Saul Williams "Sunday Bloody Sunday"

[johndoe194512]

honestly the best musical version was Coheed & Cambria but the video for this is better, I am a big fan of saul since I was a young teenager and this video is not the best thing he has ever done but I'm not hating him for it, he's a real artist and it's a good video I just think some of his other stuff exceeds this video.

[superdarkmario2]

@johndoe194512 no shit, it's a cover, it's not supposed to be the best thing an artist ever did

[TheGiggles1989]

I actually like this version better

[johnbhoouy71]

uncle tom at 2:24

[winggoddess]

@Pigshade i know that, tardy.

[winggoddess]

@Pigshade i can like his words without liking his music, tardy.

[winggoddess]

this is probably my favorite saul williams song because it isn't rap, but i like u2's version better.

[pu171103]

Oh shit. I just realized that the white prisoner cleaning up trash is Johnny from The Wire.

[LucidDream]

So much better than the original...

[popomczowzow]

I like this version better. I feel like it's more creatively produced. Of course it's a whole different type of creativity to write a song.

[blutaconcanvas]

@meeye100 You are actually a gowl.

[shooboxx]

I am a huge u2 fan and this version so spun this song out of orbit to me - amazing - perfect - sad.

[DatIsSumGudShit]

Better than U2's original

[uuuhaaahable]

I like this video and lyrics, to build awareness of every person on the world today ..sunday bloody sunday is great...

[vxmortal15]

Trent Yearzero-ed it!

[MIKKAMETDIESTIKKA]

once it was on a monday

[Cxaxakluth]

You can definitely tell Trent Reznor took him under his wing.

[kuromilove5]

wow....hat actually made my heart stop for awhile for some reason...

[Susitalo]

The only way I want to listen to U2.

[Cynic4Ezra]

there is no box

[MegaThornhill]

Fitzpatrick from Kids. sunday bloody sunday :D

[TheJW84]

damn hes a versatile artist...he is the most underrated artist of the decade

[seattletyrida]

Great Video, Great cover!

FYI: I think that white guy is the crackhead from "The Wire" & the latino woman is from "Ugly Betty".

[BuggaBooShoo]

FUCK YEAH!

[DJRC420]

it really reflects the resilience of the urban struggle.

[m3n3t3k3l]

You know how when Johnny Cash covered that NIN song and Trent Reznor said the song wasn't his anymore? That's what U2 should do cuz they suck anyway.

[DJRC420]

@m3n3t3k3l Did Reznor say this in a flattering context?

[m3n3t3k3l]

@DJRC420 Yeah, he was totally cool with it. You should see Cash's video for the song. It's really depressing.

[IronSaucer]

@m3n3t3k3l sept trents cool...bonos not.

[nazbuk]

@m3n3t3k3l yeh yeh price rama is better ah ah ah ah fuck off and take the medication

[m3n3t3k3l]

@nazbuk I can't tell what you're talking about. Prince Rama is pretty good tho and I'm all done fucking off and what medication?

[Goodser]

@m3n3t3k3l Sorry dude but as music goes U2's version is a lot better still like saul willams tho

[NeoAnimus]

@Goodser Sorry but U2 isn't music haha

[GlenMuse795]

@NeoAnimus You're crazy bro. I love NIN, and Saul, and U2. They're all different but they're all quality artists/bands.

[dreadguy14]

@GlenMuse795 So true, those are probably my three favs right there.

[DanotheSnitch]

@NeoAnimus Well what is it if its not music?

[KleWdSide]

Love U2 & love this version!

[BlueL1pst1ck]

@KleWdSide I have =))))

[AwesomeTehHedgehog]

Anyone seem to think that this video was inspired by The Wire? It has Leo Fitzpatrick in it who played Johnny the drug addict and his best friend Bubbles, whom Saul Williams looks strikingly similar to in the video.

[BigDMcGeeStrikesBack]

Just an incredible re-imagining of the song. 

[astrojazzman]

Sunday Bloody Sunday!

[capitalg07]

Personally I would have thought Bono would be delighted that an unconventional black artist has taken one of his songs and made it relevant to his own struggle.

[Gleebo]

I'm not a fan of U2, always been a fan of Saul. I do like this song, but I definitely don't think it's one of his best tunes.

[MasterOfMadmen]

Saul Williams is the shit! :)

[rarw95]

He absolutely butchers a powerful and profound song.

Fucking American!

[dadio02]

who cares if you're in the street when there is no winter, no snow

[care1281]

I wanted to validate my earlier comment about this being the best cover of S.B.S. First of all, it sounds very good. Second, it doesn't seek to mimic, but it reinterprets the original song in a new fashion- as is evident from this video - to represent the struggle of the unrecognized homeless in the land of American prosperity. Third, the video is unexpectedly rich in allusions and visual nuances. It is very reminiscient of The Saint of Fort Washington: Glover and Dillon at their best.

