22 Comments
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Sam Reynolds's avatar

Loved reading this perspective Jordan, you're a gifted wordsmith. I'm one of those people who feels deeply and tears flow freely. Songs, books, nature...they worm their way inside and the tears flow out. A song that stands out for me, speaks to my soul and is guaranteed to get the tears going is Satellite by Ben Abraham.

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Sophie's avatar

Jordan you are such a beautiful writer, I’m glad your friend is okay 🤍 So right about music having a way of connecting with our subconscious in a way we don’t even understand, whether it’s connecting with inner pain or ecstasy, it’s truly magical. Cannot wait for the show next Friday and the feelings it’ll bring, I know it’ll be so incredibly special so hopefully I won’t end up sobbing in the stalls!! ✨🙏🏼

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Matilde Battisti's avatar

For now the only book that made me cry like LOADS was Shantaram. My god. It broke me, multiple times. It felt so good. I really can’t imagine a world without art, without music, written words. Thank you for your words♥️

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Jordan Stephens's avatar

Will add to the list.

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Charlie's avatar

That was a really beautiful read, thank you for your words. I have the same issue with tears, but this essay helped me shed some of mine instead of losing them to a hidden place. x

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Jordan Stephens's avatar

This has made my day.

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Corinne Peacock's avatar

Oh I loved reading this so much. So beautifully human. Such magical words & the magical way you connect them together.

Thank you 🙏🏾

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Claire's avatar

Your words have really got me thinking. I tend to avoid fiction, almost see it as a waste of time. I need to allow myself to feel the magic in that way ✨

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Jordan Stephens's avatar

Please!!

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Cara Tulley's avatar

Jacob Alon ❤️ it’s ’Confession’ that gets me the most, but I’ve got every song of theirs on repeat at the moment. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing x

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Laura Bamber's avatar

You are a beautiful human. Your art makes me feel the most raw and tender parts of myself. I am sat in an ‘inconveniently’ busy cafe…allowing gym eyes to tear but holding back the fullness of my emotion. I’ll read again and let it gush!!!

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Jordan Stephens's avatar

Oh, wow. Big love.

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décolletage's avatar

I read this aloud to myself. Ugh. Your writing is beautiful ❤️

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Suzie's avatar

Ahhhhhhh I love so much about what you’ve written here. All very relatable. I had an experience at a live music event in a small venue in Birmingham back in 2012. A particular song the band played just got me. I was having to slightly suppress full belly-chest-sobs as the room was so small - there were only about thirty of us in the audience and I felt very conspicuous. I went and told the singer afterwards what a powerful experience I’d had, and he very kindly sent me the not-yet mixed version of their recording of it so I could listen again and have a good old wail at home. It’s so good when music gives that release ♥️

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CTRL+V's avatar

Man what a gorgeous fucking read wow

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Nickldnlad's avatar

Jordan I really hope you mate is on the path to recovery mentally, physically and spiritually🙌🏻🙏🏻

I’m kinda of in a fucked up place with grief….

I buried my dad a couple of years ago it was unexpected and scarily fast.I read at his funeral, my own words infact and added some light hearted stories and a touch of humour about our banter over the years together which was good I think, but no tears throughout. Tears from my sister and Mum but not from me…I numbed the whole process of grief with self abuse.

Though, sometimes when I hear a piece of music or watch a certain film or stage piece I will CRY! Madness!

Grief is a strange emotion for me to sit comfortably in, there remains a constant block.

Another brilliant piece of writing bro init 🤜🏻🤛🏽xx

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Jamie Redford's avatar

Thanks for another compelling, relatable and poignant article Jordan. I always love hearing what you have to say and it gives me hope in humanity. It's partly what has inspired me to write some of my own honest substacks from time to time.

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Treeza Sodah's avatar

Adore this 🥰 magic

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catharaxia's avatar

The song is beautiful and the piece cut me up. I feel you totally on needing the space to cry for it to happen. It’s a hard switch to turn off even as you start to work through it. I’m glad you’ve found ways to release the grief and that your friend is recovering. Thank you for sharing your heart always

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Billie's avatar

I find it impossible not to cry while listening to Cannock Chase, it’s incredibly therapeutic. Do you ever cry while you write? It seems like a healthy medium for release

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