Matt, you carry a burden that I’ll never know, but you carry it with the grace and fortitude that not many others could. I’m a better person for knowing you.

Thank you. For whatever it’s worth, I’ve always felt privileged to hear your thoughts and music, and although I’ll never know you as Mr. Parlin does, I know I am a better person because of you.

Music is extremely powerful. I have an album that got me through one of the darkest times in my life, and I will always cherish it, and that band forever because of it. Unfortunately for some, it isn’t enough to get them through the days, even if it did provide a great amount of comfort.

This is why people stick with you. This is who you are.

(oh, and Eric-Head, i think what Matt meant wasn’t that he doesn’t want people to share in emails anymore, but rather that there will no longer be a need for such sad emails to be sent…)

.

Your music has also touched me in many ways as well. I have also lost someone very close to me and there are afew of your songs that I will put on that always makes me feel better when I am thinking of her. I am sure that you have a few artists as well that help you get through good and bad times in your life. You have such a close, large fan base that appreciates you so very much. We all thank you for the music you have created and the way you communicate and keep in touch with us and the world. Just keep doing what you are doing ! Cheers !

Also, Eric-Head: I think you are misinterperating it. I think he means moreso that he doesn’t like hearing that a fan or someone close to a fan has passed away.

I agree with you there, whynotpickles. I’ve never liked euphemisms. I think of terms such as “pushing up daisies” and the dignity and gravity that they take away from the situation. Then again, if people are so uncomfortable with death, why do we see violence everywhere we look?

You are a great man and an inspiration to me.
Thank you.

girl drowning- keep on trying not to try! you’re a survivor, keep on surviving (I know, i know that stupid song is stuck in my head) - but I do mean it.

And on death, a Buddhist fable - goes something like this (from memory so I hope I don’t
misrepresent it):

A woman was grieving the loss of her beloved son when she came upon the Buddha. Knowing him to be an enlightened being, she begged his mercy to give her back her son. The Buddha in his wisdom said to the mother “Go from door to door in this village, and if you can find a house that death has not touched, I will return your son to life.” The woman, momentarily hopeful, began her mission from house to house. But as the night grew long and the unopened doors grew fewer, she realized Buddha’s message. Not one house had been untouched by death, nor would any life be so.

From our shared mortality, our humanity, may we find some comfort.

Matt, you are such a pure person. Your music says the things I cannot seem to put into words. Thank you for letting all of us see what is inside of you sometimes. I feel great just knowing who Matt Good is !!!

Deb,

That was an beutiful heartfelt post, thankyou very much for sharing. I hope your daughter can beat the anxiety. I also suffer from anxiety and it ain’t nice.

Why do you not want to know when your music affects someone or helps them through tough times? I don’t understand, is it because it puts some kind of pressure on you or instills some feeling of guilt?

I’m just curious, I hope I’m not being too intrusive or rude with those questions.

Personally, although I love your music like no other, I can’t imagine it being something I turn to for comfort or to help me out. I don’t get how some people can do that. Trust me, I wish I could just put on a cd to feel better sometimes but it’s never been my cure.

I find my solace in my friends or family and I realize I’m probably lucky for that.

For me, music is the best way to bring back a memory of a time or person, when I heard a specific song or album a lot. It helps to paint a clear picture of something in my head that may otherwise be a bit blurry. That’s what I love most about music. There are some songs that always make me think of an exact time in my life when that they were playing, and I truly love that. Good or bad, our memories are what make us who we are.

As I sit here on my University campus reading this post, a live version of Avalanche begins to play on my ipod, and for that brief moment it feels as though nothing else is happening around me. I forget about assignments, responsibilities, pressure, and the all the extra burdens I carry on my shoulders on a daily basis. The emotion and passion in your lyrics, as well as your voice as you sing garbs me by the throat and touches my soul every time. Next track to play Near Fantastica (Acoustic) “too far, too fast, too little, too late, too late they say ain’t itâ€? this is my life in one line. I have been a devoted fan since underdogs, and every time you release more records & ep’s (Black Helicopter, Annabelle, All Together, Cant Get Shot in the Back) you keep me hooked.
I have never listened to an artist’s music as much as yours, with over 100 songs on my ipod alone and three times as much at home. Every time I see you live or hear your live music, there is peace in my mind and every thing stops. Your music enables me to get through each day and inspires me to do better. Thank you for your thoughts, sarcasm, lyrics, music, passion, and for pouring your soul into everything you touch. Its so great to hear from an artist on such a personal level.

The first time I heard MG (MGB back then), I knew he was special. I didn’t realize how special he was to so many trying to cope.
This world tries to teach us to be strong and care about our own comforts, enjoy our lives, maximize our happiness, don’t feel too much, but to some, none of that is easy or even possible. I’ve always felt too much, but I’ve lived a pretty charmed life so far, so most of my tears have been shed for others. I have family members that struggle through everyday, and I worry about if/when it will overwhelm them.
My kids have followed my lead, so now I’m proud of their empathy and compassion while concerned that those traits will just make life harder for them. Of course, they are all MG fans also. For her birthday, my eldest daughter asked for donations to build a school in Africa rather than gifts. While everyone said it was a great idea, I could tell that many were uncomfortable with it and perhaps wondering what was wrong with her.
My neighbour lost her son to suicide, and he was the one that she never worried about. He always wore a smile, he never had any difficulties, he was surrounded by friends and family. I guess he just didn’t want to bother or disappoint anyone by revealing his problems.
My heart goes out to Richard and his family and everyone suffering these terrible tragedies.
Deb, you sound like a great mom.

