To me we are primarily a live band - the albums are there to hold you over until we get to your neighborhood. So once the idea finally came to do a full-blown performance video in which we actually played and recorded everything live, I was set on it. We happened to have a few days off in NYC after a tour in Europe, and, with a lot of help from very talented people, we were able to put the whole thing together.
It was a day of pure chaos, and it is truly amazing that we were able to get the performance we did - I think it may be, so far, the best we have played this song. By the way, I should say that Life Is Hard is not the only song that was recorded that day, of course, and at some point we may release another song or two from the recordings that day. Cheers and Love, Alexander Ebert
hi alex, I have discovered the group during autumn, here in Italy we were having another covid outbreak. of course I had heard home before numerous times, but I never really got hooked up. I discovered this song today, and yes life is hard sometimes, maybe too many times, but that's what makes it a happy one, because after a year of quarantine when you see your friends and you hug and kiss them, well, that moment is more special than it would of been otherwise. remember guys, never give up, you are loved. thousands of hugs from Italy
Two major inspirations for this video exist - One was to, in a visually controlled, poignant, and real way, exhibit and record ourselves live - the performance is entirely live. The other was to respond to the pop music industry of the last 20 or more years, in which performance music videos are nearly always a suped-up, lip-synced karaoke, and a major contributor to that which is flimsy and feigned about pop music today.
This song has saved me so many times from getting to the point of actually ending my life or feeling like I need to. It's my go to song when I get depressed, this version specifically. Thank you for making this song, it's truly beautiful.
Lyrics Life is beauty through and through Life is sunny, life is cool Life is even easy too But if my word is to be true Life is something to behold But if the truth is to be told Let us not leave out any part Do not fear, it's safe to say it here You will not be called a weakling Nor a fraud For feeling the pain of the whole wide world You want to help but can't help the feeling you cannot And it's killing you while you're just trying to smile from your heart So go on, say it, on the same knees you're praying Yes, life is hard Come celebrate Life is hard Come celebrate, life is hard All life is all we are Celebrate it in the sun, promenade it with everyone Elevate it in a song And I'll be there to play it, don't get me wrong When I feel like dying and being gone When life is hard There's just one thing, let's not forget Yes! life is it! Life is it, life is it, it's where it's at It's getting skinny, getting fat It's falling deep into a love, It's getting crushed just like about Life there's no love, its getting beat into the ground It's getting lost and getting found, To growing up and getting round It's feeling silence, feeling sound It's feeling lonely, feeling full It's feeling oh so beautiful! Yes! Come celebrate Life is hard Come celebrate Life is hard All life is all we are
I don't usually comment on TH-cam, but I really just want to extend my thanks to all of you for being so extraordinary. Listening to you and seeing your energy emanate from your souls is inspiring, your music speaks volumes to me, and it adore it. So, thank you for reminding me of the beauty in music. 💚
Like I can't even express it. The first time I watched this I was completely overwhelmed with emotion, I was in tears. Happy tears, I think, kind of bittersweet. Incredible. I am hoping to see them at the West Coast Blues n Roots Festival next year!
Wow, wtf.......I have been struggling the last few days to stay away from opiates....And some how this song randomly popped up. And I scroll down and see this comment. You never know what a random comment on the internet will do for a totally random person.
What would be the best to say? I’m not sure but the only thing I know, is that this song is so peaceful and it makes me happy. I’d be very pleased to see that everybody stops and listens to this song. At that moment, the world could be a little bit better :)
I have not heard this much passion in a band since the 60's. My 18 year old son turned me on to these guys a couple of months ago and I have loved everything i've heard. I hope they don't mind having a 58 year old fan out here because if they are ever in my area I will be there.
One of the best songs ever, in all of this system we call life... A projection of this living in this system... Life is wonderful, and worth living, but a life lived in this system is hard!
OMG, I would pay to hear Jade read the phone book. Her voice always makes me feel like I am gliding through the skies. It is nothing less than celestial and divine.
I haven't felt loved in that way by music beaming from an electronic screen in quite some time. I pray my little brothers and sisters and I are bathed in the glory of this warmth come Sunday morning. May we all be beacons come night.
I work with at risk teens that have so many obstacles and worries....this song is going to be my anthem in my classroom this year along with Better Days - thank you!