[care1281]

This is still the best cover of Sunday Bloody Sunday I've heard.

[SilentFisher]

Saul Williams and Trent Reznor are god among men. I can't believe I haven't seen this cover until now.

[Mansurus]

As someone who hates U2 but really loves that song, i'm so glad someone actually talented finally covered it.

[GENKIDEADSUKA]

U2 wrote an amazing song and to all of you fanboys, music is meant to be shared and Saul Williams put his own spin on it and made it into his own.

[rogaldorn3]

I was really expecting to hate this, and I'm still kind of convinced that the instrumentation doesn't really fit it (no offence to Trent Reznor, of course), but I was pleasantly surprised by how good Saul's voice is. He covered it very well, I think, and really seemed to get hold of what this song is supposed to mean. Good on him.

[orbcon]

Saw this guy at a music festival in Norway a few years back, didn't really know what to expect but really enjoyed the show, not the stuff I'd usually listen to but he's damned good :D

[TheGorgorothSpire]

This song is on that album? What is it called? I don't see it in the track listing if it's called "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Amazing cover...

[TheGorgorothSpire]

@TheGorgorothSpire oops here it is I feel so dumb...

[ADarkerBreed]

Is that Telly from Kids pickin up trash?

[TheWhipslasher]

pretty good but ignite does it better

[ndcody]

This cover blows U2 out of the water. No matter what the U2 fanboy's say. They have nothing on this.

[Rivethead109]

The man is fucking amazing.

[iDiggMGL]

Trent is a GOD producer and Saul is an amazing singer

[Flickstar84]

Just stop trying to 'out music' each other and enjoy the fucking song!!!

[pyropsich]

ахуенный!

[mra651]

@jeveuex this doesnt sound like rap to me sounds like rock not everything is rap partly because rap is trash so take that shit to the dump

[jeveuxos]

@mra651 I was speaking of his work in general. I thought the fact that this was not rap was evident enough.

[zjosh14]

saul williams changes my life everyday

[nolanGGA]

saul sounds almost exactly like trent

[lesstutrey]

@nolanGGA yeah had trouble telling them apart on this album.

[jeveuxos]

Saul is amazing. I find it very refreshing to listen to any kind of rap that has an actually meaning to it (especially when compared to this new generic shit). The man really believes in what he is saying, and he exudes it in his music. This is the first cover of this song that I really like because of that.

[CitySkin09]

Hey...it's Telly from "Kids".

[psych0drama]

I personally Hate U2 but this cover rocks out loud

[SEMAT56]

Thanks to Trent Reznor, I now have a new favortie artist to listen to. great cover!

[SuperDisplaced]

this guy is just different. very much like poets Sage Francis, EL-P, Tricky, B.Dolan or AllFlaws

he thinks out the box

[guygir123]

@SuperDisplaced If hes like "very much like poets Sage Francis, EL-P, Tricky, B.Dolan or AllFlaws" , then he isnt diffrent .

I think hes awosome , and theres no body like him ... Tricky ? Who ?

[DJRC420]

@SuperDisplaced and Gill Scott Heron I might add:).

[tbailey2185]

I think this is an awesome cover but don't say it's better than U2's version. I was in love with the original way before ever hearing this one.

[EnDZYm3]

This is pretty raw. Had it not been for Trent, I wouldn't have ever looked this guy up.

[VALsacount2]

I see, he reniterpered it to talk about homeless people, and their problems.

[spazdal1]

Trent already said there making a follow up to this cd, cant wait

[moonpower17]

a routine practice among artists making covers, they tweak the song to make it "edgy", but otherwise recycle it. this leaves us with a boringly stylized and ultimately inferior version. i love a good cover as much as the next guy, but am not a fan of this hackneyed formula.

[VALsacount2]

I'm not a really big fan of Bono's version, but I like this one, the one by dubya, and the Aesthetic perfection version alot.

[windrix1]

wait U2 sucks-WHAT THE FU-...

[musudi]

umbrellaseance youtube em saul little bro

[keeza333]

just heard this guy for the first time.I wish i got to work with reznor.

[inkedkoi]

AWESOME!

[Necromorph47]

Sucks

[kllaake]

What? This is a irish song,,,

[mduke2k]

For some reason this video reminds me of Leftfield's Afrika Shox music video.

[SomeSlyGuy1]

way way way better than U2 or any other versions! major props

[shanewhite]

don't get me wrong, this version is great, really good, and sauls a living legend...but to say its better than the original by U2 is a bit much for me! i mean man...its about "the troubles" in Ireland!!!?? if u heard u2 singing this live back in the day, then ud realise the passion and strength in their song!

[madyhate]

You´re right man, he´s a living legend!!!

