What Drives Me - By Justin Furstenfeld 

I'd pay a thousand dollars to have a twenty minute conversation with this guy!!

This man saved my life, and made me a great dad. If u ever read this just know im here because of your words, i learned to embrase the fall and keep going. I now share kindness and see the light in the world. Thank you :)

I'm two weeks sober today and just confirmed I will be moving to a sober living environment on tuesday to continue my journey, if this video dropping today isn't fate, I don't know what is.

If only Justin came back to see us in these comments..... tank ya lad you have helped me through me wife leaving me after 14yrs.....

Every Song , The Words The Meaning... Goes Right To My Soul. Not Just The First Time It Comes Out!! "EVERY TIME" I Hear any song, "EVERY SONG" Justin sings. Truly And Honestly. So Meaningful and with so much Compassion!! Justin Is Truly A Gift. Thank You!!

I wonder if you know how many lives you have saved just by sharing your story. I want to share a story with you someday. You gave my son courage to not give up and doing so, he gave me the courage to stay in this life. NEVER give up. Thank you. ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; GOD bless all of you.

I listen to your music when I'm sad. I listen to your music when I'm happy. It's just so perfect for my soul and mind and for that, I can never thank you enough. Love you guys.

Great man with the great soul. 3 years ago his songs saved me from suicide. Thank you Justin.... You are my soul friend. Wait for your band in Moscow again

I would give anything to meet Justin in real life

I grew up tough, hated everyone, drank, caused problems. Thought I'd live to 25 yrs old tops! And I lived my life that way, until my 32nd birthday... I'm 42 yrs old now, I'm a family man and I also pray every night with my wife and daughter. Thank you for posting this video. God Bless

Love these guys. Their music has carried me through the lonely days.

The opportunity of a lifetime was to see Blue in concert on the 3rd of June, 2018. I will never forget it and I am a better person for getting the courage to go (I don't mix well in crowds) and I too, am a lifetime fan! The words of every damn song is blazed inside my heart, torched on a ribbon of strength of character, courage and honesty., weaved throughout my soul. I love this band so much, I love every fan too!

im one of those with a darker head and a bigger heart....and you have helped me keep going more times than i can count. Im thankful for the boys in Blue every single day of my life

i am a Pastor, and I always loved your Music, this video brought tears to my eyes... You are one amazing man, I am a die hard fan...

My names Julian Luna. Well let's just say you speak to that side of most of us hidden by SHAME. Most of us are so affraid to admit that we we're or are that piece of crap.. THANK YOU JUSTIN. Ive for some reason ended up in your music when life pushes me down so im sure otherz feel the same.. maybe one day I'll find the strength to quit all the shit...maybe one day I'll be brave enough to feel!! Much luv

29 Single, works 6 days a week avoid social events an people as im in a constant state of depression. Music soothes and take away the pain, fill you with memories of dancing in the rain, for it bring joy

And this is what makes his music what his music is, unique and straight from the heart.

I love you so much Justin. You are a living inspiration and a living walking example of God's grace. I used to cry for you when you were going thru all that hell, now I cry for you when I see you experiencing all this joy. Bless you, Brother you always were a bright shining star even in your darkness. Voo

March 17th, Glasgow Scotland. I will be there. Nothing is going to stop me. He's help me so much and I just want to thank him for everything

Justin, if I had just one wish, it would be that every person on this planet would see this video. I hope you realize what an admiring special person you are. YOUR STRENGTH is what carries me thru my day. Love ya Justin and would love to see ya do a gig. ❤ XOXOXOXO

Absolutely love the importance Justin puts behind telling the “why” of the songs he writes. What keeps him going…the fall…magnificently brought tears to my eyes. Fail, forward, fearlessly friends!

The circle you've taken.. I'll never be able to understand. But, the pain, the fears, the doubts.. those are universally the damage we create for ourselves. Your story is my story. Love one another.

Watching his story unfold over the years...loved em when Blue October 1st started. Absolutely inspirational and hope giving Love! Amazing!

God Bless you Justin Furstenfeld. May God hold you tight & never let Go & may you never stop reaching out to always be safe in his LOVE for YOU❤

I was literally in tears most of the way through this video. I am such an emotionally driven person that has been through countless terrible times in my life that I won't mention at this time. This is feeling......I will always be a fan!!!

