Comments on: ‘Dear Jack’ Contest http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/ without music, life would be a mistake. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jenna http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-9143 Jenna Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:25:14 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-9143 Who won this.. Who won this..

]]> By: Stephanie http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8773 Stephanie Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:41:54 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8773 "Swim" to me means, keeping your head held high. I have grown up with alot of confidence problems. I think alot of it has to do with my dad. He told me I was never going to go anywhere in my life. He told me I was never going to graduate high school, and that I was going to live in his basement for the rest of my life. Also he has told me that I have gained weight. I have defyed him. I graduated high school (my dad actually was a drop out), I left his house, I live with my mom now. I am going to be so much more than he said I was going to be. I am Swimming, without giving in to what he says. This song gives me hope. “Swim” to me means, keeping your head held high. I have grown up with alot of confidence problems. I think alot of it has to do with my dad. He told me I was never going to go anywhere in my life. He told me I was never going to graduate high school, and that I was going to live in his basement for the rest of my life. Also he has told me that I have gained weight. I have defyed him. I graduated high school (my dad actually was a drop out), I left his house, I live with my mom now. I am going to be so much more than he said I was going to be. I am Swimming, without giving in to what he says. This song gives me hope.

]]> By: Leeanne http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8751 Leeanne Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:52:24 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8751 “Swim.” It’s a song that has a quality that not many songs have nowadays, which is that it’s timeless. It could be heard one hundred years ago or a hundred years into the future and its ideas would remain just as relevant as it does today. Whether or not you’ve heard Andrew’s story, we’ve all had a point of turmoil that has broken us physically or emotionally. “Swim” musically and lyrically lifts spirits in a manner I have never felt before. There is no such thing as losing all hope with this song. While we are being constantly shot down by the demons of our past and present this song pushes us to never quit. No matter what life throws at you, you’ve got to believe that you’re stronger than you know. It’s easy to appreciate and respect what Andrew has created with the song “Swim,” as it conveys ideas that speak to you when you need it most. The images formed throughout this song are a perfect metaphor to the message. No matter what losses we’ve had that seem pull us down, what we’ve got left is still good enough stay above water. We could still get through even if the odds seem against us. It’s the encouragement helping us to move forward to reach the end of a journey. “Swim” encompasses the pure idea of living life. It’s worth fighting for. I’ve had Andrew’s music in my life for almost a decade. Yet it isn’t necessary to have followed his discography to be uplifted by his words and passion. It’s a song that I’ve recommended to people who have never heard of Andrew and its effect on people is always the same. They feel connected to this stranger letting us know that we’re all fighting some sort of battle and that we are not alone. As the song slowly ends, I always find myself breathing easier. It has that effect on me. And it probably has that effect on a lot of people. You feel extraordinary as if you’ve been given the embrace you’ve been waiting for. We are human, indecisive and doubtful, yet “Swim” gets us back on our feet, ready for anything. And from that moment on, you remember that you’re stronger than you know. We all are. “Swim.” It’s a song that has a quality that not many songs have nowadays, which is that it’s timeless. It could be heard one hundred years ago or a hundred years into the future and its ideas would remain just as relevant as it does today. Whether or not you’ve heard Andrew’s story, we’ve all had a point of turmoil that has broken us physically or emotionally. “Swim” musically and lyrically lifts spirits in a manner I have never felt before. There is no such thing as losing all hope with this song. While we are being constantly shot down by the demons of our past and present this song pushes us to never quit. No matter what life throws at you, you’ve got to believe that you’re stronger than you know. It’s easy to appreciate and respect what Andrew has created with the song “Swim,” as it conveys ideas that speak to you when you need it most. The images formed throughout this song are a perfect metaphor to the message. No matter what losses we’ve had that seem pull us down, what we’ve got left is still good enough stay above water. We could still get through even if the odds seem against us. It’s the encouragement helping us to move forward to reach the end of a journey. “Swim” encompasses the pure idea of living life. It’s worth fighting for. I’ve had Andrew’s music in my life for almost a decade. Yet it isn’t necessary to have followed his discography to be uplifted by his words and passion. It’s a song that I’ve recommended to people who have never heard of Andrew and its effect on people is always the same. They feel connected to this stranger letting us know that we’re all fighting some sort of battle and that we are not alone. As the song slowly ends, I always find myself breathing easier. It has that effect on me. And it probably has that effect on a lot of people. You feel extraordinary as if you’ve been given the embrace you’ve been waiting for. We are human, indecisive and doubtful, yet “Swim” gets us back on our feet, ready for anything. And from that moment on, you remember that you’re stronger than you know. We all are.

