Live Your Song. | Jon Foreman | TEDxUniversityofNevada

In this inspiring performance and talk, Jon Foreman sings “Only Hope,” “Terminal,” and “Dare You To Move.” Between songs he delivers an encouraging message that dares us all to live out the purpose for which we were born.
It’s easy for a surfer to lose focus and fall into the steady pull of the crashing waves, and it’s easy for a musician to forget where they came from under the glaring lights, before a sea of adoring fans screaming their name. On a surfboard or on a stage, the ground is made of different matter, and truth defers to the engulfing chaos. Jon Foreman has treaded these waters for nearly 20 years, moored by the truth he carries in his bones.
Back in 1996, he started his music career heading an unassuming San Diego-based band, now known all over the world as the multi-platinum Grammy-winning alt-rock group Switchfoot. A lifelong quest for divine answers translated effortlessly through Jon’s gritty vocals, which mediated between a lost self and an unseen higher power.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@tommyclay6922]

I want to share a story about the kind of man Jon is. Back in 2008, my first daughter, Lylah Jaynne, was born. Her lungs were filled with maconium and if not for the power of prayer, the blessings of God and the skill of the doctors, she would not be with us. Anyway, we made "Dare you to move" her song. A few months after her birth we went to see Switchfoot in concert. They closed with Dare you to move and after the show they were meeting folks in a certain area. They weren't allowing pictures with the band to keep the line moving. We so wanted to get Lylahs picture taken with the band. When we finally got to talk with Jon, I shared Lylah's story and he insisted that we get our picture taken. Jon, thanks...that moment and this song will be a memory, a blessing and a legacy that my daughter will carry with her through out life. Keep up the fight and keep bringing blessings through the struggle. Love you brother!

[@jerryjose46]

thats beautiful. hope she is fine.

[@lowercase21]

Great story, hope your daughter has a blessed life. Switchfoot was also my life guide threw hell and back glad we all share a story threw Jon and the rest of switchfoot. I just feel blessed I found them when meant to live was on the radio I couldn't stop listening to that song and from there grew a strong bond with Jon foreman even tho I've only met him 4 times.

[@leestaniszewski7236]

Jon's humble but boyish charm is what more people need. I have gotten the pleasure of seeing them 25+ times and was able to chat & serve them in the hospitality area (think green room) at Creation West for 10 years between 2003-13. The love & respect each if them have for each other, crew, their families, other artist and more important Fans is so very real. I can not wait to see my next live Switchfoot show. The Joy these guys get from bringing words we never knew we needed is Outstanding.

[@leestaniszewski7236]

@Jacob Phillip if you care about a woman why would you hack her Instagram? Grow a pair bro.

[@leestaniszewski7236]

@Derek Finnegan R U 12?

[@TheQuietCottage]

Jon Foreman has been saying the same message with consistency and integrity for over twenty years now. His love for God and people; and his genuine humility, kindness, and wisdom are amazing. As a 12-year old kid, I started listening to Switchfoot, and the way they've spoken into my life has been life-changing for the better. I want to be just like them when I grow up.

[@jorgearturopb]

Absolutely agree!

[@danielmorea411]

Same here

[@rachelmerry1322]

"Don't let your spirit die before your body does." 🌸🌸

[@PhilLarsonMusic]

A dose of Jon a day keeps the demons away. Thanks for speaking Truth, good sir.

[@annhalaseh]

Amen and amen!

[@JefferySBaker]

Every high school graduate should listen to this encouraging and inspiring message. We need the entire choir of humanity to live their song.

[@jonnyogy2872]

I love this saying! Im going to say that now when I think of it hahaha!

[@Sunshinegirl0105]

A dose of God a day keeps demons away and trembling with fear and Jon is just one of many of God's instruments.

[@PhilLarsonMusic]

@@Sunshinegirl0105 Right. What I said.

