The first half of the song speaks to the loss of innocence and attachment trauma experience I had through most of my life. When I listen to the second half, I imagine myself racing through the universe collecting pieces of myself and putting myself together again. Making my way back to who I was meant to be. The violin in this version adds to the beauty of my vision, helps me to "feel" that vibration in my whole body!
This is easily one of Sufjan's top 5 songs. The violin adds a different dimension to what we usually get in his songs and I love it. Nobody can do simple vulnerable heartbreak like Sufjan.
The pic NASA recently posted of Mercury captures the same emotional gratitude I feel for life when I listen to this song. Absolutely beautiful & unique in every way great.
I swear I'm at that point where I've almost completely lost hope in literally every aspect of life; But the upcoming release of the studio version of this album is what keeps me going at this moment. I don't know what I'll do after it but just wanna state that Sufjan Stevens has helped me going through a lot of tough times and I'm thankful. This era of music makes me proud as a human being. Thanks NPR for posting this; I'd love to see him on a Tiny Desk Concert. Edit: It’s been almost a year since I commented on here, and I must say, I’m blown away by this great community I’m a part of. Music really does bring people together. Your beautiful responses has brought tears to my eyes. These are the most heart-warming replies I’ve ever got from a group of people. I’d like to thank each and every one of you for caring and I just wanted to say, I was in a really bad place when I wrote this comment, and now I’m doing better than I did before mentally. Thanks guys.
yo man, don't give up. There is always a reason to smile, to have fun and enjoy life, sometimes you need to search for it a little more. If you need someone to listen to you, I'm here. best, Fred
Saba Aghajani I've felt the same way for the longest time and Sufjan's music has helped me so much, especially "The Only Thing". We can do this brother
Saba Aghajani I felt exactly the same before the new Bon Iver album but it got me through those times and I've kept my head up ever since. Just stick with it and know it's always ok to talk about this stuff. If you want to drop me a pm or something feel free, I'm happy to listen
I'm just about in tears right now. I hope you can feel the warmth and genuity of these comments. we are here for you, in whatever little ways that we can be. you are not alone. from one human being to another, there are still reasons out there. you are a reason. I'll be seeing Planetarium performed live at the hollywood forever by myself next month. when they play this song, I will think of you and dedicate it to you in my mind, and hope that your heart can somehow feel the resonance of my own. sufjan on, saba. sufjan on. ❀
I hear you. For whatever reason (namely the reality of human consciousness), I believe these people mean what they are saying, having never even heard the timbre of your voice. Whether it's a pm or just a thought, there are open ears, with the hopes that these words will mean more to you than just words. Man, art is so communal.
Bryce really gives this song the otherworldly, spacey feel. He has such beautiful touch. Sufjan is one of my favorite musicians, but Bryce makes this performance really special.
This is so beautiful. I wish there was a documentary on the cosmos with the late Stephen Hawking where Sufjan Stevens made the score and Sir Attenborough narrate the whole thing.
The Ascension, Age of Adz, All Delighted People and the song My Rajneesh make for an ultimate trilogy. Illinois, Oregon and Michigan are great albums of the states.
if we stop thinking we can feel that we are not alone, it´s our ego and our habits which feel us so sad, alone & unimportant, but it´s a everyday struggle to recognize it, so go on, sufjans music is a big help to be connected with all, the universe, the wind, the love, the music, the awareness, and i guess this is spirituality, to know and to feel that there is freedom behind thinking and its patterns
I came across this tune 5 years ago ... I have been mesmerized ever since. I listen to this every few weeks. As a nature photographer, this inspires and re-charges my strides to see the universe in all imaginable lights. Thank you for this beautiful song and music. Bravo !
There's something lighter than air in this piece. It reminds me of Gustav Holst's own "Mercury, the winged messenger". Something very cheerful, but that's unfortunately just passing by. They truly managed to capture both the joy and the nostalgia in this piece. When I hear it, I recall bygone emotions. The strongest ones. Where have they gone?
Thanks for posting. Seeing Sufjan on the Carrie and Lowell tour was probably one of the best shows I've seen in a while and this new project is sounding good too.
