PROMISES, SCHMROMISES...
AUGUST 20, 2008, 12:46 pm
So, I promised that I wouldn't really try to process all of this madness until I got an extended break, but something happened today that really made me reflect. Well, I may be getting too generic. A lot of small things have happened lately that correlated into some fresh perspective. Let me explain…
We had a much-needed, much-deserved day off in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, today. I took it as an opportunity to rest myself not only physically, but mentally. The strain of trying to put everything I have into this tour, on top of the scheduling conflicts that inevitably arise from doing a record while on the road, and not to mention the crazy press commitments, have left me, and all the idols, with an almost humorous non-distinct stare as we enter the home stretch of this tour. So, today I did little but stay in bed and walk around. I went with MJ and Chik to go see "Tropic Thunder". I give it 4/5 stars. Tom Cruise was the only part I didn't like about it. Don't know why…
After the movie, we went and grabbed dinner, and then split up upon returning to the hotel. I went out to the beach, and plopped down on a chair to watch the waves and the lightning in the distance. (Hurricane/Tropical Storm/Massive Nuisance Fay) All at once, it hit me full on what has happened to me this last year. I thought about Omaha, and my brother, Andrew, and the Green Mile, and the top 12 red carpet event, and the hotel, and the finale, and this tour. It really became apparent to me at that moment that the tour will be done in about a month, and we'll all, hopefully, go on to amazing careers and lives away from this "Idol Machine" and apart from one another. After a year with these guys, that thought looms ominous and scary.
I bring all this up to make this point: There were times from the beginning of college to the time that I made the show where I truly was unsure of what I was supposed to be doing. I've been a professional musician of some degree since I was 15, but could I ever really "make it"? This last year has allotted me a new inner peace, and I'm more thankful for that than anything else. It's nice to have the title of American Idol, and the privilege of making a major-label record, but more than all of those things, I want to say thank you for the support you guys have shown, but more importantly the understanding you guys have shown to my limitations as I try to meander through this very new lifestyle of actually being acknowledged for doing something I love. I'm giving everything I can to make sure that you guys feel as appreciated as you've made me feel over the last year. Here's to many more.
~D
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Comments for this Blog post
What a year!
I read this again and I am in tears. I know this has been such an amazing year for you and oh boy David, this is just the beginning my love. I truly admire the man that you are and I am sure that now you have absolutely no doubt that THIS is what you were born to be doing.
"I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you...I'm just sayin..."
--
"cause I can't remember ever falling this hard"
One Year Later
On the one year anniversary of this blog, I felt the need to read it again. Oh, what a wonderful year it has been. You have certainly given more of yourself to us than any fan could ever expect. You may appreciate us, but we appreciate you for not only your music but also the man that you are. And....Ok--- I admit it. I just cried, again. Yep, I did....maybe a little, but more than likely, maybe a lot! Just like I did the first time I read it one year ago today.
--
~~Mary
Wow, a year ago already
It seems like not that long ago when you poured your heart out onto all of our computer screens in this blog. This part strikes me more than any other:
This last year has allotted me a new inner peace, and I'm more thankful for that than anything else. It's nice to have the title of American Idol, and the privilege of making a major-label record, but more than all of those things, I want to say thank you for the support you guys have shown, but more importantly the understanding you guys have shown to my limitations as I try to meander through this very new lifestyle of actually being acknowledged for doing something I love. I'm giving everything I can to make sure that you guys feel as appreciated as you've made me feel over the last year. Here's to many more.
I hope you continue to feel the inner peace which you wrote about on this day last year. You seem to be meandering your way through your new lifestyle very well from this fan's perspective, and I want to tell you that I appreciate you, your music, your passion, even more now than I did last year at this time. Thanks for an amazing year+, David. Indeed, here's to many more.
--
"Take a minute just to breathe..."
√D; WTFU; Poetic Solace
YouTube // Twitter
serendipity
This may seem so late in coming, but...Part of the allure of being such a huge fan of yours is the story of how you evolved to where you are now. If I could think of one word to describe your journey, it would have to be: serendipitous - to think that you were @ the AI auditions to support your brother, and yet YOU ended up audtioning yourself, is nothing short of "fate" - almost like (not to sound too much like a cliche, but) it was your destiny.
I can't also help but think back at how there were 2 "Cooks" & 2 "Davids" & yet there was only one YOU- the 'south paw' rocker who ended up being the star with a cause. I can't think of any idols who actually have some kind of platform that they can promote, like you do now, with ABC2 or even just raising an awareness of cancer, which started even way back with little Lindsey Rose and the orange bracelet.