I so want to meet this man. I grew up on his music and he gave me so much hope. Thank you Justin for always being there with your music and spirit.

*the fall is that perfect moment where everything falls to pieces and everything goes still.* I feel this. beautifully worded.

My wife and I waited to meet Justin after a couple shows, just ended up not getting. BUT we got to meet and talk with Jeremy, Ryan, and Matt. These guys, "Blue October" are Amazing People. Love these guys and their amazing music. Been listening to them for a long time. I still love the old stuff too! Hope to see you guys all again one day! Thanks for being who you are and for being the band BLUE OCTOBER! God Bless.

5,4 years clean..I love this man as a brother..Thank you.

Today I am one year sober, after deciding to fight my illnesses and addiction it took me four years of trying making it to about nine months and relapsing. This band and it’s lyrics have connected with me all threw the start of addiction to the recovery I connected with the lyrics and it’s almost like the music and my battles and wins grew with it. In honor of my one year I bought tickets to a show in Denver this Sunday! I couldn’t get the meet and greet tickets wish I could but know I’m there blue October! And I am completely inspired, and touched by Justin’s recovery.

I am 32 and I found out when I was 21 that I would never be able to have children. I’ve been abused and misled and yet I have put one foot in front of another and kept moving. Once I left a bad relationship I started doing what I love, teaching. I’ve been teaching for 4 years now and I absolutely get my high from it. About two years ago I decided to do more to help kids and took classes to foster kids. I have been a foster parent for almost a year now and I still teach. Yet, due to my health issues caused by abuse from others (at least part of my health issues) my mind still goes back into the dark and I just cry. With that being said, Blue has been my constant reminder that I’m not alone in my struggles bc sometimes it does feel lonely. I thank you for that!

God i feel this. I can’t put into words how this hits me. “I drop to my knees and I pray.” Fuck man. I feel this more than you know.

WHEW! You are a true pioneer! I can't tell you how much your story, music, and recovery videos have done for me.. A recovering addict that fell back into old ways AGAIN.. Tormented and finally clawing my way back out again with My Faith and your music and videos that so deeply inspire me and REMIND ME that I am not what I have done and God still loves me and has a plan for me. Keep doing what you're doing,you are truly in your calling. Sending love and hugs! A Good 'Ol East Texas Girl Fan, 💜B

Justin, You, are truly a beautiful soul! This is so moving, just like many of Blue October lyrics, exposing emotions I didn't even know existed. Well said & please don't ever stop! Legend

Justin you give me soo much strength! I have been listening to your music ever since i was little! I first saw you in the music video into the ocean ever since i have been hoocked!! Your music has helped me through so many things depression divorce and im going through a custody battle right now. Your music has been keeping me going in life! I can connect soo much with your lyrics i just want to thank you for being there for me and for everyone else out there!

Justin, my boyfriend and I are currently in TX for Meth and as a gift to our true selves in recovery we will be hitting the road from MN to Denver for your show in November. Your music has supported our second chance at joy and peace! Thank you for falling so we can stand back up again❤️ god please you all😌

You are so awesome person I love you so much. You are the king, the best... You deserve to have everything in your life. You are a big man! I pray for you too... I hope you happy 🙏❤️ love you ❤️❤️❤️

My daughter's daddy got me listening to you b4 she was born and now i got her listening to u. Her dad had schizophrenia and took his own life when she was 7 so when she listens to you somehow u bring her closer to him. We love u all... Your an inspiration... Thank you for letting us watch u go thru it all and see that Your still the shining star u ever were!!!! Much love

Can’t wait to see you in Okc in June 2018💙 Thank you to my handsome husband Edward for this date night. 28 years together, you have always been here for me and I love you so much and our five children. 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

How could this be disliked, what a great man.

I would love to sit and visit with justin! Im glad he found inter peace! People remember.. Hustle kindness

There aren't enough adjectives in the world to describe how perfectly perfect this is. I'd give anything in the world to see you again, Justin, just so I could tell you face-to-face how damn proud I am of you. You may well be the biggest success story in Cumberland Heights history.

Justin met for autographs after a show, and I told him about my struggles with alcohol and that I appreciate his music. Instead of an autograph, he wrote "Stay Sober" and truly expressed that it mattered to him. I still have the paper hanging on my wall, and it inspires me every time I see it. In the few minutes I met him, he came off as a friend. Thanks Justin. :)

It boggles my mind how anyone could hit the THUMBS DOWN button! Are you serious?? How can you not like this inspirational story, beautifully wrapped up in film. Keep up the great music Justin! You are the man!