Wow, this is a stunning piece and work of art. Sufjan never disappoints. The depth in his voice and lyrical arrangement is breathtaking. You take that and add the beautiful art of every one of these artists and it is literally mind blowing in such a beautiful and relaxing way... I think I just watched this like 10 times in row! That Viola...🙌🏼
3:34 till the end was a nice trip to mercury, thanks sufjan! As long as this song exists i will be happy for the rest of my life. Thanks so much NPR for organising this.
So Beautiful. So peaceful. Something in Sufjans music.. his voice possesses this quality of desperate other worldly yearning that I so identify with. Grace and Peace.
My fave thing in this song is that, in the middle, Sufjan is just playing along with the keys, on chords with his guitar, and it still sounds amazing. Well done...
Big shout out to my friend Gary who introduced me to Sufjan in 2007. I was drawn in instantly. He's a great talent and I feel he's made my heart a little deeper in some respects with his succinct, insightful and tender lyrics, singing and general musical style.
Just gone and bought his new album. And Midlake's newest. And pre-ordered Shakey Graves' next one on vinyl. Frugal night in the local tavern this eve, I feel.
The first time I heard this song was when my dog died ... shortly before, and I feel his presence through that song. A sublime and intense feeling when I hear ... Inexplicable, Thank you! 💔
LYRICS And all that I've known to be of life And I am gentle You ran off with it all And I am faithful And all that I felt within my arms And I am weightless You ran off with it all And I am speechless And all that I've said to get it right And I am confident You ran off with it all And I am steadfast And all that I thought to be precise And I am consequence You ran off with it all And I am sorry And I am sorry And all that I've known to be at peace And I am desperate You ran off with it all And I am restless And all that I've known to be of love And I am gentle You ran off with it all And I am desperate And all that I dream Where do you run, where do you run to? And I'm evidence And all that I dream Where do you run, where do you run to? And I am faithless And all that I dream Where do you run, where do you run to? And now I am messed up And all that I dream Where do you run, where do you run to? Carrier, friend Where do you run? Songwriters: Nico Muhly / Sufjan Stevens / Bryce David Dessner / James McAllister
THIS. This version. Perfect on so many levels. The entire album has already been a treat to my ears! I can see how this song kinda pays homage to 'The Only Thing' (perhaps something in the chord arrangement at some points in the melody?). Absolutely love this version and really am looking forward to the next collab album! (Fingers crossed)
I downloaded the album today. I just love it. I love anything to do with the cosmos, and I love how the album crosses so many genres, but is also musically challenging/complicated in the ways that a contemporary classical album could be. Combined with the thoughtful, poetic lyrics and of course that VOICE, I highly recommend it!
I cannot imagine any substance that could make you feel better than what they are feeling in the depths of playing this song. Singularly focused, IN the groove. Bliss. I envy them
The album version of Mercury is beautiful, but in my opinion this version is even better. The violin gives it an added beauty. Shame this wasn't on Planetarium.
I just need to say that this song has carried me gracefully through the death of my 13 year friend, and sister, my sweet dog, Sara. Words can't express how this song set new light to a sadness I have never experienced before ❤️
Can you please bring Sufjan to do a desk concert?
PLEASE
Eran Avni-Singer I know It’s unrelated but are you from Israel?
@@gilihalevi8592 lol not really but I live there this year
@@gilihalevi8592 and my name is Eran so you can tell my family is from here lol
Eran Avni-Singer I’m from there too! Do you know Hebrew?
i just love how Sufjan looks older and softer and maybe smaller with his huge glasses, but his voice is still the same as 15 years ago
Grandpa Suf
and his pitching and technique is better than ever.
You’ll be a babushka too by then
How dare you! He is Daddy Suf!
@@eddiedelisio Babushka Subaru
This live performance is incomparably greater than the studio version... so so so good.
Hard agree 👍🏾
This is my #1 favorite song. Beyond the Beatles, or Stevie Wonder, or anything classic/acclaimed. Really love this song.
The first half of the song speaks to the loss of innocence and attachment trauma experience I had through most of my life.
When I listen to the second half, I imagine myself racing through the universe collecting pieces of myself and putting myself together again. Making my way back to who I was meant to be.