[@Tocy777isback0414]

WOW "The bad news is the tension ends with the last heartbeat. Tension is where we live, the struggle is a part of this world. I dare you to make a melody with the tension, to dance upon this strings of life, to continue to practice and engage in the struggle. Be brave your melody is worth it. Be strong, your melody is needed. I dare you to live out the purpose, for which you were born, that your melody would soar above the past, above the pain, above the dissonance. That the song you were born to sing, would come into life. The composer of time and space have given you a part in this great symphony. This is your moment. This is your opus. This is your life. I dare you to move."

[@AnnAdema123]

+Tamás Fábián shared your post on the timeline, with Jon's tedtalk. I hope you don't mind

[@kimi542]

Tamás Fábián man I'm in tears

[@Tocy777isback0414]

no at all :)

[@Tocy777isback0414]

Same ;)

[@federicocenteno8497]

Those are the best words I’ve ever heard

[@CandyisAwesome86]

"Forgive the people who wrong note against you." - Jon Foreman 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Euhangaming]

we need a shirt for this..

[@johnRH777]

"Don't let past mistakes rob the present of its potential for beauty and joy" 12:37

[@AfRorschach]

This and so much more is why Jon Foreman is my favorite artist. His eloquence and genuineness is not only in the words he prepares but in the songs he sings and the way he sings them.

[@werewolf_13]

Joshua Canova Retweeted!

[@megalyssa]

The man is wise beyond his years. He never ceases to amaze me.

[@lowercase21]

He's incredible I've Ben following this guy for about 10 years now and I can not believe Jon isn't a huge celebrity But I got to say anyone who finds him never lets him go for him and all the guys from switchfoot.

[@luciennevanmulken6144]

So beautiful song Jon Foreman 🙏❤️‍🔥💜💙💥💯

[@SecondLifeAround]

How and why are their not more people packing this place....this guy's message and talent are worthy of a packed house. Maybe the empty seats are for all of God's angels who are there praising Jesus Christ along with Jon and his amazingly gifted friend.

[@allynisbet3679]

This is the gospel. It's such good news. You matter. Be brave. Sing through it. Amen.

[@hannahpark7118]

I ran into Jon in a jet bridge about to get on a plane at 8 in the morning and he made an effort to get to know me the entire time we were boarding, nicest guy ever!

[@jhonstoner2921]

he is the reason I started writing songs

[@livingintechnicolor]

Jon Foreman = my hope in humanity, restored.

[@josephburney2283]

That moment you realize Jon foreman has a Ted talk 🐐🤘🏾

[@KP-LLC]

I just discovered this, to my absolute and utter delight!!!

[@WernerRaath]

Because "I want to thrive, not just survive"! To thrive is for what I strive!

[@cyndharrison4847]

Jon Foreman has the ability to connect with people. Through words in a speech, conversation, blog or song. Through music with a guitar, harmonica or anything nearby he can play. He always tries to unite, not divide. What an amazing talent. Thanks for sharing, Jon, your heartfelt sentiments.

[@jonnyogy2872]

My goal in music being inspired by this man. I will bring people together with the gifts I have. I don't know when or exactly how but look out world I'm coming!

[@jackhall2539]

Timeless truth in a melody!

[@Tracebball]

Jon is the real deal - everything out of his mouth is inspiring!! God has truly blessed him!!

[@heatherorlando6814]

Thank you for this lesson ME. Jon Foreman! I struggle with a broken heart and have struggled with it foe soon very long and I've heard most all your songs before but but I do believe in my broken heart that GOD STEPPED IN THIZ MORNING AND PUT THIS VERY STRONG HEART- FELT SEGMENT OF YOU ON MY UTUBE NOTIFICATIONS TO TEACH ME AND HEAL MY HEART 😩 💔 . GOD IS REAL..JUST WANG YOU YO KNOW THAT YOUR LIVE IS A DONG TOO, SIR! HAPPY NEW YEAR! 😊 BEST CLIP OF YOU IVE SEEN SO FAR! I WILL CONTINUR WATCHIMG YOUR SEGMENTS ANX LISTENING FOR NEW SONGS PLUS YOUR SHORT SPEECHES ... MAKES ME HAPPY AND WARMS MY HEART. 💓. FIST BUMP 👊 BYE FOR NOW .👋

[@gavinmitchellmusic]

If I ever amount to any amount of fame due to my songwriting, I'd attribute almost all of my influence to this man. Although I play a heavier genre of music, his understanding of emotion in the place of a song is unparalleled. I'll never understand it the way he does, but I hope people find meaning in what I have to say one day.