July 27th 2018 after 9 years of dealing with extreme chronic pain... My wife decided to tell me that she was having an affair and she was moving out. I was only living for my marriage at that point. If I wasn't a good husband I was nothing so I killed myself that day... I was dead...doctors revived me. I Woke Up 3 days later and I was pissed! I knew the minute I moved out from the psych ward I was going to do it again. This time I had a blueprint to success. And then I found this band... Everything changed. Justin Furstenfeld and Blue October literally saved my life. Thank you guys. I could never thank you enough....

Walking by faith, not by sight. Be still. Gods work, our hands. Thanks for sharing.

what a fucking true inspiration

Justin, I hope you that read this.....your song lyrics (though I wish were cleaner) are like magic how you can take a feeling and express it. How you can share it. How you can give life to it. I can't even fully describe what you do with feelings and emotions.......but yet YOU do it in every song. It is ineffable. The Lord gave you an amazing gift. Praise Him for it!

Man I love Justin. I love Blue October, I've never related to an artist on this deep of a level. Such an incredible inspiration. "Life is not about me." Man I needed to hear that so bad tonight.

I am going to watch this everyday

Justin you are a true inspiration! Been listening to your music for 16 years and it has taken me through different times and journeys. "Fear" still stands out until today and saved my life a few times. I can relate so much to your journey and I feel your music in my soul every time I listen to it. You really are privileged to be clean today and to have so many people supporting and loving you. Thanks to you and your band for helping so many other lost souls. There are only two people in this world I would really like to meet and you are one of them. Hope my dream can one day come true. Sending you light and love from South Africa, and wishing you a clean day for the rest of your life.

You’re such a blessing to this world Justin. I can’t begin to explain how much you’ve helped me, given me hope in times I couldn’t find it on my own. You’ve changed me, and people Around me, thank you. Thank you for being you, for being a blessing, I love what you’ve done for people, I love your music, your talks, I love who you are. Keep going, and never stop doing what you’re doing. 💙

THANK YOU JUSTIN YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME AND BEEN A PART OF SAVING MY LIFE.....I LOVE YOU MAN!!

I'm bipolar also and also a songwriter I never had help and made the grammy ballot 2015,16,17 with no deal.......I love your songs and band...Thank you Justin ....i know now im not alone

I sat and listened to every word and felt my throat tighten with every word...the truth...tears rolling...truth and reality. These words inspire and have inspired me to be more, to forget my past and live for a future I control and not what pain I feel from my past. Thank you Justin.

This drives me. I've listened to this every morning since I've found it. Thank you

Your music has helped me through the toughest and darkest days of my life, fear has helped me through the deaths ive experienced, my brothers, aunties, uncles, and dropping this here will help so many more, thank you justin, thank you blue october 💙

I just love it when I hear wisdom. There is just too much absurdity in the world. Thanks for dishing out a little clarity...

This is my most favorite band ...and I'm so proud to say that! And of the band...thank u BLUE OCTOBER!

At 46, I refuse to Stop driving. So many obstacles have been thrown in my path. I could just quit. Many probably wouldn't blame me if I did. Trust me. At times I want to. But I'm not done. I finally have learned to embrace the Climb ahead of me. The journey. I start my day off every morning. To your What Drives Me. Bc it's Real. It's Honest. It's Raw. Thank you for your music, your thoughts, and sharing whats relevant!

He's my true to life complete hero, inspiration, hope and light in my dark days. Depression sucks, being alone sucks, but God is great, Blue October is my get up and life is what I'm willing to make it. Thank you Justin for sharing your truths in melodies and for just being you. You're #1 Obsessor, #andifightsforlove

I pray for you ,and our world. Love your beauty and watching you live in concert . Keep doing what your doing. Love you Blue October Forevermore

I will find a way to set this as my alarm in the morning.

