FROM CEDRIC: I appreciate the feedback and I noticed A LOT of comments were similar in voicing I missed the point of the video. I’m pinning this comment so I don’t copy & paste it over & over. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on my reaction to James Blunt's song Monsters. I understand that this song holds deep meaning for many, and I appreciate your passion in sharing your thoughts. When I first heard the song, I admit I was processing it through the lens of my own recent loss-my father passed away in June 2023. Initially, I misunderstood the sentiment behind the line, “I’m not your son, you’re not my father.” However, as the song unfolded, I came to understand the significance of that statement. It reflects two men, like my father and I, who were no longer defined solely by the titles of "father" and "son," saying goodbye to each other as equals, connected by their shared love and humanity. In many ways, this mirrors the relationship I had with my own father, particularly in our later years, as we related to each other as men who deeply respected and cared for one another. Knowing my dad is with his Heavenly Father gives me a peace that passes all human understanding. Thanks for supporting our channel, and leaving a comment. God bless 🙏🏽. - C -
Cedric - a lot of reactors make the same "mistake". Without context, the line can easily be interpreted as referring to a difficult past relationship. The commenters are quick to lash out at people who interpret it that way, but honestly, I understand why some reactors do and think people should show a little more understanding. It's a blind reaction - how could you know anything about James & his father's relationship. The fact that you later re-assessed your thoughts at the end shows you were listening and thinking about song.
You made no mistakes. You reacted the same way I did and it took me til the last chorus to understand that the "I'm not your son..." line wasn't talking about a bad relationship. And just like you mentioned at the end, there comes a time in a healthy father son relationship that it becomes more like "two grown men..." having a conversation. You were spot on. Anyone that says different is missing the trees for the forest and basing it on hindsight alone.
I don't think it's a mistake. I think it can be interpreted that way too. Like many song, it can relate to people differently even if it differs from the writer's intent, and it really doesn't matter. It doesn't even have to be about father and son, I think daughter and mothers can also relate to it. I think someone who had an estranged relationship with their parent would interpret it that way, and that's what moves them.
I crossed paths with James in both war and peace. We were both tank commanders, operating in hell holes. Many may not know this, but James was exceptionally well liked and respected by his subordinates. He used his leadership skills to effect a significant and pivotal outcome in a harrowing incident in the combat zone. Gutsy bastard!
@@rovcanada1 Wow! Thank you for this insight, because I simply thought I was just reacting to a very gifted musician; but had no idea of the depths of this man. Much appreciated!! 🙏🏽. - C -
@@CedricandBrian React to No Bravery included footage whilst he was a peace Keeper in Kosovo during the Balkens conflict and the Serbs ethnic cleansing, sad
James father, Charles Blount, a kidney donor when he was younger, was diagnosed himself with kidney disease. There was no match found in their immediate family nor on the donor registry. He had been given only months of expected life left by his doctors. James wrote this song for his father as a way to say goodbye and all the emotions were real - filmed in a single take and that is his dad sitting next to him. While doing interviews and promoting this song and the importance of signing up to the donor registry a distance cousin they had not known saw one of the interviews and contacted them. He went in to get tested and was a match! He donated one of his kidneys to James’ father and saved his life. This song is a miracle
maybe you should word that differently...you make it sound like his dad gave up a kidney at some point, he absolutely did not...maybe he was a registered donor, but he never gave a kidney to anyone...
@@carolinesterquelle2159 where did you read that? Comments? A simple google search will tell you right away he had both kidneys...dont get info from commentors...do your own research
The line "Im not your son, You're not my father. We're just two grown men saying goodbye" Is reference to what his father (a former commander in the British army) said to James, before James was deployed to Kuwait with his tank battalion.
James was in Bosnia Kosovo war. He talks about it in an interview where he went back their. I have watched a bunch of videos of this song that people are reacting to. “I’m not your son you’re not my father we’re just 2 grown men saying goodbye”. This is my take on this lyric. As a boy you look up to your father in the parent roll. Then you grow up and become more of a friend’s relationship instead of father and son. Here’s the part of the song I haven’t seen anyone say. James says so “daddy” returning to the child father relationship again. I lost my dad in 2019 and this song was in 2019. I didn’t see it until 2022. To me it says that his father will always be his daddy.
I don't know why I listen to this song. It gets me every time. I had the most amazing father who always made me feel safe and loved. In his last days our roles were reversed I was the one making him feel safe and loved. It was my turn to chase the monsters away. Typing this through tears.
His dad had stage 4 kidney disease and waited 8 and a half years for a donor. When thinking he would lose him he wrote this song and did it in one take. Even the crew was crying but his dad didnt. They were both in the military and that line 'im not your son..." refers to not being emotionally attached while in the military.
I'm sure I recall it was James' sister who wrote the lyrics. However, I'm sure James added to it himself. Apparently after the song was released, a somewhat distant family member came forward and was a match donating a kidney.
@jasonsmith7402 no he wrote this song himself along with Amy Wadge and jimmy hogarth for his album. A lot of people say his sister wrote it but that's incorrect.
They didn’t have an estranged relationship, but it’s a son losing his dad so he wrote this song out of the love they’ve always had for each other….thankfully thanks to a donor his father still lives on…
Yes, I realized that at the 8:47 mark of the video. Such a beautiful song and we appreciate you taking the time to watch our channel and leave a comment 🙏🏽. - C -
For me, it’s when his dad grabs his arm and rubs it with his thumb. Peak dad energy. When they filmed the video at the end everyone was sobbing but his dad who said “why’s everyone crying? I’m still alive”
Agreed. This song stirred up a lot of emotion within me, and even in the midst of it causing me to think fondly of my father, it was hard to hold the tears back. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
My senior year of high school my Dad was diagnosed with stage four cancer. I was determined to take care of him at home with the help of my older sister and hospice staff. The day he was dying he wouldn’t sit still in his chair and he was holding himself up in his chair. Everyone had been to see him and then it hit me he didn’t see my little brother yet and he came over and he had to tell my Dad that it’s okay to go and be with our mom who we lost six years before we lost him. When my brother left I sat by my daddy side and watched him take his last breath. It was the most heartbreaking and most amazing moment in my life. I’m convinced that because of the hospice and I knew that I wanted to take care of people and make them better and feel loved .
Thank you my friend. My dad passed away in June, 2023 and although the pain of losing him hits me on occasion, the conversations, jokes, and wisdom he shared puts a smile on my face. Make it a great day. - C -
@@CedricandBrian So sorry Cedric, my dad passed away years ago but I still miss him every day. One of the last things he said to me was 'don't cry too much', I told him tears are the price we pay for loving someone so much and I wouldn't change it for a thing.
James Blunt had a very close relationship with his Dad when he learned he had Stage4 kidney cancer. He wrote this song from his heart for his father. He Said so in a short clip. That's his actual father at the end. He shared it w his Dad. I ball my eyes every time I listen. 😢❤
Thank you Debbie. I’ve learned a lot from the comments, like yours, that give me some much-needed backstory on the relationship between James, and his father. I shared our reaction video with my mom and sister, and it really resonated with them. Thank you for watching our channel and taking the time to comment. - C -
I watched this myself and what you wrote is true, but what made me laugh was he's dad asked why are you all crying i haven't even died yet, I believe even in pain we can have humour.