]]> By: Sandy http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8743 Sandy Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:45:58 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8743 The first time I ever heard Andrew McMahon's voice was in fifth grade, seven years ago. I was at my friend's house and her brother was blasting Something Corporate. From the minute I heard the song, which I later figured out to be "Punk Rock Princess" I fell in love with Andrew's voice, his music and it's meaning, and the people his songs inspire. The first Jack's Mannequin album became the soundtrack to my high school years. Whatever I was feeling, Andrew had a song that could perfectly compliment my mood. When The Glass Passenger was released, I'll admit, which is hard because I am such a huge fan, I was a little skeptical. I was so used to the sounds of his previous album that I was scared that I would not fall in love with the new CD as I had with his last. Then...I was browsing online one day and came across his Myspace. I was ecstatic when I learned that a new song was put up... "Swim." I held my breath as I readied myself to start the music. As I listened, I could not believe what I was hearing. From the first line, "You gotta swim, swim for your life, swim for the music that saves you when you're not so sure you'll survive" I felt a pride swell up inside of me. As the song went on, I felt this pride swell up even more until I got to the point where I had tears in my eyes. I knew that I had found the song I had been waiting for. From a very young age, I struggled with anxiety and depression. I would at times feel as if I had nothing to live for, and feel as though I could not push through any longer. When I felt like this, I was unable to see that I would overcome these feelings and hardships. I've always been extremely hard on myself...and now this song was telling me... "Find the horizon, I promise you it's not as hard as you think." This song was telling me that I had so much to "swim" for, and that I could and WOULD make it through if I just "keep my head above." Ever since this song has been released, I have listened to it over 150 times on my iTunes. It is the song I keep coming back to because the message is so simple, yet so POWERFUL and clear...it is the push that I need to make it through the hardest of days. I can't thank Andrew enough for writing this song..it has TRULY inspired me, and spoke to me, as I'm sure it has to the many, many, fans of his. It is amazing how one piece of music can impact the lives of so many people. Despite the absence of sun, I will continue to swim for brighter days. The first time I ever heard Andrew McMahon’s voice was in fifth grade, seven years ago. I was at my friend’s house and her brother was blasting Something Corporate. From the minute I heard the song, which I later figured out to be “Punk Rock Princess” I fell in love with Andrew’s voice, his music and it’s meaning, and the people his songs inspire.
The first Jack’s Mannequin album became the soundtrack to my high school years. Whatever I was feeling, Andrew had a song that could perfectly compliment my mood. When The Glass Passenger was released, I’ll admit, which is hard because I am such a huge fan, I was a little skeptical. I was so used to the sounds of his previous album that I was scared that I would not fall in love with the new CD as I had with his last. Then…I was browsing online one day and came across his Myspace. I was ecstatic when I learned that a new song was put up… “Swim.” I held my breath as I readied myself to start the music. As I listened, I could not believe what I was hearing. From the first line, “You gotta swim, swim for your life, swim for the music that saves you when you’re not so sure you’ll survive” I felt a pride swell up inside of me. As the song went on, I felt this pride swell up even more until I got to the point where I had tears in my eyes. I knew that I had found the song I had been waiting for.
From a very young age, I struggled with anxiety and depression. I would at times feel as if I had nothing to live for, and feel as though I could not push through any longer. When I felt like this, I was unable to see that I would overcome these feelings and hardships. I’ve always been extremely hard on myself…and now this song was telling me… “Find the horizon, I promise you it’s not as hard as you think.” This song was telling me that I had so much to “swim” for, and that I could and WOULD make it through if I just “keep my head above.”
Ever since this song has been released, I have listened to it over 150 times on my iTunes. It is the song I keep coming back to because the message is so simple, yet so POWERFUL and clear…it is the push that I need to make it through the hardest of days. I can’t thank Andrew enough for writing this song..it has TRULY inspired me, and spoke to me, as I’m sure it has to the many, many, fans of his. It is amazing how one piece of music can impact the lives of so many people. Despite the absence of sun, I will continue to swim for brighter days.

]]> By: Lisa Hammann http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8729 Lisa Hammann Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:55:14 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8729 Swim. Find a way through--through the calm waters and the rough, through quiet streams and roaring rivers. Just keep your head above. You don't have to be a hero. You don't have to be unaffected by hardship. You just have to not let the hardships overcome your will to survive, because the will to survive is stronger than anything else. As someone who suffers from depression, I am amazed at the power a single song can have on a person's life. The first time I heard Swim, I was blown away. Here was someone who knew what I needed to hear. Finally someone--someone who didn't even know me or my situation--was telling me exactly what I needed to hear: "Just keep your head above." I didn't have to be a superhero and magically cure myself of this illness. I just had to make it day by day, and not let myself drown in misery, even though it would be the easier way out. "Find the horizon, I promise you it's not as far as you think." There is something better coming. I know there are infinite interpretations of this line for others, but for me it promises me that there will come a day when I will heal, and will find someone to love me unconditionally, flaws and all. A time will come when I am happy with myself and my life, and it's worth fighting the currents now to get that time. This song gives me such hope, and has pushed me to strive for a better life for myself, one where I can love myself and let others love me as well. I haven't reached it, but "I'm not giving in. I swim." Swim. Find a way through–through the calm waters and the rough, through quiet streams and roaring rivers. Just keep your head above. You don’t have to be a hero. You don’t have to be unaffected by hardship. You just have to not let the hardships overcome your will to survive, because the will to survive is stronger than anything else.

