#NerdsUnite: I'm 23 and in less than a year - I'm getting married (The Weight)
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Jack. We met on the twitter not too long ago, and the dude has a lot going on. First up, like many of us - he works in social media, but in less than a year he's going to get married. Oh and did I mention that he's only 23? And his bride to be is only ... ::gasp:: 22? Holy crapsicles Batman, this is going to be good ... I only have one more thing left to say ... HIT IT JACK! </editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JackMEB
Warped Tour 2009. That was the first time I heard our song.
I was attending as a rookie reporter, and feigning confidence left and right. Right off the bat, I was interviewing and goofing off with some of my most idolized musicians, like Dallas Green of City & Colour. No matter how big the musician, I was playing the veteran journalist role like a pro, asking questions the musicians had never heard and getting the scoop.
Until I spoke with Dustin Kensrue, anyway.
More commonly known as the lead singer of hard-rock outfit Thrice, the vocalist is a Southern California legend of sorts. In the last 12 years, the band has released six full-lengths, four EPs and a live album, all of which received much critical acclaim (last year’s Major/Minor was my Top Album of 2011). Kensrue’s little time off was spent recording two fantastic folk/indie records, with a rumored worship album on deck. Few bands can say they’ve influenced a community as greatly as Thrice has affected the Warped scene and my generation of rockers.
Never before had I been starstruck, but that interview with Dustin had me tongue-tied. I was so enthralled hearing his responses that I fumbled my questions and left an important interview at least slightly awkward, though Kensrue played along. His responses were incredibly genuine and honest; a rarity these days in interviews.
I knew from extensive research (aka YouTube) that Thrice was playing two new songs during their Warped set. From the first time I heard the opening riff of “The Weight,” I was sold. There was something about that strum pattern and vocal melody that resonated with me.
I didn’t process the lyrics until much later when Ashley grabbed a copy of the record and fell in love with the same track.
There's many who'll tell you they'll give you their love,
But when they say "give" they mean "take."
They’ll hang 'round just like vultures till push comes to shove,
They'll take flight when the earth starts to shake.
Someone may say that they'll always be true,
Then slip out the door 'fore the dawn.
But I won't leave you hanging on.
Another may stay till they find someone new,
Then before you know they'll be gone.
But I won't leave you hanging on;
No, I won't be that someone.
And come what may, I won't abandon you or leave you behind
Because love is a loyalty sworn, not a burning for a moment.
And come what may, I will be standing right here by your side;
I won't run away, though the storm's getting worse and there's no end in sight.
Some talk of destiny, others of fate,
But soon they'll be saying goodbye.
But I won't leave you high and dry.
Because a ring don't mean nothing
If you can't haul the weight,
And some of them won't even try,
But I won't leave you high and dry;
I won't leave you wondering why.
And storms will surely come,
But true love is a choice you must make
And you're the one that I have set my heart to choose.
As long as I live, I swear I'll see this through.
Perfect lyrics, no?
Since 2009, Ashley and I have seen Thrice multiple times, most recently at The Mayan in LA. From the day I proposed, we both knew this would be our song. What’s more perfect is we discovered an acoustic version Dustin performed for a radio session.
Here’s the thing: we’re having a backyard wedding in Orange County, which happens to be Thrice’s backyard. And much to the world’s dismay, the band recently announced they’re taking a hiatus; both Kensrue and guitarist Teppei Teranishi have families now, and Dustin is going to enjoy some time as a worship pastor.
We jokingly floated the idea of reaching out to Dustin to come play “The Weight” for our first dance. I’ve worked with the band’s publicist before, and have friends in the Thrice camp. One of their tourmates I’m close with even suggested I ask him to officiate (Ashley and I don’t have a pastor we’re close with, and we’ve been putting off finding an officiant because of it).
Starting today, I’m going for it. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this is that little extra dose of specialness that would make our intimate backyard wedding unforgettable (you know, besides my new bride). If I can somehow pull it off, you won’t even hear about it until after the wedding; I’d want to protect his privacy, and I don’t need people thinking our wedding is a free concert. Even the prospect of it has Ashley smiling ear to ear, much like the day I showed her that acoustic video.
Wish me luck. No matter what happens, I decided long ago to have “The Weight” and our wedding date (8/4/2012) engraved on the inside of my ring; it’s just too perfect.