"Everybody Hurts" and "Sweetness Follows," R.E.M.

Both of these songs begin with images of despair - "Everybody Hurts" evokes images of loneliness and sadness, and "Sweetness Follows" considers the chasm left behind following death and departure. But by the time they're both done, they have such optimism and joy. With "Everybody Hurts," it ends with the repeated thought that "you are not alone," and with "Sweetness Follows," it's the more thoughtful incantation that you should "live your life filled with joy and wonder," and that no matter how horrifying things feel, that the feeling of sweetness that makes the world such a wonderful place will return. Great thoughts after such a horrific time. They helped me get through.

Dan Dunford