I needed some time to process this one before I could form words, let alone coherent, cohesive thoughts. That doesn't necessarily mean that it will be better, but I hope it is taken with the respect intended.
We all have our own Kryptonite. Some of us know what it is. Some don't. This week, Brad Arnold of Three Doors Down "left [his] body lying somewhere in the sands of time", and his words in the hearts and minds of at least one generation. His particular Kryptonite turned out to be a common one... Cancer.
There is, undoubtedly, not one among us who has not lost someone close to us, or at the very least watched someone close to us battle this beast. If the sickness isn't bad enough, the treatment is often as bad or worse. Patients are expected to Down Poison. It's a Dangerous Game. Not everyone wins, but that does not mean Loser. Brad Arnold did not Duck And Run. Just like with his music, he gave his best. Now, as he told us he would, he has passed on to The Better Life and redeemed his Ticket To Heaven. We are all Running Out Of Days, and no matter who you are in life, It's The Only One You've Got.
Music is my therapy and my friend. I have often turned to the words of Brad Arnold and the guys from 3DD for solace and comfort, or just as a way to express a feeling that I couldn't put into words any better. I could name so many other songwriters and musicians about whom this could be said, but this is not the time or place.
So, Brad, now we are Here Without You, and as sad as that is, we are grateful for the time we had and the music you gave us. We are thankful that you told us exactly what to do... and I, for one, (and I am sure millions of others who [held] you when you [were] here) will love [you] when [you're] gone. That's The Road I'm On.
R.I.P Bradley Kirk Arnold (September 27, 1978 – February 7, 2026)
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This piece is meant as tribute. All copyrights are acknowledged and respected. No infringement is intended. RWH
(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of David A. Smith/ Getty Images)
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