James had a very close relationship with his father. 'two grown men saying good bye' is what they said to each other when (Both had military background) James went on tour. James' dad had stage 4 kidney disease and they thought he didnt have much time left. Following this song a donor was found and his dad had a successful transpalnt and survived..
I love the father’s reaction at the very end of the song. The way he pats his son on the arm was a great way of saying everything is going to be alright, I’m proud of you son.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this video. After sitting in hospital watching my mum, dad and step father die, I simply cannot watch this without tears. Great heartfelt reaction ❤
Wow! Thoughts and prayers go out to you my friend after losing three impactful people in your life 😢. Thank you for taking the time to watch our channel, and share a little bit of your story. - C -
I'm a 60 year old and I lost my Dad 8 years ago. I miss everything about him. His smile, his zest for life but most of all his ridiculous sense of humour! He was so amazing! I lost that for a while after the divorce of my parents. A lot of years went by when we didn't talk. Years I will never get back. We did re kindle our relationship. The message is life is too short and to fragile to hold on to grudges! If you can, and I hope you can, release the pain and love again! Trust me it's worth it
You said that extremely well Toby. Glad you and your dad decided to put the past behind you because I know a lot of men, and women, who wait until it’s too late to try and make amends. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
I so feel you Brian. I have watched hundreds of reactions to this song and cry every time and my father is still alive. It is so real it is so powerful. James Blunt is amazing performer. Other people in the comments have filled out the story of the clip, his father's health, etc. (I have learnt all about this from reading them) I will just say I think people need to hear songs like this. Raw, true emotion and love. Something men in particular leave locked up inside, even up to the very end. A good cry never hurts anyone and can give a great release.❤❤
This song gives me chills every time. If I remember correctly , his father hadn’t heard the song until this video was done and James sang it to him so the tears and emotions are real. They were both in the British Army and when one of them was away for it, they left the porch light on to welcome the other home so that’s the meaning behind leaving the lights on. I couldn’t have sang that to a dying parent without ugly crying and snotting all over the place but….the song created a lot of awareness and he ended up getting a kidney transplant❤️
My dad was just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 6 months ago, he has had his ups and downs . I pray that he can beat this. I played this for him and we both shared a good cry and lots of hugs. Cancer sucks
My prayers go out to you, your family, and especially your dad. What a beautiful song to share with him. Thank you for watching our channel and make it a great day. P.S. Couldn’t agree with you more in saying cancer sucks!! - C -
My dad died on January 3rd from pancreatic cancer, it wasn't a gentle ending. I've had to hold it together so tightly over the past year while I helped him navigate his care and keep my siblings informed (my sister is going through her own cancer treatment), I listened to this many times over the past year and was able to cry but since he died, I find I've been clinging so tightly to my emotions that I have yet to fully let go and begin grieving. This will be the song that eventually unlocks that torrent of pain. Hug your dads, hug them tight 💙
My sincere condolences to you in the loss of your dad. We all process grief in our own way and we can “guard” ourselves against it,but it patiently waits. I lost my dad way back in 1992 to throat cancer. My grief has changed through the years,but with each new loss(both brothers,mom,best friend),the new sorrow revives the old. I’m 71 now so it’s natural and expected that loss is part of this final season of my life. But I was 38 when my dad died and I know how devastating that was. Your loss is so new and there is a period(I believe) of shock,even when death is expected. Grief seems(at least,to me) to come up in waves and at sometimes surprising times. Be gentle with yourself. I am sending you an understanding hug and prayers for you and your family. ❤️
My father was put in nursing home, for 10 years I visited him everyday, wish I had this song this, because this how I felt, my older brother also visit him everyday, God bless our parents who raised us with morals and right.
I think we as people who love to watch reactors, like to connect sometimes, & showing vulnerability with us, does that......thank you for being vulnerable & raw with us ❤
James and his father were both officers in the british army , james was one of the first tank commanders sent into kosovo and its the way they say goodbye, incase they didnt return
first time reacting to you both, as a 64 year old Scotsmen. I absolutely loved the different dynamic between you both. Will defo look at any other reactions that you guys have done. Take care n be safe
man, i just absolutely love this guys. they are so honest about their difficulties and i just wanna thank them for that. I'm going through a difficult phase and you're helping me a lot.
Cedric you did miss that one. James & his dad were both decorated military (army) vets, & when one had to leave for combat they would say "I'm not your son, you're not my father, we're just 2 grown men saying good bye." When James wrote the song, his dad had stage 4 kidney disease & wasn't expected to survive long. A distant relative (cousin?) saw the video, & turned out to be a donor match, So that song & video ended up saving his fathers' life. Well as I type this I now see that another comment from the person before me explained it all. But it took me too long to type this to just delete it, lol. So great reaction guys, & Cedric I think you were obviously beginning to consider Brian's points of view. Live & learn, right? 😀
Hmm, disagree with the reply. Sorry. I watched an interview done with James Blunt… and that phrasing is exactly what the British army members said. Bless the original post. James was hurting, and losing his Father. By the grace of a cousin, his life was saved. That’s to me the most crucial enlightening moment. ❤
Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts about Monsters by James Blunt. When I do music reactions, I often approach them without any prior research on the artist or song. This allows me to experience the music as organically as possible, but it does mean I sometimes miss the deeper intent or context-something I fully admit happened here. If you revisit the reaction at the 8:47 mark, you’ll see that I recognized and acknowledged my initial misunderstanding of the song’s meaning. I believe it’s important to admit when I’ve gotten something wrong, and I strive to engage honestly with the music and the emotions it evokes. Regarding my emotional response, I want to emphasize that my outward demeanor doesn’t reflect how deeply I miss my father. Our relationship and faith have helped me process his passing in a way that brings me peace, and hearing a song like this brings a bittersweet smile as I remember him. Everyone processes loss differently, and one’s reaction-whether it’s tears, anger, or quiet reflection-is deeply personal and valid. Thank you for watching and for sharing your feelings on this powerful song. It’s truly incredible to see how much this song resonates with so many people, and I’m grateful for the chance to connect with you all through music. - C -
James Blunt is in my very favorites of artists. He writes and sings from his heart and shared his soul with his fans. His music is very healing for me. It expresses things from my life that I could never say in such a beautiful way. I love his music.
James Blunt was a captain in the her majesty’s queens guards his father a colonel in the British army. His father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and he wrote the song for him, Cedric your empathy for life is lacking … long live the memories of our countries veterans 😢 ❤️
The lyric,”You’re not my son. You’re not my father. We’re just two grown men saying goodbye!” crushed me because I never got to say goodbye to my dad. He died of a heart attack at work! I cry like crazy for the rest of the song! Beautiful job,Mr.Blunt!
im 22, lost my dad at 19, and getting married in a month... this hits me right in the gut... love your parents as long as they are here, one day they wont be here anymore
This even though I know the entire story... It came up in my feed the day that I found out that my best friend died... A friend of 35 to 40 years we talked all the time he was my rock.... And they couldn't get into his phone and I couldn't understand why he wasn't returning my calls for almost 30 days.... So when they're able to get his phone open it was already over.... My shock and despair was so palpable in about an hour later the song came up.... It was something I listened to every day for hours release 2 weeks.. I think that this touches so many people's heart because it isn't just about parents but siblings friends who are almost more than your your sibling... So thank you James get me through the shock and it allowed me to just cry for days
Since this song came out, i haven't seen a single person not cry. It's a huge thing because if we all look back at the times of our grand fathers, men had no right to cry, they had to be tough.
