This has always been one of my favorite songs. It’s deep and thought provoking. The part that really stays with me is this one;
Everyone’s got to face down the demons,
Maybe today,
We can put the past away
This came to mind today because I had a nice serious conversation today with someone close who shared their dark secret about losing the will to live. It came as a shock to the system and I did everything I could to convince them that life is worth living, despite any hardships that we have to endure. I felt so helpless as my words seem to fall on def ears. I’m still numb from the experience… not knowing what will happen next.
Lead singer Stephan Jenkins said on the PBS show In The Mix: "It’s not just a song about some guy offing himself. Jumper’s really about understanding. Everyone carries demons around, they carry some sort of scar around. The message of Jumper is that there comes a time when you have to put the past away." (From SongFacts.com)
For comic relief from such a serious subject matter, here’s a scene from the movie YES MAN where Jim Carrey sings this song to save someone.
JUMPER
I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you’ve been living in,
And if you do not want to see me again,
I would understand.
I would understand.
The angry boy,
A bit too insane,
Icing over a secret pain
You know you don’t belong.
You’re the first to fight,
You’re way too loud,
You’re The flash of light,
On a burial shroud,
I know something’s wrong
Well everyone I know has got a reason,
To say,
Put the past away
I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you’ve been living in,
And if you do not want to see me again,
I would understand,
I would understand.
And well he’s on the table,
And he’s gone to code,
And I do not think anyone knows,
What they are doing here,
And your friends have left you,
You’ve been dismissed.
I never thought it would come to this,
And I, I want you to know
Everyone’s got to face down the demons,
Maybe today,
We can put the past away,
I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend.
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you’ve been living in,
And if you do not want to see me again,
I would understand,
I would understand,
I would understand…
(I would understand)
(I would understand)
(Understand)
Ya ya ya ya ya…
Can you put the past away?
I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend,
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend, )
I would understand
(I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend, )
And I would understand
(X2)
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsty.com/lyrics/t/third_eye_blind/#share