John Grant - GMF, video directed by Lucy Luscombe. From the 2013 album 'Pale Green Ghosts'. www.bellaunion.com Available now: bellaunion.sandbag.uk.com/Stor...
I cry every time I hear this song. It was a favourite of my very much loved complex son. He was very intelligent but found it very hard to fit in . He took his own live at the age of 35 in 2019 . 2 weeks before Christmas. I miss him every day
Brassic got me here. Perfect song for the show. This song, along with the video, shows 'reality'...just like Brassic does. Although it's a comedy with supposed exaggerated characters, they're so real to me, as I know them all, or have done. It's about the choice's some of us make regarding how to live our lives, and how to make money. It's all there...pain, love, jealousy, madness and proper belly laughs....and this song encapsulates all that, along with the heart-breaking awkwardness that sometimes goes along with being different.
I think this is the ultimate ‘loner’ song, about people who prefer to be alone but also crave company and love. They struggle with intimate relationships but seem very sociable when you meet them. This makes them hard work in relationships and very introverted people but ultimately, if you put the work in, very rewarding and loyal. The percentage is saying what you’d get out of the relationship if you did stick it out, but it goes down as you have missed your chance through the song and the singer has gained enough confidence to be alone again.
I would've agreed with this as a teenager. Nowadays I think it's important just to be hopelessly positive in the face of a world that probably isn't our (or anyone's) friend. Not disagreeing with the meaning you've found though. Just explaining how my own mind has changed over the years since this was released. Good luck on your travels my friend
@@brynjones3530 Interesting since writing this i have had some counciling and found out that although loved as a chid I had a lack of emotional intimacy with my parents so had a lack of experience in dealing with it. Meaning I was openly sociable but struggle with intimate emotions and therefore relationships. Think looking at John Grant lyrics he has had similar issues, although maybe more through his sexuality when young.
just re-watched this video yesterday and it really struck me the sadness and loneliness it depicts....trying to be social, but not quite fitting in......putting yourself out there and still alone no matter what. It's a huge demonstration of a solitary and sad life, carrying on in necessity - sometimes happy enough, sometimes very alone. It was the saddest saddest thing to watch when I really did.
You are kind of close. It's more about self loathing. He doesn't love himself at all and talks about how he is aware of it by the things he "feels" that may not be the "social" norm. There for he doesn't know how to love anyone else because he can't love himself first. But the chorus is the contrast in him trying to find the positive of his situation by saying we all should be laughing more no matter what shit we go through.
It’s strange and sad when you know you have a soulmate in the world you’ll never meet, but it helps just knowing there’s someone out there who gets you like nobody else does.
was playing the whole CD while cleaning my car and my neighbor lady asked who was I playing she said she has not heard something as more beautiful in a long time......
Every time I play this to somebody even without intro or me telling them to listen, they always ask “that’s awesome who is that” and “those lyrics are amazing”
The basketball represents his shine, in the spiritual sense his inner light and love if you will. Throughout the video he is being himself, enjoying himself, and speaking to people as his true self. He's treating people as equals, as human beings, he's not looking at them in comparison to himself competitively or comparatively. The things he does alone in the video Is the truest expression of self love. It's not loneliness. Notice he loses his basketball before the bar scene, (his shine). Waits for a date that doesn't show. Becomes self conscious in a bar filled with trendy bar stars where he doesn't feel like he fits in, he's too much in his own head instead of living through his heart. Until he closes his eyes, remembers his shine and comes back to himself. It's Self love. A great teacher of mine recommended this video to me and said "Im not going to lose my basketball for someone." Don't ever lose yourself for someone else. Love you all.
My ex sent this to me 3 years ago... like she meant to tell me this was "me" and to tell me I'm a bad person. She still texts me to this day... but this song has grounded me to be a better friend and/or lover. I bump this all the time now. Great video, great lyrics, great beat. Look up his live "Where Dreams go to die". Gorgeous!!
