A Soldier's Perspective

Never Too Late

I love this band. They are called Three Days Grace. Chris is also a big fan. Their music really speaks to me on many levels and some songs are anthems of my life.

Music has always played a very important role in my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up visiting my father every summer and while he was at work I would sit and listen to his thousands of records. All day long, I'd blast the stereo and make mixed tapes to listen to for the rest of the year.

It seems that for every emotion, there is a song that can be the soundtrack for it. I grew up turning to music to handle emotions until I learned that alcohol was just as effective (though far more destructive). When alcohol failed me and we had to part ways permanently, music was still my loyal voice.

It's been a rough few weeks that have worn on me quite a bit. It's a very claustrophobic feeling putting your career on the line for a good cause. And when it's all over and you're able to sit back and reflect, an overwhelming sense of frustration becomes evident. Frustration turns into second-guessing. Second-guessing turns into confusion. Confusion leads to depression. Depression leads to Three Days Grace. And Three Days Grace knows the "Animal I Have Become".

If you listen to their music – all their songs – they have a very positive messages in their lyrics. They're actually very positive songs about being optimistic and reminding the listener that their problems are not unique and can be overcome. Last summer through spring, my TDG song was "Just Like You". You'll have to listen to it to understand. In some ways, that song is coming back to me as another defining soundtrack to my life.