You are a truly remarkable person, you've been through so much and become a inspiration for strength, courage and determination to so many people. I have so much love and respect for you x

I didn't know Blue October was even still making music until six months ago and I wish I hadn't missed a decade of them. Every song I listen to is awesome and I think his music is saving me from my life right now. I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't rediscovered Blue October

Thank you! I was born in 1992 but just started listening about a year ago and never heard of Blue October before. Back in May 2018 I told my husband "we have to go". I bought tickets for the Baltimore Maryland show. I have been through allot and especially the past four years. June 2018 I put all the fear and hurt behind me and walked into a counseling center with both toddlers and the baby asking for an appointment. Four years ago I had a tramatic birth after having first. Along with false accusations reported to CYS. ECT. It was actually the song Fear I was listening too and had seen about buying tickets. 💗

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing and caring.

Your music drives me, for the past 10 years, to be the most genuine best version of myself I can be. Through all my dark days, lonely days, traumas, laughs, joys, rage, pains, bliss your music has given me a safe space to process all these rollercoaster emotions. I also feel more connected to my brother through you, who died of a drug overdose. I feel his presence still. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Congrats on your triumph and for sharing your message of being saved on this planet. I highly admire your drive, artistry, compassion, courage, honesty, creativity, passion. A true inspiration. Rock on, beautiful soul. We love you

2 years later, I constantly return to listen to his gratitude. They know how to make the world spin better....thank y'all for that!

This man is the best friend a person could ask for. I adore you and all your God given gifts you have so been blessed with. I can't thank n u enough for always been here with so many of us from near and far and giving us all hope and happiness

Wow! If truth is power Justin just laid down a million watts of truth. You don’t have to be recovering from anything to get this you just have to be human.

Listening to this on 8-30-22. My youngest son reached 18 months sobriety.. His journey mirrors these words. He's become the man I raised him to be, always knew he was destined for the life He's living now. As his mom, I never NEVER gave up on him. The hardest part of being the mother of a self destructive addict was seeing my son, my baby boy, not having the ability to see himself the way I do and him not believing in himself. But prayers, hope, faith, and sheer stubbornness percifiered. He finally got in the right treatment center with the right support and here we are. His sobriety is everything to him, right next to his daughter who he is coparenting. To anyone struggling with addiction and or mental health illness, DONT GIVE UP! If you don't have the support you need, reach out, heck, my hearts big enough, I'm here for you too. Much love from an addicts Momma, Christy

I'm from a far away land and believe it or not "Hate me" was the first song that got me into western music and Blue October and especially your story behind it has been my inspiration. Thank you for that. God bless ❤

You're a great person Justin, your music helped me when I just tought about commit suicide 8 monts ago, and now I'm still here, alive THANK YOU

I would pay to sit down with all of them and just watch them go about their daily routine. Just to be able to hang out as friends. They all are so down to earth. Not many like that nowadays. They are a special group that has been through a lot and chose to stay together. ❤️ 💙

Justin , brother I met you in 2000, You and the band watched me propose to my fiance, I have had the welcome and favor of your presence many times. i am very proud of you...you give me hope for me, brother......Thank you. I love you man...you have changed me....thank you.

This man change my outlook on life I'm forever thankful to this band 🙏 🙌 ❤️

♥️🖤Thank you Justin 🫶🏻♥️ I really needed this ♥️🎶🎶🎶

I saw Blue October years ago and i was one of the first people waiting in line with my girlfriend. We were outside of the Ace of Spades Venue waiting in the rain. Justin came outside and when i saw him i was awe struck. I couldn't find the words to say to him. He noticed this looked at me and my best friend and said "is it okay if i chill with you guys?" He hung out with us and treated us like a long lost friend and was so happy to take pictures with us. There was a girl with us who was not in a good place, and Justin just let her talk and he gave her a huge hug. This man is my hero and meeting him is one of the best moments in my life so far. Thank you Justin.

Their music was with me during the darkest times. 14 years a fan.

Jesus his is a massive statement , thank you Justin , blue October all of you huge tunes we can all relate to . Honestly this is huge - thank you x

As odd as this may sound, Justin you helped me through the roughest patch of my life. My mother left my father when I was 9. He was an addict and a alcoholic. I remember one night, Hate Me was on the radio, and I sat in the driveway with my father while he sat in front of me and wept. That’s the day.. 15 years ago I found you, and since then, I’ve kept you and your music on replay. Same old songs, new songs, everything. I find such admiration in you. I was 13 when you can and played at River Riot in Omaha. I saved every little penny I could to come to the show just to see you. I suppose my point is, there are many people who listen to your music because they feel they’re going through something similar. But I have listened to your music because it gives me hope and faith that even after all these years, my father could change. He could wake up tomorrow and find what drives him. And I hold that faith close to me. When I hear your music it solidifies what could be. Thank you.