When I heard this song I thought it was a quirky portrayal of a narcissist. Then I saw the video and sobbed at the depiction of a desperate, lonely, awkward man who just wanted to connect to someone in a meaningful way. This is something so many can relate to somehow. Thank you John x
The desperate person is still a narcissist. You would not have felt that way had it been a Hollywood story. Thing is most narcissists are also losers, they're still horrible even with puppy dog eyes in the rain. They take many costumes, does it really change anything?
Ninzip well it is, it's about a man he fell in love with, and was rejected by, as well as his battle against homophobia!! But as with all songs, they are written with the feelings you have at the time. I'm sure with his new found success he's more of a happy ducky! :)
This is great. Forget the title and title lyric; what's brilliant is the line "you could be laughing 65% more of the time" and so on at the end, down to 25%...right...heartbreaking. A brilliant video. Kudos to the director for pinning this song.
Im actually in love with this song, it's so emotional and moving, there's only one line that i cant fully relate to but everything else is all too real. Its moved me in a way that ive never been moved before, such raw emotion, i could happily play this song on repeat ❤️
Mr Grant My boyfriend and I traversed fro Sea Cliff to see you in Bklyn. I loved this song and wanted to see you live. We got so lost...it took hours to make it to the theatte...we made it just in time...even got a side table right in front. OMG.... when you sang this I sang it with you. I think I was the only one who knew all the words...i felt s okk blessed to be on the same room with you. Your song madr a supreme impact on me. Hope you are doing well...?
С творчеством Джона знаком лет 5-7 и мне кажется что только я один просмотрел это ролик 27 тысячь раз. Человек известен в нескольких странах а известности в соцсетях 0 😮. Человек с таким прекрасным вокалом и манерами ,даже мое сердце гопаря смог тронуть .где вы эстеты ?!
Love this. Just heard it on our awesome local public radio station here in Denver while driving home from hanging out with some friends. Beautiful night.
Sinead O'Connor said it well. I'm paraphrasing, but John Grant makes masculine men feel safe enough to be emotional. He dances this fine line that's so rare. Such beautiful music and such an interesting life story. My favorite artist right now. Chills for sure.
Brassic season 1 brought me here. I have bi polar and bpd and this is how I feel most of the time. I’m in a super low at the moment. Broke up with my fiancé of 5 years 4 months ago and wish we’d tried harder. Wish I’d tried harder. There’s no one like him and I’m not wanting to live with the consequences of being without him. It’s a very underrated song
The beautiful bass baritone, gorgeous melody and whimsical lyrics reminded me of Neil Hannon. There is no higher praise I can give. This is simply beautiful. Thank you.
I first heard this on the radio when Richard Madeley chose it as his favourite track, I was immediately effected because of the unbelievable lyrics. John is very gifted, saw him at Halifax Minster & The Sage in Gateshead when he was accompanied by an orchestra…magnificent just magnificent
The combined awesomeness of this song AND video is almost too much to bear. I'm seeing him at the Royal Albert Hall in less than a fortnight and my excitement is figuratively palpable.
A colossus of a song. Achingly beautiful. Belongs In the pantheon of great songs. Cohen, Simon and Dylan. Let’s ask them. “I should have practiced my scales!!!”
Is this funny? Or is it sad? I can't decide - which may be why it is so brilliant. I was down the front at Field Day on Sunday listening to him sing this. Flipping great.
I have always played this song for people and told them it was written about me. I still believe he wrote it about someone just like me but until I read the comments I didn’t see the truest saddest part about it, and while it smarts I am so grateful I read the comments and for the people that made me see it. My people, apparently. Thank you all. ❤
People can be prone to exaggeration in CZcams comments and I dare say I'm as guilty of it as anyone, but I genuinely believe that in the lyrics and production this is one of the truly great songs of our age.
This has grown to become one of my favourite songs ever. If you like this, you should also check out some of Grant's work with his former band, The Czars. You could do worse than starting out with "Paint the Moon" (which I've heard him play at his own concerts) and "Roger's Song", which is absolutely beautiful.