As someone who suffers from depression, I am amazed at the power a single song can have on a person’s life. The first time I heard Swim, I was blown away. Here was someone who knew what I needed to hear. Finally someone–someone who didn’t even know me or my situation–was telling me exactly what I needed to hear:

“Just keep your head above.” I didn’t have to be a superhero and magically cure myself of this illness. I just had to make it day by day, and not let myself drown in misery, even though it would be the easier way out.

“Find the horizon, I promise you it’s not as far as you think.” There is something better coming. I know there are infinite interpretations of this line for others, but for me it promises me that there will come a day when I will heal, and will find someone to love me unconditionally, flaws and all. A time will come when I am happy with myself and my life, and it’s worth fighting the currents now to get that time.

This song gives me such hope, and has pushed me to strive for a better life for myself, one where I can love myself and let others love me as well. I haven’t reached it, but “I’m not giving in. I swim.”

]]> By: Peter http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8727 Peter Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:35:59 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8727 "Swim" means taking all of the sh-t that life throws at you, persevering through it all and turning it into something positive. Circumstances suck, but life never does. Even if you feel like you're in over your head, as long as you fight for whatever you believe in, strive for the things you want, and endure through all the mess, in the end, you'll be able to look back and say "Yep... I survived that." That's what it means to "swim." “Swim” means taking all of the sh-t that life throws at you, persevering through it all and turning it into something positive. Circumstances suck, but life never does. Even if you feel like you’re in over your head, as long as you fight for whatever you believe in, strive for the things you want, and endure through all the mess, in the end, you’ll be able to look back and say “Yep… I survived that.” That’s what it means to “swim.”

]]> By: Samantha http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8723 Samantha Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:52:43 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8723 Swim to me just means to never give up, no matter what the circumstances might be. Even when the world throws you a couple curve balls, its just swimming, and striving toward your goal, whether it be survival or overcoming a fear, its the journey you take to reach where you want to be. While for Andrew his personal battle with cancer inspired swim, swim isn't just for people facing death it's a way to size up your life when you have difficult choices to make and their are mountains in your way. You just gotta swim... Swim to me just means to never give up, no matter what the circumstances might be. Even when the world throws you a couple curve balls, its just swimming, and striving toward your goal, whether it be survival or overcoming a fear, its the journey you take to reach where you want to be. While for Andrew his personal battle with cancer inspired swim, swim isn’t just for people facing death it’s a way to size up your life when you have difficult choices to make and their are mountains in your way. You just gotta swim…

]]> By: Jeremy http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8721 Jeremy Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:00:42 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8721 to me swim means to just keeping going, although sometimes it will be hard you just have to go and not give up. to me swim means to just keeping going, although sometimes it will be hard you just have to go and not give up.

]]> By: Ben http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8706 Ben Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:10:48 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8706 Swim to me, means to fight. No matter what, you have to fight to survive. I used to swim competitively, and the pain associated with long distances it brutal, just like some experiences in life are extremely painful. However, you must go on, or "Swim" If you quit swimming, life is over. Even when you are not sure you will survive, as in the case of Andrew, he never gave up. He kept swimming, and fighting, just as the rest of us should. Swim to me, means to fight. No matter what, you have to fight to survive. I used to swim competitively, and the pain associated with long distances it brutal, just like some experiences in life are extremely painful. However, you must go on, or “Swim” If you quit swimming, life is over. Even when you are not sure you will survive, as in the case of Andrew, he never gave up. He kept swimming, and fighting, just as the rest of us should.

]]> By: Paige http://popwreckoning.com/2009/11/03/dear-jack-contest/comment-page-1/#comment-8705 Paige Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:03:28 +0000 http://popwreckoning.com/?p=18806#comment-8705 To me, swim means persevere. Keep going no matter what, in all aspects of life. When I find myself overwhelmed with the amount of tests and papers and homework I have, and I just want to drop out of school, I think of Swim and know that I just have to get through the rough patch, and then I'll be okay. When I get into fights with my friends, I know that I need to let my anger go and forgive them, as they are my anchors most of the time. When I find myself wanting to quit a cross country race because the stitch in my side is too much, I know that I have to keep running and finish the race. I keep swimming, even when it hurts. To me, swim means persevere. Keep going no matter what, in all aspects of life. When I find myself overwhelmed with the amount of tests and papers and homework I have, and I just want to drop out of school, I think of Swim and know that I just have to get through the rough patch, and then I’ll be okay. When I get into fights with my friends, I know that I need to let my anger go and forgive them, as they are my anchors most of the time. When I find myself wanting to quit a cross country race because the stitch in my side is too much, I know that I have to keep running and finish the race. I keep swimming, even when it hurts.

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