Stips per i REM lo rappresenta sicuramente. Questo brano è qualcosa di unico.

I REM sono cio' che di piu' bello la musica possa averci donato, culla I 'anima come nessun'altro gruppo sia riuscito a fare MERAVIGLIOSAMENTE UNICI GRAZIE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️