Wednesday 29th September 2010
REM tops songs that make grown men cry
PRS for Music, the organisation that collects and pays royalties to its 70,000 song-writing and composing members, today reveals that REM’s Everybody Hurts tops the list of songs that make men cry.
REM’s Everybody Hurts was used as a charity single early this year in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, in which VAT and royalties were waived to maximise the aid money. The single became the UK’s fastest-selling charity record of the 21st century.
Top ten songs that make men cry
1. Everybody Hurts – REM
2. Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
3. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
4. Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor
5. With or Without You – U2
6. Drugs Don’t Work – The Verve
7. Candle In The Wind – Elton John
8. Streets of Philadelphia – Bruce Springsteen
9. Unchained Melody – Todd Duncan
10. Angels – Robbie Williams
Source: PRS for Music
Eric Clapton’s 1992 ballad, Tears in Heaven, was written about the pain that he felt following the death of his four-year-old son. Clapton stopped playing the song in 2004 when he had finished mourning his son.
The results are based on a survey of over 1,700 people, conducted by PRS for Music.
Commenting on the results, Ellis Rich, chairman of PRS for Music, said: “From this chart, it is clear that a well-written tear-jerker is one that people can relate to and empathise with. It is this lyrical connection that can reach deep down emotionally and move even the strongest of men.”
Ends
Notes To Editors
The survey was conducted online and had 1757 respondents
For more information, get in touch:
Nicola Formoy, Public Relations Manager:
nicola.formoy@prsformusic.com
02073064229 / 07539 837436
Barney Hooper, Head of PR:
barney.hooper@prsformusic.com
02073064548 / 07979 757052
PRS for Music:
PRS for Music represents 70,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation it ensures creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced; championing the importance of copyright to protect and support the UK music industry. The UK has a proud tradition of creating wonderful music that is enjoyed the world over and PRS for Music has been supporting the creators of that music since 1914.
PRS for Music provides business and community groups with easy access to over 10m songs through its music licences. In an industry worth £3.9bn PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and can provide data and comment for all aspects of the business: live, broadcast, sales, online, touring and music creation and up-to-date analysis, research and trends about the industry.
www.prsformusic.com
www.myspace.com/prsformusic