Jump Rope

You guys... I get what you're saying about the lyrics not being as intense or w/e, but I think you guys aren't appreciating the fact that he is allowed to be happy. This is just one song on the CD, written for his daughter, a little girl. He is allowed to write a happy (IMO bittersweet) song that is not dripping with angst for a little girl.

And I don't think it's generic. It has a way different feel than most of the pop crap with this message and it seems more deep, reminiscent of childhood when those ups and downs were much easier to deal with. I think that's why he chose to include the kids, but idk...

For those of you mentioning that the song is/might be for his daughter, you are absolutely correct. In an interview where he went over each song in the new album, he said that this song was solely for his daughter, and if you don't like it, then too bad. He pretty much said that. Because it's for Blue [his baby girl, for those who don't know- Blue Reed Furstenfeld]. He wants the world for her, but he also wants to let her know about how tough life can be, but not to let it get her down. And I agree with Everlastingfriend. This is one of my favorite songs from AN. It really flows with my mindset, and you can really tell how much this girl, his daughter, this shining star, has lit up and changed his life. All of you talking about how different this song is from their usual stuff, or how happy it is- doesn't that tell you something? The contrast alone should tell you all you need to know about how his life has changed, therefore his songwriting and mood. Preferring their previous works is fine. Absolutely. Just because a band, even your favorite band, comes out with a new album, doesn't mean you have to listen to it, or that you'll like it. You listen to what you feel like listening to. I could write a book on it, really. But seriously, Blue October is my absolute favorite band, and I haven't found a song by them that I don't like, or even have anything negative to say about. There are songs I like listening to more than others, of course, but it all depends on my mood, as it does for most people.

That's my two cents, anyway. =)

I'm sorry Fayrlie but I really like this song. The music, the violin... It's awesome. Blue October-wise, this is a happy song! (not counting calling you) To me, Jump Rope song defines "Approaching Normal". It comes to me as a song of Hope directly from Justin. His life is getting better and he has figured a philosophy to better help him cope with his issues. Life's like a Jump Rope.

"I wanna tell you everything will be okay That everything will eventually turn itself to gold"

Like you said, Justin brought us songs like HRSA. For crying out loud, Justin brought us Black Orchid.If this guy can sing a song like Jump Rope with such passion (watch some of his live concerts), I'm sure he believes in it.

Blue October is my guilty pleasure. Some of their songs really depresses me and yet I can't stop listening to them. I can't imagine what it would be like to a suicidal teen. This song, I believe, is one of the few Blue October songs which may help them better cope with their problems. It's coming from Justin, the little boy who would argue with a tree!

I don't know... I just really like this song. I even hope they play it on the radio.

I don't want Blue October to become the next Linkin Park but, at the same time, I really want them to be filthy loaded. Instead of rubbish celebs such as Mariah Carrey and Timbaland.

When I bought Approaching Normal, I had no clue what to expect. I'd heard some snippets of the songs, but I didn't really know the whole concept of the cd yet; it's about letting go. letting go of people, places, and things that you know will never be back in your life and living for what the world has to offer you now that you can move on. I've had the cd in my car, in my ipod, and on my computer since I bought it and I've hardly listened to anything else. i love it. i feel like i KNOW Justin. like i've experienced his life with him, from the first album, to this one, and i've traveled with him from his sad and frustrated heartaches, to his happier, upbeat and free outlook on life. i have so much love for this band, i can't even put it into words. Jump Rope is catchy, happy, and one of those songs that just never ceases to make me smile. I'm so glad they included it on Approaching Normal. <3

When I bought Approaching Normal, I had no clue what to expect. I'd heard some snippets of the songs, but I didn't really know the whole concept of the cd yet; it's about letting go. letting go of people, places, and things that you know will never be back in your life and living for what the world has to offer you now that you can move on. I've had the cd in my car, in my ipod, and on my computer since I bought it and I've hardly listened to anything else. i love it. i feel like i KNOW Justin. like i've experienced his life with him, from the first album, to this one, and i've traveled with him from his sad and frustrated heartaches, to his happier, upbeat and free outlook on life. i have so much love for this band, i can't even put it into words. Jump Rope is catchy, happy, and one of those songs that just never ceases to make me smile. I'm so glad they included it on Approaching Normal. <3

its about being happy and trying to never be down even though thats where people can always be

I found this song a little dissapointing, coming from Blue October. It's generic, and lacks the intensity of their previous work. I mean, it made me sad to think that this is the same band that did "HRSA". But maybe they're moving toward becoming fully mainstreamed, after their Twilight publicity. I know that's a bit harsh, but it bothers me to think that a band that is so unique and absolutely brilliant would forgo their originality for mainstream acclaim!

They had "Hate Me" and "Into the Ocean" which, granted, were incredibly overplayed and common, but at the same time, they had that depth of matter which made them listenable and interesting for people who actually think. "Jump Rope," on the other hand, is repetitive, and lacks a subject. 'Life's like a jump rope. It goes up, down, up down. It will get hard?' No, that sounds a little bit suggestive, shall we say, but beyond that, it lacks the sophistication of thought that Blue October has had all their career, even going back to The Answers. Maybe, now that they're popular, they can give up the concept of interesting thoughts?

Now, that was harsh. There are other songs on AN that go a little deeper, but very few. Kangaroo Cry is one. This is catchy and cute, and the rythmn and pace are great. It's great, if a bit generic musically, but the lyrics were what I didn't like here. It's just that Blue has such a high standard they've set with their past albums, when they don't meet that it's a little sad. But they're so talented, it's as if they can't produce anything bad. :D

I really like this song. The lyrics seem to be mostly right except the part where they say Raise your fag up to the time...it's supposed to be raise your flag up to the top

I love the contrast of Justin's intense voice to the children's chorus and the theme of this song. This was the song I was listening to when my boss came to take me to HR to make me the next victim of company downsizing.

I like this song.. to an extent. Justin's music has always been like the musical version of my life, but with this CD in general, I feel like it's not his music at all. With that said, I can still see it being his music because I feel like his disorders are being taken care of now, or something like that.

I do like this song, it makes me happy, but when I listen to Blue October, that's really not what I want.

Also, I feel like this song connects to his life in a way. His life obviously has had so many ups and downs, and right now it just happens to be an up.