[@abelj5145]

Youre loved, so much more than you will ever know. Jesus loves you

[@jumemowery9434]

@@abelj5145 incredibly, that's an understatement.

[@BretSimmons]

Jon is the real deal. As generous and authentic in person as he is when he is performing. He walks his talk, lives his song

[@anaco.]

This was incredible and very timely for me. Thank you Jon for such powerful message full of hope and wonder as we consider and pray how to write our song. 💛🙏🏽

[@brookelavender4820]

i don't understand how you could dislike this

[@marcosergio9349]

ikr? 2 dislikes...

[@micropens]

I did dislike this

[@marcosergio9349]

+willy gamer why???

[@micropens]

+Marco Sergio didn't*

[@machitect]

He has now become my favorite musician ever

[@jonnyogy2872]

I had the honor, and blessing of getting a summer get away with this band and about 200 or so other people this week. Two out of the four get away days were the best days of my life. Got to meet the band, witness them in the studio room, being literally in the room sitting next to Tim Foreman watching the band creating music. Jon Foreman, thank you for your inspiration, and for being strong, and sharing your song with us all. Thank you for teaching us how to sing our own songs as well. God bless you Switchfoot, thanks again......

[@TheRealDman765]

I'm literally in tears

[@alicetoniian7432]

I`ve found this message right then I needed it, literally. Feels like God spoke to me through this guy...

[@meucachorro1689]

same! the "where you're gonna run to now?" in Dare You to Move got me so hard!

[@rlday1845]

👑HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS THROUGH 🌠JON FOREMAN.. 🌠DELIVERING PERSONAL MESSAGES OF LOVE 💛 AND HOPE 💫AND JOY💞

[@ThePlagueGameing]

the Lord has gifted Jon to be a prolific song writer. when there's that much music in your head, you have to get it out!!. thanks jon. God has blessed you.

[@LuisRamirez-pb6uk]

made my heart cry and strive more to live what God does want me to be.

[@risenvideo8474]

May God's symphony continue to flow through the frequency of love. Well done Jon & Keith!

[@ariellalocalwaves]

WHAT A GREAT JOB BY JON FOREMAN! amen to his approach of having TED audience hear and know about the Father. So authentic so genuine UPLIFTING brother!

[@saraphinavictoria]

I always come back to this performance.

[@LonnieNewbury]

Such an Inspiration. Glory to God for this man's gifts.

[@hanisenpai]

I always go back to this whenever i need inspiration. Such life in these words and music. It's bursting at the seams! God be glorified.

[@jettyrae]

I resonate with this message--there is room for your song...your voice is needed..thanks Jon!

[@micahpowazki5143]

Jon inspires me every time he speaks

[@Sueyengd]

Redemption has stories to tell: With an anthem or a song, God brought stories of two different kids, from a past of sorrow. He decided to share it with two people. Sad song but need it to understand other people with a heart full of confusion, for a horrible injustice. The greater composer never fail to reveal that for a divine purpose. Only hope is just an amazing song! Love it 😀

[@countrylife04]

my favorite songwriter and vocalist of all time 🎶💝

[@timothynoll4886]

I fell in love with Switchfoot gratis Some Sort of Rock Show on FM 90.3 WJTL. Ever since then, I've been tracking down all their songs, listening to everything they produce, and anticipating new music. As I got to know the band a little better, I realized how amazing the lyrics are to the songs that Jon Foreman writes. Wow! This guy has really been given a gift! Jon knows how to speak, how to sing, how to play, and knows how to use that gift for the One who gave it to him. This TED Talk blew me away! Jon Foreman, you are a blessed man! Thank you for sharing and encouraging us in the blessing God has given you! Long live Switchfoot, and reign forever, God!