I commend you for not only sharing your talents, but also your even bigger heart with all of us. The fact that you are intelligent, professional (what an awesome work ethic), as well as good-looking, yet all the while down to earth, you are THE Total Package!
I was fortunate enough to see you in Del Mar, CA when you played at the Fairgrounds (right after your 2 week vacation), only to be disappointed in knowing that I lost an opportunity to have a meet & greet with you. Had I been listening to STAR 94.1 during the week you would be arriving, I probably would have had at least the possibility of meeting you. Instead, I couldn't help but addictively listen to your CD every moment I was in the car. Oh well! At least you worked it out at the show! Just wish it could've been just a little longer, as I was just getting into it.
Looking forward to what the future has in store for you...
Rachel
"You had me at hello"
NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO, Thank You, David
David,
Thank you for you, for sharing yourself and your talents with the world. It surely comes with a price, but you seem to being doing a great job. Never let go of who you truly are.
Bond,..KarenBond
TULSA CONCERT 4/25/09
David's show in Tulsa was INCREDIBLE!! We live in T-town and found tix on craigslist - thanks to the seller! My daughters and I have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime concert -- close up, small cowd, meeet and greet afterwards, HUGS from DC and autographs - can it get any better!?!? Saw David walking Dublin before the show - he is getting big and such a cutie. Thank you, David Cook!!
hot tub, back rub
DC-
Sounds like you need a hot tub and a back rub. I'll see you in Virginia 5/30! Hang tough man. Someone has to deliver the world decent music.
--
warm regards,
DMA
PLEASE READ DAVID
I hope I can see you when you visit the phillipines...
Please I hope I can.. I'm your fan since day 1, I really wanna see you, but I know it's impossible.. just hoping,, still love you!!!
A NEWBY
Hey there, HI, I'm also a fan of DAvid..
Well I heard that the DAVIDS will come here in the Philippines?? is it??
I Hope I could watch..
the song permanets meaning... i get it
David i get what your song Permanent is about... it is about your brother... and i hope he gets. better you and him and your whole family have my prayers...
--
David you are my mom and I's favorite singer. i would like to have and interview sometime for youtube... you rock
Tulsa town wishes!
David....when will you come back to Tulsa so the REAL fans (COUGARS) can see you...??? There was no opportunity for us to get tix to the TU concert...dangit!!! DO plan a trip back soon....I, for one, would LOVE to see you; without the other 9 of AI's top ten last season, even tho that was a grat concert!
huggles
foxymphs
PS: My hubby still swears it was MY votes that got you over the hump on the season 7 finale...the 11000 or so...LOL!!!!!
I love reading these things...
haha it's true...I really do....I love reading back when you were still on the Idol Tour, still trying to take all of this in....thanking us immensely for....well, all we really did was metaphorically point to you and say "YOU! You're the best! We see that! YOU WIN!" haha! We should be thanking YOU for giving us something to be passionate about...all we did was point out the talent....we didn't help create it!
You continue to amaze me every single day, dude...even as I'm sitting here, 11:20 at night while Seinfeld reruns are on TV (my dad....not me, is watching it lol...although it is funny at times
) and I'm watching your "Come Back To Me" video for the umpteenth time, I still can't get over how truly, and incredibly AWESOME you are...this season of American Idol, although I have my favorites (Adam Lambert FTW haha), it doesn't compare to the magic I witnessed last season...it was just....astounding...and there's not enough words in the Webster's Dictionary (most current edition I may add! 
) to describe how much I felt last season.
THANK YOU for showing us your incredible music...
THANK YOU for being truly amazing...
THANK YOU for just being David...
Forever a fan,
StephyDee \m/
--
I'm a random goof....at any moment I can just stop mid-senten---
LOOK! MARSHMALLOW FLUFF! *runs away in maniacal laughter*
Hidden talent?
You're something of a writer! Nice word choices
--
"I feel alive beside you and all at once I am whole again." -David Cook/Avalanche
no worries...
hey dc..
first of all.. just wanna say the cliche thing.. I love your music...
and second of all... dont worry too much..
why am i saying this?
well, i have been going through all of your blogs and i found it very compassionate..
you were thanking and apologising for things that you shouldnt have been thanking and apologizing..
i am not saying this to say that i am not grateful of all of your appraisal to your fans but dc...
please..
we love you for who you are and not for the reason of you trying to please us when you are hemmed with intolerable conditions...
i just want you to be you for what you are..
you and your music is enough to put a smile on our faces...
love you! =)
: )
Thank you for writing that, David! It was so heartfelt. Thank you for being who you are and we're proud to call ourselves fans.
