25 Comments

Gah...I have tears in my eyes now. How do you do it, make me feel like I do? Seriously though, I don't know a single other person whose lyrics resonate with me as much as yours. This takes me back to my own journey as an artist, and reminds me of how much you have encouraged and inspired me...from that one day in early 2021 when I jumped into my desk chair and dug my markers and pens out of storage after they had been sitting unused for years, to now where I've found a community through sharing my art and have had the privilege of expressing my admiration and gratitude to you in person. I hope that you never forget how much your kind words and selflessness mean to me. Words really aren't enough to express how I truly feel.

The phrase "Don't let the bastards bring you down, turn their lead into gold" stands out so much because it truly is a powerful message. The saying "the best revenge is a life well lived" comes to mind, because the best way that you can rise above the people that tried so hard to tear you down and make you feel worthless is to continue doing what makes you happy. I wish I could travel back in time and tell my high school self about this, but alas the TARDIS hasn't paid a visit to my hometown yet (haha). Still, even if it took me several years, I'm grateful to have learned that message, understood it, and taken it to heart. Your own creative wisdom has instilled this into me even more. And I love the way that you worded it in this song...eloquent but also badass and straight to the point at the same time! Call me crazy if I'm being crazy, but I swear it feels like you might as well be singing right to me.

Bonner was incredible, by the way. After going through such an overwhelming and tumultuous period of my life with so many huge and sudden changes at once, I needed that so badly...you and the guys, your music always heals me. Also, it was tons of fun going to the pre-show jam to get hyped, and then meet all five of you!! I cannot emphasize enough how special you all made that day, and those are memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I feel like I've poured my heart out countless times now, but I promise every single word is true and I mean it with every fiber of my being.

Some of my pals in the fam are seeing you tonight. Hope you guys enjoy visiting and performing in Michigan...hugs and love from the rainy westside of Washington as always!

Expand full comment

A beautiful essay to wake up to here in WA watching the sunrise and listening to the birds chirp and the neighborhood cat coming up to greet me

Expand full comment

I can't wait to listen to this when i am not standing down the cereal aisle at my store but I just wanted to say I hope you have a nice time in my beautiful state of Michigan and I'll see you tonight!

Expand full comment

Love it.♥️ Almost a little hypnotizing…

Expand full comment

Suppose one could hum/ play this to their younger self … or maybe that’s just me . Very healing tones. Nature, boy I tell ya. Much obliged . Xo

Expand full comment

Always love anything new from you. I’ve saturated my brain with incubus and your solo work for 25 years and I never get sick of it! Keep those unheard tracks coming! Have fun and stay safe on tour!

Expand full comment

Waking up to this new post is such a treat. I love everything about this one. The music, vocal melodies and message are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Brandon! Safe travels!!

Expand full comment

Mm. I’m so happy and at peace on the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are among my favorite hobbies, along with fountain pens, of course. I really love the strings that come in on this track. It pulled me in deeper, just at the right moment. Also love the meaning behind it, so thank you for sharing that. I love the idea of someone becoming unstuck from the crowd. I can identify with both that way of life and also envying those who stray even further. “Make yourself,” right?

I’ll see you in two weeks! I can’t wait to meet all of you, share some space for a few moments, and show my gratitude. Take care!

Expand full comment

So 1- this immediately made me think of my daughter; she’s 9–and fucking firecracker. It is insanely hard to try and parent and discipline without the thought that I might be crushing her fiery nature. As a total people pleaser, (working on it..) I do want her to be confident in her voice— and how to use it to, well, not let the bastards get her down. Piloting this flesh vessel is hard enough, some days.

2-I love me so modulation(I think that’s what it’s called) so this totally makes my ear holes joyful.

Thanks for sharing, Brandon!

Expand full comment

My first thought was Greta Thunberg who is absolutely awesome! She’s an absolute G and inspires me for sure.

Expand full comment

She's autistic too 😼 like meeee

Expand full comment

& she’s just as cool as you too 😘

Expand full comment

Staaahhhhp I'm gonna blush ☺️😳

Expand full comment

I don't know why, but this made me cry. It's beautiful. Thank you for sharing ❤️🙌

Expand full comment

Thank you ❤️

Expand full comment

Wonderfully penned! Definitely, the type of song that invites the listener to sing along. 🎶🖤

Expand full comment

I was wondering if you’d spend more time in Chicago or head to Ohio. Loved your Chicago show and so did my 11 year old daughter. I will definitely hum along to this jam. Thanks for sharing and putting your heart and soul in everything you do! Cheers Brandon! Enjoy the rest of your tour.

Expand full comment

This is beautiful 🤩 what a wonderful way to start my morning! I saw the pictures from your kayaking adventure and it looked wonderful! Has me inspired to do something with the family/crew soon! Can’t wait to see y’all on the 20th! 💚 happy day after the full moon and Wednesday! 🌕

Expand full comment

Lovely song to showcase your voice! As a Swiftie of sorts, I first thought of Taylor so I choose to believe that's who it's about. Give her back the mic, Ye!

Expand full comment