This band is simply amazing-- nothing compares and they're just as magical LIVE. I get chills up and down and tears in my eyes from the overwhelming emotions I feel through each one of their songs. This band is like a breath of fresh air.
I literally have listened to this song on repeat 10 times in a row. I can't think of another song I've ever been able to do that with. Maybe it's just this specific performance, man oh man, it is fucking beautiful. I cannot wait to see them live.
This is one of the most relatable songs I think I have ever heard. Simple no, Alexander said that this was one of the most difficult songs, like hardest song is he has ever done.
That statement is so true. What you hear on the album is almost exactly what you get in real life. I await the day I get to see you all live again because last time, it was the best night of my life. I have never-ending appreciation for what you do. Thank you for showing people that there are beautiful things in this world. You're all amazing.
That's what I love most about this band, the broadness of the audience, it's not produced to just appeal to 15 year old pre-pubescent girls. They wouldn't mind having a 58 year old fan, we are all members of the human race after all :)
I am so grateful for their music; it's pure and heart felt unlike the majority of the commercialized crap in the charts. I saw them live in July in London supporting mumford and sons, words cannot explain how brilliant they were.
Still buzzing from last nights performance at the Enmore, Newtown in Sydney. Reminded me why I was so blown away last time I saw them. Powerful, beautiful, joyful and brilliant.
This track is buddha like. Its like if Yoga was a song. Its from the core, of human truth. Not over reaching, simple , yet so interesting. Fantastic job Zero's.
Alex and the whole band gave one of the best performances I have ever seen here in Mexico City. They performed on March 2011 and it was magical. Alex came down from the stage, sat down in the middle of the crowd and asked for everyone to sit down. I could not believe it. Just remembering that gives me goosebumps. Alex, Jade and everyone else in the band transmit this wonderful vibe. Please come back soon and maybe invite your friends from Mumford & Sons! Pretty please!!!
i cannot handle how much i love this song, how much i love this group. i had the incredible opportunity to see you play in eugene oregon last week, and i am still on a soul high from the show. so thankful for you all, your talent, and spirit!!!
I am so very grateful for your music. Since discovering you on the way to work on KCRW years ago I have been a fan.....the essence of this band is pure love. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU......ALL OF YOU. Stay beautiful.
Thank you for this you are changing this painful world, and reaching in and grabbing soul strings and giving them a mighty tug. Thus giving hope in such a deep seeded way, that one cannot help put celebrate life, pain, hope and most of all love.
I'm an atheist, but in my opinion Alexander Ebert would be perfect for the role of Jesus in the next biblical film. I mean apart from the fact they are very look-alike, Alex is already a half-god, who successfully brings joy to everyone who is willing to listen to him and follow his work.
Beautiful video and amazing performance. Such a talented group of artists. Proof that real musicians are still present in todays society. Seen two of your shows and always looking forward to the next. Thanks for sharing your talent with the world.
I have always wanted you guys to do a live album because no doubt you guys put on some of the best concerts. I am glad you are doing the video performances. Much Love
Hey so I just have to say, I saw you guys in Cincinnati, and your music got me through a lot of hard times. When you opened with Man on Fire, with the light show and the screen in the background, the music and everything just overtook me and I cried. I just want to say thank you for your music. It always makes me feel good, no matter how down I am
in that context I'm from India and absolutely love your music..you should come by if you can, and now i think you can, it will be great to catch you live :)
![Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - This Life [Official Video]](/img/n.gif)
To me we are primarily a live band - the albums are there to hold you over until we get to your neighborhood. So once the idea finally came to do a full-blown performance video in which we actually played and recorded everything live, I was set on it. We happened to have a few days off in NYC after a tour in Europe, and, with a lot of help from very talented people, we were able to put the whole thing together.
It was a day of pure chaos, and it is truly amazing that we were able to get the performance we did - I think it may be, so far, the best we have played this song.
By the way, I should say that Life Is Hard is not the only song that was recorded that day, of course, and at some point we may release another song or two from the recordings that day.
Cheers and Love,
Alexander Ebert
I am 54 and I listen and work out to your music. It makes my soul happy.
I also listen to solo stuff and live it just as much.
truly and deeply, thank you for your music it has touched my and my family's life. it's a beautiful gift you've created and shared.
