The Magnetic Fields - 100,000 Fireflies

[TheLukeStein]

Honestly, this song makes me so depressed. Yet at the same time, it reminds me how beautiful music can be, and I want to live.

[FooChowDump]

The last minute or so of this song makes my eyes well sometimes. There's a lot of my past in those lines and they're so beautifully sung.

[dojoloach242]

this song is a trip and i can barely understand her but i love it

[thegreatfriend]

Am I the only one who feels absolutely heartbroken near the end of the song? I mean it's so...

[gdub999tube]

Not to disrespect Harry Potter - but this is the real magic in life.

[Trocaderostrikeforce]

Someone needs to remake this video in minecraft!

[stefs4]

love the video :) makes me wanna play paper mario on my old gamecube haha

[brentham1991]

did an interpretive poetic dance empowered by love to this song for a high school talent competition. I killed it but i have to give respect where it is deserved. Your a genius merrit

[seandevega]

brilliant.  mozartian.

[Summer261997]

What the heck does Owl City have to do with any of this? Although they have a song called 'Fireflies', that and this are COMPLETELY different. The arguments on here are just...stupid.

[8scatterbrain8]

morbid <3

[TheOssumPawesome]

Tearing down other people's taste is the easiest way for small-minded people to feel good about themselves. Yeah, Owl City is shite. But I can't stand people relishing in their smugness and self-satisfaction because they can tell some 15 year old on the internet why the music they like is horrible.

[dwatz]

Love the original, but love the superchunk cover better...

[Belletryst]

You won't be happy anyway.

[ilovemyselfbetter]

100,000 fireflies are better than ten thousand. Suck it, owl city.

[then00best]

isn't it sad that owl city is mentioned just because of the words "fire flies"

[madisonayers]

this reminds me of sophomore year.

[MrStarbucks1989]

100,000 times better than owl city

[cp1031]

wth?

[Droldjoe]

i love you dave.

[amazingabby25]

I used to listen to this song everyday on the bus and metro on the way to school....at like 5:30am....aw.

[Zvalgryn]

Lol weirdest music video ive ever seen ^^ loved it!

[connormcj25]

wow i feel like im high. And i dont use drugs!!!

[jaelmancke]

wayward bus/distant plastic trees.

golden

[jaelmancke]

I also have a dobro, made in some mountain range. Sounds like a mountain range in love.

brilliant

[GlassBattles]

@jaelmancke I also have an oboe, it is a mountain range

[vile20xx]

34 people want to kill themselves

[rbidar]

I'm pretty sure Stephin Merrit said in an interview that he liked Owl City...

[daftrhetoric]

@rbidar You're as wrong as a Politician. In an interview he said:

SM: Owl? City? // What. A wonderful. Band name.

He'd never heard of them in that interview. And yes I tracked down the interview after I read that, just like I fact check after anybody tells me anything. I'm glad I do, because I've discovered people lie bald faced all the damn time. Like you just did.

[TheDalaiGanja]

@mallyisgold Obviously you haven't been a Magnetic Field's fan for a long time. They've been an Indie Band since 1989 and this song was on their first album. Owl city started in 2007 and they are as pop and mainstream as they come. Magnetic Fields have an array of styles and tastes, Owl City is teenage girl bullshit. I'm sure if Stephin Merritt heard you compare his genius to Owl City he would slap the "stupid fuck" out of you.

[mallyisgold]

@TheDalaiGanja, yeah, i haven't been. but i still don't believe Owl City is as bad as you all make it out to be. the guy behind Owl City is just another songwriter making music, no different than any other artist. he's writing the kind of music that he enjoys writing, and he's good at that. i realize that Magfields has more variety and they're older and so on, but that doesn't mean all other music is shit. then again, i'm still young; maybe there's just something i haven't caught onto yet.

[Shirokinukatsukami]

@mallyisgold

Nop all that doesn't have to mean Owl City is crap. However, Owl City is indeed crap. You can't really compare him to Merrit without sounding like a fool. And there is a differencce betweent artists, that is the point. Some just are better than others, all subjectiveness aside.

[robman8855]

@mallyisgold

I must commend your very well thought out and polite response... I personaly disagree but you put that so calmy and logically I just had to say nice job :)

[wrongmonettube]

just want to hear this.....but not in the way that the .15 reference point is saying...yet....or ever please...please.....but one can not bargain with this...

[pursey2]

Love the Superchunk version, too...

[Threecreation]

who's this "city of owls" everyone keeps talking about?

[richamerican]

i luv owl kingdom

[Haroldjohncline]

yes!