[Opheliac666]

Question!

I know that NIN (or Trent specifically) has something to do with this rad guy hitting main stream, but in what way did he help?(other then the obvious music resemblance)...Either way, this is the first song I've heard from him (that wasn't on Survivalism) and he's fucking amazing, indeed.

[OrganicComputer]

Helped produce "Inevitable Rise... "which was probably enough" and he toured w/ him on "live with teeth 2005/06" (euro tour)

[Opheliac666]

Thank ya much!

[jamesusillXD]

@Opheliac666 Trent produced His album "The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust" so that explains the music sililarity anyway. =]

[SourSeayow626]

Nice spotlight on the issue of Homelessness

[CaptainSolid]

"an error occured, please try again later."

fuck you youtube.

[tommystros]

@CaptainSolid that happens when a billion people try watch this vid lol

[Jolies1801]

@CaptainSolid try to download hotspotshield on chip.de

[knailed]

5 stars

[rigo9inchnails]

brilliant!!!

[LuertoRobongo]

This is a perfect example of a great cover. Some key elements are kept, like the drums, but Saul totally made this song his.

[IronSaucer]

and the drums are the best part

[jsemdevka]

but in no way trentless :D

[gundambob646]

@LuertoRobongo yea the original drum line is their but its been reworked a lot. saul williams and trent reznor did an awesome job on this song. one of my favorite songs from saul. he just makes it more real. the lyrics.

[leeahare]

i love this.

[Guildsoldier]

You can definetly hear Trents work in this. Saul and Trent should do more stuff together.

[ManiacKomplex]

i say this from having been all over the world, and from having been at the bottom of the barrel in the U.S. a "dangerous" ghetto in the u.s. is a thousand times more safe than sooooo many other places poor ppl have to live in elsewhere. and at least here you have every opportunity to better your life or relocate, without a fear of military or rebel retribution

[ManiacKomplex]

I love Reznor's work on this track, and Saul's vocals are tight. Reznor should cover every @#$ing great 80's song ever made imho =) not a fan of this video's message, i think there's plenty of war messages out there that would have fit better... like the innocents caught in the crossfire of the Afghan/Iraq wars... i'll be honest being homeless in america is a joke, there is SO much opportunity here that billions of poor ppl in the rest of the world will never have in their entire lives

[shamraig]

It's not always a simple case of opportunity versus no opportunity. Your healthcare and social policy leaves a lot to be desired. Homeless people are always marginalised and disenfranchised for a variety of often complex reasons.

[ceedog76]

the original was good but i definatly prefer this one. the vid ws great and totaly changed the original meaning of the song, saul made it his ownn and made me feel more connected to the song.and kuartz i was going to say ur not trying hard enough then i reread ur post, yeah ur just a douche

[DannyBoyo68]

Sauls a genious.

[psycokrusher]

I love Sauls cover of this. The vid doesnt capture his energy though. I 've seen him do this live . Ridiculous.!!!!

[terrasidius]

This is brilliant! :D

[kryzzet]

This is like u2, but without the energy, hurray...

[myusername0wns]

U2 blows but this version is really good

[DeadPixel2009]

Everyone should listen to this album

[watrxcoolerxromance]

This is great. As for the racial stereotypes below me..... weeeelll fuck that. This guy has a great voice of his own. Great modernization/electrification of the original. his musical style is a bit like manson's if you ask me.

[Ruushian1095]

Trent did produce both of them...

[JacksonS30KV]

Maybe people like his style and think this songs not only sounds good, but also presents a thought-provoking message.

You ignorant fuck...

[MutleeIsTheAntiGod]

hello, you sir are a fuckhead. please kill yourself

Keep up the good work saul, great cover.

[deise89]

good but not u2...!!!

[shitassfuck66]

Yeah, if the "oh oh oh" wasn't in the beginning this song would be PERFECT. And yeah, he does sound like Trent Reznor.

[Indierokz]

horrible cover!

[y3ton]

So true, Saul is great

[sbeezy738]

if there wasnt the "oh oh oh oh" chanting, it woulda been perfect. still a great version!

[StarFireDryaD]

What a an excellent version!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­! better than the original by faaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrr!!!!!!! KIng Saul Keep Rocking it and keeping it the realest!!!! Higher Love xoxox

[sgiven1965]

he sounds like Trent Reznor is the beginning of the song. a decent cover, he def put his own spin on it

[DarkSideoftheTune]

haha god damnit

[Calistro]

I have to disagree, I'm sorry.

I find Saul Williams to be all more than deserving as to extend an artistic muscle towards covering this song, and I find his cover very good.

Still, opinions are just that, and I respect yours regardless.