I’ve now watched the songs reactions many, many times now. It’s just now I’m able to not cry while watching it. Yes, this was his father who at the time was dying. Miraculously, they found a donor from a far-off relative AFTER this song was released and his relative saw it. He tested to see if he was a match and he was! James, tho his son, was not a match. Beautiful ending to a beautiful song.
Great reaction!!❤ They never had a strained relationship. When they were finished filming, his father looked up and asked "why is everyone crying?"😪😪😪 I cry every time I hear this. 💔💔💔
Very sad beautiful dedication to his dad when he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer with the one kidney he had after being a kidney doner years ago. But after this sometime was able to receive kidney transplant. I couldn’t imagine what it was like singing that especially beginning with father sitting right next to him. Great reaction ❤❤❤
His father was dying of kidney failure. They were having trouble finding a kidney. After releasing this song, an estranged family member saw it, came forward and got tested. They were a match and saved his dad's life. When recording this video, James told them to make sure they got it on the first take because he was singing it to his dad for the first time and wouldn't be able to do it twice.
I feel the wonderful thing about good songs is that we all relate the message to our own personal experiences. Neither Cedric or Brian were right or wrong. I was fortunate to have my parents until they were 89 and 96. The last five years with each was very much role reversals. We “kids” became the caregivers. My father’s mind was good to the end, and he was ready to be with my mom again. This song hit me more because of her Alzheimer’s. My gentle mother became angry, paranoid, etc. It’s a monster of a disease.
This song gets me every time I hear it. My father died in 2015. It took 5 years for him to die, from a long list of illnesses. It was like a death from a thousand cuts. I was glad to be there, at his hospice. He was there for me when I took my first breath of life. I was there, holding his hand, when he took his last. ☹️
Iam Tongi, Season 21 of American Idol, sang this for his audition. James Blunt performed this song with Iam towards the end of that season. Beautiful song about losing your father! I'm still blessed to have my father in my life. 🙏
We received several comments, suggesting we listen to that, but I think I’ll need to stock up on the tissue before I listen to that one. Thank you for supporting us by watching our channel. We appreciate it. - C -
Thank you Judy. This song really resonated with both of us and we’re finding out its had an incredible impact on thousands of others 🙏🏽. Thank you for watching our channel and leaving a comment. - C -
I agree Brian… I also lost my late husband, within 6 months of cancer diagnosis, We had a young child together, he passed before our son was two years old. I chased the monsters away for my late husband, due to the medications, during his hospice stage. I am now fully responsible for chasing the monsters away for our special needs child with severe epilepsy and autism. 🙏🏻
I’ve been waiting for this one. I knew it would get to Brian but didn’t expect it from Cedric! Awesome reaction guys! I cried with you and my dad just turned 92 today and doing well. I know I’m very blessed to still have him. God bless you both!
The way I view this video, is the same as my relationship as with my father.. Its the normal, "perfect" relationship. He was though but fair in raising me. Gave me a upfront of the inheritence to front the cost of me buying my first apartment. Him laying his hands on me once when I was young and way, way out of line. Grabbing me by my throat, nothing deserves that treament at the time but Ive raised a boy myself by now and I understand the frustration now. Kids go way to far when the limit is far past what you can bear. I see this as two extremely loving people with a normal upbringing coming to an end. The heartbreak and the realization that you are just two people saying goodbye that could have done things differently but still made it, BY FAR. People dont even have a relationship with their dads from what Ive understand. My dad gave me everything. Not alot of money, but support and advice and a loving grandparent to his boys.
Not estranged. Just a father and son relationship. You screw up as a son, and you’re never the greatest father. In the end you’re two men saying goodbye. Chasing the monsters away is what he did for you when you were a kid, now you have to comfort him through death. A very real song.
Like both of you, I lost my father. It will be 15 years this month. It still hurts. When I lost him, I feel like I lost part of myself. My dad was one of my best friends and hero. I still cry often because I miss him and my mother very much. Thanks for the honest and sincere reaction. God bless you both and your families.
I lost my Dad Feb 1 2010. It too will be 15 years. 15 years when I found my Dad no longer alive on our living room floor. My Mom had previously passed from cancer on November 16, 2002. At age 35, I no longer had living parents. This song hurts. 😢
You don’t have to be father and son to feel this song. Just like Brian, I was at my father’s bedside in Hospice when he passed. It has been 11 years and this song still finds a raw spot to hit for me. To make it even more wonderful, I was adopted. Great reaction!
Jeesus fucking christ - it's 1AM and I'm here crying my ass out. I know the song, I cried a lot when I heard it for the first time, but seeing Cedric to have something of his throats and Brian sobbing was another layer. I'm calling dad tomorrow morning.
I didn't get to say "goodbye" to my dad. So whenever I hear this song, I wrap a "goodbye" up in all my love for my dad and send it out into the Universe. I do that because, tho I'm sure he's out having a helluva good time visiting other inhabited planets and having a beer with their inhabitants, I still so miss him. Everyday. You know?
James and his father are very close, he was James hero all his life both in the military .The lines your not my father i'm not your son ,,he was saying they are more than father and son they are friends,they are both grown men ,the parent child relationship has changed from when he was a child. From all accounts they adore each other .
the actual meaning behind 'we're just two men saying goodbye' is what his dad would say to him when he was young to help him feel better when he was going to be away for assignment, he was in the British Military. He was very close and still does.
"It's my turn to chase the monsters away" is the line that gets me the most. It instantly brings up memories of my childhood. Where my dad would comfort me by checking under the bed and in the closet to chase the monsters away.
Amazing guys! You guys did what do. I love the immediate connection Brian had. Cedric, you had the strength to see it so objectively, then you felt Brian' or the artist and immediately empathized. I thought both your reactions were great!
Everyone listens to this song through the lens of their own experiences. I heard the song like Brian did. But I have also heard many people say the same things that Cedrick said. Your own life experiences will dictate how all of the different types of powerful art forms speak to you. This song is exceptional in its' emotional delivery. And we are all fortunate that there are artists out there, in every field of artistic creation, who can make us feel things. Those that do are the exception, and all the more precious for their rarity. There is no right or wrong way to interpret these lyrics. Just appreciate the genius that brought this song into our lives... and love those people we have in our lives now. We only have them for a short while, whether that means a few months or 50 years... it is always too short in the end.
I remember sitting at my dads bedside with my 93 y old mom for 7 days! He said over an over take care of you mom!! I promised him! One year later i did the same with my mom!! They were married 75 yrs!! They were so loved an still are!
Just when I thought it was safe to put the tissue away, you leave this comment Lori 😢. I know your parents are proud of you and love you. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
First time I've heard this. It had me thinking of my stepfather who as a Submariner in the Royal Navy, passed away while on weekend leave 28 November 1997 while I was travelling back to Cyprus serving in the Army. long Story short. He bagged me not to go back to Cyprus, he knew something wasn't right and tried to tell me, did I listen? No I couldn't read between the lines and took the flight anyway only to find a note on my front door informing me to report to the duty officer ASAP!!! This song took me right back to that night......
