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
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 most important song I’ve ever wrote pic.twitter.com/jqANxuxaCt
— Bobby Tarantino (@Logic301) November 15, 2017
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