The Decemberists - This Is Why We Fight

[LordCHull]

Yey! :D they all die

[DamnittKyle]

i would love to see a movie made out of this music video.

[Randomness5440]

Hands down the best music video I`ve seen in a long time. It just shows that everyone has a breaking point and when horrible injustices are occurring you must fight back.

[ryan112075]

cool

[gregga13b]

Only the intelligent will survive!

[MerlinAmbrosius17]

I'm not here to bash the song. It's alright. The video however makes me chuckle because it looks like the world of Fallout populated by hipsters. :-)

[LordCHull]

@MerlinAmbrosius17 Hahaha it made me want to go play Fallout again

[WilliamTather]

Is that Ted Mosby?

[TMWempire]

@WilliamTather Nope just the same glasses :p

[taylorprestonb33]

MY FRIEND IS IN THIS <3

[ReverendTableManners]

Definitely a better love story than Twilight.

[maneiave]

This is like the kids from Peter Pan

[klimber10001]

Yea yeah, from Portland, Or my home town! :o) Love these guys.

[BigFatTubOfLardCo]

Are they depicting a cou here? is that the war in the video?

This is so great, someone got me "Her Majesty" for christmas and this is so much like that album I love them, actually all of the stuff on YouTube auto-complete under "The Decemberists" is good.

[thecaffeinateddreams]

I just found this song yesterday, and for some reason it calms me down. This should have more views..

[CelloRocks2]

Possibly the greatest Decemberists song of all time-- and that is DEFINITELY saying something.

I could literally listen to this song all day and never get sick of it, just a little more inspired every time I hear it.

[klimber10001]

@CelloRocks2 Me too!

[BMD101]

John Lennon glasses,

They mean something....

[kisstheskyyyy]

@BMD101 I thought the same thing, especially with the subject matter & current events...

[DivineRang3r]

OMG MY COUSIN IS IN THIS VIDEO!!!!!! at 1:59 the kid in the red without glasses

[funkylyricalfx24]

Its inspiring to listen to/watch this band play, the amount of collective talent is astonishing.

[RadioactiveOwl13]

1:49 converse shoes in the bottom left corner =)

[RadioactiveOwl13]

the kid's glass are cracked on his left side until 1:39, than it switches sides.

[purplecowsFTW98]

Am I the only one who thinks the main boy is beautiful?

I just wanted to hop through the screen and tazer the bad guys C:

[gunderbuns1]

Good video for the most part, but it really annoying how they cut the scene just to show us their faces. It's not like we need to see how they feel every three seconds, that's what the acting is for.

[mishaemanoil]

@gunderbuns1 their faces are the scene

[RadioactiveOwl13]

@gunderbuns1 there faces show their pain, misery, etc. they cant show this to much around the "bad guys" (dictators i guess) or they just get in trouble.

[misslovealways]

I'm so confused by this video. What the heck do these dirty children symbolize? I still think its a great song, but seriously its leaves too much unanswered. 

[welderMTL]

this is why we vote RON PAUL 2012

[Paubarrier]

nice song...lov the vied too

[klevens1000]

this as why we fight

[Trippinpatchouli]

video reminds me of the movie lord of the flies, love this song

[aLee9696]

92 deaf.

[twowishesleft]

hahahaha This video was just preceded by a Gingrich bash ad.

[0Reinne0]

this song should be in the soundtrack of the hunger games

[twowishesleft]

@0Reinne0 they're recording a new song for that, I understand.

[snotberg123]

@0Reinne0 the hunger games? fuck that let's do the original; this should be the soundtrack of the lord of the flies

[ajjj4guys]

this is enjoyable

[breno164]

God, that perfect song.

[jtrevin1]

@fingerfisty Lmfao yeah really...Heard he dropped out of the election recently...Just wish he would get the fuck outta Texas but sadly I think he will be with us for a long time :(

[purplecowsFTW98]

I absolutely love this video <3

I can't stop watching it!

[amandalectron]

I'm floored on my arse.

[alexxxp82]

esta cancion es grandiosa, i love this song fantastic song

[101superweezy]

oh God... did Palin get elected

[fingerfisty]

it's a song about political unrest.. if you "listen to it" you'll know. so.. i made a joke about it.

[inventvamp]

@fingerfisty dude... no one cares! we just wanna listen to the music!!!!!!!

[MrCalman65]

No offence, but they dont sound American, awesome tune, love it. I thought they might be an Aussie band!!!

[CireNosttam]

@fingerfisty Total props, though this seems more Ron Paul-esque to me.

[TheSarnaran]

@fingerfisty lol fat chance of that happening

[Pyroaptor28]

firs time I heard this song I hate to amit I cried but not in the Oh boo hoo my dog got hit by a car kinda crying but, still I cried that as 3 years ago I havn't cried since (emotion=weakness)

[balltopleft]

don't be alarmed, this is how everyone in Utah lives

[LuperFlip]

Does anyone know where I can get a jacket like the "King" in the video?

[dylanthechameleon]

Can everyone please shut up about The Hunger Games? There's a lot more to this song than that.

[dylanthechameleon]

I saw them live at my dad's work. I'm so lucky to live in Portland. :P

[AngelProjekt]

Was watching this video with Hunger Games in mind 7 months ago. Six months ago, two other users mentioned how perfectly it fit a THG mentality. Now, The Decemberists are on the soundtrack. Way to go, fans!!

[FredEaglesmithGirl]

@AngelProjekt I was totally just gonna mention that! It could completely be related. SO amazing

[EmmalineDyer]

Sexaaaaay. ;)

[666oFallenAngel666]

At least, some good music by VEVO.

[13evilmuffin]

That kid with the cracked glasses looks like Harry Potter

[Pyroaptor28]

@13evilmuffin Hahahaha

[McEweToober]

@13evilmuffin You're a faggot Harry. A what?

[Pyroaptor28]

And I wonder what song these most awsomest of all musitains will sing for the hunger games (one o my favorite books now turned film)

[lorielle98]

@Pyroaptor28 haha same reason i came here.... hunger games is probably the most popular obsession in the world right now :)

[Pyroaptor28]

this is my favorite song of all time

[emmanem33]

The Decemberists are going to be on the Hunger Games soundtrack!! I'm so excited!

[McEweToober]

This song is incredible. It is an anthem for anyone who has ever been in the position where everything is against them, but they still came out laughing. The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.

[Pyroaptor28]

@McEweToober Props to you man 100% correct

[MultiENOQ]

a casta corema sicara corento pornografi nano antari i davi chel

[MultiENOQ]

tol aaaa

[movierock93]

The last second of this video adds a whole new value to the song.

[Abeirut]

I'm in love with this video♥

[FighterUnitHopeless]

The video has sort of a "The Lord of the Flies" feel to me. Overall, good message and, as always, The Decemberists have outdone themselves :)

[AVADRUMZAVA]

swtor

[dasheight]

This is a song that R.E.M. could have written in their "Document" days. Solid tune.

[thenfm]

cure hipster faggotry: MANHOOD101. COM

[foreverbubushka117]

Wow @ThePackers123

Your pathetic

I saw your comment in the "sixteen military wives" video

Why do you hate this band so much? Don't you have something better to do then go around and criticize them?

[1DirectionConnection]

This is such an amazing song and i love the decemberists but is it jsut me or does it seem like they sing about war in many of their songs? I don't know - just a thought lingering my mind

[gentlemanxbunny]

@1DirectionConnection This doesn't really answer your question, and you may know this, but they are named after the Decembrist revolt in Russia in 1825. Which is, by the way, fascinating event and well worth a bit of research. And if you are interested this site is full of good information (this won't let me post the link, but it is "The Decembrist Uprising" on A Journey Through Slavic Culture). I hope I didn't waste your time with my history spazzing! ^^

[iwishlifewasntsohard]

This video deserves many more views. :) this is an amazing song!

[serenitysedai]

It might be just me, but this seems like it should be the anthem of the Occupy/Decolonize movement. Watching the video it just hit me really hard like, isn't it so representative of the idea of the underclass choosing to stand up and just refuse to take the shit those in charge are dealing anymore? And that those who used to be aligned with those in charge need to abandon that and stand with the oppressed?

[HunterJumpGirl]

i love how they used kids, it just makes the video that much more meaningful

[M200InTeRvEnTiOnPro]

i'm surprised this video doesn't have more copy/pasted top comments

[M200InTeRvEnTiOnPro]

OMG 666th comment

[iMoonDoggiex]

Wow this is my first song I'm hearing from them.......I have a feeling they are gonna become classics

[MrShaqsHere]

This is why we fight - for each other. for humanity.

[liveBentertainment]

@ThePackers123 actually communism in itself is a genius tactic to maintain a steady strong balance and order in a community (notice the similarity between the two words) but sadly, our nature as humans to strive for the better decreases the chances of this species ever achieving pure communism. same goes for socialism, capitalism, and even democracy.

but all that aside, VIVA LOS DECEMBERISTAS!

[AceObrin]

@liveBentertainment Garbage in, garbage out. As far as I can tell, the part of our nature relating to wanting a better tomorrow and being able to plan to that end is precisely what will bring about a better system. When our civilization can ensure the economic security of all its members (now possible, but hindered by outdated ideology), we are free to express our need for self-preservation by giving back to the system. When we're free of necessity, we're free to put our truest selves forward.

[ryancity11]

she's kinda cute.

[Aulmeyda]

Video reminds me of Lord of the Flies. Stranded Kids. Anarchy. Tyrants. Broken glasses.

[0R3GAN0]

Enlist with the Wolverines!

[Aquaspleen]

i wonder what happened

[asherbeee]

This song haunts me, especially now, when there is so much inequity and unrest. The video made the message all the more powerful.

[Scrapsies]

MAN I miss indie

[Scrapsies]

@Scrapsies i think the best way to describe indie is ... it's organic

[gokus4thson]

Who the hell dislikes this

[MrBrandonTBrown]

This is unbelievably remnant of The Smiths! I love it.

[sarahmizemuse]

cool



[TopPark]

Although the lyrics clearly indicate a desire to express "why" they fight, they never really explain the "this" or the "why", do they?

[free2write26]

@TopPark so that "when they die, they will die with their arms unbound." the music video explains it pretty well, I think. They are fighting for freedom.

[Lynnsays73]

@packers123. I am German from Russia from the lower Volga Region. My family left in 1902 and 1907, but we know about the enforced starvation. Had a great uncle who returned to Russia in 1913.....Last heard from in 1930. My family lost his 4 American born children. Russian history from 1767 to present is very important to the Germans From Russia.

[ThePackers123]

FYI to all the young people that didn'.t grow up with the Soviet Union. Socialism isn't cool. Communism isn't cool. The Decemberists are obviously good musicians but their politics are not cool. Socialism forcibly starved 14 million people in the Ukraine to do away with the land owners. Look it up. It was started by Lenin finished by Stalin. Trotsky was no better. Read history before you fall for the propaganda. Look up why these people are called the Decemberists. Commies murdered 100 mil.

[eljagg01]

@ThePackers123 Not that the wrongs of a few individuals say anything of the inherent ethics of any one economic system in the first place, but why on Earth are you babbling politics on a music video???

How many millions have been expended in the name of capitalist interests, I wonder?

Save it.

[cjhooversd]

@ThePackers123 I'd say it's you who needs to read history. For one thing, the Decembrist revolt happened when Marx was a 7-year-old Prussian kid! They weren't communist revolutionaries, they were educated army officers pushing for constitutional monarchy, the end of serfdom, and equality at law. That's apparently bad? Also, mainstream Western (reformist or "revisionist") democratic socialism split from violent communist revolutionism over a century ago. Look up Eduard Bernstein.

[DrackonKnight]

I personally think that this song AND video encompasses what has been going on for hundreds of years and right now... especially right now... Self prescribed leaders, meal control, work control with the fat cats sitting at the top of the heap watching you slave your butt off for them! Now you have to realize that just because things look alot better in the US than this it operates in the exact same aspect, except your talking about banksters and high end ceo's.

[historyfreak24]

They finally did their finest work......AND DISBANDED! That makes me want to cry even more. Love the band, love the song,This album went to #1, why are more people not aware of how great this band is/was?

[EVideoJ77]

I heard this song on the radio, and it made me cry. I reminded me of my parents' relationship, and how when I marry someone I want to really be happy with them. I can't hear this song without thinking of them

[BrokenMannequin]

This sounds a whole lot like The Smiths. and that's never a bad thing.

[volumexii]

Love the song but MAN, what is up with this music video? It cheapens the lyrics, I have to say...

[milkandholywater]

@volumexii Haha, I was actually thinking the exact opposite thing. I really enjoyed the video, but I felt like the song was the weaker element. I think perhaps we just focused on that which we were more interested in and perhaps not paying as much attention to the respective other aspect. I mean, don't get me wrong. I love the Decemberists, though I haven't heard whatever release this particular song is from (the latest one I remember was Hazards).

[selGdemparamtwilight]

reactionnnn

increeeddiiibblleeee

[ComeTheArchers]

When I saw this the first time, I was not initially impressed. I found the song so thrilling in and of itself, that the video couldn't compete. After watching it about four times, I finally understood. I understood what was going on and the story the video tells that the song itself does not. Together, they're perfect.

[ragehawk72]

it feels as if this video speaks to me (no not in that pathetic whiny way) as if to stand up against the things worth fighting against... i find it deep and encouraging... i'd like to know who agrees so please like this post if you wish...

[DominoGray]

@ragehawk72

"it feels as if this video speaks to me (no not in that pathetic whiny way) "

There's a pathetic whiny way for something to speak to you?

[mommyali28]

@ragehawk72 I wholeheartedly agree with you. For me, it speaks of fighting against addiction. The awful chains of substance abuse has ravaged the lives of many I love. I want to slay it like I would a dragon of the hugest size. This song gives me hope. It makes me want to be strong. To be courageous in the face of evil and hopelessness. I *heart* this song.

[balltopleft]

@ragehawk72 it feels as if the black kid was also in The Happening... i'd like to know who agrees so please like this post if you agree...

[habbitz]

What a pathetic and juvenile attempt at political commentary.

[ragehawk72]

@habbitz you saying that is also saying Lord of the Flies was the same... but truthfully it is displaying a great amount of pathetic communism... (which i am extremely against) and i find it a very encouraging and strong video..

[catcutator]

I'm surprised this song doesn't have more views. It ought to be recognised more, I think.

[xmichaelibertyx]

@catcutator it did they just took it down and reposted prolly cause of comments

[jcjk821]

@catcutator i agree..this is a great tune...great song..

[CWScottso]

My favorite band currently. Actual meaning to songs for once!

[MacFeeley]

Great album, by the way Colin. You sound a whole lot like Ben Gibbard and that's a complement believe me..

[Justen5018]

1:20 I have that gas mask

[drksilent333]

Amazing

[ChocolateTasteGo0d]

one of those kids looks kind alike john lennon haha

[kfmeloy]

Every Deceberists video I go to people are always being jerks to each other in the comments. When I read the comments to the video of one of my favorite songs I want to see "gee I love this song" or "wow, this band is great" I'm sick of people constantly ruining the comments with petty squabble. GET OVER YOURSELVES!

P.S. I LOVE THIS BAND!

[MattMcq99]

@kfmeloy shut the fuck up homo

[IowaEye]

Kinda reminds me of being out in the field at Fort Riley. It's desolate like that. But our uniforms weren't nearly as cool. And we could have really used a girl that looked like the one in the pigtail braids with the aviator''s cap.

[selGdemparamtwilight]

COME THE WAR

[Themobobber]

It must suck to be the guy in Red. He may be the ruler, but he is the ruler of a shithole. Just like Saddam and other rulers of third world countries.

[undeadsinner13]

@Themobobber even Obama is ruler over a shit-hole...its all how you look at it ;)

[yodelsadvertisingcom]

Everyone is all fired up about some comment. I agree with @HippieJamesify this video makes me want to touchy feely myself too... like doing the stranger, but not letting your hand get so numb.

[hom3slicez]

@yodelsadvertisingcom but...if your hand's not completely numb it's not a real stranger lol

[Tandy2000HD]

That quarry looks like the same one in The Walking Dead . . .

[ninetailedhollow5]

The life of that british-looking dude in mad max

[89arnburg]

to all you who think this video is about this and that. Music is a feeling written by the artist and meant to be interpreted as other feelings by the audience if not the same as that of the artist. I think this video is about music written from the heart so shut your fucking cockholes and just press like on this video before I kick your ass....bunch of fucking pricks

[liambrownman]

@89arnburg I disliked this video strictly because of your ignorant-ass comment. Better kick my ass, cockmonger.

[89arnburg]

@liambrownman I have met Colin Meloy and Nate Query and talked to them for a good while after a show. They also shared the same feelings about how a song can be interpreted as different things to others. He told me if someone else finds a different meaning in his songs then its a grand idea. But I guess you think they are ignorant too, huh?? You probably dont know shit about music or have ever written a song. Prob dont even know what a guitar looks like. Go like your shit canadian music pussy

[liambrownman]

@89arnburg I never said I didn't like the song, I just said I disliked it because your comment was so inane, as was your reply. My actions were strictly meant to piss you off, and they clearly did. Also, you should probably learn to read and comprehend words, it will make the rest of your life way easier.

[89arnburg]

@liambrownman No I just made you look like a dumb ass :) Trust me a dumb ass like you could never make me mad. It takes someone smart to at least irritate me. Not a cock hole like you talking shit from your fat mommas couch. If you can make me mad...especially online I will give you 50 bucks. Probably more than you make in a month you fucking fuck

[liambrownman]

@89arnburg You're* right, only a genius could dance toe-to-toe with a wordsmith such as yourself.

[selGdemparamtwilight]

Lol he cant help but lol @ 3:42

[bettersongaday]

selected for bettersongaday 10.04.2011

[ragehawk72]

truthfully i think that this video is portraying the story Lord of the Flies... it's almost exactly like it... Jack sitting in solitude and the fire... his cruel and unjust treatment... brilliant!

[calvinleeryan]

Reminds me of Lord of the Flies.

[srgpeppers1]

@calvinleeryan what how? first lord of the flies had no girls in it.

[calvinleeryan]

@srgpeppers1 keyword "reminds". kids at war, you know.

[kflyers4848]

why we fight is also a great documentary bout us military actions (specifically after 9/11).....

[AlexLloydPowell]

I can only imagine how fun this would have been to film

Lucky kids!

[VividWakingDream]

I want the girl's hat. I WANT it.

[lenilenape]

Feature on Colin Meloy and wife Carson Ellis

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001­­42405311190419460457658323240­6­043332.html?mod=WSJ_RealEsta­te­_LEADTopNews

[lebosibunny]

I have probably listened to this song about 15 times in the last couple of days :) It's kind of sad but really nice at the same time.

[MattMcq99]

i could probs take all those kids

[exmruniverse]

fallout, lord of the flies addition....

damn that would be a sad game.

[HyperShymin711]

This may sound sad but this video reminds me a bit of The hunger games, sorry i said tht please dont hate me :(

[pmixdelaware]

easily one of my favorite songs of the year.. this song inspired me on those really hot july days when i couldnt find the energy to start work... powerful stuff.

[MrsNotHater01]

I've known this band since I was a little kid.

Their new stuff is just as good as their old <3

[magicaltonkatruck]

Very Lord of the Flies-esque. Sends me chills.

[starclan923]

this is the sort of song you find yourself singing along to tearfully at the best of times but the imagery just gave it that sort of hopless/brave quality that the music has already. it made me cry.