I guess it’s the outside influence that makes us what we are and when you try to do right to others I guess frustration overtakes the ignorance of perception in the bigger picture. The hardest thing is to tell yourself the truth like you say, but even worse is to let others see the real person because we are all victims of ridicule, comparisson, but the worst for me is shamefull joy, which occurs all the time and is the worst quality in us. And some of us simply get to clouded and to tired to move on. I share sympathy to all who lost a love one in such a way and many of us are touched by it. It all starts by being genuinly nice and really concerned about people, but it’s starts with one act of kindness.

Amen - and likewise, Jack.

Your songs help me through a lot, not only the passing of people close (which has happened in the past, unfortunitely) but just getting through everyday. It’s like when everything possible has gone wrong I turn to your beautiful words and they express all I’m feeling and more. So thank you, for constantly working your hardest to create nothing less than the best.
I’m so very sorry about the loss of Richard.

Thank you whynotpickles (and to answer, pickles are kinda gross, that’s why not. Sorry. Cucumbers are grand, though.)

Matthew, I suggest that you print Deb’s wonderful story out, fold it up all nice and neat, and place it on your computer desk or by your alarm clock (or print 2 copies and put ‘em in both spots). If you find yourself sitting at the computer feeling disenfranchised, or laying in bed agonizing over anything, nothing, and everything all at once, you can reach over, grab it, and re-read Deb’s and her daughter’s awesome story. The feeling you got when you first read it is one you deserve to feel all the time.

I hope, that when you hear stories like Deb’s and countless others as witnessed here, that we, in our collective state, help you like you help us.

There are some who fight and fight until they can’t fight any more. There are those who stand with them throughout their fight, much like Deb and countless others. People who have loved ones who struggle with anxiety and depression have to draw their strength from somewhere. I personally am in a good place in my life, but not everyone around me is. Sometimes it can be exhausting to struggle to remain strong for those who need us. When I feel like I am about to crack, I get in my car, roll down the windows (even in 8 degree weather) drive on the highway and play Suburbia and the Inescapable Us really really loud. Everyone needs something to help them get through the day sometimes, thanks for making music that can be my something.

This is completely unrelated but you actually read the comments it seems. I think the next tour with a band you should start off every night with The Clash - I’m So Bored With The U.S. I know alot of people have a no play zone when it comes to The Clash but I think it would a great song to set the tone and energize you for the rest of the night. Just a suggestion. Oh and I think you are living the Swan Lake song The Freedom. Once again, just a suggestion.

In November of 2004, I lost my eldest brother to his fight against esophageal cancer. In January of 2005, I failed to rescusitate (sp?) my father from his fatal heart attack. In February of 2005, I lost my mom to a 30 year fight against alcoholism. In 2006, I lost my remaining brother Shayne, to his fight against cocaine, addictions and temporary insanity brought about by losing what he percieved to be his entire family. People always appear dismayed. More than a few of them looked at me as if I was crazy, heartless or just plain cold when I cracked jokes throughout the funerals. Everyone, including Shayne’s ex-wife seemed happier to believe that he had somehow been at the wrong place at the wrong time when his car veered into a propane tanker here in Ontario on Hwy 7 a few months back. It was like it was impossible for them to accept that suicide was even an option. Kind of like they had NO FUCKIN CLUE who the guy even was. However, I try to keep in mind that these are the same people who can scarcely admit that my combination of insulin dependent Diabetes, cigarette smoking, intermittent depression, strong history of panic, anxiety, and generally being “fucked in the head”, is what will ultimately kill me. Instead they say things like “Sue, you’re SO strong” almost anticipating that I’ll say “Thanks, thanks for noticing.” They seem puzzled when I tell them that truthfully, I’m not so strong. Truthfully, the only reason I’ve gotten past not only my childhood all but ceasing to exist, save in a corner of my brain, but also losing my entire immediate family, anyone and everyone I was ever close to, is simply because here I am, still breathing. I’m not sure why people choose the easy road of denial. Personally, I’d find it near impossible to lie to myself day in and day out. It goes against the grain of who I am to ‘pretend’ for my son’s sake that Mom will be around forever, at 10 years old (and also being strong by my side throughout each funeral) even HE’D know I was full of shit. [also of note here, my son is ADHD with tendencies toward a mood disorder, so I haven't thoroughly explained that Uncle Shayne offed himself...being mood disordered myself, i can understand the impact that that has the potential to have on a young boy trying to keep his head above his own problems - at the onset of puberty, I don't want to deal with any copycat ideas, or "this is how Uncle Shayne made it[ the struggle] stop, why shouldn’t I?”) As an adult, in a search for just plain, simple truths, I’ve never appreciated sunshine being blown up my ass.

Anyway, my phone rang, I lost the gumption and pretty much, the point I began with here. But, before I hop off the soap box, I’d like to intorduce myself. My name is Sue, and I’m NOT afraid to say suicide. If others would lose their fears of it too, perhaps it wouldn’t be as difficult to lend a hand to those that we KNOW are in need, rather than denying to ourselves that the need even exists. Thanks for letting me vent.