I cry every time I hear this song. It was a favourite of my very much loved complex son. He was very intelligent but found it very hard to fit in . He took his own live at the age of 35 in 2019 . 2 weeks before Christmas. I miss him every day
May he rest in peace. I am sorry for your loss. Take care
Oh God. I'm so sorry.
i’m so sorry for your loss. i hope he’s at peace now, and that you’re doing well.
So sorry for your loss. May great memories make you smile & bring you peace.
I hope you're doing ok Barbara. God bless your son x
Brassic got me here. Perfect song for the show. This song, along with the video, shows 'reality'...just like Brassic does. Although it's a comedy with supposed exaggerated characters, they're so real to me, as I know them all, or have done. It's about the choice's some of us make regarding how to live our lives, and how to make money. It's all there...pain, love, jealousy, madness and proper belly laughs....and this song encapsulates all that, along with the heart-breaking awkwardness that sometimes goes along with being different.
Me to .great show great song.
"You think I hate myself but it's you I hate because you have the nerve to make me feel" my god... John's lyrics are incredible.
I think this is the ultimate ‘loner’ song, about people who prefer to be alone but also crave company and love. They struggle with intimate relationships but seem very sociable when you meet them. This makes them hard work in relationships and very introverted people but ultimately, if you put the work in, very rewarding and loyal.
The percentage is saying what you’d get out of the relationship if you did stick it out, but it goes down as you have missed your chance through the song and the singer has gained enough confidence to be alone again.
I’m the extrovert drawn to them, doing all the work, and feeling unwanted. Still drawn to them. Most of my friends and partners are like that.
I think its about how much of an arsehole we can be.
How percpicatiouse of you, we should meet, but purely in a superficial way you understand
I would've agreed with this as a teenager. Nowadays I think it's important just to be hopelessly positive in the face of a world that probably isn't our (or anyone's) friend. Not disagreeing with the meaning you've found though. Just explaining how my own mind has changed over the years since this was released. Good luck on your travels my friend
@@brynjones3530 Interesting since writing this i have had some counciling and found out that although loved as a chid I had a lack of emotional intimacy with my parents so had a lack of experience in dealing with it. Meaning I was openly sociable but struggle with intimate emotions and therefore relationships. Think looking at John Grant lyrics he has had similar issues, although maybe more through his sexuality when young.
just re-watched this video yesterday and it really struck me the sadness and loneliness it depicts....trying to be social, but not quite fitting in......putting yourself out there and still alone no matter what. It's a huge demonstration of a solitary and sad life, carrying on in necessity - sometimes happy enough, sometimes very alone. It was the saddest saddest thing to watch when I really did.
Wow.. i just thought he was actually being social and he was just enjoying himself at the end
You ruined it for me :(
sorry! i'm prob way off!
Bernie Doherty Hah, it's fine. You didn't actually ruin it. I was just joking.
You are kind of close. It's more about self loathing. He doesn't love himself at all and talks about how he is aware of it by the things he "feels" that may not be the "social" norm. There for he doesn't know how to love anyone else because he can't love himself first. But the chorus is the contrast in him trying to find the positive of his situation by saying we all should be laughing more no matter what shit we go through.
You over analyse and overthink things.
It’s strange and sad when you know you have a soulmate in the world you’ll never meet, but it helps just knowing there’s someone out there who gets you like nobody else does.
Beautiful ❤
was playing the whole CD while cleaning my car and my neighbor lady asked who was I playing she said she has not heard something as more beautiful in a long time......
Richard McCoy ❤️
Had a similar experience. John's music reaches out to all.
This song is an absolute masterpiece... wonderful
Masterpiece is the correct word. The man is a genius.
@@jdsalbion Agreed
Total masterpiece!!!
Just discovered this thanks to brassic beautiful song great program a true classic 🧔🧔❤️
This song deserves a lot more recognition. I forgot about it and then suddenly I thought of the lyrics. That's why I'm here:)
I hope you're laughing at least 25% more of the time now.
