The Streets - M.E. - Mike Skinner

It's 02:30. I can't sleep. I catch up on Twitter then tap up Google to try & find any M.E./CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) blogs. Personal ones, to which I can subscribe or follow.

The first link I find however, is to a BBC blog that states Mike Skinner of The Streets is a fellow sufferer of M.E./CFS and has written a song on his last album called 'Trying to Kill M.E.' He openly admits on the BBC blog that his illness isn't severe but it's good that people in the spotlight can write about this sort of thing & get a message across.

Immediately, I tapped into my iTunes & found the tune that had been sitting there without me noticing. Bad girl, slaps wrist! It's readily available for download via iTunes, either as an album or just the single 'Trying to Kill M.E. if you fancy it.

I was in tears within seconds of playing the track. The lyrics are so real & true to feeling. I love the way that Mike Skinner is also saying that he won't let it beat his creativity.

I then searched for the lyrics online, which upset me further due to reading his struggle. Then I noticed something striking... that Mike Skinner has used a line that I have used in my poetry before.., 'For this Chronic Fatigue, there's no tonic it seems'.

Two people unknown to each other at all. The only thing that they have in common is being M.E./CFS sufferers.
These two people used the same line, 'For this Chronic fatigue, there's no tonic it seems'.

This makes me wonder? How many other sufferers, or carer's, feel this way?

Maybe not everyone is lyrical or a poet (of sorts) but lots of people must be thinking along the same lines, surely?!
Even if you just change the words slightly, I bet each & every sufferer, their friends, families or carers have had the thought:

'For this Chronic Fatigue, I wish there were a cure'

Or

'For this Chronic Fatigue, there's no let up it seems'?

I could come up with lots of alternatives but you get my point now.


I was so shocked to find out about Mike Skinner & genuinely feel for the guy. I know how hard it is living with this illness but he is proof that you can still live life whilst having M.E./CFS

If you like The Streets (I love them myself) then I urge you to go & buy the album Computers and Blues. It is not only an amazing album but their fifth & final album ever...

I wish him luck in whatever he chooses to do next. I'm sure Mike Skinner can roll with anything he puts his hands to!


Link to BBC Blog about Mike Skinner & M.E./CFS: http://bbc.in/myh2fO