One of my all time favorites, very profound lyrics. I had the pleasure of seeing you live in Royal Oak MI.. The whole night was " magical"
hi alex, I have discovered the group during autumn, here in Italy we were having another covid outbreak. of course I had heard home before numerous times, but I never really got hooked up. I discovered this song today, and yes life is hard sometimes, maybe too many times, but that's what makes it a happy one, because after a year of quarantine when you see your friends and you hug and kiss them, well, that moment is more special than it would of been otherwise. remember guys, never give up, you are loved.
thousands of hugs from Italy
After 30 years of playing and listening to music, this is still probably the best song I've ever heard.
Two major inspirations for this video exist - One was to, in a visually controlled, poignant, and real way, exhibit and record ourselves live - the performance is entirely live. The other was to respond to the pop music industry of the last 20 or more years, in which performance music videos are nearly always a suped-up, lip-synced karaoke, and a major contributor to that which is flimsy and feigned about pop music today.
This song has saved me so many times from getting to the point of actually ending my life or feeling like I need to. It's my go to song when I get depressed, this version specifically. Thank you for making this song, it's truly beautiful.
Please hang in there it’s done similar things for me too!!!
As far as emotions are concerned this is the most beautiful song I've ever listened to.
Lyrics
Life is beauty through and through
Life is sunny, life is cool
Life is even easy too
But if my word is to be true
Life is something to behold
But if the truth is to be told
Let us not leave out any part
Do not fear, it's safe to say it here
You will not be called a weakling
Nor a fraud
For feeling the pain of the whole wide world
You want to help but can't help the feeling you cannot
And it's killing you while you're just trying to smile from your heart
So go on, say it, on the same knees you're praying
Yes, life is hard
Come celebrate
Life is hard
Come celebrate, life is hard
All life is all we are
Celebrate it in the sun, promenade it with everyone
Elevate it in a song
And I'll be there to play it, don't get me wrong
When I feel like dying and being gone
When life is hard
There's just one thing, let's not forget
Yes! life is it!
Life is it, life is it, it's where it's at
It's getting skinny, getting fat
It's falling deep into a love,
It's getting crushed just like about
Life there's no love, its getting beat into the ground
It's getting lost and getting found,
To growing up and getting round
It's feeling silence, feeling sound
It's feeling lonely, feeling full
It's feeling oh so beautiful!
Yes!
Come celebrate
Life is hard
Come celebrate
Life is hard
All life is all we are
One of the most amazing songs in our times
It is phenomenal.
I agree, and so would J.R.
I don't usually comment on TH-cam, but I really just want to extend my thanks to all of you for being so extraordinary. Listening to you and seeing your energy emanate from your souls is inspiring, your music speaks volumes to me, and it adore it. So, thank you for reminding me of the beauty in music. 💚
Like I can't even express it. The first time I watched this I was completely overwhelmed with emotion, I was in tears. Happy tears, I think, kind of bittersweet. Incredible. I am hoping to see them at the West Coast Blues n Roots Festival next year!
Entirely stone cold sober that day... once in a while I smoke some pot. once in a while I drink some mezcal or red wine... Meditate, don't medicate.
I smoke weed and jam!!
Life would be unbearable... I aim for prioritizing and stay in movement... evolution with love ofcourse 🤍
Wow, wtf.......I have been struggling the last few days to stay away from opiates....And some how this song randomly popped up. And I scroll down and see this comment. You never know what a random comment on the internet will do for a totally random person.
The song I listen to when I really need to stop and appreciate being alive... So amazing
What would be the best to say? I’m not sure but the only thing I know, is that this song is so peaceful and it makes me happy. I’d be very pleased to see that everybody stops and listens to this song. At that moment, the world could be a little bit better :)
It is the most honest song I have ever heard
And that is good... that it's hard. People who've lived hard lives are often the very BEST.
Hands down the most beautiful song I have ever heard, and the most amazing performance I have ever witnessed.
I have not heard this much passion in a band since the 60's. My 18 year old son turned me on to these guys a couple of months ago and I have loved everything i've heard. I hope they don't mind having a 58 year old fan out here because if they are ever in my area I will be there.
This song touches me in a place I can’t explain. It’s my new favorite. Tears streaming. Thank you so much for this beautiful magic. ❤️❤️❤️
One of the best songs ever, in all of this system we call life... A projection of this living in this system... Life is wonderful, and worth living, but a life lived in this system is hard!
