Letters to Elliott

What would you tell Elliott Smith, if you had the chance? Confessions, goodbyes, and what needs to be said. The letterbox is currently: OPEN.

[letterstoelliott]

Well Elliott, you played a show on my birthday. Like the actual day I came into this world. This makes me feel like we are separated by so much, but I feel so close to you. Well, I miss you.

[letterstoelliott]

10 years ago, I was six. I think my hermit crab died that same day. I'm not sure what I mean by this. I guess it's that even though il never meet Elliott, or understand him, he was beautiful throughout. I love him for making me think.

[autumndewilde]

Remembering Elliott Smith We took this photo on Parkman across the street from Café Tropical just off Sunset Blvd. A few days later we realized the ‘Hate You’ newsstand had been a prop for some film being made down the street. Love, AdW

[letterstoelliott]

I can't believe it's been 10 years. It's weird, because 10 years ago I was a kid who had no idea you ever lived, a kid with enough peace of mind that I didn't need your music. Oh, how times change.

Regardless of all that, I'm grateful that you were here, that you made the music that you did and said the things you said. I hope that you're happy, wherever you are.

Thank you, Elliott.

[letterstoelliott]

Hey Its Been A Long Time

Hey Elliott, 

Remember me, the sad teenage girl on the verge of jumping off a cliff? Im so glad to be writing you today to tell you that my life has been so much better since the last time I wrote you on here. I was listening to you today and I looked back at how much I've changed, about how much sadness had changed me and somehow helped me. Remember how silly I was Elliott? About how much I wanted to die so those dumb girls wouldnt hurt me anymore, about how afraid I was of life and growing up? Im happy to say that things turned out so much better, that im so much happier. Those girls are no longer a part of my life, they stopped messing with me the day I learned to take action, the day I punched one of them in the mouth. The pills stopped controlling me too, I realized I didnt need them to feel better and that feeling numb is no help at all. You need to feel to fight and you taught me that, you helped me feel. Im also glad to say that someone has come into my life who has also taught me that happiness is something I can make myself, not something life hands to you. He loves you by the way, we talk about you a lot, about how you made going through our struggles much easier to take, about how magical everything you ever did is. I love that about him, how passionate he is about his own music and sometimes he reminds me of you in that way. If hadn't had been for you and how much you influence us we would have never crossed paths and for that I'm thankful, because now I have the greatest friend in the world and maybe one day it'll be something more. But again Elliott, I will always be in your debt because you opened up my eyes as to how sadness is both a curse and blessing because without sadness there is no antidote to it, you dont learn to fight it. Thank you for being the greatest teacher I've ever had. This December will mark the 7th year anniversary of me first listening to you on that frigid December evening and crying by myself for the first time wholeheartedly because you touched me. I'll light a candle for you and let New Moon play. 

Love,

Isabel 

[blackrrrabbit]

Visit Original Link

[fieryriverandyellowbirds-deacti]

Elliott Smith “In the Lost And Found” 5-19-00 New York City. (by loveishell7part2)

without his guitar *-*

[letterstoelliott]

Happy Birthday, Elliott.

[letterstoelliott]

"I'll fake it through the day with some help"

I have days where I have to pretend I'm fine. Sometimes music can make it easier to smile. :)

[pastysheen-deactivated20170415]

Visit Original Link

Here’s the army that you mowed to the ground And the bodies you left lying around Talking it out the last hour I’m through trying now, it’s a big relief I’ll be staying down Where no one else gonna give me grief Mess me around Just make it over Your opinion was the law of the land A single thing that I could always understand I lived it out from hour to hour The only thing that never really changed You ran me all around And dragged me down At the end of the day Don’t keep me around Just make it over I’ve been thinking of the things that I missed Situations that I passed up for this One-way love I took for ours I’m through trying now, it’s a big relief I’ll be staying down I wasn’t good at being a thief More like a clown Make it over

[letterstoelliott]

Dear Elliott,I would shake you. XO AK

Published without further comment, because...yeah.

[letterstoelliott]

Empty inbox? Send in letters, guys!

[letterstoelliott]

Dearest Elliott,

It's hard to believe I've been listening to you for over 7 years now. An ex boyfriend introduced me to you. It wasn't much of a relationship but the best thing that came of it was learning about your music. I now own all of your albums and lots of bootlegs of your live shows. 

What's amazing is your music sometimes is so sad but I can still listen to it when I'm happy and it not change my mood. It also comforts me when I'm depressed, you make me feel not so alone.

I love introducing people to you and seeing them respond well to your music. My brother has always been difficult to pass music on to (you know when they're stubborn because they want to be the one to show you good music) but I put all your stuff on his mp3 player and one day he was walking down the road and you got to him. He suddenly completely understood your music and was compelled to listen to everything you've made. So many people I know just don't get your music, which is a pity. 

I love your music, I think I will be listening to it for life. You get me through the hard times, the good times and everything in between. I'm so sorry that you had to go so early. You are missed and loved by thousands. 

Love Becca x

[letterstoelliott]

I apologize for having abandoned this blog for a couple months. Life got in the way.

I am back, though, and will start publishing letters posthaste.

[letterstoelliott]

Dear Elliott

I heard your voice today, and it really hit me again. I didn't just listen to a few songs like I do every day out of habit. I listen to your music a lot, and I have for a couple of years now. But when I really heard you again, it took an old feeling of helplessness, worthlessness, and anxiety for me to remember every time that listening to your music made me feel like everything would be okay, and everything I've realized, accepted, and felt inspired to do just because of some "pretty words that didn't last that long."

What you did and still do means a lot. I don't know what it meant to you, but I hope you knew how many people you've helped decide, or maybe, decide not to, I don't know what happened to you in your lifetime either, but I know that your songs showed us how acceptance and honesty can turn something around and make it happy and beautiful.

Everything I have to live for is starting to come to me now. I feel like I'm home again. Thank you.

[letterstoelliott]

After three years I finally got my dad to listen to one of Elliott's songs. The half-surprised, quiet smile he made when he heard it was amazing.

[letterstoelliott]

Dear Elliott,

When I first started listening to your music, you were already gone--but I didn't know that. I borrowed "New Moon" from the library.

I don't know if it bothers you that people released your music after you were gone. But I love "New Moon." I love it so much. So if you are angry with any of your friends for releasing it--please forgive them! There is so much beauty in your voice. But just as I try to wrap my mind around one lovely note, it seems to drift out of existence. And then back in again. There is this word--xibipíío. It comes from an indigenous Amazonian tribe called Pirahã. I read that there is no English translation, but it seems to mean "flickering in and out of existence." I have never been to the Amazon. I have never met the Pirahã people. I have never met you. But when I hear your voice, I think I feel what the first Pirahã person felt when he or she used the word "xibipíío."

It's so strange, but I don't know how else to describe it.  It's so strange and I don't know how to thank you for it.

With love and immense gratitude, Zoë