Check out belle and Sebastian if you aren't already into them
Every time I play this to somebody even without intro or me telling them to listen, they always ask “that’s awesome who is that” and “those lyrics are amazing”
Can't believe I am hearing this for the first time. Amazing ❤
The basketball represents his shine, in the spiritual sense his inner light and love if you will. Throughout the video he is being himself, enjoying himself, and speaking to people as his true self. He's treating people as equals, as human beings, he's not looking at them in comparison to himself competitively or comparatively. The things he does alone in the video Is the truest expression of self love. It's not loneliness. Notice he loses his basketball before the bar scene, (his shine). Waits for a date that doesn't show. Becomes self conscious in a bar filled with trendy bar stars where he doesn't feel like he fits in, he's too much in his own head instead of living through his heart. Until he closes his eyes, remembers his shine and comes back to himself. It's Self love. A great teacher of mine recommended this video to me and said "Im not going to lose my basketball for someone." Don't ever lose yourself for someone else. Love you all.
This is my favourite interpretation of this song I've ever seen, thank you stranger
I'm detoxing, you made me emotional! Not felt anything for many years, thank you.
Thank you, Bo Burnham, for alerting me to this beautiful soul!
+Nic Hayman oh man did u go through all the things in his things page!!
Same, he just posted this song on his reddit AMA
i subbed you sub me!1!11111111111
only just discovered this song today, quite literally one of the most beautiful things i have ever found. thank you john
My ex sent this to me 3 years ago... like she meant to tell me this was "me" and to tell me I'm a bad person. She still texts me to this day... but this song has grounded me to be a better friend and/or lover.
I bump this all the time now. Great video, great lyrics, great beat.
Look up his live "Where Dreams go to die". Gorgeous!!
This song has a Carpenter's feel to it. I can't get enough of it.
+Daniel Stewart can I imagine Karen singing this? Yeah why not.
Now that you mention it... 😮
Daniel Stewart I've never been felt by a carpenter, but OK, whatever floats your boat...
Definitely…..But Karen singing I’m the greatest mother fucker wouldn’t of done her wholesome image much good. 😉
My brain never made that link as a kid born in the mid 70's and now you pointed this out I can't believe I didn't realise it.
When I heard this song I thought it was a quirky portrayal of a narcissist. Then I saw the video and sobbed at the depiction of a desperate, lonely, awkward man who just wanted to connect to someone in a meaningful way. This is something so many can relate to somehow. Thank you John x
The desperate person is still a narcissist. You would not have felt that way had it been a Hollywood story. Thing is most narcissists are also losers, they're still horrible even with puppy dog eyes in the rain. They take many costumes, does it really change anything?
Your view is very narrow minded
@@chef4328 how so?
@@bjornfelle I wasn't actually commenting on @gbl280 comment, not yours..
Thanks for the song recommendation, Bo :-)
my new favourite ARTIST!
+r. e. Vallantyne Yup,the same here.
+r. e. Vallantyne me too!
Bo Burnham's better bro
The first time I saw this I found it very funny, now I find it more to be sad or bitter. Makes it somehow all the more relevant.
Ninzip well it is, it's about a man he fell in love with, and was rejected by, as well as his battle against homophobia!! But as with all songs, they are written with the feelings you have at the time. I'm sure with his new found success he's more of a happy ducky! :)
life is funny like that
This played about 3 years ago on the local radio station, in the middle of the night. Glad I found it again.
Whoever chose to put it on probably went through some shit.
@@Hoonters-goona-Hoont True to that
This is great. Forget the title and title lyric; what's brilliant is the line "you could be laughing 65% more of the time" and so on at the end, down to 25%...right...heartbreaking. A brilliant video. Kudos to the director for pinning this song.
His voice reminds me of Neil Hannon of Divine Comedy. Such a beautiful melody and the lyrics are pure poetry. So much love for this tune
good shout
Spot on. First time I heard it I thought the vocalist was Neil Hannon. Great song.
I want to give John Grant a cuddle.
I do too
Omg me too SOOOOO BAD! ❤️
Forreal.
Ew.
@x x Thank fuck for that ;)
Only just discovered this song on the TV series Brassic. Such a sad but beautiful song. I’m hooked.
