Elliott Smith - I Didn't Understand - Music Video

[anthonyrotar]

depressingly epic elliot but i can relate !

[Looaye2042]

But aside from that, this is beautiful.

R.I.P. Elliott

[Looaye2042]

RJD2

[wendweeb]

i'm falling in love with elliott all over again.

[Straichen]

This melodramatic video makes me like the song less. Oh well. There are other songs.

[OmegaLesPaul]

This is probably one of the saddest songs he has written, along with Waltz #1, 2 AM, and King's Crossing. :( Great music video - really captures the huge concept of being alone that's in the song.

[OmegaLesPaul]

@OmegaLesPaul I'm sorry I meant 2:45 AM not 2 AM.

[WarKitties]

I only found this song thanks to Ghostwriter by RJD2.

Its pretty good :D

[66nightangel]

This is amazing for a student production, you really out did yourself.

[LESNYHC]

I listen to Elliott Smith, Morrissey, the Cure, you could call me a sensitive guy, but this video is GAY

[supemcpc]

@LESNYHC FUCK OFF MAN YOU ARE GAY

[MultiNinjaking]

@supemcpc  Dick head u r !....Hes dead !...

[supemcpc]

@MultiNinjaking what^?????????so what hes dead 

[ThePigscuadron]

llegó la hora de música tranquila : ) hasta q la escuche. : P

[EDUTAMARIU]

nice editing,what camara are you using?

I've also made my Elliott music video tribute,check it out if you want to

[Meowsaidthekitty]

RJD2 - Ghostwriter

[gracesmash]

If you read this I miss you,

please talk to me because I dont know how

to talk to you x

[JusAire]

This is why this may be his best album ever. It has that acoustic bare feel but still grand in a sense. Give Ellitott Smith a bare backing track and watch him go!

RIP..the greatest to ever write

[doveeeit]

I am in love with Elliott Smith <3

[seethroughnoise]

who ever made this video really captured the dark empty feeling that elloitt was expressing, this deserves the award it got, great job to whomever made it.

.....such a beautiful song of an ungly feeling of worthlessness..........

[gilalion]

lol

all is empty because elliott is dead

and that douche has his head in his hands

yeah, we get it.

[VincentPrice111]

I don't see how pictures of empty chairs have to do with anything.

[shinesinpines]

@VincentPrice111 probably some forced symbolism. i made even shittier videos in HS. this was pretty okay

[VincentPrice111]

@shinesinpines Yeah, probably. The quality was decent

[jessesmith123]

@VincentPrice111

Agreed.

Left me thinking.. did you even think this through?

[VincentPrice111]

@jessesmith123 Probably didn't, the video has all the soul of a chair catalogue, would definitely make a better video for one.

[Sl4shRocks]

Amazing vocals, ES is amazing

[jirdimaster]

Eh, this video was kinda ruining the song for me, i had to scroll down so i just heard the song.

[shinesinpines]

@jirdimaster me too

[McPfoot]

GHOSTWRITER!

[shinesinpines]

@McPfoot love that jam!

[poragirl93]

I love this! i just wish people would stop talking about his death and concentrate instead on what he did, how he changed the world, at least for me... Elliott is an inspiration, his tragic end is just an inevitable part of what his life was. The important part is his life not how he died...

[travenb]

NmHman127Nugget- you are a fucking joke.

[abraxaseyes87]

hey what did nmhmannugget say to make him such a fucking pussy bitch??

[godrodemyscooter]

@abraxaseyes87 saying that it was badass to commit suicide by stabbing yourself in the heart. i kind of agree though.

[philthetremoloking]

sorry but suicide is not bad ass. it's tragic, sad, stupid, lame, disastrous...but not bad ass. no matter how or why you do it.

[abraxaseyes87]

its neither good nor bad, part of life and tragic/poetic. things happen the way they do and we can just try and understand them. could hendrix, ellitt be alive now. no its history and who they were.

[UNiPINJA]

@philthetremoloking his suicide was many things, but LAME is not one of them . Elliott lived with such a strong meaning, and the fact that he went out with a bang like that makes me respect him even more . Elliott Smith's death wasnt lame bro, it was symbolic .

[philthetremoloking]

@UNiPINJA i'm sorry my friend...suicide is pretty lame overall. as well as tragic and everything else i called it. calling it anything else just contributes to this cult of self destruction that has already claimed way too many victims.

