A Reflection On Can't Stop Won't Stop
An 8123 Community blog by Alyssa Paulsen.
It was July 12, 2008 - my very first concert. My parents took me to the Soundtrack of Your Summer Tour to see Boys Like Girls. I was extremely impatient and just wanted them to start; I didn't want to wait for the other bands to play. But then, the opening band went on - the first band I ever watched live - and my life changed instantly. They came out in their gold flecked matching shirts and shoes that looked like they were made out of the Michelin man. CSWS dropped just 4 days before thankfully, and the minute they left the stage, I bought that album and the rest is history.
Can't Stop, Won't Stop holds so many memories that aren't exclusive to 2008-2010. It transcended that by the love and passion of the 8123 family. It sprinkled itself across the last 10 years for me. I will never forget hearing We'll All Be for the first time on a rodeo field in St. George, UT at an Evening With. The National Guard was holding the barrier up from tipping over while lights pounded into my soul and changed everything for me. Count Em? Takes me to the 8123 tour in Denver when John moshed through the crowd right next to me and for some inexplicable reason, I knew to sing the original lyrics with him. Girls Do What They Want? John hoped I would remember the lyrics to the bridge in 2013 when he didn't and it was the most awkward thing for both of us. CSWS is about still getting all nostalgic and emotional the last time I saw Into Your Arms in 2015; it's sobbing in the audience during the 2013 version of Whoever She Is.
I heard Everything I Ask For for the first time 10 years ago when I had no idea who these boys were. The most recent time I heard it was just days ago - at my 20th show watching side stage. None of that and everything in between would have been possible if it weren't for those 5 incredible men dedicating their lives to us the same way we dedicate ours to them. I could not be luckier to find myself in this family. The relationships I've formed with not only The Maine but my friends in the 8123 fam and street team have made my life so much better than I could've ever hoped.