Im actually in love with this song, it's so emotional and moving, there's only one line that i cant fully relate to but everything else is all too real.
Its moved me in a way that ive never been moved before, such raw emotion, i could happily play this song on repeat ❤️
You're the GMF, dear Sinead. Rest in eternal light❤
This is quite simply a masterpiece.
Mr Grant
My boyfriend and I traversed fro Sea Cliff to see you in Bklyn. I loved this song and wanted to see you live. We got so lost...it took hours to make it to the theatte...we made it just in time...even got a side table right in front. OMG.... when you sang this I sang it with you. I think I was the only one who knew all the words...i felt s okk blessed to be on the same room with you. Your song madr a supreme impact on me. Hope you are doing well...?
Most recently heard this in an elevator in an international hotel in Shanghai. Success? I vote yes.
I have never identified so much with a song...
С творчеством Джона знаком лет 5-7 и мне кажется что только я один просмотрел это ролик 27 тысячь раз. Человек известен в нескольких странах а известности в соцсетях 0 😮. Человек с таким прекрасным вокалом и манерами ,даже мое сердце гопаря смог тронуть .где вы эстеты ?!
This song is helping me deal with a terrible time in my life so thank you for that John
Heard this on Brassic .. love it
Genius is spelt John Grant
I can't believe it's been 10 years since John Grant became my favourite music artist.
I love this song it's beautiful and so is John Grant I love all his music ,
Just been watching 'sound of song' on BBC4 and they played this, thought it was great. Never knew what GMF stood for...I do now!
This whole album is amazing. Fantastic song writer.
Love this. Just heard it on our awesome local public radio station here in Denver while driving home from hanging out with some friends. Beautiful night.
Best song and video of the year hands down
Of this century
Just discovered this guy, because of Brassic. What a find. :)
Terry Forde same here. The program is the best mix of comedy, tragedy and awkwardness and the soundtrack is inspired.
Me too! I was too emotionally drained to watch another episode, I just keep playing this song.
Same dude
Brassic brought me here, am so glad it did. What a masterpiece...
Me too lol
Same great show and what a find music wise
me too jonesy lad
I feel like I just came home
welcome home
Keep introducing new people to this tune. Without fail, everyone loves it.
John Grant, you are a fucking HERO.
Sinead O'Connor said it well. I'm paraphrasing, but John Grant makes masculine men feel safe enough to be emotional. He dances this fine line that's so rare. Such beautiful music and such an interesting life story. My favorite artist right now. Chills for sure.
Brassic season 1 brought me here. I have bi polar and bpd and this is how I feel most of the time. I’m in a super low at the moment. Broke up with my fiancé of 5 years 4 months ago and wish we’d tried harder. Wish I’d tried harder. There’s no one like him and I’m not wanting to live with the consequences of being without him. It’s a very underrated song
This is the best ever dumped, kicked out and accused song, thank you to a special friend for showing me the way to this...
The beautiful bass baritone, gorgeous melody and whimsical lyrics reminded me of Neil Hannon. There is no higher praise I can give. This is simply beautiful. Thank you.
I feel hollow and at home after listening to this.
Oh god. I recognise sooooo much of myself in this song and this video. And John Grant is sooooooo good looking.
John Grant is my big discovery.Got Pale Green Ghosts as my birthday present.
A really good music performance and voice.
Think I'm about to get heavily into john grant
its worth it, im obsessed
Me too! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
same! this is amazing!
Yo, same
This song makes me want to cry. Such a beautiful song, I'm in love.
Love this song even more now watching the video
Brassic brought me here, this is an amazing song
Yep! Brassic, Vinnie is a legend too!
John is everything. Just wow.
I heard this last night on Brassic and googled the lyrics. It came up with this. It's brilliant! Thank you!
The best video, movie, piece of poetry ever made.