We'll always be supporting you, no matter what.
Here's to loads and loads of fun and success!
Can't wait to see you guys on The Declaration Tour!
--
~Mo
I have OCD- Obsessive Cookie Disorder
Hugs and Kisses
You are SO precious. I just love reading what you are thinking and wondering what you are doing. Would love to be there doing it with you. LOL Here's to seeing you this Spring!! I would LOVE to meet you then, but to see you in concert will be fulfilling. XOXOXOXO
You are welcome
Did any1 tell you that you say 'thank you' too much. So 'you are welcome x1000'. Better be use to it because showbiz is a tough road. Well looks like you have choosen this road so stick to it, you can make it. Believe in urselves. You are really 1 in a millon because no idols or superstars like to connect with their fans 1 and another ( maybe we help you win the american idol la ). So have a great rest if you have any be4 it last. Ok.
--
Fan David 1st.
sweet guy
David you are one of the sweetest muscians that are out there. You seem to really care about your fans. I do hope to meet you some day (I'm one of your older fans-agewise, so is my hubby). But the day may come when you just want to rush to your getaway car and have some peace and quiet and your life will be so hectic it will be hard to find time for any sort of normal life. I pray this doesn't happen to you but I do think it will.
I'm also a fan of another musician who is just finishing a world tour and I managed to get to two of his concerts, I was so happy. He has changed so much from when he first started out and everyone--the world! wants to either marry him, get him in the sack, or just plain manhandle him when anyone comes near him. It's very difficult to have a life that way.
We love your voice and picked you to be the winner right from the start. We're going to watch your Brother closely too because he is very interesting and has his own unique style and voice.
Anyway, I'm a little depressed over these University Shows since only students get first chance to buy tickets. Chances are, I won't be able to come, even though you will be right here in my hometown!
I guess I'll have to console myself with your CD. It's great!
Thanks for listening to me whine!
KarenM.
it happened again
Dear David,
Every now and then I read your old blogs and this one always touches my heart. Know that we are still behind you every step of the way, even the missteps. Meander away.....
-----
"When I first saw you I already knew,
There was something inside of you,
Something I thought that I would never find,
Angel of mine"
..can't think of a title :P
This almost got tears to my eyes..!really..and i love reading your blogs, and watching your videos..and most of all your music..always gets a smile to my face ! =)
super talented
david u r like the most talented person i've ever had the pleasure of listening to! u should be so proud! u have such a good heart and u put all of ur heart into ur music. thats y i like u so much! ur music is fantastic and i can listen to it all day! i have to say thank u to u for just having the talent to make my day! i love music and i have lots of favorites singers and songs but u beat all of them by far! i am a true fan and so glad that u r getting the chance to live ur dream!
i wish only the best for u!
--
xXsHeLbYXx
don't forget.....
.... what that felt like.
that "peace on the beach" thing.
that was an important night. epiphanies don't come along every day, so you have to hold tight to your memories of the ones that occur.
you're a man doing what he was created to do. i think there's more to that, but for right now, the singing and the writing and the touring are ... the right thing.
vaya con dios, david. i wish you peace.
--
I laugh at myself while the tears roll down....
promises?
all I can say is that you don't have to worry about being apart from the friends you have made from AI because you guys have already shared a bond with one another.. if the friendship that have been made between yourselves is really strong, it should hold on until the years have passed..
that blog seems to really show what and how you felt and that reflects you.. that's maybe one of the reasons many people like you
just want to express my thought on what you have wrote there ^_^
Words can't express how amazing THE David Cook really is...
This blog is so amazing and how fans have reacted to it is all because of you. You are a true jem. This Christmas holiday, I've only listened to your cd and I feel myself becoming more happier and it's because of you and the heart-felt songs that make this amazing cd. Analog Heart didn't hit me as hard as David Cook and I think the reason why is because you had so much happen to you with Adam's cancer and AI to make amazing music that makes the David Cook album. I downloaded your cd but I hope I get the actual album for Christmas this year. Even if no one really knows you up here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, I will do my best to make you known.
You know, I did that like you did at the beach one day. I was in Cuba and I just went to the beach, sat down, and just looked at the waves and the night sky and it was one of the most amazing moments I've ever had. I'm really happy that you did that as well. It's an amazing feeling afterwards.
Thank you for being amazing in all that you do and just continue being you with putting smiles on people's faces when you come up to the stage and perform your heart out. Everyone loves you.