[tools747]

paramore lol... wow you ignorant chud of a kid... oh you're 22 no surprise another closed minded boy open to only the music of today... paramore seriously lol... i know i'm only 21 but at least i listen to everything from 30's swing to gothic trance to rock to jazz and ALL the jazz in between... and i can guarentee every one will beg to differ with your absurd comment... understand the fact that this song is a COVER... one mans version and interpretation of a song in mind, not a replica.

[slatonsun]

wow how many rappers would cover a u2 song saul williams u are great

[bananafruity104]

U2s version is the best and the most meaningful...an Irish band writing about the struggles in Northern Ireland which were more horrific than anybody could understand and appreciate. I understand what spin Saul is putting on it....but it can't really compare......

[HDok]

I really don't get why the two versions could not be compared. This version is far from being meaningless. Musically, I prefer this one but this point is not to be discussed and depends on everyone's tastes. Anyway, I think it's a great and most relevant cover of a classic.

[cozmachina]

There is more than Saul 'putting a spin on it'.

[tower506]

@bananafruity104 I agree, people forget that U2's songs we're more politically involved back then , and to hear such a song back in the day was not usual

[bluballzzz]

this fucking sucks

[XenSmithy]

Cool! Trent produced this album

[Alienated29]

HOLY SHIT that's the guy from the movie KIDS in this music video HAHhahahaahahahahaahaha

[BenDy994]

Ah, fuck! It really is the dude from kids, I knew I saw him somewhere before.

[fixitluis]

"man i love virgins" LMFAO

[deathob]

You know this really looks like it would be a good movie, if it existed.

[bluesun7777]

i really like this video.

i especially like how at the beginning Saul says "forgive them Lord, they know not what they do." which is what Jesus says as he is being brutally crucified. it's very interesting.

however, i do not understand completely the plot of the vid. can someone please tell me?

[Frillar]

Me neither. The song is about the troubles in northern ireland, and i just don't see how this video relates.

[RDypak]

I was just watching this again... I think we are supposed to see how much people don't think about or see the homeless even when it's right in front of us (particularly the part where saul's character get run over twice once by a truck and then again by a car).. I suppose the allegory here is the brutality of not acknowledging people as human beings. For those of you who don't get it, in reality, American has not come as far from slavery as we would like to believe. Hence the name of the album!?

[rockininmychucks]

I totally agree with everything you've said, great post

But why does homeless people have to relate to African Americans in slavery? When I walk throught Detroit half of the homeless people I see are white. I just don't see how you can make this relation, because it seems that you were saying as if all the poor people in America are black and this is as a result of slavery.

[RDypak]

I am sorry I was replying to the fellow who said something about this song being about the struggle in northern ireland.. I wasn't saying that all people who are poor are black or any such thing. Be careful not to read to much into what I or anyone on youtube is saying, because they probably weren't thinking what you thought they were thinking.

[CHARLOTTEiiSABELLA]

crock of shit.

[AfraRe1]

DAMN i heard the original for the 1st time yesterday. It's should always be an honor to do a song over with JUSTICE because my man SAUL did it well...

[Baba5393]

I like this cover better than the original. Just my opinion though.

[ProzacKiddd]

because i know what the video is about it really pulls at my heart

[decoyboi2]

Saul Williams is the shizzzz! I luv the spin that Reznor and Williams put on this song by U2. The video is amazing too.

[zukuzukuzukuzuku]

GAAAAAAHHH!!!!!

[shamraig]

I know what the song is about but I don't get exactly what's going in this video. It looks good but I don't get what it means. Anyone enlighten me?

[frantictheartist]

Personally I think the video is about how the poor in America get run over and forgotten in this country. It is like out of sight out of mind. Only when they inconvenience somebody else then they get imprisoned or shunned. LoL but i could be wrong. That is the beauty of music. Millions of ways to connect the meaning. : )

[sverbot]

This song, a cover of U2, is originally about the English troops stationed in Derry, Northern Ireland, who, in 1972 opened fire on protestors, killing 27, 5 of whom were shot in the back, all of whom were unarmed. This video attempts to put the context into the police waged war in the US on the poor minorities that williams and reznor wanted it's new meaning to equate.

[geneseo32]

28 shot, 14 of them killed, but otherwise yes. Interesting cover isn't it?

[deeljay77]

is that the dude from the movie K.I.D.S, when they are sitting on the street?

[Pr3ttyH4teM4ch1n3]

Definetly the best cover of this song in my opinion.

[XTh3SeCoNdCoMiNgX]

Niggy Tardust

Wish this song wasnt albulm only on ITunes

[pennyroyal13]

Doesn't he allow downloads of the album from his site?

[XTh3SeCoNdCoMiNgX]

probably idk... ill check though

[DCFilmsboy]

cool, I like KMFDM's cover better.

[chicuzo]

is "not-destructive" with the original! good!

I like this version.

[spitndecay]

so dont care this shit is pretty cool and dont deny it!!