Swim

Swim for your life
Swim for the music
That saves you
When you're not so sure you'll survive
You gotta swim
Swim when it hurts
The whole world is watching
You haven't come this far
To fall off the earth

The currents will pull you
Away from your love
Just keep your head above

I found a tidal wave
Begging to tear down the door
Memories like bullets
They fired at me from a gun
Cracking me open now
I swim for brighter days
In spite of the absence of sun
Choking on salt water
I'm not giving in
Swim

You gotta swim
For nights that won't end
Swim for your family
Your lovers your sisters
And brothers and friends
You gotta swim
For wars without cause
Swim for these lost politicians
Who don't see their greed is a flaw

The currents will pull us
Away from our love
Just keep your head above

I found a tidal wave
Begging to tear down the door
Memories like bullets
They fired at me from a gun
Cracking me open now
I swim to brighter days
Despite of the absence of sun
Choking on salt water
I'm not giving in
I'm not giving in
Swim

You gotta swim
Swim in the dark
There's an ocean to drift in
Feel the tide shifting away from this spot
Yeah you gotta swim
Don't let yourself sink
Just follow the horizon
I promise you it's not as far as you think

Currents will drag us away from our love
Just keep your head above
Just keep your head above
Swim
Just keep your head above
Swim
Just keep your head above
Swim

Dedicated
to Jenicka, swim for the music
---------------------------

I was given the new Jack's Mannequin album yesterday. So when I woke up today, I decided to give it a whirl. Casually listening, I did my normal internet routine.. facebook, Perez, blogs, emails, Perez (because do you know how fast gossip gets posted??? like super fast!) Anyways, a song plays. It's absolutely beautiful and coincidentally called "Swim". And I am in love with it.

This song just says that no matter what in life, even if you're given the short end of the stick, that you have to keep going. No matter how difficult, no matter how much you think you can't, do not give up. Simple as that.

After listening for about 10+ times, I am suddenly empowered. Maybe thats not the right word? Maybe the word one notch down from that. I feel that everything I thought was wrong with my life isn't anymore. Sure, I haven't fallen in love, haven't had a boyfriend, and haven't gotten a 4.0 GPA. But so many great things have happened. I have three best friends when others have none. I have a mom, dad, sister, and brother when others have none of the forementioned. I have a not 2.0 when others have a 2.0. I have drinking water when others have "water". It just puts into perspective that I definitely do take things for granted. I think I always will. But, it's just nice to be reminded that it can be worse, and to be thankful that it isn't.

This song makes me want to "swim" (air quotations because for those who know me, clearly I can't to save my life). It makes me want to be a better person and have the drive to be that better person for the rest of my life. I want to have the endurance and the courage to continue. I need to not waste time and try my best to get there. I need to do it for my family, friends, and for myself. I need to not be a let down. I need to be better.

To stay true to this song, I shall replace every "swim" with "study" or "try" ... in the places where it doesn't make sense, please input the appropriate metaphorical phrase.