The video for Chris Brown’s “Crawl” has hit the Web after premiering on The Wendy Williams Show this morning. Filled with shots of a bespectacled Brown looking remorseful as he sings about a lost love, it’s the second promotional clip he’s released in advance of Grafitti, due Dec. 8.
By centering this clip on an ex he can’t stop thinking about (played by Cassie), Brown is practically begging for us to read it as a statement on his former relationship with Rihanna — you know, the relationship he hastened to an end by brutally assaulting her in February. So what, if anything, is he actually saying with this clip?
Mostly, just that he feels sorry for himself. “Everybody says we’re through/I hope you haven’t said it too,” Brown complains. “So where do we go from here?” I’m pretty sure a roadside trash pick-up site and an anger-management counseling session are where you’re supposed to be going, Chris. We see none of that — the real aftermath of his breakup — in this video, of course. Instead we get Brown moping around a hotel room, a snowy street, and, finally, a CGI desert, mouthing self-help platitudes about crawling before you fly. Excuse me if I’m not ready to sing along just yet.
Do you find Brown’s latest video as uncomfortable to watch as I do, or am I being too harsh? Check out “Crawl” below, then let us know what you think.
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Comments (1-30) of 216 Add your comment
Aww the beater looks sad. Maybe his hands hurt.
L O L! Even though Simon’s post is annoying, this made me laugh.
Chris Brown”s career is not ending k
u guys like his music
ppl make mistakes
anne you are disgusting!leave this kid alone. i hate ppl who think that they are perfect. you aren’t, i’m not, no one is so move on!
For the sake of your loved ones, I hope you’re the imperfect in the same way that he is.
So let’s be clear: I make a joke about an self-admitted beater.
He abuses his girlfriend repeatedly and I’m disgusting? Also, I am 22, not so much older that Chris Brown and certainly old enough to know domestic abuse is foul. Never claimed I was perfect, but some things- like beating up someone you love- are pretty disgusting.
Yikes “jane”…maybe instead of bashing other people who have a sense of humor, you should just go back to elementary school and get an education. Your post is near incomprehensible.
Wait a second- let me bring it down to your level. “You’re stupid”
agreed! what an ass…pouting and feeling sorry for himself. Pathetic.
Nope!
Not one bit. Chris Brown, you’re done.
He should cover Beat it!
That would be a hit!
“Everybody says we’re through. I hope you haven’t said it to.”
Are you effing serious?! You are so done. Go away already.
I only came in here to comment that no one cares. I didn’t watch the video nor will I ever. I hope his career is over.
SO U R SAYIN WHEN U MAKE A MISTAKE & HAVE A PHYSCIAL FIGHT WITH YO GIRLFRIEND HIT HER OR BEAT HER U WOULDN’T ASK FOR FORGIVENESS..BECAUSE PPL DO DESERVE SECOND CHANCES & I THINK HE DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE HE’S YOUNG BUT I THINK HE SHOULD GET BLAME FOR HIS ACTION NOT HER ACTION TOO I DO THINK HE IS BEING REMORSEFUL ABOUT THE SITUATION PPL JUST NEED TIME FOR THIS 2 HEAL & MOVE ON NOT SAYING IT’S OK 2 HIT A WOMAN BUT IT’S OK 2 MAKE MISTAKES DOESN’T EVERYBODY MAKES DON’T BE SO CRUEL TO CHRIS BROWN BECAUSE IT’S NOT ALL HIS FAULT RHIANNA TAKE THE BLAME IN THIS SITUATION ALSO SO DON’T MAKE THIS A 1-SIDED STORY BECAUSE THAT’S WAT PPL ARE DOING LEARN TO FORGIVE NOT FOR U FOR THEM OR NOT THEM FOR U…U KNOW WHAT I MEAN
Tymesha, you said people deserve second chances. According to the interview Rihanna gave Diane Sawyer, Chris Brown has hit her multiple times previous to the assault in February so it looks like he’s had more than a second chance.
Actually what she said was it took her 9 times to leave him. She said he only hit her once. Get the facts straight. Sawyer said it normally takes about 7 times for a person to leave she said no about 8 or 9.
i agree with you tymesha and if you guys get your facts straight rihanna said he only hit her once but there have already been reports that rihanna hit him before this incident. i dont condone him hitting her in any way but he deserves a second chance and im sure you wouldnt be bashing him if he was your son or someone you knew , your treating him like he’s not human.
Sorry but I think he is using Rihana and the attack as a chance to try to sell records. And sorry to say, Rihana seems to be doing the exact same thing.
I think there’s still a lot of promise in Chris. He’s young, 19 is very young to have mixed up emotions and have all the money and fame.
That’s no excuse to abuse women.
You know….I give the guy a pass this one time….like I wrote, he’s young. 19 y.o. and from what I read, he wanted out of the relationship. And she didn’t.
I understand the part where you say “he’s young,” and still needs to learn, yadda yadda. I don’t agree with that sentiment (no 19 yo I know beats up women), but at least I see where you are coming from.