[@kathyreid1191]

Loved this man & Switchfoot for many years. In the beginning I would send them "words of encouragement" because I knew they would be successful. They have done so much for me in my life. Have seen them live & would love to again. Jon is an amazing singer, song-writer and seeker of the truth.

[@thenagadiaries7731]

Jon Foreman is a pain killer. His voice is original and the lines are always soulful

[@haileym5298]

This is one of my favorite things that exists.

[@anupamadas2534]

Had a bad day and Jon Foreman speaking such beautiful and inspirational words was all I needed! Truly it is very important to make a melody with the tension, life is a continuous struggle and that’s how we evolve to a better us

[@kolpoinawasa3257]

This man is truly an artist on his own. Great one.

[@Jmars316]

this is poetry...

[@carolinenungesser4890]

STOOOPPPPPPPP JON!! You're gonna make me cry! So beautiful thank you so much for speaking your heart and passion and Gods heart and passion!!!!

[@hlywdgurl]

What an outstanding message. I love Jon Foreman and Switchfoot. Dare You To Move always makes me cry. It just hits home for some reason. Love this! Wish he could do the UCLA Ted Talk.

[@glenntabanag9966]

This talk has saved me at one point in my life. Major props to you JF ! 🙌🏼

[@amandaharras7582]

Thank you, as always, Jon. 💙

[@davidharvey8812]

Absolutely incredible 🙏🏼

[@Brooklynbaby47]

God appointment! Thank you Abba for Jon Foreman!

[@FistieSplinters]

Best TEDx talk, period. I hate most of these TEDx talks but this guy, Jon, was great.

[@PabloEspinola1]

Everything he makes is so inspiring and beautiful! His songs and messages make think so much about my life, God and challenges I have everyday. I hope he comes to Argentina soon!

[@amandalangston1239]

I always feel like Jon is speaking right to me; with his lyrics, with his spoken words & with his stroke of the strings. I've watched this video several times over the year and it still resonates with me. ❤️

[@gorlaf]

"Terminal" is so powerful in this format!

[@joyhughes5367]

Beautifully expressed Jon! Love your music, your message. Very powerful.

[@helenwhitall8149]

Beautiful, powerful words... I'm blown away :)

[@rianelliott1]

I've had to watch this multiple times now (as well as encourage others around me to, also) because there's so much great insight for all of us. Switchfoot was already my favorite band for years, but this just adds to it. Thanks, Jon...so much!!!

[@vaduzcrew]

Damn Jon, you are definitely a story teller. From what your saying, I can understand where those beautiful lyrics came from.

[@ollie2734]

Jon is one of the truest poet I have ever seen. I love His mind. His songs always gives me feelings inside of me while some other songs just doesn't unless I try to really feel it and find the meaning to it just to understand it.

[@SFmajkl]

Tears.

[@MaxLavoieEnemy]

I Dare You To Move will never die... And he gives it a second life! I would have say it's an easy choice if he would have played it safe... but he lived it... it makes it a brilliant choice! -A guy who listened to this 3 times ;)

[@lucyletlovein]

Amazing performance as usual by Jon and Keith!!

[@jocone123]

Jon Foreman. My inspiration.

[@raylewis8506]

Wow, Jon really put "Only Hope" in a new light for me by performing it in the context of his talk. Did you notice that he sang "I give you my apathy" instead of "I give you my destiny" of the original lyrics? I can really relate to his intent here.