[brettis87]

has a bit of a beatles sound to it! Respect Elliott

[shadowofsaints]

I don't know if there is any other song quite like this in the world...

RIP EL

You were Superior

[NmHman127Nugget]

its badass to stab ones own heart

[metallicameron]

oh my word!

[SadScarecrow]

Don't think I'll ever understand.

Thank you, Mr. Smith.

[alahossain]

rjd2 samples this!

[skankinjimbo]

On what song?

[alahossain]

ghostwriter. check it out

[skankinjimbo]

Not bad. Thanks.

[Mjkl1707]

ghostwriter

[clariien]

is this the official video?

[drablos]

Nope. Don't think there is any official video. This is just a student production.

[Helliabutterfly]

Wahou ! I love his voice

So sad he's gone...

[jorngreen]

I'm sorry that I never got to meet you, or at least watch you play. I feel like there is something missing. I have never had someone's music mean so much to me. I wish I would of found you sooner. Rest in peace, buddy.

[TooManyDumbasses]

@jorngreen i know how you feel. I didn't really hear most of his music and click with it until he'd passed, which happened to be the year after my own dad killed himself. Looking back, you see clues that seem so obvious and wonder if you could've said or done something in time-- generally, you can't when they've formed their resolve, but it's still an incredibly sad situation. I, too, hope that he and my dad are at peace. I loved his heartfelt music.

[TooManyDumbasses]

@jorngreen i know how you feel. I didn't really hear most of his music and click with it until he'd passed, which happened to be the year after my own dad killed himself. Looking back, you see clues that seem so obvious and wonder if you could've said or done something in time-- generally, you can't when they've formed their resolve, but it's still an incredibly sad situation. I, too, hope that he and my dad are at peace. I loved his heartfelt music. I f you notice signs early enough, help!

[OnlySleeping89]

He is dead, and left us with great music. Im grateful but I also feel selfish and obligated to attempt to put music out there like he did for others to enjoy. Whether or not it is beautiful is up to the listener.

[djmaf]

this is such a heartbreaking song. those lyrics...

[skylerrosling]

I waited for a bus to separate the both of us

And take me off far away from you

Because my feelings never change a bit

I always feel like shit

I don't know why, I guess that I "just do"

[MrJoeCage]

this song is good for me right now. i just broke it off with a girl. i know it's for the best (for me), but i'm pretty sure she doesn't feel the same. i really do care for her and didn't mean to hurt her. i didn't understand.

[bacardi119]

I love this version of the song, it is been a while since I listened to it, great!

[pinbacksc]

word

[sonicboom]

This video doesn't feel like the song.

[TheHazyGungan]

I agree. This song is far more depressing then the video perceived it to be.

[tofurkeyrice]

To see a guy talking about his broken heart so genuinely is very unusual. I think that's one of the reasons that makes Elliott so appealing.

[jiminycriket7]

*Made* him so appealing

[Amulius]

No, It Makes him more appealing, even today, despite the fact he's no longer alive, more people are still attracted to his music

[PpPayton379]

does anyone know where i can find piano music for this song? like free download or sumthin....

[shnaz2]

All you faggot ass nerds arguing about this mans suicide are hilarious.

Elliot Smith is hella tight R.I.P.

[JMascisIsMyHero]

fuck you

[LexmarkLesser]

this is pretty cool

[anirudhchohan]

that song .........those harmonies give me the creeps.......perfection......

[Lucky8590]

RJD2 - Ghostwritter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

[mazopac]

He was a man of other time a genious not understood and perhaps even rejected by his own kind, i wouldn't want to live in such a world either...funny he got all that a man could ever want when he became famous before that he was just an ugly dude who played the guitar.....mankind......

[MissMisery123]

Elliott was beautiful!!!!!!!!

[AnnaBellaExtacy]

Yo dude, just wondering, what world are you from, and how do we get there? And if you're such a big fan why didn't you let him in the loop before he killed himself, if this is true I can let all the fans know that you are the reason that we are missing out on his music....watch out

[montanta16]

such strong words.....

[mazopac]

Sometimes one has to make strong statements in order to be left alone,besides that chick just blamed me for Elliots suicide, WTF????i just said that he was depressed and then she came like well you should've saved his ass as if that was possible!!! he would've not made such beatiful music if he were a regular guy, no! beauty in arts comes from depression and sadness.