However, are you out of your mind by writing “from what I read, he wanted out of the relationship. And she didnt”? I don’t care how horrible a person Rihanna actually is, there is NO excuse for him to beat her up. His option was to dump her, not beat her.
Please, get your head on straight.
I think all of you need to get your head on straight when you think its ok for a woman to constanly hit a man but when he hits her back then he is in the wrong. Thats whats wrong with these young girls now, they have it misunderstood. NOONE should put their hands on anyone. SHould Chris have handled it better yes he could have. Could she have handled her jealous rage about the VM better yes she could have. I dont care what Rihanna says something else happened in that car for that to turn violent. The fact that Chris wont tell the whole story confirms that for me. May not for you but it confirms it for me. Yes they BOTH were in the wrong. He is owning up to his when will she admit hers? Yes there were lots of stories about that girl and how crazy she was she even told Diane Sawyer how EQUALLY dangerous it became for the both of them almost as an obsession, if Diane would have known any better she would have asked her to elaborate. If i was his mom he would have dumped her a long time ago.
Chris is someone that he doesn’t want to be. People think by name calling and being judgmental will help the issues.. If you feel so passionate about domestic violence go help people with the same issue or If your in it Break from it. And help stop the cycle VIOLENCE, not giving out verbal kicks and smacks.. Maybe Hope that Chris will become a wiser man and hope that Rihanna stay strong and Bless them both. Chris Brown learn his lesson that God give him. If he doesn’t judge, why should you.?
Well of course, Sally, since he’s young and apparently wanted out of the relationship, it’s really no big deal that he battered his girlfriend, choked and bit her and threatened to kill her. He’s young, so it’s cool.
Yeah, when I was 19 and wanted to break up with my girlfriend, I would just beat the crap out of her too. It’s what you do when you’re young!
PLEASE. Any halfwit man knows it is NEVER okay to lay a hand on a woman…I’ve known that since I was a child, let alone when I was 19 and practically a grown man. Chris Brown is a tool, an idiot, and sure, he deserves a second chance in life, but I don’t think he deserves a second chance at a recording career. I would not be surprised if he eventually abused again – in fact, I expect it.
no google the national coalition for men who has called on Rihanna to woman up for her abuse of chris brown! per court records rihanna hit chris 1st and multiple times before he struck her. does the same standards of abuse apply for her?
so it’s okay he beat her? she brought it on herself?
Ashley…can you answer the question? Was it ok for her to hit him if she did strike him first? I really would like to know your answer. Yes by all means he was wrong for how he attacked her and he could have handled it better but was it ok for her to touch him because she is a woman?
He seemed so fake and insincere on Wendy Williams this morning. What a loser.
Every time I look at him now, I see a monster. I just can’t help it. It’s a visceral reaction.
No I am done. Don’t let the door hit you.
i love this song!
I love this song! & the video is great! I think people need to grow up and realize that everybody makes mistakes. It what you do to correct your mistakes that determines what kind of person you are.
Tell that to Rhianna. It’s not just “a mistake”, it’s not something you can forgive and get over.
This story is getting old. Chris Brown deserves a break, I don’t give a freak what you think. If he didn’t learn from this, yeah then crucify him, but he is learning and I can bet you he won’t ever hit another woman again. Now just tell Rhianna to learn…….about not being jealous and obessive……..bet she doesn’t learn.
Yeah- because if he doesn’t “learn from this, then crucify him”. Sure- let’s do just that…then he can be crucifed for his “mistake” when he takes a beating too far and actually KILLS A WOMAN. You bet he won’t hit another woman again??? If you really believe that, I have a bridge in London to sell you. Moron.
““So where do we go from here?” I’m pretty sure a roadside trash pick-up site and an anger-management counseling session are where you’re supposed to be going, Chris.”
haaaahahaha.
His music has always been and obviously, continues to be, crap.
so why are you listening to it?
Chris Brown who?
that guy that you love to read about, follow and comment about…thats who
Crap. I like this.
this song is wonderful what are you talking about?
You really need to go on MTV and go read what the SONG is really about. Everything you said couldn’t be further from it. LMAO!
For those that didn’t understand the concept of the “Crawl” video: His heart is visible, and that means, he’s bearing his soul. It also could be a parallel to people see through fame and realize that Chris is human. The cold weather is symbolic of the world and and the industry. Right now the world is still cold and calculating. Cassie represents the situation, rihanna, and where he now. The desert represents the fact that in some instances he feels deserted and the end with him dancing with the child represents him as his former self, and taking the steps to become a better man.
Fine-Maybe that’s what he says it is about, but honestly it looks like he’s mourning his lost relationship and his lost fame. And I agree with Simon-i see him and I see the abuser
and he doesnt see you at all
I 100% agree with you
i love this explanation! All these ignorant minded people would’ve never dug that deep for the concept of the video/song!
Seriosly Simon this is getting tiresome. Obviously you do not care for Chris Brown but yet you feel the need to write a post everytime he releases a song or video and ask the same question, “Are you ready for him to come back?”