[@mikojude5058]

actually, "apathy" is the original lyrics, mandy moore changed it into destiny

[@claire_leah9274]

‘Apathy’ is the original lyric, since Jon wrote the song and Mandy simply covered it. It may be known as a love song because of ‘A Walk To Remember,’ but he wrote it as a prayer. Maybe that’s why it resonates with you ☺️

[@curtisfeese]

Message is good. Songs are great, especially Keith and Jon’s energy and passion in the closing seconds of Dare You to Move was really cool to hear and see. Starting at 18:00

[@andrerockfeller815]

Thanks Jon Foreman, nice words, a lesson for life! always inspiring me...

[@CalicoRelic]

I had an awful day today, and this not only made it so much better, but it straight up brought me to tears. Beautiful performance Jon and Keith. Love, an incredibly thankful Switchfoot fan :)

[@PaperSailship]

Beautiful music, beautiful words from a beautifully created mind and from a broken but honest and beautiful heart. Thank you, Jon; thank you for sharing parts of you.

[@MrSchulta]

has to be one of his best recent performances. his voice sounded somewhat young again. and Keith makes everything better

[@winspire1]

Cello, guitar and voice worked so well. In my case, I almost lost my song- physically. My hand got completely busted to useless. As an accomplished guitarist, that was a blow, considering that the doctor wasn't very assuring about playing well again. In this case, I got brave as Jon says. For the curious that may wonder what those guitar instrumental compositions evolved into, you can look up Tim Hillwood. The message of those notes is about living a song. Maybe it, like Jon will remind of what's possible.

[@susantherestorer]

Beautiful. Such poetry.

[@anamendonca9949]

I could watch this all day long. Great words from @jonforeman , and the music fantastic. Flawless!!!

[@heber7able]

This is such a wonderful talk. It's my second time listening to it and, man, it still so inspiring hearing it months later. Hats off to you, jon.

[@BrandonChristison]

Great performance and talk. Thanks for sharing your song with all of us.

[@gavinworrall6549]

Stunning! Simply stunning and profound words to inspire us to live and not be content to be anything other than our true selves. Thanks Jon ❤️

[@11dayzjourney]

Wow this is so deep I teared up when Jon started talking about real life and how real he spoke about the questions we have as humans with no answer there is an answer 🙏🏼

[@TheLingnerFamily]

Love it. Love Jon Foreman.

[@bestaryfritsmoko980]

Gold as love....

[@MrEddiebroughton]

one of my favorite bands, lead singer and writer. to God be Glory.

[@noahroberts7600]

I was 5feet from him. I love Jon and Switchfoot

[@jolhf7210]

Such a creative narrative of life!

[@chucklang1355]

Wow. What an incredible message from a gifted artist.

[@esjaymusings]

wow wow wow. tears....

[@bradleyrandmartinmusic]

Such an inspiring soul!

[@everettsutton35]

Keith is the man. :)

[@RileyDueck]

Yes Jon.

[@pragz4muzik]

Heartfelt, brilliant and amazing as always

[@rachelfredrick6072]

This is wholesome.

[@jessicabergman1392]

Thank you for your music and words! Inspirational and life changing

[@tunmiseakinyemi1762]

THIS HAS GOT TO BE MY FAVOURITE THING EVER

[@caeleythomas6686]

Great performance, Jon!! I've been excited about this for a while now.

[@thejavamanblues5138]

hello, nevada you are awesome.

[@heatherorlando6814]

You are awesome. 👏 I love this song ! 🎵 🎶 keep on living the dream and keep on shining like the amazing star that uou are. 🌟 🤩 ⭐ 🌠 💫 Happy New Year to all of you ♥ ! 🥳 Switchfoot! I just love you all sooo much. GOD BLEDS YO U ALL! 🙏 🤲 🕍 🕌 ⛪ 🛕 🙏. 📖 I LOVE MY Dad!.

[@pamarquio3133]

Goosebumps.

[@LucyjrAlyn]

How beautiful...

[@playergamer2031]

I love this

[@SARAHMAEENGCOY]

Thank you

[@rielluzon]

Amen!❤🙌