It’s a honor that we can feel the way we do about our fathers , my dad is very close to the end and all I want to do is hold him and tell him I love him , which I do every time I see him
This song sends you a message of father and, a son as Well as any parent and their child or children saying goodbye 👋 or farewell for the last time and never to see no more.
@@CedricandBrian Thank you for sharing this.🙏James Blunt has a beautiful voice and,it’s not only this song,I mean,what ever he sings it sends you a message.Thanks again guys.
Have to check the original song keep the monsters away. Its about his dad a coal miner, who got sick. So his son takes to the mine to keep the monsters (bills/company store) off their backs.
I hear the complete opposite that they had a very close relationship and now it was his turn to chase the monsters away because his daddy chased the monsters away from him when he was Young.
I wouldn't call it estranged as they did, but it was a very old school father/son relationship according to Blunt. Both military men and not necessarily a cold relationship, but how can I put it, things were not always said out loud. It hits very close to home in that my relationship with my own father is similar. I know he loves me and cares for me by the actions he takes and the sacrifices he made as I was growing up, however, "I love you." is not said between us often. We both know we love each other by our actions towards each other. He always put me and my sister first growing up. We hug. We spend time together. We go fishing together. We both are not the most vocal about our feelings though.
Yes! I’m so thankful to the number of people who know the backstory of their relationship and were able to educate us. Thank you for watching our channel and taking the time to leave a comment. - C -
It seems that few songs plumb the dark waters or telescope the blue skies of the father-son relationship. And even fewer capture the last goodbye. “Close the door.” I last saw my father through the narrow window of a heavy metal door closing behind me as I left the Alzheimer’s unit. Was he leaving me or was I leaving him? He looked bewildered and scared. I couldn’t scare the monsters away.
I tell my daughter I will chase your monsters away. I've told her this before the song even came out. This song is emotional for me because I picture my daughter saying this to me when I get old.
Beautiful reaction❤️🩹❤️🩹 The book is I’ll Love You Forever (and like you for always). To this day I sign every card I send or give to my son with that very sentiment. He is now 33yo🩵 That matters not. Stay safe & Love big💖
Before he started his singing career James Blunt was an officer in The Household Cavalry. I read some where that the lines I'm not your son, Your not my father, We're just two men saying goodbye is a reference to how they said goodbye when Blunt went to Kosovo with his Regiment.
Thank you for that insight Mike. We’ve had several other people leave similar comments, and it really helps us understand the song a little bit more now. Make it a great day, and thanks for watching our channel. - C -
Couldn’t agree with you more, Louise. My wife and I went grocery shopping yesterday, and I told her I needed to buy some tissue in bulk if Brian and I are going to continue doing songs like this. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
James Blunt wrote this song for his father, Charles Blount, a former cavalry officer in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars, helicopter pilot and colonel in the Army Air Corps. His dad has stage four chronic kidney disease, and this minor-key piano ballad is a tear-stained tribute to his sick father. Blunt explained to Apple Music: "I idolized this man throughout my childhood, but as we grew older, I realized that he had his own fallibilities, and that's an awesome thing to see because you suddenly can become friends then. And then obviously as parents get older, the responsibility starts to weigh on the children that look after them. Although that can be painful, there's something beautiful about it, too." Blunt wrote and recorded the song without telling his father. When Blunt played it for him in a room with just the two of them there, he responded, "That's the way it is." After Blunt released "Monsters," a handful of people offered his father a new kidney. Their kindness touched the army captain-turned-singer so much he ended up in tears.
Wow!! Just reading comments like this has the tears welling up in my eyes again Karen. Thank you for providing us with this insight and we appreciate you taking the time to watch our channel. - C -
I looked into it. He is actually very close to his dad. He's his role model. His dad had 4th stag kidney disease. Just about how roles change when we get older.
It’s not about estrangement, they have a close relationship. How I see it is that when we are in our final moments, those labels don’t really exist anymore. They’re two grown men, on the same level without the power imbalance of father/son.
Seeing man’s pov but not fully their emotions is the most beautiful human thing that have no limit to and makes us all unique. Angels and demons don’t get to experience it. We’ll be ok with God ❤
Well said Rosalyn. This is probably the most challenging song I’ve ever had to “react“ too. I was caught between just listening to it and let it envelop me; at the same time, trying to come up with something to say about it. Beautiful song 😢. - C -
FROM CEDRIC:
I appreciate the feedback and I noticed A LOT of comments were similar in voicing I missed the point of the video. I’m pinning this comment so I don’t copy & paste it over & over.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on my reaction to James Blunt's song Monsters. I understand that this song holds deep meaning for many, and I appreciate your passion in sharing your thoughts.
When I first heard the song, I admit I was processing it through the lens of my own recent loss-my father passed away in June 2023. Initially, I misunderstood the sentiment behind the line, “I’m not your son, you’re not my father.” However, as the song unfolded, I came to understand the significance of that statement. It reflects two men, like my father and I, who were no longer defined solely by the titles of "father" and "son," saying goodbye to each other as equals, connected by their shared love and humanity.
In many ways, this mirrors the relationship I had with my own father, particularly in our later years, as we related to each other as men who deeply respected and cared for one another.
Knowing my dad is with his Heavenly Father gives me a peace that passes all human understanding.
Thanks for supporting our channel, and leaving a comment. God bless 🙏🏽. - C -
Cedric - a lot of reactors make the same "mistake". Without context, the line can easily be interpreted as referring to a difficult past relationship. The commenters are quick to lash out at people who interpret it that way, but honestly, I understand why some reactors do and think people should show a little more understanding. It's a blind reaction - how could you know anything about James & his father's relationship. The fact that you later re-assessed your thoughts at the end shows you were listening and thinking about song.
You made no mistakes. You reacted the same way I did and it took me til the last chorus to understand that the "I'm not your son..." line wasn't talking about a bad relationship. And just like you mentioned at the end, there comes a time in a healthy father son relationship that it becomes more like "two grown men..." having a conversation.
You were spot on. Anyone that says different is missing the trees for the forest and basing it on hindsight alone.
❤
Having learned the background, and understanding the context is great, but it doesn't invalidate how you interpreted it.
I don't think it's a mistake. I think it can be interpreted that way too. Like many song, it can relate to people differently even if it differs from the writer's intent, and it really doesn't matter. It doesn't even have to be about father and son, I think daughter and mothers can also relate to it. I think someone who had an estranged relationship with their parent would interpret it that way, and that's what moves them.
I crossed paths with James in both war and peace. We were both tank commanders, operating in hell holes. Many may not know this, but James was exceptionally well liked and respected by his subordinates. He used his leadership skills to effect a significant and pivotal outcome in a harrowing incident in the combat zone. Gutsy bastard!
Thank you for this comment. It says a lot.
@@carolinesterquelle2159 I agree with you Caroline!! 🙏🏽❤️ - C -
@@rovcanada1 Wow! Thank you for this insight, because I simply thought I was just reacting to a very gifted musician; but had no idea of the depths of this man. Much appreciated!! 🙏🏽. - C -
@@CedricandBrian React to No Bravery included footage whilst he was a peace Keeper in Kosovo during the Balkens conflict and the Serbs ethnic cleansing, sad
Never crossed path but have been deployed at the same time to Kosovo Blunt was there
You don't realize how powerful words are until you hear a grown man call his father daddy, like a child.