The violin in this version adds to the beauty of my vision, helps me to "feel" that vibration in my whole body!
Sufjan Steven's voice is a cosmic anomaly, drifting down to us in its unparalleled beauty from the heavenly bodies whence it came.
This is easily one of Sufjan's top 5 songs. The violin adds a different dimension to what we usually get in his songs and I love it. Nobody can do simple vulnerable heartbreak like Sufjan.
It is very good, but I wouldnt say top 5
The pic NASA recently posted of Mercury captures the same emotional gratitude I feel for life when I listen to this song. Absolutely beautiful & unique in every way great.
That violin adds an entirely new dimension to the composition.
Audibly stunning.
The Gift Of Gob I'm pretty sure it's a viola, actually
The Gift Of Gob Yeah it's a viola. Still beautiful though
The Gift Of Gob These Nerds 😋Nah JP😅
It really compliments that clavichord and the sitars.
I swear I'm at that point where I've almost completely lost hope in literally every aspect of life; But the upcoming release of the studio version of this album is what keeps me going at this moment. I don't know what I'll do after it but just wanna state that Sufjan Stevens has helped me going through a lot of tough times and I'm thankful. This era of music makes me proud as a human being.
Thanks NPR for posting this; I'd love to see him on a Tiny Desk Concert.
Edit: It’s been almost a year since I commented on here, and I must say, I’m blown away by this great community I’m a part of. Music really does bring people together. Your beautiful responses has brought tears to my eyes. These are the most heart-warming replies I’ve ever got from a group of people. I’d like to thank each and every one of you for caring and I just wanted to say, I was in a really bad place when I wrote this comment, and now I’m doing better than I did before mentally. Thanks guys.
yo man, don't give up. There is always a reason to smile, to have fun and enjoy life, sometimes you need to search for it a little more. If you need someone to listen to you, I'm here.
best, Fred
Saba Aghajani I've felt the same way for the longest time and Sufjan's music has helped me so much, especially "The Only Thing". We can do this brother
Saba Aghajani I felt exactly the same before the new Bon Iver album but it got me through those times and I've kept my head up ever since. Just stick with it and know it's always ok to talk about this stuff. If you want to drop me a pm or something feel free, I'm happy to listen
I'm just about in tears right now. I hope you can feel the warmth and genuity of these comments. we are here for you, in whatever little ways that we can be. you are not alone. from one human being to another, there are still reasons out there. you are a reason. I'll be seeing Planetarium performed live at the hollywood forever by myself next month. when they play this song, I will think of you and dedicate it to you in my mind, and hope that your heart can somehow feel the resonance of my own. sufjan on, saba. sufjan on. ❀
I hear you. For whatever reason (namely the reality of human consciousness), I believe these people mean what they are saying, having never even heard the timbre of your voice. Whether it's a pm or just a thought, there are open ears, with the hopes that these words will mean more to you than just words. Man, art is so communal.
sufjan enjoying himself here is the best part of the entire thing
That smile at 3:38 just does it for me. Makes my day every time I watch this video
Imo, Sufjan is at his peak right now vocally. This was flawless!
Agree. I remember hearing this song on Spotify and I did not know he had that Operatic voice in him.
Bryce really gives this song the otherworldly, spacey feel. He has such beautiful touch. Sufjan is one of my favorite musicians, but Bryce makes this performance really special.
I am so obsessed with this recording! The viola counterpoint to the ethereal guitars and piano is just transcendent.
This song became my saviour through this quarantine
same
It heals
suf just wanted to let you know I really appreciate all you do in this life. I hope you can find happiness and fulfillment along with your success
I love how he smiles when he sings
How does one write a vocal line like that? Pure art and expression. Perfect songs lie in their hands.
The vocals at the end of Neptune are another example of me being flabergasted by the vocal lines on this album. Just insane.
Bobby Jae have you ever read it first only the odd lines? Then only the even lines?
So love this version with violist Nadia Sirota! Sublime....
This is so beautiful. I wish there was a documentary on the cosmos with the late Stephen Hawking where Sufjan Stevens made the score and Sir Attenborough narrate the whole thing.
came here for Sufjan and immediately found myself blown away by Nadia Sirota’s skill
Sufjan’s voice is too beautiful for this world
Wow!