OMG, I would pay to hear Jade read the phone book. Her voice always makes me feel like I am gliding through the skies. It is nothing less than celestial and divine.
Right there with you.
Jade is always so gorgeous.
The style of song and his voice sound like Elvis Presley in his later years! Great song and performance!
Such a powerful song
One of the most beautiful songs ever ....
I haven't felt loved in that way by music beaming from an electronic screen in quite some time. I pray my little brothers and sisters and I are bathed in the glory of this warmth come Sunday morning. May we all be beacons come night.
may alex ebert never die amen
Amen n jade ,your right some people should just live on
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
🌷
I work with at risk teens that have so many obstacles and worries....this song is going to be my anthem in my classroom this year along with Better Days - thank you!
What a performance., Powerful message, strong words to follow AND excellent singer.
This band is simply amazing-- nothing compares and they're just as magical LIVE. I get chills up and down and tears in my eyes from the overwhelming emotions I feel through each one of their songs. This band is like a breath of fresh air.
I literally have listened to this song on repeat 10 times in a row. I can't think of another song I've ever been able to do that with. Maybe it's just this specific performance, man oh man, it is fucking beautiful. I cannot wait to see them live.
this is the most relevant song to my life and the only song getting me through it
So pure. If only all music could be this way. True and real and gorgeous.
love the message in this song. not to feel alone when life gets on top of you, and not to be ashame to admit life is hard. beautiful song. bravo 👏
This is one of the most relatable songs I think I have ever heard. Simple no, Alexander said that this was one of the most difficult songs, like hardest song is he has ever done.
That statement is so true. What you hear on the album is almost exactly what you get in real life. I await the day I get to see you all live again because last time, it was the best night of my life. I have never-ending appreciation for what you do. Thank you for showing people that there are beautiful things in this world. You're all amazing.
That's what I love most about this band, the broadness of the audience, it's not produced to just appeal to 15 year old pre-pubescent girls. They wouldn't mind having a 58 year old fan, we are all members of the human race after all :)
this song is great!
"Come celebrate
Life is hard
Come celebrate Life is hard
All life is all we are"
This is the most meaningful and moving songs that has ever entered in to my small corner of experience of space and time.
I am so grateful for their music; it's pure and heart felt unlike the majority of the commercialized crap in the charts. I saw them live in July in London supporting mumford and sons, words cannot explain how brilliant they were.
Good music is still alive. What a relief!
What's up? Did you know I cannot die?
I agree THANK GOD!
The poetry ..
I wish I could "Thumbs Up" this more than once - it's that great of a song and video!
Still buzzing from last nights performance at the Enmore, Newtown in Sydney. Reminded me why I was so blown away last time I saw them. Powerful, beautiful, joyful and brilliant.
This track is buddha like. Its like if Yoga was a song. Its from the core, of human truth. Not over reaching, simple , yet so interesting. Fantastic job Zero's.
+Steve Slome I totally agree. Also the Alex's performance seems to spring from the heart.
Its just the very human very real admittance of pain and sorrow despite the worlds love and beauty... and it isnt bad to feel that sometimes
This man is dangerously gorgeous...........................
This song and video is ART , amazing it was recorded as a play
If I didn't know better, I'd say Alex is a modern prophet
Chris Rusch Ive said this for some time, glad to know Im not the only one!
If you ever get the chance, do not pass it up. Best experience of my life.
Edward is inspiring. He radiates truth! There isn't much truth in music anymore and it's about time.
He's called Alex, Edward is a fictional character he created as a child
Jacob Marks Pretty sure when he's on stage, he's Edward.
+Rafael Entwistle You are right he is Alex... Alexander Ebert... Letterman called him Edward on live TV but it's not even his stage name...
Pls stop my mom posted this XD
+Jill Milnes Ebert in Louisiana we would pronounce it E-bear
This song really picks me up when I'm down. It reminds me of the beauty in the ups and downs. Life is all we are. Life is it.
okay so this is better than the letterman performance and i didn't even think it was possible to top that just goosebumps yes
This song makes me cry....
Alex and the whole band gave one of the best performances I have ever seen here in Mexico City. They performed on March 2011 and it was magical. Alex came down from the stage, sat down in the middle of the crowd and asked for everyone to sit down. I could not believe it. Just remembering that gives me goosebumps. Alex, Jade and everyone else in the band transmit this wonderful vibe. Please come back soon and maybe invite your friends from Mumford & Sons! Pretty please!!!
la canción más hermosa, para detenerse y simplemente agradecer el estar vivo, respirar y seguir
It would be amazing if the whole album was filmed and presented like this! A superb performance!!
