The Secret Message Written In Sharpie On The Back Of His Strat: “Still Wild. Still Free.”

April 2, 2025

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the small town of Waverly, Jake stood in his cluttered garage, the familiar scent of old wood and metal filling the air. His fingers brushed over the smooth, worn surface of his electric guitar, a battered Fender Stratocaster that had seen better days. Each scratch and dent told a story, each chord strummed echoed a piece of his heart. But today, Jake would add something new—a message that had been rattling around in his mind. With a bold black Sharpie, he carefully penned the words on the back of his guitar: “Still wild. Still free.”

Those simple words felt like a lifeline. Just a year ago, Jake had felt anything but free. After losing his father, who had been his biggest supporter in the pursuit of music, Jake struggled to find his voice. The vibrant energy he once poured into his music faded into silence. He had nearly given up on his passion, feeling lost in a world that no longer felt bright. But as he stared at the message, something shifted inside him. In those words, he found a spark of hope. They reminded him of his father’s wild spirit and the way he had always encouraged Jake to chase his dreams, no matter how daunting they seemed.

In the following weeks, the message on the back of his Strat became a mantra. Jake poured his heart into writing songs, conjuring melodies that spoke of heartbreak, resilience, and the beauty of life. He played at local coffee shops, small venues, and open mic nights, often feeling the energy of his father beside him, urging him on. Each performance grew stronger, fueled by his determination to honor his father’s memory. It was as if the words he had written were whispering in his ear, reminding him to embrace his wild side and to feel free to express himself.

Word began to spread about Jake’s music, and soon he gained a loyal following. Each time he stepped onto the stage, the message resonated not just with him but with his audience too. People connected with his story of loss and triumph, feeling inspired to embrace their own struggles. Jake realized that music had the power not just to heal himself, but also to touch others. He began to receive invitations to play at larger venues and festivals, and with each performance, he felt more confident, more alive, and undeniably free.

Months later, as Jake prepared for his biggest gig yet at a renowned music festival, he took a moment to reflect. Standing backstage, guitar in hand, he thought of all the ups and downs that had led him here. The message on his Strat was no longer just a note; it had become a symbol of resilience and passion. As he stepped out to face the crowd, the roar of applause filled his ears, and he was no longer just playing music for himself. He was living the message he had written, embodying the very essence of being “still wild” and “still free.”

With every chord struck and every lyric sung, Jake knew he was honoring his father’s legacy while forging his own path. The journey had been challenging, but he had emerged stronger, discovering that the essence of music was not just in rhythm and notes, but in the courage to share one’s truth. In that moment, he felt truly alive, connected to every person in the audience, and most importantly, to himself. The world was vast and magnificent, and he was determined to explore it, one note at a time.