Current members of Blue October include Justin Furstenfeld (lead vocals), Ryan Delahoussaye (violin/viola, mandolin, keyboards, and vocals), Jeremy Furstenfeld (drums, percussion), Matt Noveskey (bass guitar) and Will Knaak (guitar).
Popularized by their platinum-certified album Foiled (2006), which features the hit singles “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean,” the group has continued to evolve… shifting from a far more pensive sound to one that is more optimistic and reflective of lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Justin Furstenfeld’s transformation—which will also be the focus of his soon-to-be-released documentary film, I Want It.
Once known for their stormy dynamic and self-destructive tendencies, Blue October couldn’t be more distinct from the band it once was, which is why their latest studio album, I Hope You’re Happy, looks to push the envelope even further with a whole new approach. Justin Furstenfeld is quoted as saying "I think Blue October should never be limited to the instruments we have in the band. I’m always about bringing in whoever can play what’s best for the song in. I’m also a huge fan of Peter Gabriel, and if you were to him all you can have is a guitarist a bassist and a drummer, he’d go “what?!” That’s how I feel. We took all the tools we had gotten from working all these kinds of people over the twenty-year span and made a really good album and we’re super proud of it. It’s nice and colorful and positive and universally themed. It’s something you can really sink your teeth into and not get sick of. You can always discover little new secrets about it along the way."
Their latest album, I Hope You're Happy, was released on August 17, 2018 on the band's own Up/Down Records label and was produced by Justin Furstenfeld and engineer Eric Holtz.
Previous band members have included Liz Mulally, Brant Coulter, Dwayne Casey, Piper Dagnino, Julian Mandrake, CB Hudson and Matthew Ostrander.
Blue October has an official site www.blueoctober.com/.
For the British band, please see Blue October UK
The Worry List
Blue October Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be concerned, it's just the power of a breaking heart
How good am I hiding it?
Look, I've got some bad intentions, guilty as fucking charged
Still standing stable, more than able 'cause I know who you are
I know the birthdays, anniversaries, all the first days I missed
I regret them all, but now I know this
I never knew I was able to ever feel this strong
Take me off your worry list, it'll be better that way
I'm really fine and there's nothing we haven't talked about
So, take me off your worry list I said, "Throw it away"
This is what my life is about
I might have been gone but I never walked out
I've taken a thousand red eyes to change your point of view
What kind of man would take the trust you break and still follow through?
'Cause I'm standin' right here and you may not show up
This same gate 14 where, honestly, I'm just sick of calling your bluff
And it's just embarrassing, that I nearly threw up
And I'm trying hard to change the things I always screw up
And at the top of my list, this visitation's no relationship
But I gotta make the best of it 'cause I know
I know that God exists, I held her in my arms
I never knew I was able to ever feel this strong
Take me off your worry list, it'll be better that way
And I'm doin' fine and I've got plenty of friends around
Take me off your worry list, just throw it away
Well, it's time to stand up on my own for her
'Cause I'm packing it up, and I'm comin' today
I couldn't wait to finally pick my family up
Everything is quiet and covered in snow
There's something wrong here, nobody's at home
Oh, no, no, no, no, no
Now, I'm back in the driver's seat
Heading back home, yeah back to Texas on my own
Take me off your worry list, it'll be better that way
And I'm doin' fine and I've got plenty of friends around
Take me off your worry list, just throw it away
Yeah, it's time to stand up on my own for her
I'm packing it up, and I'm comin' today
This is what my story's about
I might have been gone but I never walked out
I'm packin' it up, and I'm comin' today
This is what your story's about
My pretty little girl, can you figure it out?
If it helps to know so there is no doubt
Just listen to the stories not everything is glorious
Some hurt, some love, some shout
I fought the world and I lost that bout
And you are what my album's about
I might have been gone, but I never walked out
In Blue October's song The Worry List, the singer sings about his struggles with mental health and the strain it has placed on his relationships. He feels tired, twisted, and barely breathing, but he doesn't want others to be concerned because his heart is breaking. He admits to having bad intentions in the past, but he is still standing strong and knows who his loved ones are, even if he's missed important dates. He takes comfort in knowing that God exists and feeling the strength of holding his daughter in his arms.
The singer pleads with his loved ones to take him off their worry list because he's doing fine and has talked about everything with them. He has taken a thousand red eyes to try and change their perspectives, but he is tired of calling their bluff and trying to convince them of his well-being. He is sick of feeling embarrassed for his past mistakes and is trying to change the things he's screwed up. In the end, he packs up and heads back home to Texas because that's what his story is about.
The lyrics showcase the complicated and raw emotions that come with struggling with mental health and the impact it can have on relationships. The singer is trying to hold on and be strong while asking for understanding and support from his loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tired, twisted, barely breathing, buried in the dark
I feel exhausted, mentally tormented, almost suffocated, and lost.
Don't be concerned, it's just the power of a breaking heart
Don't worry about me; I'm just dealing with the intense emotions of heartbreak.
How good am I hiding it?
