Comments on: A Few Lost Words

By: Y777

Y777 — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 03:01:13 +0000

Although I’m more positive now than I was for many years, I’m not going to say that it was your music that convinced me not to kill myself. As I see it, your music put into words all of what I was feeling, which was pretty depressing. I’m not saying either that your music made me eager to kill myself all the more, because at that point I was already pretty adamant about going through with it. I didn’t want help. I didn’t want to live, period. I’m still not even sure how I got through that time. But thinking back, those nights when I would lie awake formulating suicidal plans, I would be listening to your music. And I clearly remember I would always want to hear just one more song, and then one more song after that, until eventually I fell asleep. The beauty of your music is that it never grows old. I still listen to those cd’s that I did 10 years ago. And I can now say that I’m glad I’m still here to enjoy them.

However, I still strongly believe in your first sentence: “Sometimes, for some of us, there are battles within that cannot be won.” Even if a person receives all possible help, it may not make one degree more of difference. And no one is to blame for this. However, I do agree that practising small acts of kindness whenever possible has only the potential to improve other’s lives.

By: swilson

swilson — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 02:52:48 +0000

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.

By: Abstract Magdalene

Abstract Magdalene — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 14:19:38 +0000

it’s hard.
sometimes I don’t know if I’ll make it through the night.

thanks, Mattie

By: H.D. Thoreau

H.D. Thoreau — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 00:47:24 +0000

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.

By: pleite_platte

pleite_platte — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:38:42 +0000

We thank you for being present and for having been a part of our lives.

By: xarcadia

xarcadia — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 16:56:19 +0000

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.

By: pvelten5

pvelten5 — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 16:39:39 +0000

Cant wait, im like a rabid pitbull waiting for a arm or a leg to chew off, lol. If i have to drive up into Canada for the record i will. Give up the great work!!

By: girl drowning

girl drowning — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 06:44:20 +0000

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.

By: Artificial Eyes

Artificial Eyes — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 03:16:59 +0000

There’s been many times in my life, Matt, where your music has helped me through a rough spot. For me it seems that there is the natural connect between me as the listener and you as the artist. As an artist myself I hope to one day have that kind of connection with my audience. You make yourself accessable to your audience through the open nature of your music and your open nature about yourself as a person. I feel priveleged to have been part of the shared experience of your music and to some extent your life.

Thanks Matt, the world needs more people like you.

By: kirsche

kirsche — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:16:55 +0000

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.

By: Moonlight_Graham

Moonlight_Graham — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:48:21 +0000

My heart & prayers go out to Richard (wherever he is), as well as his family & those that cared for him.

Deb my thoughts & prayers also go out to your daughter & yourself. I know what its like to struggle with similar things. I hope she has found or will find happiness & never gives up. And i know what you mean about regretting sharing such personal details to strangers, but judging from here & other places it seems to do much more good than harm.

By: Jeremy Crowle

Jeremy Crowle — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:28:59 +0000

Amen - and likewise, Jack.

By: eiitzanaxiius

eiitzanaxiius — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 19:31:51 +0000

Thanks Matt.

By: Buffalo Seven

Buffalo Seven — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 19:00:35 +0000

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.

By: Begetting muse. (Life, Art, Soul) » Expired Convictions

Begetting muse. (Life, Art, Soul) » Expired Convictions — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:14:34 +0000

[...] I am speechless. Throughout the past decade of my life, this man’s life and work have inspired within me much that is… indescribable. His muse begets my own (and indefeasibly, so many others) in manners which are, at best, aethereal. [...]

By: deb

deb — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:47:24 +0000

Thanks for the kind words guys…all I can do is try and stand beside my daughter through the rough spots. Honestly, I woke up kind of regretting spilling it here, but you’ve made it ok. Again, thanks for the kindness, it’s much appreciated. MG & his fans are truly the best people I’ve encountered in a long time.

By: mmaw

mmaw — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:37:48 +0000

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.

By: theoutsideworld

theoutsideworld — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:10:24 +0000

i love you matt

By: i_the_throw_away

i_the_throw_away — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:53:25 +0000

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 it�? 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.

By: HalifaxRedemption

HalifaxRedemption — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 14:30:05 +0000

I’ve probably just been lucky enough never to have had to deal with some serious issues that can break some people. In reading my post, I guess I can say that just having a song take me back to another time is a sort of solace or comfort in itself.