[collabi]

This video seems kind of blurry.

[richamerican]

dont feed der trolls

[vaf88]

big lol wut ;p

[Kubiak04]

owl city? who's that

[Kubiak04]

owl city?

[andyasbury]

I love this song, cheers for posting the video 'cos I'd never seen it before. I originally heard this song as a cover by the rather wonderful Superchunk. xxx

[andrewhime]

@andyasbury This video is not official... the video portion was taken from another song.

[lethe51]

nice number

[theshinepolice]

i like this song, but i'd have to say i am partial to the superchunk cover. i have a thing for electric gutiars.

the lyrics are fantastic, btw and i like this song (both versions) better than the song by owl city.

[realhxq]

It is soo funny . Happy melody And Sad lyrics , Well mixed!

[tx1117]

cute little song

[auntiesmedley]

Love this song, love Stephen Merritt/Magnetic Fields. The animation is cute (albeit a bit fuzzy). Thanks for sharing it!

[MrSokkrokker]

Lol wait, what?

[robotypist]

The animation is lovely -- it fits the song. Good job to the artist! Some people are so used to the high tech, 3D, etc. animated shows/movies, that that becomes the standard by which they judge everything.

[Ieatbabyseals]

With the bass up on most of these songs they sound soooo different

[psnapplebee]

"your mum's the most awful artist ..." what a retard!

[thermo1984]

I enjoyed the song thank you

[tx1117]

pleasant cute song

[duq23]

Is that Bob Ross?

[alangeorg3]

inspiration for owl city's hit?

[beautifuleuphoria]

i actually heard the superchunk version of this song first. it's very different. not better, different.

[seamanandswallow]

Wait this isn't fireflies? What the fucks this gay shit? This titles really misleading. If they are gonna use Owl City's title then they shoudn't change the sonh grrrrrr

[nicktleonard]

@seamanandswallow I'm guessing you're joking... Owl City must be the most awful artist to have emerged in the past few years.

[Sirsteinalot]

@nicktleonard coming from someone named "seamanandswallow" did you honestly expect them to know who The Magnetic Fields are?

[ImpaledByZebras]

@nicktleonard

so, i dont hate owl city. but i do agree with you that this person is retarted.

[seamanandswallow]

@nicktleonard Actually that reward goes to your mum

[nicktleonard]

@seamanandswallow Which reward, being an awful artist? Looks like someone's a bit thick. You've shit taste, by the way.

[mallyisgold]

@nicktleonard, please. I came to the comments looking for some Magfields love, and instead I see a musical superiority complex on legs; take it somewhere else. I love the Magfields and Owl City, and both have value as bands and artists. I hate it when people get a big head because they listen to music that isn't mainstream. It's one thing to say an artist is not your style, another to say that they're awful. I'm not trying to be rude, but really.

[nicktleonard]

@mallyisgold Well, I'm sorry that you don't like it, but I do think Owl City are awful. It's got nothing do with having a big head from listening to 'music that isn't mainstream.' In fact, that's the usual tired response people use to shoot down any criticism they don't agree with. I think it's musical inferiority complex on your part. I don't think Owl CIty are in any way comparable in value/talent to the MF. That's what I think, if you don't agree then tough.

[daftrhetoric]

@nicktleonard People take the superficial elements of something beautiful like the world of Steven Merritt, appropriate them into their own sordid scheme, and thus homogenization is joined. Owl City is nothing compared to The Magnetic Fields. Listenership is democratic, today's demos are a seething bed of self contradictory, self unaware, foolish fucking tyrants. I don't imagine it'll stay that way, elitism isn't the point, sapience is.

[robman8855]

@daftrhetoric poeticaly said... i love the magnetic fields

[thisisanaeroplane]

@daftrhetoric you win

[snowgod37]

@nicktleonard bet you never touched an instument.

[nicktleonard]

@snowgod37 No, I don't believe I've ever touched an 'instument.'

[Solomon43822]

@nicktleonard you're missing out. Music is but one of many pathways to the soul.

[nicktleonard]

@Solomon43822 What are you even talking about? I think you've got your wires crossed. Thanks, but I don't much care for your spiritual musings.

[Solomon43822]

@nicktleonard Translation from what I previously said: It's fun as h**l and can make you feel better when your having a bad day because you can let out your emotions and feelings into the music you're playing.

[nicktleonard]

@Solomon43822 I know what it's like to play music, thanks again for your advice. I think you need to go back and examine the comments because you are confusing what was said and why it was said. I don't know why, as it's all very clear. And as I said, I didn't ask for your condescending advice, so please don't offer any more of it.

[westongarr]

@nicktleonard owl city sucks ass

[snowgod37]

@mallyisgold pick up a instrument then say something.

[mallyisgold]

@snowgod37, I play two instruments, thank you.

[tetilt]

@nicktleonard He's not that bad, in comparison to 'Millionaires', or 'Brokencyde'

[robman8855]

@nicktleonard

I love looking at those comments now that Owl City has dropped off the face of the earth almost completely

[lkjkorn19]

@seamanandswallow LOL, are you 12 or just plain stupid? This song is way older than Owl City's Fireflies. If you have to bitch about something, go tell Owl City to change THEIR title. Hahaha, seriously xP

[thafons]

@seamanandswallow i give 3/10 for that attempt at a troll. up your game, sir.

[Ieatbabyseals]

@seamanandswallow

This song has been around long before "Owl City"

[Sango4evr]

@seamanandswallow First of all, I'm ashamed to know this, but the title of the Owl City song is just Fireflies. There are no numbers. AND that song has 90,000 less bugs. (In case you can't subtract 100,000-90,000=10,000). Second, I agree with nicktleonard. That guy is terrible. (btw, Owl City is ONE guy)

[Sango4evr]

@seamanandswallow First of all, I'm ashamed to know this, but the title of the Owl City song is just Fireflies. There are no numbers. AND that song has 90,000 less bugs. (In case you can't subtract 100,000-90,000=10,000). Second, I agree with nicktleonard. That guy is terrible. (btw, Owl City is ONE guy) Third, This Song Is Amazing!

[RainOnYourParade0x]

@seamanandswallow I love Owl City and all... But this song was made first. They didn't use his title...

[CaptainTangent]

@seamanandswallow

when I first heard that Owl City fireflies song, I thought 'this Deathcab for Cutie song kind sucks.' That pretty much sums up me feelings in the subject.

[allbymysmelf]

@seamanandswallow This song was before fireflies.... So its Owl City who should change the title if anyone! Which is stupid, because the title isnt even the same!

[mereSL]

@seamanandswallow You know this song was written have well before Owl City was even thinking about that song. They are different songs with different names and have nothing to do with each other.

[HelloNewYorkCity]

@seamanandswallow "What the fucks this gay shit?" "owl city"

:| ARE YOU FUAKING SERIOUS?!?!?!? nuff said.

[SongsThatSavedMyLife]

@seamanandswallow You are unfathomably stupid.

[VacuumBoots81]

@seamanandswallow hahahahahah This is probably the best comment I've ever read on the internet... ever!

[superjule]

@seamanandswallow hahaha, you crack me up...

[dwaynebenzie33]

This is the best song with 'fireflies' in its title. If ya know what i mean.

[theta9999999theta]

instead of being so focused on the memorable line, "you won't be happy anyway" just focus on the beavers.

[CAT18999]

the picture is all fuzzy. is it supposed to be like that?

[Romecatx899]

straight from the heart and soul "you won't be happy with me, but give me one more chance, you won't be happy anyway" sooooooo true.

[rockxthexhouse123]

who sings this? Claudia?

[mymuk]

@rockxthexhouse123 : no, Susan Amway, Stephin used her for the first album.

[nubbs]

@mymuk

what happened to her?

[mymuk]

@nubbs she went off to become a dentist I think.

[rockxthexhouse123]

@mymuk ohh ok

[autumngold1]

@rockxthexhouse123 nah... Stephin.  ;) haha

[2010jennern]

you won't be happy with me, so give me one more chance. you won't be happy anyway

[EniesLobby]

First few lines made me have flashbacks to Willy Wonka. Watch your troubles bloooow awaaaaay, blooooooooow awaaaaay...

[SquidSammich]

IT MAKES ME WANT TO KILL MYSELF

[CraZZyVidEoZ]

WTF is this?????????

[DoBrick]

It's great, isn't it? I love this song!

[poppyallgood]

Man, this number really holds up well.

[Ekatrokitty]

wha... the... hell is this?

[purplelight18]

I like. This. Song

[hazzle34]

Like 10,000 fireflies, only not.

[longroad234]

I first heard this shortly after losing a girl named Sarah. This song is epic... in my heart.

[Wiiosten]

i <3 stephin merrit. THEY'RE COMING TO OAKLAND =D

[Iamuurme140]

This is going to give me nightmares.

[iamawsomeable]

soooooo far...... i'm kinda diggin this band.

[shaihainoon]

its so gooooooood

[zirconviper]

This song makes me cry.

[peoplesauce]

wrong song

[IHvADD]

what song is it supposed to be?

[aimlessalchemist]

Blurry headache to a great song.

[ryex76]

i'm afraid of the dark

without you close to me

i went up to the forest

[MrGmac91]

ria, eot pa bka magustuhan mo din.. ;>

[lloplop]

lol really

[fireeaterswife]

this song is so sweet and heartbreaking simultaneously, it's quite genius song writing/singing. i really love susan's vocals.

[Randyh9]

You won't be happy with me,

But give me one more chance

You won't be happy anyway

[rubyhirsch]

@Randyh9 my favourite mf line ever

[ryanavellanosa1]

yeah ! SUPERCHUNK made a cover of this song

[Skooma714]

Which sucked imo.

[HelloNewYorkCity]

i cant beleive that daniel handler is accordianst (AKA lemony snicket)

[DieAlena]

haha i didn't know he was playing the accordian in this song! I loved his books when I was younger!!

[Romecatx899]

thats the truth but you forgot about I they all get over looked.

[BeWaTer99]

The new wave of Magnetic Fields' fans forgot about this outstanding LP and the middle 90's era (Holiday, Get Lost, The Wayward Bus, The Charm of The Highway Strip...) and just focus on 69 Love Songs and Distortion. It's a pity :-/

(Well, it's just an oppinion but I could be wrong)

[chachisimo]

yeah, but they're pretty easy to find. i was just a little kid during the nineties, but i actually started with charm of the highway strip like two years ago and then just went crazy.

[galeforcewinds13]

Ha! I stopped paying attention to them after 69 love songs. i can't imagine anyone being a fan of MF without knowing all those early albums buy heart.

[marlenemaya]

I LOVE THE MAGNETIC FIELDS!!! LOVE LOVE::::: i wonna live in their video!

[ThatLovelyEnglishBob]

Still not sure if she's singing "I have a mandolin" or "I have a mammogram"

[blackalti]

mandolin....*sigh*

[ThatLovelyEnglishBob]

Just my ape-like adolescent mind. It's a perfect song either way.

[9t6trix]

dannnnnng man i never knew superchunk did this as a cover, i knew they did the song before i heard this. and its totally different. its wierd, i actually like this version a lot

[SniffTheHedgehog]

Stunning ... never ever get bored with this song ... a genuine masterpiece, I doff my imaginary hat to you Mr Merritt. Thanks for sharing this nicktleonard

[Shar0ne]

Well my old boyfriend had a mandolin and he'd play it all night long too and it did make ME want to kill myself. ...but it could have been more him than the mandolin I guess. ;) haha

[Jamesbharris2]

I do in fact have a mandolin, play it all night long, although it doesn't make me want to kill myself.

[FarmerChords23]

This song is great you can help but love it!

[bebrasha]

this song is so much more than the sum of its parts, ya know?

[jellymeizer]

I listened to the Superchunk version about 7 minutes ago...and I know it's terrible to say this because I don't like judging other covers of songs because they're their own rendition and interpretation.....but this song is one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time, it's beautiful and gentle, and I couldn't stand hearing it blaring out like a punk song. It lost it's beauty.

[nazlex43]

It's beautiful

[mojo437]

superchunk makes this song come alive. and by that i mean they save it.

[themange59]

wrong

[ImaginaryMikey]

Hehe. I heard the first few notes and was already in love :-)

[Marinhuuu]

pure genius. so beautiful.

[pooppoopplopp]

Does anyone know if this is played on a toy piano?

[Anotherartist]

that may be... but merritt uses lots of synthesizers on his records.. so it may also be synthie-sound on his early records : )

[SIlvrest]

IT MAKES ME WANT TO KILL MYSELLLLLLLLF

[jacmed19]

i love this ana song

[mystyfikacja]

Masterpiece!

[kablamman2007]

I am personal friends with Susan (Anway, who sang thing song)

[milhausNYC]

Oh yeah? What's she doing these days? Last I heard something about "selling knives"

[artisyn]

susan is recording with electronic music geniuses jack andrews (usa) and boris black (germany) - new album out soon - unglaubliche Stimme!

[vrartist]

Yeah!

[BethGoth15]

Oh cool! What is she doing nowadays?

[eroticmisery]

One of the best songs ever

[ajbagz43]

this song makes me believe in all things that are magical :)

[ellachristina]

I once played this song over and over for 3 days straight. (Just broken up with someone back then)

[dawndavenport]

doing that now heh : (

no, its all good. : )