R.E.M.: Everybody Hurts

Jake Scott video for R. E. M. Is poetry in motion. "Everybody Hurts" is one of those melodies you can't forget and it's hard to not shed a tear with it, and as for the images chosen here Scott gave us a traffic jam, lots of cars on the highway and we're able to see what each driver or passenger is thinking through captions that reflect their quiet and bored inner state, no happiness allowed. It's a vibe almost like a cross between Fellini's "8 1/2" and Wenders "Wings of Desire" but with Michael Stipe being the angel who sings from time to time (and the way the highway traffic was filmed I'd say it'd inspire the future opening of "Falling Down"). And you may wonder, what's this concept has to do with such a beautiful song? Well, hear me out.

Everybody hurts in this life, everyone goes through some troubled times, some hardship, and we all feel alone in the crowd. We're stuck in a traffic yet we are part of it as well - and the song goes "No, you're not alone" which is also a good insight that we can ease our pain when we reach out for others; and also serves to tell us that we're not alone with pain or hurt because in the end everybody hurts. This is a song about empathy, care for ourselves and others. And that final image when we see union coming from everyone leaving their cars and walking on the road is all about that sense when we get out of our inner space (thoughts) and join others (share the burden, share the pain). That's how I see "Everybody Hurts", one of the greatest achievements in music videos of all time.

Sometimes listening to the song isn't enough so whenever I get the chance I watch this clip and it never fails to amaze me. It's beautiful, poetic, magical and reflective. 10/10.

It is source and precise reflection of a state. A state easy to define as bitterness or sadness or blue soul. But, in essence, it has not name. Only a sort of sketch reflected, in fine manner, by the song.