Lyrics of
Everybody Hurts

Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. was written to reach out to people who were feeling helpless and in despair. Michael Stipe, the bands lead singer, said that it was intended to offer comfort and hope to those feeling vulnerable, particularly teenagers. The simplicity of the chords and the sincerity of the lyrics helped make the song an anthem of comfort and solidarity.

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When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on
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Don't let yourself go, everybody cries
and everybody hurts sometimes
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Sometimes everything is wrong, now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go (hold on)
When you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on
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Everybody hurts, take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts,

Don't throw your hand, oh no, don't throw your hand
when you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone

If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much, of this life, to hang on
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Well everybody hurts, sometimes
Everybody cries, everybody hurts, sometimes

But everybody hurts sometimes so hold on, hold on, hold on,
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on,
Everybody hurts
You are not alone