I reeeally need to spend more time with Sufjan’s music
The Ascension, Age of Adz, All Delighted People and the song My Rajneesh make for an ultimate trilogy. Illinois, Oregon and Michigan are great albums of the states.
This is human beings at their peak. Beauty unparalleled. ❤️
if we stop thinking we can feel that we are not alone, it´s our ego and our habits which feel us so sad, alone & unimportant, but it´s a everyday struggle to recognize it, so go on, sufjans music is a big help to be connected with all, the universe, the wind, the love, the music, the awareness, and i guess this is spirituality, to know and to feel that there is freedom behind thinking and its patterns
Beautiful sentiment put into inspiring words - thank you - love this piece of music but your words have also given me solace 🙏
I came across this tune 5 years ago ... I have been mesmerized ever since. I listen to this every few weeks. As a nature photographer, this inspires and re-charges my strides to see the universe in all imaginable lights. Thank you for this beautiful song and music. Bravo !
There's something lighter than air in this piece. It reminds me of Gustav Holst's own "Mercury, the winged messenger". Something very cheerful, but that's unfortunately just passing by. They truly managed to capture both the joy and the nostalgia in this piece. When I hear it, I recall bygone emotions. The strongest ones. Where have they gone?
Thanks for posting. Seeing Sufjan on the Carrie and Lowell tour was probably one of the best shows I've seen in a while and this new project is sounding good too.
I'm a simple man: I see Sufjan, I like
i'm a simple man, i see you saying you're a simple man, i like
Thibault Le Glatin I too am a simple man. I see you saying your a simple man to him saying he's a simple man and I like.
I'm an indifferent man, it's complicated.... but I like.
I'm a simple man: I hear Sufjan's falsetto, I reach orgasm.
He's god
Wow, this is a stunning piece and work of art. Sufjan never disappoints. The depth in his voice and lyrical arrangement is breathtaking. You take that and add the beautiful art of every one of these artists and it is literally mind blowing in such a beautiful and relaxing way... I think I just watched this like 10 times in row! That Viola...🙌🏼
3:34 till the end was a nice trip to mercury, thanks sufjan! As long as this song exists i will be happy for the rest of my life. Thanks so much NPR for organising this.
I love hearing the viola player's breath sound during her solo. :D
Pretty much anything Sufjan touches turns to musical gold
Sufjan is love of my life that I cant have...his voice is a blessings from heaven
Sufjan is a genius. This is breathtaking, so unbelievably beautiful.
I cant express how beautiful this arrangement and composition are
Just plain beautiful. It melts my soul. It's one of those songs that makes you happy to be alive...
So Beautiful. So peaceful. Something in Sufjans music.. his voice possesses this quality of desperate other worldly yearning that I so identify with. Grace and Peace.
My fave thing in this song is that, in the middle, Sufjan is just playing along with the keys, on chords with his guitar, and it still sounds amazing. Well done...
One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard … thank you Sufjan & Friends for sharing.
Big shout out to my friend Gary who introduced me to Sufjan in 2007. I was drawn in instantly. He's a great talent and I feel he's made my heart a little deeper in some respects with his succinct, insightful and tender lyrics, singing and general musical style.
Just gone and bought his new album. And Midlake's newest. And pre-ordered Shakey Graves' next one on vinyl. Frugal night in the local tavern this eve, I feel.
The first time I heard this song was when my dog died ... shortly before, and I feel his presence through that song. A sublime and intense feeling when I hear ... Inexplicable, Thank you! 💔
LYRICS
And all that I've known to be of life
And I am gentle
You ran off with it all
And I am faithful
And all that I felt within my arms
And I am weightless
You ran off with it all
And I am speechless
And all that I've said to get it right
And I am confident
You ran off with it all
And I am steadfast
And all that I thought to be precise
And I am consequence
You ran off with it all
And I am sorry
And I am sorry
And all that I've known to be at peace
And I am desperate
You ran off with it all
And I am restless
And all that I've known to be of love
And I am gentle
You ran off with it all
And I am desperate
And all that I dream
Where do you run, where do you run to?
