“Everybody Hurts” is a song by the American rock band R.E.M., from their 1992 album Automatic for the People. It was released as a single in April 1993.
It was largely written by drummer Bill Berry (with shared credits among the band members: Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe) and produced by the band with Scott Litt. The track has a soulful, ballad feel with a relatively straightforward arrangement (including use of a drum machine on the basic track).
Meaning and intent
The lyrics are deliberately clear and direct (unusual for some of R.E.M.’s more abstract work). Michael Stipe and the band have described it as a genuine message of encouragement, especially aimed at teenagers (or anyone) going through hard times: when life feels overwhelming, hang on—everybody hurts sometimes, take comfort in friends, and you’re not alone. It has often been characterized as an anti-suicide song, and many people have said it helped them through dark periods.
Reception and legacy
It became one of the band’s bigger hits internationally (top 10 in several countries including the UK, though it peaked at #29 on the US Billboard Hot 100). The official music video (directed by Jake Scott, filmed in a traffic jam in San Antonio, Texas) is iconic and won awards. The song has appeared on best-of compilations and remains one of R.E.M.’s most recognized and emotionally resonant tracks.