It's my turn to chase th3 monsters away- that line gets me every time
@@joecoughlan6053 Same here. That's the line that pushes me over the edge to tears.
James father, Charles Blount, a kidney donor when he was younger, was diagnosed himself with kidney disease. There was no match found in their immediate family nor on the donor registry. He had been given only months of expected life left by his doctors. James wrote this song for his father as a way to say goodbye and all the emotions were real - filmed in a single take and that is his dad sitting next to him.
While doing interviews and promoting this song and the importance of signing up to the donor registry a distance cousin they had not known saw one of the interviews and contacted them. He went in to get tested and was a match! He donated one of his kidneys to James’ father and saved his life. This song is a miracle
maybe you should word that differently...you make it sound like his dad gave up a kidney at some point, he absolutely did not...maybe he was a registered donor, but he never gave a kidney to anyone...
@@jimmeyer9106 Yes he did.. his father had been an organ donor so he only had one kidney.
From what I've read, yes he was a donor. He only had one kidney left.
@@carolinesterquelle2159 where did you read that? Comments? A simple google search will tell you right away he had both kidneys...dont get info from commentors...do your own research
@@peikathryn wrong
The line "Im not your son, You're not my father. We're just two grown men saying goodbye" Is reference to what his father (a former commander in the British army) said to James, before James was deployed to Kuwait with his tank battalion.
James was in Bosnia Kosovo war. He talks about it in an interview where he went back their. I have watched a bunch of videos of this song that people are reacting to. “I’m not your son you’re not my father we’re just 2 grown men saying goodbye”. This is my take on this lyric. As a boy you look up to your father in the parent roll. Then you grow up and become more of a friend’s relationship instead of father and son. Here’s the part of the song I haven’t seen anyone say. James says so “daddy” returning to the child father relationship again. I lost my dad in 2019 and this song was in 2019. I didn’t see it until 2022. To me it says that his father will always be his daddy.
Internet bullshit. Never was said.
I thought it was Kosovo.
I don't know why I listen to this song. It gets me every time. I had the most amazing father who always made me feel safe and loved. In his last days our roles were reversed I was the one making him feel safe and loved. It was my turn to chase the monsters away. Typing this through tears.
I feel for you, losing your parents is the worst.
His dad had stage 4 kidney disease and waited 8 and a half years for a donor. When thinking he would lose him he wrote this song and did it in one take. Even the crew was crying but his dad didnt. They were both in the military and that line 'im not your son..." refers to not being emotionally attached while in the military.
Lucy you said it all hun lol
Im a add to it i hope u dont mind. With all respect of course
@sundayramirez9027 the amount of times I've watched the reactions.I'm an addict lol
I'm sure I recall it was James' sister who wrote the lyrics. However, I'm sure James added to it himself. Apparently after the song was released, a somewhat distant family member came forward and was a match donating a kidney.
@jasonsmith7402 no he wrote this song himself along with Amy Wadge and jimmy hogarth for his album. A lot of people say his sister wrote it but that's incorrect.
They didn’t have an estranged relationship, but it’s a son losing his dad so he wrote this song out of the love they’ve always had for each other….thankfully thanks to a donor his father still lives on…
Yes, I realized that at the 8:47 mark of the video. Such a beautiful song and we appreciate you taking the time to watch our channel and leave a comment 🙏🏽. - C -
His sister wrote the words as a poem I believe. James put them to music.
For me, it’s when his dad grabs his arm and rubs it with his thumb. Peak dad energy. When they filmed the video at the end everyone was sobbing but his dad who said “why’s everyone crying? I’m still alive”
Even if I make it to that part keeping my posture that grab is what kills me.
If you don't cry, there is something wrong. Deep, beautiful, emotional. James Blunt is quite the artist. Bravo.
Agreed. This song stirred up a lot of emotion within me, and even in the midst of it causing me to think fondly of my father, it was hard to hold the tears back. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
His dad became very ill and he decided to do this. They have a wonderful relationship and luckily he pulled through.
And "The girl that never was" is another raw emotional song by James that is so worth watching.
At the end of the video everyone was sobbing...Mr blunt looked around and said why are you all crying I am still here (paraphrasing)
My senior year of high school my Dad was diagnosed with stage four cancer. I was determined to take care of him at home with the help of my older sister and hospice staff. The day he was dying he wouldn’t sit still in his chair and he was holding himself up in his chair. Everyone had been to see him and then it hit me he didn’t see my little brother yet and he came over and he had to tell my Dad that it’s okay to go and be with our mom who we lost six years before we lost him. When my brother left I sat by my daddy side and watched him take his last breath. It was the most heartbreaking and most amazing moment in my life. I’m convinced that because of the hospice and I knew that I wanted to take care of people and make them better and feel loved .
"God must have loved me an awful lot to make one of my best friends my dad" was as much as a gut punch as this song. What a beautiful thing to say
Thank you my friend. My dad passed away in June, 2023 and although the pain of losing him hits me on occasion, the conversations, jokes, and wisdom he shared puts a smile on my face. Make it a great day. - C -
@@CedricandBrian So sorry Cedric, my dad passed away years ago but I still miss him every day. One of the last things he said to me was 'don't cry too much', I told him tears are the price we pay for loving someone so much and I wouldn't change it for a thing.
James Blunt had a very close relationship with his Dad when he learned he had Stage4 kidney cancer. He wrote this song from his heart for his father. He Said so in a short clip. That's his actual father at the end. He shared it w his Dad.
I ball my eyes every time I listen. 😢❤
Thank you Debbie. I’ve learned a lot from the comments, like yours, that give me some much-needed backstory on the relationship between James, and his father.
I shared our reaction video with my mom and sister, and it really resonated with them. Thank you for watching our channel and taking the time to comment.
- C -
I watched this myself and what you wrote is true, but what made me laugh was he's dad asked why are you all crying i haven't even died yet, I believe even in pain we can have humour.
James had a very close relationship with his father. 'two grown men saying good bye' is what they said to each other when (Both had military background) James went on tour. James' dad had stage 4 kidney disease and they thought he didnt have much time left. Following this song a donor was found and his dad had a successful transpalnt and survived..
I love the father’s reaction at the very end of the song. The way he pats his son on the arm was a great way of saying everything is going to be alright, I’m proud of you son.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched this video. After sitting in hospital watching my mum, dad and step father die, I simply cannot watch this without tears. Great heartfelt reaction ❤
Wow! Thoughts and prayers go out to you my friend after losing three impactful people in your life 😢. Thank you for taking the time to watch our channel, and share a little bit of your story. - C -
I have heard this song many times and crying every time,if you dont Cry you dont have a heart 😢
I'm a 60 year old and I lost my Dad 8 years ago. I miss everything about him. His smile, his zest for life but most of all his ridiculous sense of humour! He was so amazing! I lost that for a while after the divorce of my parents. A lot of years went by when we didn't talk. Years I will never get back. We did re kindle our relationship. The message is life is too short and to fragile to hold on to grudges! If you can, and I hope you can, release the pain and love again! Trust me it's worth it
You said that extremely well Toby. Glad you and your dad decided to put the past behind you because I know a lot of men, and women, who wait until it’s too late to try and make amends. Thank you for watching our channel.