Dear Justin firstinfield: Thank you very much for sharing this testimony I think You are a blessing to other people keep going you never know what is around the corner I think I might have learned something from this, treat every moment like your last moment cuz tomorrow is not promised I love that very much

Jesus loves you Justin!!! I have schizophrenia and have been suffering for so long. I haven’t given up. Don’t ever give up. Much love and prayers for you and your family.

I've not found many role models in my life. Not sure if I've even been looking for one. But the moment I stumbled upon my first Blue October song, I knew I found what I wasn't even looking for: my pain, my fears, my struggles, and my tears laid bare in another. I am not alone and the passion that these amazing guys and girls have poured out over the years says it all. Thank you, Blue October! ❤

Ok. I'm a minute and half in, and this makes me want to get sober! 18 years of drinking, and I know I'm dying. The bad life never seems to end. But life IS precious. Thanks Justin!

Can't find words...it touches my soul deepest. Only one thing i'd like to say: LOVE

I have tickets to your Nov. 9th 2018 show and I am totally stoked for it. I admire you and your band above most others cause you have the one thing most lack in the mainstream. You guys are real with what you say and do with your music. You have no idea how rare that is these days. Seeing you do smaller venues on top of that reinforces my impression of blue october. Yes you all want to live and have a comfortable life, but you arent willing to sacrifice your beliefs and principals on the altar of superstardom that so many have done already. Also seeing your music evolve from the dark "hate me" days till now is also a positive experience. I have seen multiple artist like madonna do the same just to keep themselves relevant, but my feeling is you are evolving cause of your life experiences. Rather than trying to keep you and the band on the charts gives me tons of more respect than you can ever know. Please Justin, keep you and the band on the path you are on. People with integrity will have more respect if you do honest music like you and the band are doing, than sacrificing yourself on the altar of expedicency. If this comment helps drive you in this it will be immensely worth it in my opinon.

You sweet man. Thank you for the vulnerability in your recovery. That is your legacy.

You are a beautiful person, Justin. I love you and your music. God speed.

God gives us to you, but you are what makes God be able to - you save people and help them in so many ways with your music. So, no, thank you.

I wish this audio was on iTunes, could use this on repeat right now.

I listen to this almost everyday, I need it, just as much as your music! Thank you so much 💓

Tears... thank you for sharing your life and your heart with us, you truly do make a difference in this world.

Well you speak the truth man and you write beautiful music You're awesome I just missed you at GR live in Grand rapids Michigan maybe next time I'll see you I really want to meet you in person You've been through a lot and I've been through a lot too and you have helped me so much through to get out of my head and see life in a different way thank you bro you are awesome I love you brother

You are just amazing. Simply amazing. ❤ I could listen to your voice forever. 💓

THE LAST 12 YEARS OF MY LIFE HAVE BEEN SO IN TUNE WITH YOUR MUSIC- AND YOUR GROWTH AND CHANGE GIVES ME HOPE - I DON'T USE - BUT I LOVE A MAN THAT DOES, HE HAS HAD A VERY " PREDICTABLE" CRACK HABBIT THE LAST 11 YEARS - THEN SADLY LAST YEAR HE TRANSITIONED TO METH AND EVERYTHING CHANGED - HIS CHILDREN MISS HIM I MISS HIM - I THINK NOW HE HAS TURNED TO HEROIN AND WE DON'T HEAR FROM HIM OR SEE HIM ANYMORE - EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY I PRAY HE IS SAFE AND I ASK GOD TO REMIND HIM OF WHO HE IS AND BRING HIM BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING - JUSTIN ALL I CAN THINK IS YOU CLEANED UP ...... THAT MEANS SURELY HE CAN TOO ..... RIGHT?

You helped me to survive high school and my younger years. Your music helped me to know that what I was feeling was not just me. I didn't feel alone. Thank you, Justin, for everything you have done for me and many things you may not know you have done for so many of us!

Amen 🙏 The miracle of Life, much love & hugs 💕

This video alone has kept me going so many times over. Thank you.