[montanta16]

lol i cud care less i find it funny =)

[ittspitts]

I couldn't see, it's been taken off. Not bothered. Just to agree, with the last statement. Elliott's frame of mind made the music, the way he went about doing it is memorable to many i know throughout my whole life. I'd never publicly put any form of tribute out there, but this is it. What an amazing artist. Using his attitude is good, he loved too much but was too scared. Love you Elliott. xo

[MissMisery123]

Heart breaker..... : (

But I can't stop listening

[MrHavoksWifeAndLover]

I love this song... haunting is the best word to describe it, I think. Haunting in a good way =]

[Mrdeeds36]

hope he's at peace... " not so much music as medicine "

[Mrdeeds36]

yeh i think she stabbed him also... i mean to plunge a knife into your own chest twice seems an extreme way to end yourself... she admits to removing the knife from his chest which as many have said would increase more blood.. she also tried to sue his estate for 15% of his overall income.. i think elliot had a few vultures in his life... ppl hed have been better off not knowing .. just my opinion though.

[izzyobella]

It makes me so sad that I only just discovered his music so long after his death, RIP x

[ashdalte]

ohhh......i wish i could meet elliott.....so sad he died...

[buttonsputon]

i like how the only instrument is his voice. woo! i waited for a bus to seperate my thoughts from us.

[xparanoidxxandroidx]

shit i never even noticed that

[neiljf1089]

RJD2 Sampled this you idiot

[combatcameraman]

Ghostwriter RJD2 sample

[ertwyu]

Isn't this faster + higher pitched than the actual song?

[drablos]

It shouldn't be, but it's not impossible that something has happened in all the encoding/decoding processes from CD to mp3 to editing to finished film to YouTube.

[ertwyu]

Either that, or my version is slowed down.

[DenEast]

No. For sure the same pitch/ key !!!

[nathantrust]

I miss Elliott

[AndrewEyedea]

This song perfectly decribes what I'm going through. Am I making it worse by listening to this song over and over again? Elliot, I'd miss you if I knew you.

[nicholuscer88]

You know you are a true musician when you don't even need an instrument to make music. Well I know vocals count as an instrument but it makes since. Great song

[Colossalmidget]

its not supposed to be happy, and its better left that way. this is a work of artistic expression.

[wosergsr]

RJD2 ... man made this track so much happier

[xvoidacation]

I love this song.

[mr20r]

its on the album XO

[Brookdog99]

Anyone know what album this is on? Love this tune.

[drablos]

It's the last track on XO

[razrsrlove2]

I miss elliott smith so much,and this song is so beautiful

[JacobStultz]

UHHHHM..... lots of empty rooooms? lol

[Framewiredirect]

The Video Bored me in all honesty.

[birdiesoaring]

so sorry somebody we cherish really had to go, leaving all behind. rest in peace. miss ya el, ever more.

[Viiniiciiusss]

Great !!!

[zoskiaist]

don't think this vid's so bad as people say ..all the empty seats in the video can be indicative of a profound sense of social isolation - even when among others it is as if they are not there.. the song is obviously about having a broken heart. (and the selfish needy emotionally immature person that elliott often was during his life) great song great artist! Miss you el, rip

[bababarrel]

Love is a cloud of smoke trying to occupy space. What a fucking joke.

[hockeynet99]

I still don't understand why he is gone..

[terminite]

Why did he die?

[GoneAsGoneCanBe]

He killed him self... Left a post it note on the fridge.... "I'm so sorry, Love Elliott God Forgive me"

[razrsrlove2]

acctuallyyy

he and his girlfriend were arguing and he couldnt take it anymore,so he stabbed him self.

[xsufijennx]

i think she stabbed him...

[nathantrust]

yeah she did stab him

[nathantrust]

actually no drugs were found in his system when they did an autopsy

[musicalpony]

wow really? that's interesting, i guess i was wrong. I still think he killed himself though.

[nathantrust]

its possible it just makes me sad to think about

[musicalpony]

i know! me too, i wish he was still alive so i could see him in concert :(

[hstands4hero]

you realize how difficult it would be to stab yourself in the chest, not once, but twice, right?

[unclemeat2u]

Exactly. Nobody seems to have an answer to that one.

[BlueScarecrow]

dont forget that he had defensive cut marks on his arms, too.

[gabgazou]

but he cut is arm himself (mutilate) sry im french and i sux in english hha

[BlueScarecrow]

its ok I still understood you :-)

but you're right, he did use to cut his arms.