Dani
--
"So I'll let you go, I'll set you free, And when you've seen what you need to see, When you find you..Come back to me..." <3
Incredible
I don't know if David Cook reads these comments. But.
I would like him to know that he is making wonderful use of the talent he has been given, and that he is where he is supposed to be. David, you are a wonderful influence and seem to be a very pleasant person, inside and out. Don't ever change!
Reflective Post from a ...
Beautiful, beautiful man, inside and out.
your just how do i say it?...... soooo cooooooooooooooooool!!!!!!
i love you sooo much david you are so considerate in you writing and you thank us all the time!!! i love you and really want to meet you someday!!!!!!! love you!!!! <3 <3 <3
Its December and I am reading this again?
This is strange....I found myself going over your blog/vlog's today, not sure why. But this one in particular stood out to me as I read it. I live by the beach and I do know what those moments are like when its just you and the waves and nothing else...I get great peace from being in the middle of something so beautiful that was created just for us by God.
anyway....I just have to say that I am so incredibly proud of you for how you are handling all of this craziness. I had second thoughts during AI as I was voting for you. Not that I didnt think that you deserved to win, I just had this overwhelming thought come over me and this was what the impression was..."You do know that by voting for David that you will be ripping him from everything he has known and putting him into a life that can be so unforgiving and taxing to ones soul" I really was concerned for your welfare...I didnt want Hollywood to tarnish you in any way....but inside I knew it was your time...you time to step forward. So I have watched you over the months and hopped that you would be able to meander through this post Idol craziness... and I gotta say David....you have amazed me at how you are handling all of this...You are such a class act. You handle all of this with such finess! Thanks David for remaining true to yourself and being just who you are...we love that guy!
robin
--
Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Your the best David
I just have to let you know that my B-day is Nov 30 and the only thing on my list is the new CD. You are the best. Good luck with your album
hey
hey whats up
you have a great cd out and i love it so much and its really good
and you have a great voice.... your big fan cookrockfan123
...awesome...
Hey David,
Not that you need luck (apparently), but I wish you tons of it anyway. And I hope that you will always be as genuine and as grounded as you are right now.
Everything in this life is tenuous, at best, and I'm glad that you realize that every day is a gift.
Also, congrats on the CD - I preordered from iTunes, so now all I have to do is download it, and I'm completely excited!
Cheers,
Kat
Des Moines, Iowa
PS - The Idols tour snubbed Iowa completely...I had to travel to Minneapolis to see it. Don't forget us on your first tour!
it is release day
So why am I in here reading this old blog? I don't really know. I just ended up here. All I want to add here is try not to be afraid. Just keep doing the next right thing and your new BAND will have a nice run at a career for as long as the world needs you to. You are so deeply into this that I don't think for a moment that you would just quit. I have a feeling there is a lot more good stuff within your musical mind that you feel the need to share. Please let it out YOUR way and in YOUR own time for this next record. Your most awesome BAND has three writers, possibly more and you all sing. Have FUN in this life. I LOVE you guys a LOT.
My only wish is that I was in your generation. Glad to be alive for your debut' record David
--
Word Nerd @3273
Sanford, MAINE
Take Some Moments
You have a long, long career ahead of you. I know we are in a rush, rush kind of world where everyone is demanding things of you "right now." That moment at the beach is something you need to remember. Taking a quiet moment to spend with just God and yourself will not delay an album, halt a tour, or end your career. What it will do is give meaning to all of this, so take them.
May you find many moments of rest amidst the craziness of it all
Even it is for a split second only; may moments of sweet,deep peace be part of your daily walk (and sleep) .. giving you instant rest of mind, body and soul...confirming the promise of plans for good, a future and hope. Peace be with you in the midst of the storm...you're not alone...none of us are alone...
Keep on embracing, laughing and dancing (can you dance? of course, everyone can!) hahaha
Peace out,
Sil
Reminiscing
This was written on August 20 so why am I here reading it again on November the 4th? I have no idea but I am so glad I did.
You are such a humble person and I think I appreciate that about you more than anything else. You know where you have been, where you are and where you are going. To know you are doing something you love and are so passionate about is very rewarding to me as a fan. I know what you give us is from the heart and that means so much .
I have become somewhat protective of you and what people (esp here) say about you. There have been a few that complain about you not being on here as much as what they thought and this really bothered me. People sometimes tend to be selfish and I dont ever want to become that way. I am grateful for all you have given us from your music to your time. You took time for us on the tour and give yourself here when you can. When you do come on here with something it is meaningful and not just a quick hello or something. That helps us appreciate you more in my opinion. The last line of the blog did it for me!!
