David

As tempting as it is to post #Fuck2017 and leave it at that, I realized what a cop-out that would be for me. It’s weird to think back and say: “yep, that was unquestionably the worst year of my life.”

We teach our kids: it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game. If we lose, we focus on our love of playing. We ask ourselves what we can do better next time. And if we’re really doing it right, we honor the winners—even if we lose.

For all my friends who had a great year—congrats, and all my love. I sincerely hope next year is even better.

Looking past the obvious tragedies in my own life, this year wasn’t without things to be grateful for. We made lots of new friends. We finished and released a self-produced album that I love—our 5th album to debut on the Billboard top 200. We played a lot of great shows. I had countless warm and unforgettable moments with my wife, children, and friends. In the streets and online, I watched a great upswell of fellow minorities and “outsiders”—people who demanded to be heard, whose actions I hope only build over time.

And yes, 2017 was the worst. But I play for the love of playing. Let’s go up from here. I can’t say I won’t fall down, lose, or make mistakes. My only responsibility is to get back up, work harder, and try again.

Have a fun and safe night. See you tomorrow.

I never knew if I could face myself to change You were pacing, I was insecure Slip and fall, I’m dodging calls, hug the prison I’ve been living in         -HelenaBeat

And every day that you want to waste, that you want to waste, you can And every day that you want to wake up, that you want to wake, you can And every day that you want to change, that you want to change, yeah I’ll help you see it through because I just really want to be with you    -Waste

I really miss you Miss you, say Smile at the chance to just see you again I really miss you, miss you, say So look at me now Before I walk away You just might miss me, miss me One day Yeah Yeah Yeah        -Miss You