Third Eye Blind recorded their first demo in 1993. In 1996, the band landed an opening gig for Oasis, prior to which performance, so the legend goes, Third Eye Blind was warned that the crowd might throw food at them. As it turned out, however, they were invited out for an encore, even after Oasis had already played, bringing Liam Gallagher to tears and sparking the friendly rivalry that would form between the two bands. The band was paid double what they were promised for the gig. Afterwards, the band found themselves in a bidding war among record labels, in which they settled on Elektra because they believed it offered the most artistic freedom. Stephan Jenkins' outspoken behavior after signing the deal earned him the title of "the biggest mouth in music" by many critics. Jenkins has spoken out many times against several different artists, including a heated feud with Rob Thomas of the band Matchbox Twenty.
A fourth album, tentatively titled Ursa Major, was released August 2009. Shortly after the band has slated the release of a follow-up album, Ursa Minor. Only Jenkins' lyrics and vocals are left to be finished; all instrumental work is reportedly complete. Recent live performances have revealed a majority of the new tracks being worked on, including "Don't Believe a Word," "Lay Back (and the Water Will Hold You)," "In the Skin," "Summer Town," "Second Born," "(You Really) Don't Like Me Now" aka "Campfire," "Monotov's Private Opera," "Break Me," "Stevie Ray Vaughan," "Red Star," and "Standing Up For You." Other tracks mentioned for the album by Fredianelli are "Away," "A Sharp Knife," "Captain of Emo," "Swimming," and "Jesse 2k." He also confirmed that "Lay Back" was scrapped. A number of previously unreleased recordings were made available, including "Persephone," "Carnival Barker" (an instrumental), and numerous instrumental sessions declined by Jenkins for inclusion on the fourth album.
Jumper
Third Eye Blind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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'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
Well, he's on the table and he's gone to code
And I do not think anyone knows
What they're 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, you could 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)
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
(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
Third Eye Blind's song "Jumper" is widely considered an anthem for suicide prevention. The lyrics reflect a conversation between the singer and a friend who is contemplating suicide. The singer urges his friend to step back from the ledge and to cut ties with the "lies" that have been the source of their pain. The lyrics also suggest that the friend has been abandoned by other people in his life, possibly due to his erratic behavior ("You're the first to fight, you're way too loud").
The singer acknowledges that everyone has their own demons to face, including himself, but urges his friend to choose life over death. The repetition of "I would understand" emphasizes the singer's unconditional support for his friend, no matter what his friend decides to do.
The second verse also highlights the importance of facing our inner demons, rather than trying to escape them. The image of the "angry boy" with a "secret pain" is a powerful one that speaks to the isolation and shame many people feel when struggling with mental health issues. The reference to someone "on the table and gone to code" suggests a medical emergency, but the identity and fate of this person are left ambiguous.
Overall, "Jumper" is a deeply empathetic and compassionate song that encourages people to reach out for help when they're feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or hopeless. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal message of hope and support.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I hope you reconsider taking your own life and move away from the dangerous edge you are standing at
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
You have the ability to break free from the unhealthy patterns and falsehoods that have been a part of your life
And if you do not want to see me again
If you don't feel comfortable with me being in your life, I will respect your decision
I would understand
I won't hold it against you if you choose to distance yourself from me
The angry boy a bit too insane
You are struggling with intense emotions and mental health issues
Icing over a secret pain
You are trying to bury and hide your inner suffering
You know you don't belong
You feel out of place and disconnected from those around you
You're the first to fight, you're way too loud
You tend to act aggressively and attract attention to yourself
You're the flash of light on a burial shroud
Your behavior is a stark contrast to the sadness and morbidity of death and mourning
I know something's wrong
I can sense that you are going through a difficult time
Well everyone I know has got a reason
Everyone has something in their past that has led them to their current state
To say, "Put the past away"
It is important to move on from past traumas and not let them define your present and future
Well, he's on the table and he's gone to code
A person is in the throes of medical emergency and close to death
And I do not think anyone knows
The situation seems dire and uncertain, and nobody knows what to do
What they're doing here
The people around are at a loss and unsure of how to handle the situation
And your friends have left you, you've been dismissed
Those who were once close to you have given up or abandoned you in your time of need
I never thought it would come to this
I never imagined you would be in such a dire and hopeless situation
And I, I want you to know
I want you to understand how much you mean to me and that I care about your well-being
Everyone's got to face down the demons
Everyone must confront the inner struggles and emotional pain they carry with them
Maybe today, you could put the past away
Perhaps today could be the day where you take the important step of leaving past hurts behind
Can you put the past away?
Are you willing and able to move past the pain and trauma you have experienced?
And I would understand
No matter what you decide, I will be there for you and offer my support
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Stephan Jenkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Chorus: Stephan Jenkins]
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
[Verse 1: Stephan Jenkins]
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
[Pre-Chorus: Stephan Jenkins]
Well, everyone I know has got a reason
To say, "Put the past away"
[Chorus: Stephan Jenkins]
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
[Verse 2: Stephan Jenkins]
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
[Pre-Chorus: Stephan Jenkins]
Everyone's got to face down the demons
Maybe today, you could put the past away
[Chorus: Stephan Jenkins]
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
[Refrain: Third Eye Blind]
I would understand
I would understand
I would understand
[Instrumental Break]
[Outro: Stephan Jenkins]
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
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
@eliorocha10
One day you are a teen listening to this song on the radio; the next day, you are in your 40s listening to this song on youtube. There was nothing like the 90s
@wolverines_boneclaws5362
I think i cried when I was only 8 years old and I was comprehending every word of this song...!
I broke into tears in the car because of the lyrics and the way this song ended with the drumming like it was all
about a war of street fights.😢
@wolverines_boneclaws5362
🟡☦🥁💖
@j_m_b_1914
This hits home hard.
@jimmyhoffa4338
Dang.
@ElBloeTigre
I used to save up to buy albums on cassette tapes and listen to them on my Walkman whilst doing my homework. 😢
@cammyduncan3439
With my near death experience from a suicide attempt, I have a deep appreciation for this song and thank God for it. I listen to it when I get thoughts of hurting myself. Thank you, Third Eye Blind, for making this song. I know it's all gonna be ok.
@UltromanTheTacoman
It really will be OK, you know :) Be kind to yourself. You're your own biggest influence, so be a good one <3
@davetech1269
I always thought it could. be something like that! I'm really glad you're still with us! You definitely matter more than you know
@jaxrican1
Tomorrow could be the day it all turns around. Everyday I look forward to tomorrow. Imagine hurting ourselves today and tomorrow was the day...