Why this particular song touches my soul down in the deepest depths is something I can’t even explain to myself pure love lives here
He is a true artist. Thanks for existing Alex.
I think they are really under appreciated
Glad to hear! My dad is on the same ride. Im 20 and he is 58 as well.
This song, and Dawes' "A Little Bit of Everything" and Darlingside's "God of Loss", always go deep into me. So real.
Thank you for this song. It's my 5th day of self isolation cause of covid. Life is hard, indeed. This song keeps me strong.
I'm so in love with these guys and this song, Alex's best performance ever!
Dear Magnetic Zeros ~ you never fail to touch me! Thank you ~ thank you.
I love music, I love people with passion. Thank you guys you make me feel
He sings his truth and ours. A soul singer
A real vid for a real song, you couldn't have done it better. Love em both and see you in January!
Seeing them perform life would be a magical experience.
I just can't. This is too amazing.
Wish I could find songs that made me feel this way everyday
i cannot handle how much i love this song, how much i love this group. i had the incredible opportunity to see you play in eugene oregon last week, and i am still on a soul high from the show. so thankful for you all, your talent, and spirit!!!
Alex Ebert...I really understood...and cried.
I stumbled onto this by accident... I was looking for new musicians that i hadn't heard yet and when i heard this i fell in love, truly magnificent
Only just found this now. It's absolutely beautiful
how does this not have more views.
I am so very grateful for your music. Since discovering you on the way to work on KCRW years ago I have been a fan.....the essence of this band is pure love. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU......ALL OF YOU. Stay beautiful.
Thank you for this you are changing this painful world, and reaching in and grabbing soul strings and giving them a mighty tug. Thus giving hope in such a deep seeded way, that one cannot help put celebrate life, pain, hope and most of all love.
I'm an atheist, but in my opinion Alexander Ebert would be perfect for the role of Jesus in the next biblical film. I mean apart from the fact they are very look-alike, Alex is already a half-god, who successfully brings joy to everyone who is willing to listen to him and follow his work.
What's with the dislikes. This was AWESOMENESS. Real music.
Why yes, I will watch this 5 more times today. Thanks!
These guys are carving a new path in music. It is so refreshing.
watching them live makes your inside want to explode in joy.. a sincere band of hope and discovery...
Definetly, it's better this live version than the studio one!!!! I rather it, it's more powerfull, more... alive!
Saw this when you presented it in St. Augustine. So in love! I can't stop watching it...it's almost as magic as being there live with you.
Beautiful video and amazing performance. Such a talented group of artists. Proof that real musicians are still present in todays society. Seen two of your shows and always looking forward to the next. Thanks for sharing your talent with the world.
TH-cam propose this next to the video of my band, and I couldn't be happier.
Great work, really astonishing.
Greetings from Paris, France.
I have always wanted you guys to do a live album because no doubt you guys put on some of the best concerts. I am glad you are doing the video performances. Much Love
Excellent lyrics!
Life, in itself is amazing. Concurring occurrences during process simply surviving is a miracle. Elie
Hey so I just have to say, I saw you guys in Cincinnati, and your music got me through a lot of hard times. When you opened with Man on Fire, with the light show and the screen in the background, the music and everything just overtook me and I cried. I just want to say thank you for your music. It always makes me feel good, no matter how down I am
This is criminally under viewed
Kudos to the (what I consider) the best song off of that album. Keep up the good music.
This song will always make me cry, and I love it so much for that ❤️
There are no words to describe how amazing this is.
Another amazing piece of art by Alex and her voice goes right along with him. Her voice id's so unique as well i love you guys. Life is hard
in that context I'm from India and absolutely love your music..you should come by if you can, and now i think you can, it will be great to catch you live :)
This song is perfection. Everything I needed to hear tonight.
This was my father's favorite song before the newest album. Come celebrate, life is hard was the last thing he posted on FB....then he died.
❤
🙏
Thanks for debuting this video at GOTR St Augustine. It was great to see it and hear you!
...why have I never heard this song till now, it's way better than all the crud I hear on the radio.