I wonder how well I'm concealing my pain from others?
Look, I've got some bad intentions, guilty as fucking charged
I admit that I have some questionable motives, and I feel guilty for them.
Still standing stable, more than able 'cause I know who you are
Despite my struggles, I am strong and steady because I know you and what you mean to me.
I know the birthdays, anniversaries, all the first days I missed
I remember the important dates I wasn't around for, and I regret not being there.
I regret them all, but now I know this
Although I regret my past mistakes, I have learned from them.
I know that God exists, I held her in my arms
I experienced the existence of a higher power when I held my daughter for the first time.
I never knew I was able to ever feel this strong
I had never realized the depth of my strength until I became a father.
Take me off your worry list, it'll be better that way
Please don't worry about me, it's better for both of us.
I'm really fine and there's nothing we haven't talked about
I am doing okay, and there's nothing that we haven't discussed.
So, take me off your worry list I said, "Throw it away"
Please remove me from your worry list, and forget about it altogether.
This is what my life is about
This is my life's purpose.
I might have been gone but I never walked out
I may have been absent, but I never abandoned you.
I've taken a thousand red eyes to change your point of view
I have traveled many times to see you and try to change our strained relationship.
What kind of man would take the trust you break and still follow through?
What kind of person would still try to repair a broken trust despite being hurt?
'Cause I'm standin' right here and you may not show up
I am present and waiting, but you may not come.
This same gate 14 where, honestly, I'm just sick of calling your bluff
I am tired of waiting for you at the same gate, wondering if you'll ever keep your promises.
And it's just embarrassing, that I nearly threw up
It's humiliating that the situation is making me feel ill.
And I'm trying hard to change the things I always screw up
I am actively working to improve and fix the mistakes I always make.
And at the top of my list, this visitation's no relationship
I realize that our visits are not a healthy or fulfilling relationship.
But I gotta make the best of it 'cause I know
I have to try to make the most of our situation because of my love for you.
I couldn't wait to finally pick my family up
I was eager to reunite with my family after being away.
Everything is quiet and covered in snow
The environment is silent and peaceful, covered in snow.
There's something wrong here, nobody's at home
Something feels off - no one is home to welcome me.
Now, I'm back in the driver's seat
I am in control of my life once again.
Heading back home, yeah back to Texas on my own
I am returning home to Texas by myself.
Yeah, it's time to stand up on my own for her
It's time for me to be independent and strong for my daughter.
I'm packing it up, and I'm comin' today
I am ready to leave and come home right now.
This is what my story's about
My life's experiences have led me to this point.
My pretty little girl, can you figure it out?
My dear daughter, can you understand my story?
If it helps to know so there is no doubt
If it makes things clearer, I am willing to explain further.
Just listen to the stories not everything is glorious
Pay attention to the lessons in my stories, not just the happy moments.
Some hurt, some love, some shout
Life is a mix of pain, love, and emotion.
I fought the world and I lost that bout
I battled against the world and didn't come out victorious.
And you are what my album's about
My music is about you and our relationship.
I might have been gone, but I never walked out
Although I wasn't always there, I never completely left you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JUSTIN FURSTENFELD, DWIGHT A. BAKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Faith Livingston
When my parents split up my dad would listen to this song and he now showed me the song after 4 years and 😭 wow it gets you
only in time
So I got the ring
Fabian Escoto
I don't know who you are, but this song helped me through so much....it was your dad's way to explain how much he cared and tried to make the best of of situation.... I later won custody of my daughter, and this is his way to show you he cares about you and never wanted you to worry😌
Christopher Mendiola
Till today, this song has been such a huge cornerstone for me. 8 years ago, eviction notices on my door, couldn’t find a job, a low life piece of shit dad to everyone… but I kept going, and believing… thinking about only the things that mattered… and 8 years later, I found my way… I have a home, I have a career and I provide for my family. I won my life back! And I want to let every one know… today… take me off your worry list! I am doing just fine!
Scorpio WaterSign
Just know your story makes a stranger smile. Stranger that understands. keep kickin life's ass!
Tori Quinlan
Gosh this is beautiful! The album this is on is also absolutely beautiful and emotional. I've loved Blue October since History for Sale and they're still going strong! This band needs more recognition!!
Pablo Venerez
i was the assistant engineer on this album, it was a very very emotional time and the amount of true feeling he put into this was intense....it put me in tears watching him write it then, and it puts me to tears now that I'm a dad and have kids of my own and a failed marriage...BTW even with his "faults" (we all have them) he was a great dad and he loved blue with every ounce of himself
Llama Del Rey
Tori Quinlan this is the stuff that should be on the radio!
Sarah Tuttle
As a single mom I relate to this in a different way. My son's father left when I was 7 months pregnant and now says he wants a relationship with the child. For me it is hard to allow due to the abuse he put me through for two years. Part of me feels bad keeping my son away but at the same time I know that for my son's health and happiness it is the right thing. To all you wonderful father's out there, your children are lucky and I hope my son can have a great father someday too.
jedomi00
Children come first.