OMG this is a masterpiece. Beautiful, inspiring and a work of art ❤
Christ, I love his sense of humor.
here for Bo
me too o/
Thank you John for this gift :)
I first heard this on the radio when Richard Madeley chose it as his favourite track, I was immediately effected because of the unbelievable lyrics. John is very gifted, saw him at Halifax Minster & The Sage in Gateshead when he was accompanied by an orchestra…magnificent just magnificent
Beautiful Sinéad brought me here to this beautiful man singing his beautiful song.
RIP dear lady 💚
beautiful song, beautiful video
With your beard you made me think of Brahms, the GMF of his era... Both of you created very wonderful music!
Found this song watching Brassic, so Fuckin glad I did he's BRILLIANT
First time seeing John in the Cork Opera last night. Wow. What an amazing experience. Loved every minute of it!!!
Just discovered John about a week ago...such an amazing artist.
I didn't realize I needed to hear this six years ago, but I heard it today, and that is what matters.
Returning to send this 🖤
I've been listening to this song for a while now, and only just realized what GNF stands for hahaha
Sinead O'Connor providing backing vocals, btw. :)
❤️
her tone ,Is so unique
Great shout
Now you’ve pointed it out I can hear her.
It gives me comfort in this period.
The combined awesomeness of this song AND video is almost too much to bear. I'm seeing him at the Royal Albert Hall in less than a fortnight and my excitement is figuratively palpable.
Anyone here from the Bo AMA?
No, absolutely nobody clicked the link he posted. It was just you. You are all alone, you sad lonely person
+Emily Smitley is your friend travis?
+Emily Smitley aw man
meee
You know it
Can't stop playing
Didn't realize someone wrote my themesong. Now we're crying.
A colossus of a song. Achingly beautiful. Belongs In the pantheon of great songs. Cohen, Simon and Dylan. Let’s ask them. “I should have practiced my scales!!!”
Is this funny? Or is it sad? I can't decide - which may be why it is so brilliant. I was down the front at Field Day on Sunday listening to him sing this. Flipping great.
saw him at glastonbury, what a brilliant soul!
I'm 65 percent more happy for finding this song!
This song is in my top ten of the decade.....
Top 30 of this century
Amo esta canção... amo a voz de John Grant...
WOW!!! I don't listen to critics...they said this is one of the best underated album of 2013...and they are right!
What would be really cool would be if both John and Snead would tour together....
I have always played this song for people and told them it was written about me. I still believe he wrote it about someone just like me but until I read the comments I didn’t see the truest saddest part about it, and while it smarts I am so grateful I read the comments and for the people that made me see it.
My people, apparently. Thank you all. ❤
Great timing in finding this song.
Hi Google+ friends, I saw "John Grant" last night on David Letterman and fell in love with this track. Go on give it a listen, it is very impressive.
He did and he made use of the term "greatest living creature" instead of gmf.
he seems like a pretty cool dude.
People can be prone to exaggeration in CZcams comments and I dare say I'm as guilty of it as anyone, but I genuinely believe that in the lyrics and production this is one of the truly great songs of our age.
I heard this on X-id radio during a trip to Iceland recently. Wonderful chill song, it brings back great memories of the trip.
This made me feel good, then the ending left me feeling hollow
This entire video keeps stealing my heart and won't give it back until it's over
+spoot Same here, man.
THIS VIDEO MADE ME CRY, AND I DON'T KNOW WHY :-/
Loneliless, bro.
@@eduardomota2429 you were probably right
first time listening to john grant: i love his rich voice, with dreamy instrumentals. glad i found this gem!
Just discovered this brilliant song,John you r awesome.4th day today that its been playing on and on..
This has grown to become one of my favourite songs ever. If you like this, you should also check out some of Grant's work with his former band, The Czars. You could do worse than starting out with "Paint the Moon" (which I've heard him play at his own concerts) and "Roger's Song", which is absolutely beautiful.
OKAY but I do consider myself the greatest motherfucker anyone will meet.
Rob Harrah Absolutely. And it's so, so underrated.
John's face @ 01:44 when the bird makes him jump is priceless. Adorable.
One of the wittiest songs on the album. Seeing John Grant dance is...brilliant!