Thank you~melissa/cookiemomtenn
Love ya!
Funny how I came back to this blog entry again today also. What an amazing ride Mr. Cook has taken this last year and I love how he so eloquently and humbly put what his heart was feeling to paper and shared with all of us who so completely believe in him heart and soul. You are amazing David Ronald Cook not only as an Artist but as a Person. You have shown the world over and over what a "real" person you are and how truly "good" your soul is. Thank you for letting us glimpse just a fraction of your heart.
You are doing great things and I can't wait to watch and listen to it all unfold!
ox ox
Why am i here?
This blog is many days past, but for some reason my fingers took me back here today, two days after the band's SNL debut, one day before the "Light On" video, your first, will be released (the whole thing, not just the 15 second teaser).
The only reason I can guess at for why I'm here is ... it's finally Davember, the month we've been holding our breath for, the month everything ignites. The month the rest of the planet — not just the relatively small group of us several thousand hardcore Word Nerds — get to discover what David Cook is made of.
So I'm thinking today about the transition, the progression. Taking extreme joy in watching you grow and take off on this trajectory, David. But also hoping, knowing, you'll always stay true to the grounded, sensitive and earnest heart that you showed us in this blog.
Anyway ... guess I'm feeling a little sentimental today. It's an exciting time!
So... enough mush. Get out there and rock your okole off, rockstar!
<3
--
Artwork by the fabulous Jen (originalorange) ... <3
David Cook Rocks!!!
Just wanna say that you're amazing and 'Light On' is a great song.
Love you!!!
Nayara
From Portugal, Amazed!
Hey!
First of all, I'm from Portugal, Lisbon. It isn't that normal for me to follow the American Idol, but since I have now Fox TV, I started to see American Idol, really just for the fun of those who go and are horrible. I applaude them for the effort, at least that!
And then, it came Omaha day, and I saw you singing "Livin' On a Prayer"... I will REALLY never forget it... I just whispered to myself "That guy has an amazing voice, damn it!!!"... I have to say that here it is going only still on top 24, so as you can see, the moment I thought you had a great voice, you had already won...
And then I saw the Hollywood week, and got more amazed. And then came the first show... and I lost all the words. I'm not saying things that you don't know, everybody must tell you things like this EVERYDAY! So, why am I writing?
I don't want JUST to be different. I just want to say, believe it or not, that from the moment I saw you with "Livin' On a Prayer", that wordy (???) song... =) I told myself you were the greatest voice I had heard on American Idol. And I wasn't the only one to think like that. You see, the fact is, I never enjoyed a lot these singing quests. They're only contests for image and not for talent. And then came your voice, a very well hidden talent! I love to sing, but I haven't that voice you have. Don't consider me as your fan, I wouldn't think I am, I think I am addicted to your voice, not in a kind of "assaulting fan" way, but in a true and caring way, and with a well-known sense of music, since I've studied piano...
Best wishes on your career, I will try to follow as close as I can. I'll leave my e-mail for anything.
Kisses,
Andreia
buggie_girl@hotmail.com
I feel good when I see you..
David, I don't know if you're going to read this (I hope so), but I just wanna tell u that I'm not your fan.. I prefered call me.. a cookie's admired.. or more than that.. I don't know u in person but with your songs and with what I saw of you on TV and internet I really know now that you're an amasing human been.. and of course and excellent singer.. sorry.. and excellent rocker!.. I'm from Argentina.. here your name is not so popular .. and a lot of people says me that I'm crazy because I'm talking of you all day.. and all days.. but it's because your songs and your voice touch me in the bottom.. your voice is so strong, it's so deep, and it's wonderfull!.. Maybe I'll never see u in person cause the distant but.. you have to know that I can't stop thinking of you.. yes.. maybe I'm crazy.. or something like that.. but.. It's what I feel in this moment... and you must know that at least one person in Argentina loves you.. cause I love you David Roland Cook!! .. maybe you're thinking that I'm crazy or .. something .. but-- haha.. I don't know what to say.. only that.. : Te Amo Hermoso! ( I love you, Beatiful!)
maybe a lot of girls tell you this. but my feelins for you are so strong..
well.. I'm happy to tell you this.. and please forget me.. : my english is horrible!..
Thank u for your songs.. you change my life!..
Hugs from here.. in the distant..
I LOVE YOU DAVID!
♥
*Ingrid*
(( I'm not you fan.. I'm in love with you, Dave!))
(( ing.im.alive@live.com ))