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.
Key: D
D
G
e -------2-----------2-----------3-----------3----- B -----3---3-------3---3-------3---3-------3---3---
D
G
D
G
D
When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone
G
D
G
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on e -------------
Em
A
Em
A
Em
Don't let yourself go, everybody cries
A
D
G
and everybody hurts sometimes
Em
A
e -------0-----------0-----------0-----------0----- B -----0---0-------0---0-------2---2-------2---2---
D
G
D
Sometimes everything is wrong, now it's time to sing along
G
D
When your day is night alone (hold on, hold on)
G
D
If you feel like letting go (hold on)
G
D
G
When you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on e -------------
Em
A
Em
A
Em
Everybody hurts, take comfort in your friends
A
Everybody hurts,
F#
Bm
F#
Bm
F#
Bm
Don't throw your hand, oh no, don't throw your hand
C
G
C
Am
when you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone
D
G
D
G
If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long
D
G
D
G
When you think you've had too much, of this life, to hang on e -------------
Em
A
Em
Well everybody hurts, sometimes
A
Em
A
D
G
Everybody cries, everybody hurts, sometimes
D
G
D/A
G
D
But everybody hurts sometimes so hold on, hold on, hold on,