- C -
I so feel you Brian. I have watched hundreds of reactions to this song and cry every time and my father is still alive. It is so real it is so powerful. James Blunt is amazing performer. Other people in the comments have filled out the story of the clip, his father's health, etc. (I have learnt all about this from reading them) I will just say I think people need to hear songs like this. Raw, true emotion and love. Something men in particular leave locked up inside, even up to the very end. A good cry never hurts anyone and can give a great release.❤❤
This song gives me chills every time. If I remember correctly , his father hadn’t heard the song until this video was done and James sang it to him so the tears and emotions are real. They were both in the British Army and when one of them was away for it, they left the porch light on to welcome the other home so that’s the meaning behind leaving the lights on. I couldn’t have sang that to a dying parent without ugly crying and snotting all over the place but….the song created a lot of awareness and he ended up getting a kidney transplant❤️
My dad was just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 6 months ago, he has had his ups and downs . I pray that he can beat this. I played this for him and we both shared a good cry and lots of hugs. Cancer sucks
My prayers go out to you, your family, and especially your dad. What a beautiful song to share with him. Thank you for watching our channel and make it a great day.
P.S. Couldn’t agree with you more in saying cancer sucks!!
- C -
My father passed away in my arms and I thank God I was there for him❤
My dad died on January 3rd from pancreatic cancer, it wasn't a gentle ending. I've had to hold it together so tightly over the past year while I helped him navigate his care and keep my siblings informed (my sister is going through her own cancer treatment), I listened to this many times over the past year and was able to cry but since he died, I find I've been clinging so tightly to my emotions that I have yet to fully let go and begin grieving. This will be the song that eventually unlocks that torrent of pain. Hug your dads, hug them tight 💙
My sincere condolences to you in the loss of your dad. We all process grief in our own way and we can “guard” ourselves against it,but it patiently waits. I lost my dad way back in 1992 to throat cancer. My grief has changed through the years,but with each new loss(both brothers,mom,best friend),the new sorrow revives the old. I’m 71 now so it’s natural and expected that loss is part of this final season of my life. But I was 38 when my dad died and I know how devastating that was. Your loss is so new and there is a period(I believe) of shock,even when death is expected. Grief seems(at least,to me) to come up in waves and at sometimes surprising times. Be gentle with yourself. I am sending you an understanding hug and prayers for you and your family. ❤️
This is the great thing about songs. Everyone will & can, see them from their own perspective/experience.
James Blunt is a beautiful rabbithole.
My father was put in nursing home, for 10 years I visited him everyday, wish I had this song this, because this how I felt, my older brother also visit him everyday, God bless our parents who raised us with morals and right.
I think we as people who love to watch reactors, like to connect sometimes, & showing vulnerability with us, does that......thank you for being vulnerable & raw with us ❤
Brian, I get the same reaction no matter how many times I hear this song. My Father died in my arms, this hits home.
August 29th, 2019 I lost you, Daddy. I miss you everyday. I love you.
Absolutely nothing but Love in this song❤
🙌🏽❤️😢🙏🏽🙏🏽. - C -
James and his father were both officers in the british army , james was one of the first tank commanders sent into kosovo and its the way they say goodbye, incase they didnt return
This song makes me cry always.My body got chills when I listen to this song.If you never share tears 😭 before,I tell you this song will
We completely agree with you, my friend 😢. - C -
This song always zaps me right in the feels. After the loss of parents, it is sooo expressive of that emotional place.
Both were serving officers at the same time. Each time one or the other was called up, they used the "we're just two grown men" salute.
first time reacting to you both, as a 64 year old Scotsmen. I absolutely loved the different dynamic between you both. Will defo look at any other reactions that you guys have done. Take care n be safe
man, i just absolutely love this guys. they are so honest about their difficulties and i just wanna thank them for that. I'm going through a difficult phase and you're helping me a lot.
Cedric you did miss that one. James & his dad were both decorated military (army) vets, & when one had to leave for combat they would say "I'm not your son, you're not my father, we're just 2 grown men saying good bye." When James wrote the song, his dad had stage 4 kidney disease & wasn't expected to survive long. A distant relative (cousin?) saw the video, & turned out to be a donor match, So that song & video ended up saving his fathers' life. Well as I type this I now see that another comment from the person before me explained it all. But it took me too long to type this to just delete it, lol. So great reaction guys, & Cedric I think you were obviously beginning to consider Brian's points of view. Live & learn, right? 😀
internet bullshit. No record of them ever having said that to each other.
Hmm, disagree with the reply. Sorry.
I watched an interview done with James Blunt… and that phrasing is exactly what the British army members said.
Bless the original post. James was hurting, and losing his Father. By the grace of a cousin, his life was saved. That’s to me the most crucial enlightening moment. ❤
Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your thoughts about Monsters by James Blunt. When I do music reactions, I often approach them without any prior research on the artist or song. This allows me to experience the music as organically as possible, but it does mean I sometimes miss the deeper intent or context-something I fully admit happened here.
If you revisit the reaction at the 8:47 mark, you’ll see that I recognized and acknowledged my initial misunderstanding of the song’s meaning. I believe it’s important to admit when I’ve gotten something wrong, and I strive to engage honestly with the music and the emotions it evokes.
Regarding my emotional response, I want to emphasize that my outward demeanor doesn’t reflect how deeply I miss my father. Our relationship and faith have helped me process his passing in a way that brings me peace, and hearing a song like this brings a bittersweet smile as I remember him. Everyone processes loss differently, and one’s reaction-whether it’s tears, anger, or quiet reflection-is deeply personal and valid.
Thank you for watching and for sharing your feelings on this powerful song. It’s truly incredible to see how much this song resonates with so many people, and I’m grateful for the chance to connect with you all through music. - C -
James Blunt is in my very favorites of artists. He writes and sings from his heart and shared his soul with his fans. His music is very healing for me. It expresses things from my life that I could never say in such a beautiful way. I love his music.
James Blunt was a captain in the her majesty’s queens guards his father a colonel in the British army. His father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and he wrote the song for him, Cedric your empathy for life is lacking … long live the memories of our countries veterans 😢 ❤️
Cedric your empathy for life is lacking
The lyric,”You’re not my son. You’re not my father. We’re just two grown men saying goodbye!” crushed me because I never got to say goodbye to my dad. He died of a heart attack at work! I cry like crazy for the rest of the song! Beautiful job,Mr.Blunt!
im 22, lost my dad at 19, and getting married in a month... this hits me right in the gut... love your parents as long as they are here, one day they wont be here anymore
This even though I know the entire story... It came up in my feed the day that I found out that my best friend died... A friend of 35 to 40 years we talked all the time he was my rock.... And they couldn't get into his phone and I couldn't understand why he wasn't returning my calls for almost 30 days.... So when they're able to get his phone open it was already over.... My shock and despair was so palpable in about an hour later the song came up.... It was something I listened to every day for hours release 2 weeks..
I think that this touches so many people's heart because it isn't just about parents but siblings friends who are almost more than your your sibling... So thank you James get me through the shock and it allowed me to just cry for days
Since this song came out, i haven't seen a single person not cry. It's a huge thing because if we all look back at the times of our grand fathers, men had no right to cry, they had to be tough.