If you don’t care for him right now then stop writing about him. Your posts are really becoming tedious.
I agree. The guys needs a break — from the media.
WOW. You guys are SO on the money. I mean, seriously, how dare he be bothered by Chris’ actions? How ridiculous to be truly bothered by one person beating the shit out of another? Simon, seriously: get over it. You still have some sense and humanity left in you and its about time you kick those qualities to the curb. Just like these two people above.
Obvious YOU CARE because you keep writing about him and keep asking the same dumb ass question.
If you didn’t wouldn’t even bother. Second of all I can bet a hundred bucks all these people that are comment NEVER bought a CB CD or single or even was a fan(Simon included). So frankly y’all don’t matter.
I kind of have to agree on one point. While I think what CB did was despicable, press is still press. I’m in favor of never hearing about him again- whether is positive or negative.
I dont find the video uncomfortable… I find it sad because he is so talented and he really screwed it up. People wont see him the same for a long time or until he really shows that he is remorseful, trully. Two years from now who knows, maybe things can be different and no one will even say or think they way they do now but for now, I think it is still way to early to be making these songs about her…. just my opinion.
I agree. I love Chris and his talent, and I’m so sad this is all being overshadowed by this mess. I think though he does need to get some of these songs out now – otherwise, people will say ‘oh he’s not serious about being sorry.’ I cannot wait for this stuff to be over. I know we will never have the old Baby Chris back, but I ready (I guess) to move on with him to his next phase. Keep it coming Chris, and hold your head up. A lot of us still luv ya.
Could care less
Stating that you could care less means that you do, in fact, care.
Does EW realize that even negative promotion is good promotion? He will always have a career for as long as you’re talking about him. If you can’t stand the guy that much, STOP writing about him. This constant Chris Brown bashing is beginning to have a reverse affect…I’m beginning to feel sorry for him. Regardless of how anyone feels, he can turn his life around…and I sincerely hope he does. We have enough suicidal, emotionally sick people who do crazier things (like shoot up people or themselves) because they listen to people like you who tell them they’ll never be anything because of their mistakes. We don’t need another one…
i totally agree!
I could care less. He has seemed more interested in poor little Chris then anything else. The song is only so so too. It diffinitely sounds rather lame compared to the far superior Cold Case Love of Rihanna’s that has leaked to youtube. Now there’s a song.
I HOPE NONE OF YOU EVER NEED A SECOND CHANCE!!!! JUST REMEMBER WHAT YOU MOTHER TOLD YOU, IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY–DON’T SAY NOTHING AT ALL. I WILL FOREVER LOVE CHRIS BROWN!!!!! THE BOY DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE, WE ALL DO!
yes, you have the right to like him just like I have the right to think he is awful.
Of course I care. I’m sure he KNOWS he ruined their relationship. I’m sure he KNOWS that there is very little chance she’s coming back. Knowing all of that doesn’t take the pain away.
Chris Brown’s real fans will not turn their back on him, if and when he shows that his transformation is genuine and that he is really working towards being a better man, taking his punishment and therapy seriously, etc.
I imagine how many of us have things in OUR pasts we regret and had to learn and grow from. Fortunately OUR mistakes were not played out on the international media and did not ruin our careers. When others make mistakes we criticize but when we make mistakes we seek compassion. How is that loving your brother as thyself.
ilove the video & the song ilove all your songs but cant wait till the album comes out & i hope love rockets on there ily forever
No.
The correct answer to the article’s title is “no.”
Less time making videos with Rihanna look-a-likes and more time in counseling and taking FULL accountability would make his thoughts seem more sincere. I do think he is a talented young man who deserves a second chance after he does the work needed and by work I don’t mean pouring his heart out in music videos.
Yeah, I’m getting tired of the lost love songs – So Cold, Changed Man, this one. PLEASE no more Chris. Maybe now that she did this snotty, one-sided interview on 20/20 you can start to stop kissing her feet. Doesn’t seem like she’s worth it. She’s out there verifying your as bad as they say you are. Isn’t that annoying you? Seems like that in your comments. Anyway – I hope Graffitti has a good variety of songs – please no more tearjerkers.
Ive heard more real vocals coming from a britney song. Cheesecake i do remember what my mom told me, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
YOU ARE NOT TREAIING CB LIKE U WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED. SO SHUT UP PLEASE…….. TALK WHAT U KNOW
lol @ Britney!
You either love his voice or you hate it. It seems its just a matter of taste. I love it, the feeling in it – but I won’t say you should love it too. Same with who he is. Some people see him as a cut-and-dry negative symbol, some of us see him as person, with flaws and feelings. Many opinions, its all a given. Can we stop arguing about it please???
Im not sure who needs help more, Chris brown or some of his fans. The people who say she deserved it or started it need as much help as he does. But karma is a b@tch and hopefully he will pick on someone his own size next time.
Where’s that stylish BLUE BOW TIE??