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Fitness & Health

17th Nov 2017

Here’s how Logic’s hit song, 1-800-237-8255, helped thousands of people

"The most important thing I've ever wrote."

Rudi Kinsella

Amazing what just one song can do.

On April 28, Maryland born rapper Logic released his song 1-800-273-8255. This is not just a random series of numbers, this is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in America.

The first verse is written from the perspective of someone who wants their life to end.

The second verse is written from the point of view of the lifeline itself, and is trying to get the message across that no matter who you are, someone, somewhere wants you to be alive.

The end of the song goes back to the person suffering, and we see that he has turned around, and no longer wants to die.

Clip via LogicVEVO

Although it looks like a simplification of what is one of the most complex things there is to discuss, the message of the song is ultimately a simple one. That no matter how you feel, “you don’t gotta die today”.

In an interview with rapgenius.com, Logic talked about how difficult it is to write a song about such a sensitive subject, and the message he was trying to get across. He spoke about how fans used to approach him and tell him that his music saved their life.

His reaction was: “I wasn’t even trying to save a life, imagine what could happen if I actually did.”

And according to the figures, he has done exactly what he set out to do. A report released by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has shown the exact effect the song has had.

The day that the song was released saw the Lifeline received the second highest daily call volume in its history.

Over 4,573 called that day, an increase of 27% when compared to the average for the previous three weeks. This is such a clear positive impact.

It’s absolutely amazing what someone with a huge platform can do when they really try to have a positive impact on the world.

If you are struggling with your mental health, or if you’re worried about a loved one, these are a number of resources you can use: 

Pieta House – (01) 620 0020

Samaritans – 116 123