Jumper (song)

"Jumper" was written solely by frontman Stephan Jenkins. Jenkins intended to write a song about the perils of bullying, with the song's narrative focusing on a "friend who’s gay jumping off a bridge and killing themselves".[2] This narrative was inspired by a friend of band manager Eric Godtland who committed suicide in high school due to bullying he endured for his sexuality.[3] In an interview with SongFacts, Jenkins said that the concept of the song was also developed through his own alienating childhood experiences.[4] Despite being written as a lament, Jenkins expressed that a broader message of "Jumper" is to have an understanding and compassion for one another.[5] He further explained the meaning of the song:

"Jumper" is about a guy who jumped off the Coronado Bridge and killed himself. It's kind of a noir-inspired story, and the point was if we have more understanding for each other, then we might give each other credit. And if you don’t want to see me again, I'd understand. Sometimes when you really help people and you make yourself vulnerable and they can’t really see you [afterwards]. I had a friend who was raped and she needed money for medical care. and she was ashamed and couldn’t talk to her parents about it... basically, after I helped her she didn’t want to see me. She gave a bit too much of herself. I understood that.[5]

Since the release of "Jumper", Jenkins has identified that the meaning of the song has changed for many listeners. He felt that the song's meaning was not entirely understood upon release, although "Now it has this real levity. It's this huge moment of release for the audience".[4] Lyndsey Parker from Yahoo! Entertainment designated the song as an "anti-bullying anthem", prompting Jenkins to acknowledge that he feels "Jumper" has resonated among many LGBT listeners.[6]

Eric Valentine was responsible for the mixing of the track, which was made at The Site, H.O.S, and Toast Studios.[7] Ted Jensen mastered the track at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City.[7]

According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Alfred Publishing, the song is written in the key of C major and is set in time signature of common time with a tempo of 88 beats per minute.[8] Jenkin's vocal range spans one octave, from C₄ to A₅.[8]

Justin Joffe of Observer referred to the song as a "catchy acoustic jangle" that addresses suicide.[9]

In the United States, "Jumper" debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the issue dated December 5, 1998.[10] The song spent a total of 20 weeks on the chart, peaking at number five for the issue dated January 30, 1999.[10]

The music video was directed by Yariv Gaber. It primarily takes place in a crowded club and focuses on a young man who wanders in and around the surrounding area of the city; interacting with various people. Stephan Jenkins primarily sings while Kevin Cadogan is seen making out with various women, some of whom are implied to be escorts. A pregnant street walker, a promiscuous and flirtatious hustler, and a free spirited partier are those shown frequently throughout the video. American model Anna Nicole Smith makes a brief appearance near the end.[11] Eventually, Jenkins sings directly to the young man who seems empowered by the message. As the video ends, Jenkins briefly transforms into a little boy playing a snare drum to match with the ending of the song.

In September 2015, Jenkins joined Demi Lovato on her iHeartRadio Music Festival set for a performance of "Jumper".[12] The song was performed at a charity concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to a crowd of 2016 Republican National Convention attendees.[13] The band performed "Jumper" and "Non-Dairy Creamer" in protest of the Republican Party's party platform, with Jenkins speaking out in support of LGBT rights and science.[14]

• CD / Cassette / 7-inch[15]

1. "Jumper" (Radio Edit) – 4:06
2. "Graduate" (Remix) – 3:26

• Stephan Jenkins – vocals, guitar, percussion, keyboard arrangements, producer
• Kevin Cadogan – guitar, vocals
• Arion Salazar – bass, vocals, piano
• Brad Hargreaves – drums
• Eric Valentine – engineer, producer

Credits and personnel adapted from Third Eye Blind album liner notes.[7]

• The song is featured in the 2008 film Yes Man, as Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) uses an acoustic serenade to try to prevent a suicidal man (Luis Guzmán) from jumping off the ledge of an apartment building. Third Eye Blind's Stephan Jenkins briefly appears in the scene as a fireman.
• A cover of the song has been recorded by BEDlight for BlueEYES featuring Sebastian Davin of Dropping Daylight for the album Punk Goes 90's. Indie-pop band Daphne Loves Derby also regularly covers this song in concert.
• This song was used for a public service announcement on Season 5, Episode 3 of MTV's Road Rules titled "The Blind Leading the Blessed." The show originally aired on January 26, 1998.[25]
• This song was featured in the 2011 film 30 Minutes or Less on a mixtape made by Travis (Nick Swardson).
• This song was featured in the American Dad! episode "The Scarlet Getter".
• This song was featured in the 2011 film My Suicide.
• A remixed version entitled, "Jumper '09" was added to the Rock Band Music Store as DLC through the Rock Band Network in 2010.
• The song was sung during a skit on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake on December 16, 2014.[26]