I’ve now watched the songs reactions many, many times now. It’s just now I’m able to not cry while watching it. Yes, this was his father who at the time was dying. Miraculously, they found a donor from a far-off relative AFTER this song was released and his relative saw it. He tested to see if he was a match and he was! James, tho his son, was not a match. Beautiful ending to a beautiful song.
Thank you guys! Very honest and fine reaction. This song makes me cry every time I hear it. I remember my own moments with my mom at her last days.
This song has made me cry every single time 😭😭😭
I sent our reaction video to my mom, and sister, and it really resonated with them. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
Great reaction!!❤ They never had a strained relationship. When they were finished filming, his father looked up and asked "why is everyone crying?"😪😪😪 I cry every time I hear this. 💔💔💔
Good Lord, I just put my mascara on.. Crying is called for here. ❤
Very sad beautiful dedication to his dad when he was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer with the one kidney he had after being a kidney doner years ago. But after this sometime was able to receive kidney transplant. I couldn’t imagine what it was like singing that especially beginning with father sitting right next to him. Great reaction ❤❤❤
His father was dying of kidney failure. They were having trouble finding a kidney. After releasing this song, an estranged family member saw it, came forward and got tested. They were a match and saved his dad's life. When recording this video, James told them to make sure they got it on the first take because he was singing it to his dad for the first time and wouldn't be able to do it twice.
Thank you for sharing that! The song is great by itself, but the story behind it just makes it even better 🙌🏽❤️. - C -
I feel the wonderful thing about good songs is that we all relate the message to our own personal experiences. Neither Cedric or Brian were right or wrong.
I was fortunate to have my parents until they were 89 and 96. The last five years with each was very much role reversals. We “kids” became the caregivers. My father’s mind was good to the end, and he was ready to be with my mom again. This song hit me more because of her Alzheimer’s. My gentle mother became angry, paranoid, etc. It’s a monster of a disease.
This song gets me every time I hear it. My father died in 2015. It took 5 years for him to die, from a long list of illnesses. It was like a death from a thousand cuts. I was glad to be there, at his hospice. He was there for me when I took my first breath of life. I was there, holding his hand, when he took his last. ☹️
Iam Tongi, Season 21 of American Idol, sang this for his audition. James Blunt performed this song with Iam towards the end of that season. Beautiful song about losing your father! I'm still blessed to have my father in my life. 🙏
We received several comments, suggesting we listen to that, but I think I’ll need to stock up on the tissue before I listen to that one. Thank you for supporting us by watching our channel. We appreciate it. - C -
My deepest condolences to both of you ❤ losing a parent is so EMOTIONAL
Thank you Judy. This song really resonated with both of us and we’re finding out its had an incredible impact on thousands of others 🙏🏽. Thank you for watching our channel and leaving a comment. - C -
I can't watch people cry without getting emotional. I've watched like 30+ people react to this song and it still gets me every time.
Another tear jerker is 'No bravery' which he filmed himself whilst deployed to Kosovo, as an officer in the British military.. Very raw..
I agree Brian… I also lost my late husband, within 6 months of cancer diagnosis, We had a young child together, he passed before our son was two years old. I chased the monsters away for my late husband, due to the medications, during his hospice stage. I am now fully responsible for chasing the monsters away for our special needs child with severe epilepsy and autism. 🙏🏻
That is heart breaking to hear. God bless you & your son, and give you strength & comfort.
@ ❤️Thank you; I fully appreciate you reaching out with kindness. God Bless you. ❤️
I’ve been waiting for this one. I knew it would get to Brian but didn’t expect it from Cedric! Awesome reaction guys! I cried with you and my dad just turned 92 today and doing well. I know I’m very blessed to still have him. God bless you both!
The way I view this video, is the same as my relationship as with my father.. Its the normal, "perfect" relationship. He was though but fair in raising me. Gave me a upfront of the inheritence to front the cost of me buying my first apartment. Him laying his hands on me once when I was young and way, way out of line. Grabbing me by my throat, nothing deserves that treament at the time but Ive raised a boy myself by now and I understand the frustration now. Kids go way to far when the limit is far past what you can bear.
I see this as two extremely loving people with a normal upbringing coming to an end. The heartbreak and the realization that you are just two people saying goodbye that could have done things differently but still made it, BY FAR.
People dont even have a relationship with their dads from what Ive understand.
My dad gave me everything. Not alot of money, but support and advice and a loving grandparent to his boys.
Subscribed! Found another genuine reactors. Keep up guys! Wishing you the best for your channel!
Not estranged. Just a father and son relationship. You screw up as a son, and you’re never the greatest father. In the end you’re two men saying goodbye. Chasing the monsters away is what he did for you when you were a kid, now you have to comfort him through death. A very real song.
👍🏾😢. - C -
Like both of you, I lost my father. It will be 15 years this month. It still hurts. When I lost him, I feel like I lost part of myself. My dad was one of my best friends and hero. I still cry often because I miss him and my mother very much. Thanks for the honest and sincere reaction. God bless you both and your families.
I lost my Dad Feb 1 2010. It too will be 15 years. 15 years when I found my Dad no longer alive on our living room floor. My Mom had previously passed from cancer on November 16, 2002. At age 35, I no longer had living parents. This song hurts. 😢
You don’t have to be father and son to feel this song. Just like Brian, I was at my father’s bedside in Hospice when he passed. It has been 11 years and this song still finds a raw spot to hit for me. To make it even more wonderful, I was adopted. Great reaction!
Jeesus fucking christ - it's 1AM and I'm here crying my ass out. I know the song, I cried a lot when I heard it for the first time, but seeing Cedric to have something of his throats and Brian sobbing was another layer. I'm calling dad tomorrow morning.
i went 10 years without speaking to my dad we reconected and he died a year later this song crushes me loosing ten years for a fight was bullshit.
I didn't get to say "goodbye" to my dad. So whenever I hear this song, I wrap a "goodbye" up in all my love for my dad and send it out into the Universe. I do that because, tho I'm sure he's out having a helluva good time visiting other inhabited planets and having a beer with their inhabitants, I still so miss him. Everyday. You know?
James and his father are very close, he was James hero all his life both in the military .The lines your not my father i'm not your son ,,he was saying they are more than father and son they are friends,they are both grown men ,the parent child relationship has changed from when he was a child. From all accounts they adore each other .
I have seen this song make many men cry, I love seeing this side of ya’ll…beautiful reaction!!!
the actual meaning behind 'we're just two men saying goodbye' is what his dad would say to him when he was young to help him feel better when he was going to be away for assignment, he was in the British Military. He was very close and still does.
"It's my turn to chase the monsters away" is the line that gets me the most. It instantly brings up memories of my childhood. Where my dad would comfort me by checking under the bed and in the closet to chase the monsters away.
Amazing guys! You guys did what do. I love the immediate connection Brian had. Cedric, you had the strength to see it so objectively, then you felt Brian' or the artist and immediately empathized. I thought both your reactions were great!
Wow speechless,pure and heartbreaking.
Ian Tongi has an amazing version that he sang after his father passed. He auditioned for American Idol and the judges were a mess!!!
I don’t know if I’m emotionally ready to look at that video, but I will definitely check it out soon. Thanks for watching our channel.