[ddi92011]

10.21.03

r.i.p elliot

5 years ago today

[krickett87]

I remember the day that happenedi was 14. I burst into tears... inconsolable.

[halfbaked44]

even if she didnt stab him, she pulled the knife out of his chest. I dont know much about what is wrong or right about that scenario but I think you're supposed to keep the knife in for the sake of bleeding to death.

[butz7]

pan to the left. pan to the right. then to the left again. sulking teen. :P Amazing song, but the videoclip is wrong. Keep trying tho.

[believerster]

A pretty bad video. Cliched. Beautiful song though, R.I.P

[theriverman7]

so this was made somewhat recently? Notice the HP commercial on the tv aroung 0:16.

[Lorsbloodytask]

Great video, loved the angles.

[willchallis]

this vid goes no where.

great song

i miss him too

[zizoumonk10]

rjd2 sampled this song

[Funkingout]

yeah man i just found that on wikipedia so rocked here to check it out, thought it was gunna be the brass bit, but nah its that voice bit bout half way through, real subtle eh

[ericMetronomeFriends]

thief. did he ever pay out? those who can't do, steal.

[HorseCaak]

i miss him

[mcydanieldcb]

Man, I loved it ... Perfect ...

[bobbythompson57]

great video:)

[drablos]

I must say, I'm quite surprised by the amount of outside response to this video, as I really only put it on YouTube to show to friends and family, and the video itself was made for a small competition at my school.

With that said I feel I have to explain a few things. Most importantly, the idea we first had was just the concept of trying to "dolly" from A to B without proper dolly equipment. It turned out not to be doable, but we still wanted to make a whole video with dolly.

[drablos]

The "story" we were trying to imply throughout the video, with a little help from the lyrics, was that these two people are the only ones who matter(exist), and they've messed it all up by misunderstanding each others intentions. Obviously, it was not implied strongly enough. (Notice the mirroring and the heart shaped box though) :P

[gayfarmerboy]

i got that almost instantly with all the empty seats and rooms and hallways, pretty good video

[drablos]

As for the acting. Yes, we know it sucks. We just happened to be a little short on time, so we just cast me and a girl who is completely incapable of looking sad. Not that great, but it's those scenes that turn the concept into a video.

Thank you all for your comments, and we really appreciate you taking our little project so seriously. :)

[drabshadspads]

are you from norway or texas? my lastnames drablos and the only people on the planet that have my last name are my cousins i've never met in texas or relatives in norway

[Joshqu]

Totally agree with the last comment, the girl or guy with the head in her/his hands shakin their head totally pissed me off too for the song is not that much about loneliness. But anwyas, overall great quality on video production.

[dnai]

With a song like elliot's, you can already grasp the feelings of loneliness so there's no reason to have actors seemingly portray it in the video. You need to make more connections with the deeper and more underlying themes of the song, because loneliness is a somewhat superficial one.

Also, people with their head in their hands, shaking their heads side to side...a tad bit cheesy.

[dnai]

It was a great effort. However, a little overboard on the panning and the 'loneliness' theme felt like it was shoved down my throat. The video should complement the music, but it shouldn't iterate the theme.

[shizzle412]

this was a good video...buuuuut i dont think you should have filmed people. it just looks like bad acting, the scenes were good but you should have shown Elliott if anyone

[youknowit209]

soooo muchhhh pannninngggg

but it was good

it was cool

[chipdevourer]

uhh.

it lacks substance.

[Rebuffer]

This was the only place I could find this song online, after hearing that RJD2 sampled it for his song "Ghostwriter." This is a beautiful song, and RJD2 picked the repeated "Ahhhh-ahhh" sound, mixing it well with some brash horns.

[drablos]

I'm glad the feeling of loneliness transfers well to people outside the school as well. I guess it feels a bit different to us, as we tried to use places where we were used to seeing lots of people.

[SeventhGrade101]

nice vid

[camilonestor]

es demasiado triste

[jaywoolsey]

anyone seen the vid where he plays this song on piano, its beautiful

[Pimkins]

Nice choice of song definitely :). Nice editing too

[livehighjive]

what the shit?

[punkrocker27ka]

Hey what did you use for a dolly? Those shots that moved left and right seemed very smooth. I liked this video!

[drablos]

Glad you liked it. For most of the shots we used a trolley that we borrowed from the school kitchen. It was actually not a very stable trolley, as one wheel was shorter than the others, but as long as we kept it stable the rather large tires helped smooth any small bumps.