And I'm evidence
And all that I dream
Where do you run, where do you run to?
And I am faithless
And all that I dream
Where do you run, where do you run to?
And now I am messed up
And all that I dream
Where do you run, where do you run to?
Carrier, friend
Where do you run?
Songwriters: Nico Muhly / Sufjan Stevens / Bryce David Dessner / James McAllister
THIS. This version. Perfect on so many levels. The entire album has already been a treat to my ears! I can see how this song kinda pays homage to 'The Only Thing' (perhaps something in the chord arrangement at some points in the melody?). Absolutely love this version and really am looking forward to the next collab album! (Fingers crossed)
How does his voice do that! One of the best voices in the biz!
Impossible to ever tire of watching this beautiful man
this album is magical. A truly masterpiece
I downloaded the album today. I just love it. I love anything to do with the cosmos, and I love how the album crosses so many genres, but is also musically challenging/complicated in the ways that a contemporary classical album could be. Combined with the thoughtful, poetic lyrics and of course that VOICE, I highly recommend it!
This could quite possibly be the most beautiful music I've ever heard.
I love u NPR. and its because I love you that I must ask you to change the light bulb in that lamp on the ceiling
hmmmmm I suspect that the lightbulb isn't NPR's to change he says ruining a perfectly good joke.
This just takes you to a different place...it's pure. Brought tears to my eyes!
Thank u for being here for me in this cruel life..sufjan
This is actually stunning. To be in that room...wow.
Such a beautiful performance of a beautiful song
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
Saint Augustine
10 years later and I’m still a huge Sufjan fan ❤️
First time I've ever heard of this gentleman and his music and wow
This song is just eons ahead of its time.
hands down one of the most beautiful human beings of all time. A beautiful heart, and a killer face.
I love it, when he's smile....
Still so good and brings me to a place much needed
His little smile at 3:40. ❤😭 I love him!
A story intertwined with the purity of his heart in everything that can be portrayed in mere words
His little falsetto is on point
sufjans small voice hurts me so good
I cannot imagine any substance that could make you feel better than what they are feeling in the depths of playing this song. Singularly focused, IN the groove. Bliss.
I envy them
All these musicians are extremely talented! Wow
I'm sorry - how can anything be so beautiful?? Joy. Joy. Joy
Everytime I come around here I feel something especially different. Sufjan is one of best, Period!
This song centers me.
Literally one of the best performances on this channel hands down
My God this is beautiful.
Those vocalizations throughout the instrumental from Sufjan have me flying in front of the sun. This music is so transcendent.
Overwhelmingly beautiful 😢
There are few artists who embody such feeling through music 🎶
Thank you, this is so beautiful! You guys are amazing!
Absolutely beautiful, and original to boot, thanks fer sharing'
His singing style is simple and peaceful
Muchas gracias por esta gran, gran pieza de arte!!
I mean , wow . He's the real artist we all been waiting for
Incredible sound recording. Nice work!
Meraviglioso. Grazie Sufjan.
Oh my. This is simply beautiful. 😢🥲
I love this music so much.
Sufjan you're Genius. Fact
The album version of Mercury is beautiful, but in my opinion this version is even better. The violin gives it an added beauty. Shame this wasn't on Planetarium.
What a wonderful refreshing song!!!
Beautiful piece of music.
His voice sounds beautiful here 🥰
My God, how beautiful is this?
Might be my favourite song ever
I love this so much.
still think this is better then what ended up on the album. this performance is so special
Sufjan makes me want to continue living when I no longer have the will to live.
Sufjan Stevens may help us when one day the remaining Beatles have left the world.......Beautiful,Celestial Music I love to Death......
At the instrumental, did any other Sufjan Stevens fan get reminded of Impossible Soul from Age of Adz? I sure did
A bit! It also reminded me of the last half of The Only Thing, just less climactic.
So very beautiful.
God, this is so good.
So gloriously beautiful 🙏
this is pure gold
I just need to say that this song has carried me gracefully through the death of my 13 year friend, and sister, my sweet dog, Sara. Words can't express how this song set new light to a sadness I have never experienced before ❤️