- C -
Everyone listens to this song through the lens of their own experiences. I heard the song like Brian did. But I have also heard many people say the same things that Cedrick said. Your own life experiences will dictate how all of the different types of powerful art forms speak to you. This song is exceptional in its' emotional delivery. And we are all fortunate that there are artists out there, in every field of artistic creation, who can make us feel things. Those that do are the exception, and all the more precious for their rarity. There is no right or wrong way to interpret these lyrics. Just appreciate the genius that brought this song into our lives... and love those people we have in our lives now. We only have them for a short while, whether that means a few months or 50 years... it is always too short in the end.
I remember sitting at my dads bedside with my 93 y old mom for 7 days! He said over an over take care of you mom!! I promised him! One year later i did the same with my mom!! They were married 75 yrs!! They were so loved an still are!
Just when I thought it was safe to put the tissue away, you leave this comment Lori 😢. I know your parents are proud of you and love you. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
this song hits hard, every time I hear it. Lost my dad 9 years ago yesterday, and many days it feels like it was just yesterday.
First time I've heard this. It had me thinking of my stepfather who as a Submariner in the Royal Navy, passed away while on weekend leave 28 November 1997 while I was travelling back to Cyprus serving in the Army. long Story short. He bagged me not to go back to Cyprus, he knew something wasn't right and tried to tell me, did I listen? No I couldn't read between the lines and took the flight anyway only to find a note on my front door informing me to report to the duty officer ASAP!!! This song took me right back to that night......
Your story, had me reaching for the tissue box 😢. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing a part of your story with us. - C -
thats the power of good music, can make the hardest grown men cry like its nothing...
It’s a honor that we can feel the way we do about our fathers , my dad is very close to the end and all I want to do is hold him and tell him I love him , which I do every time I see him
This song sends you a message of father and, a son as Well as any parent and their child or children saying goodbye 👋 or farewell for the last time and never to see no more.
Great comment Lisa! Thank you for taking the time to watch our channel. - C -
@@CedricandBrian Thank you for sharing this.🙏James Blunt has a beautiful voice and,it’s not only this song,I mean,what ever he sings it sends you a message.Thanks again guys.
@ I think we’re going to dive into the James Blunt music catalog for some more reactions. - C -
Have to check the original song keep the monsters away. Its about his dad a coal miner, who got sick. So his son takes to the mine to keep the monsters (bills/company store) off their backs.
I’m just tearing up reading your description of that song 😢. Thank you for watching our channel and supporting us.
- C -
12 years this month since cancer got my dad. Didn’t get a goodbye, not one he was conscious for anyway. Damnit.
Our hearts go out to you my friend. I know this phrase gets uttered a lot; but it always rings true when people say, cancer sucks!! - C -
I hear the complete opposite that they had a very close relationship and now it was his turn to chase the monsters away because his daddy chased the monsters away from him when he was Young.
I wouldn't call it estranged as they did, but it was a very old school father/son relationship according to Blunt. Both military men and not necessarily a cold relationship, but how can I put it, things were not always said out loud. It hits very close to home in that my relationship with my own father is similar. I know he loves me and cares for me by the actions he takes and the sacrifices he made as I was growing up, however, "I love you." is not said between us often. We both know we love each other by our actions towards each other. He always put me and my sister first growing up. We hug. We spend time together. We go fishing together. We both are not the most vocal about our feelings though.
I’ve heard that was how his father told him goodbye when he left for the military, to ease the pain of saying goodbye
Yes! I’m so thankful to the number of people who know the backstory of their relationship and were able to educate us. Thank you for watching our channel and taking the time to leave a comment. - C -
It seems that few songs plumb the dark waters or telescope the blue skies of the father-son relationship. And even fewer capture the last goodbye. “Close the door.”
I last saw my father through the narrow window of a heavy metal door closing behind me as I left the Alzheimer’s unit. Was he leaving me or was I leaving him? He looked bewildered and scared. I couldn’t scare the monsters away.
I’ve always felt like the line “ just two grown men saying goodbye” is a statement about dignity and bravery in the face of death. I could be wrong.
Thank you for sharing this comment. In my personal opinion, I wouldn’t say you’re “wrong“ …..it’s what you interpreted the lyric to be 👍🏾.
- C -
They were both in the army and that's what they used to say to each other before they went off on a tour of duty.
I tell my daughter I will chase your monsters away. I've told her this before the song even came out. This song is emotional for me because I picture my daughter saying this to me when I get old.
Oh my goodness, dad was in the room with you during this taping.❤❤
Beautiful reaction❤️🩹❤️🩹
The book is I’ll Love You Forever (and like you for always). To this day I sign every card I send or give to my son with that very sentiment.
He is now 33yo🩵 That matters not.
Stay safe & Love big💖
Before he started his singing career James Blunt was an officer in The Household Cavalry. I read some where that the lines I'm not your son, Your not my father, We're just two men saying goodbye is a reference to how they said goodbye when Blunt went to Kosovo with his Regiment.
Thank you for that insight Mike. We’ve had several other people leave similar comments, and it really helps us understand the song a little bit more now.
Make it a great day, and thanks for watching our channel. - C -
Thanks for reacting! And greeting from Hamburg/Germany!
How can you not cry at this? 😢
Couldn’t agree with you more, Louise. My wife and I went grocery shopping yesterday, and I told her I needed to buy some tissue in bulk if Brian and I are going to continue doing songs like this. Thank you for watching our channel. - C -
James Blunt wrote this song for his father, Charles Blount, a former cavalry officer in the 13th/18th Royal Hussars, helicopter pilot and colonel in the Army Air Corps. His dad has stage four chronic kidney disease, and this minor-key piano ballad is a tear-stained tribute to his sick father.
Blunt explained to Apple Music: "I idolized this man throughout my childhood, but as we grew older, I realized that he had his own fallibilities, and that's an awesome thing to see because you suddenly can become friends then. And then obviously as parents get older, the responsibility starts to weigh on the children that look after them. Although that can be painful, there's something beautiful about it, too."
Blunt wrote and recorded the song without telling his father. When Blunt played it for him in a room with just the two of them there, he responded, "That's the way it is."
After Blunt released "Monsters," a handful of people offered his father a new kidney. Their kindness touched the army captain-turned-singer so much he ended up in tears.
Wow!! Just reading comments like this has the tears welling up in my eyes again Karen.
Thank you for providing us with this insight and we appreciate you taking the time to watch our channel. - C -
I looked into it. He is actually very close to his dad. He's his role model. His dad had 4th stag kidney disease. Just about how roles change when we get older.
My heart hurt for both of you guys during this song..I couldn't believe you were even doing this one 😢 Praying for you 💜💜💜
This song is always emotional to me, my dad died aged 63 with prostate cancer and I turn 60 this year with 2 sons of my own.
It’s not about estrangement, they have a close relationship. How I see it is that when we are in our final moments, those labels don’t really exist anymore. They’re two grown men, on the same level without the power imbalance of father/son.
Seeing man’s pov but not fully their emotions is the most beautiful human thing that have no limit to and makes us all unique. Angels and demons don’t get to experience it. We’ll be ok with God ❤
Well said Rosalyn. This is probably the most challenging song I’ve ever had to “react“ too. I was caught between just listening to it and let it envelop me; at the same time, trying to come up with something to say about it. Beautiful song 😢. - C -