While many artists can claim that fans have told them their music “saved their life,” few artists can claim that as their intention when writing a song. Logic, one of the most popular hip-hop artists today, released his latest album this year entitled “Everybody” and it climbed to #1 on the Billboard charts. The single from the album that has received the most attention is sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, of which it shares its title “1-800-273-8255”. A source of inspiration and hope for so many fans, this song has had a profound effect and meaning, especially for those who suffer or have suffered from suicidal thoughts or mental illness.
Logic does not “sugar coat” the lyrics, likely one of the primary reasons it has had so much impact. The first verse takes the perspective of a person thinking about taking his/her life. The first chorus echoes the same:
I’ve been on the low
I been taking my time
I feel like I’m out of my mind
It feel like my life ain’t mine
Who can relate?
I don’t wanna be alive
I don’t wanna be alive
I just wanna die today
I just wanna die
This is followed by the second verse from the perspective of the hotline operator providing hope. Then the second chorus echoes similarly:
I want you to be alive
I want you to be alive
You don’t gotta die today
You don’t gotta die
Though fans have told him how he saved their life, he had never truly intended to do that until this song. It took him months to write the song because he recognized how pervasive suicide really is, and he wanted to get it right. He really wanted to help people and save their lives. Describing the process he went through to make the song, he said, in a video interview:
Man, I wasn’t even trying to save nobody’s life. And then it hit me, the power that I have as an artist with a voice. I wasn’t even trying to save your life. Now what can happen if I actually did? And it’s beyond just this song. It’s the whole album. What can happen if I took myself out of my comfort zone and made a whole album about everybody and everybody’s struggles including my own which is one I’ve never done. What if I silenced my own fear and I say, “I’m scared talk about my race. I’m scared to talk about the state of this country but I’m going to anyway. I’m going to persevere. Man, how many lives can I really save then?
Logic, interview with Genius Lyrics
He says that, although he hasn’t struggled with suicidal thoughts himself, there are many people close to him who have, and they helped provide the inspiration for the song.
On August 27th Logic performed the song at the VMA’s (Video Music Awards) followed by an impassioned speech about equality and encouragement to keep fighting. He was joined on stage by suicide-attempt survivors wearing shirts with the Lifeline phone number on the front and the phrase “You Are Not Alone” spelled out on the back. This message of hope greatly resonated with people, with The Suicide Prevention Lifeline reporting a 50% increase in call volume after the performance.
According to the World Health Organization, “Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. Many more attempt suicide. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally.” It is very important that people are informed and doing everything they can to spread awareness and educate the general population on mental health. This song makes the conversation about suicide and mental health more commonplace and natural instead of being stigmatized and swept under the rug.
There are so many resources available and ways we can get involved that might just save someone from taking their life. This timely song is much needed, providing hope for people that there is someone who cares and someone who wants you to be alive; that no matter how dark and despairing your life may be, your pain isn’t permanent and there is always a reason to live.
To see the full lyrics and his story behind them, check out: Genius Lyrics
Listed below are further resources to help spread awareness and educate yourself on mental health:
