Five for Fighting - The Riddle

This guy has lived what he writes and sings about. That's what makes his words powerful. it took him 20 years of work before he made any living from his craft. Greatness and sensitivity come out of suffering.

One of the best Criminal Minds episodes (the Fisher King) played this... Great song!!!

I really like youtube for a lot of reasons. One of them is because I can simply plug in my favorites and let'er rip. For the longest time I forgot all about this one-man-band called Five for Fighting that my sister, Jenna, and I loved. She was my only sibling and I lost her last year to a disease called ALS ("Lou Gehrig's Disease"). Anyway, one day when we were in our late teens/early twenties, long before kids, careers, or deadly diseases, we were driving somewhere together in her old beater and it came on and we started singing. When we realized that we both knew every word, we kinda looked at each other and grinned. Jenn reached over and ranked up the radio and we sang our hearts out. No idea where we were going or why, but I had forgotten it completely until I accidentally stumbled across it on youtube. Even then, I only had a vague recollection of it meaning something to me at some point in my life. So I mashed the "go" button. By the time the song was over, I was sobbing my heart out and laughing my head off because I can so clearly remember her singing her heart out with me that day and I just hope and pray that she's up there, singing her heart out with me still. Thank God none of us can hear her (mood-lightening statement).

Forever grateful to CRIMINAL MINDS for introducing me this masterpiece!!!

By far one of the most underrated videos by five for fighting. John Ondrasik's voice is absolutely stunning. He's an insanely talented guy, to say the least

Absolutely love this song. ❤ Still makes me cry when I hear it. Some 13 years later.

Powerful, intelligent, beautiful and thought-provoking songs. From this supremely talented "man... we've got it all."

Musicians with his talent need to be mainstream. His songs have actual meanings to them, not just cheap love and sex lyrics.

Used to hear this song and compare myself to the son hearing his dad sing this, now I’m the dad singing this to my son. Takes on a whole new meaning

I like how John talks about his relationship with a mentor or his dad in the beginning of the song and can't quite fathom the meaning of life as passed down by that older person but it all makes sense years later when he himself becomes a parent with his kid asking all about the meaning of life when it is in fact just: "You and I". Sometimes things your parents or mentors say make a lot more sense when you're the one in the driver's seat. 

This song always reminds me of how much I love my Dad. I'd like to think that even if my Dad was a drunk or I didn't even know him I'd still be the man I am now, I'd still have overcome everything the world threw at me. But the truth is, I couldn't have done this without my Dad. He was always the wind in my sails and the wise voice in my ear. I know not many young men are blessed enough to say this, but my Dad is my hero and I wouldn't be who I am without him. Not even close. This song is incredible.

Once again I find a song I never knew existed...I was watching Criminal Minds and this song ended the episode...so I came here to find it....very glad I did...Great song!!!

His songs bring tears to my eyes. Beautiful!

This song is greatly unappreciated in our world. This is one of my favorite songs all time in the Big Chris Playlist.

This song reminds of my father who passed away back in 2018 from esophageal cancer. He loved that song. It brings tears to my eyes every time. I miss you daddy.

This song almost makes me happy cry. It's so beautiful.

I was so moved by this song that I used it to eulogize my father at his passing last year. Not a dry eye in the place but it said it all about the bond between father and son. I'm still moved by the lyrics a year later and chances are will always be. Such is the power of a good song.

Sometimes, just sometimes a song comes along and for no reason that is immediately obvious it penetrates your soul...

My favorite song from Five for Fighting.

I played this song as part of my 40 year old sons memorial. I felt this song was so appropriate. He loved music and the lake which was where I spread his ashes. The lyrics are spot on with a great melody. Rest in peace D.