As is the case with mental health themes, you're always hoping for the next breakthrough. US artist Logic's newest release 1-800-273-8255 is soaring through the download charts, demonstrably having an impact as we enter Suicide Prevention Week, a week solely devoted to raising awareness for those having suicidal thoughts.
The blatant fact is that one person takes their life every 40 seconds and while we do as much as we can to raise awareness, a number 1 song devoted solely to preventing suicide is a giant leap; one that we are embracing.
The song is literally named after the number of the US helpline and mirrors that of a phone call to it, with the first verse a man laying out all his problems. He doesn't have a home to call his home, he doesn't want to believe and wants to die today. Frankly, it's miserable. When you first listen, it just clicks. 'I don't wanna be alive, I just wanna die today, I just wanna die'. This song is reconstruction, and a much-needed one, of popular music and culture.
Last month, we had to endure two egos go face to face in a 'boxing' match. Millions tuned in, and it was a victory for all that's wrong with the current state of contemporary thinking. This month, we are celebrating a song doing all it can to offer hope. We need more of the latter, and to abolish the former.
It's said that Logic has been told many times that his music saved their lives. He was shocked, thankful, but instead of being passive, he made the next step and wrote a song. If he can have such an impact without meaning to, imagine what he can do when his message is grounded in trying to help his fanbase. And it isn't just his fanbase, is it? This is a global scale dilemma.
We should all be listening and spreading the word. The truth is that the world needs this.
The second verse is the one that hits home. 'I want you to be alive, you don't gotta die today'.
For a person having suicidal thoughts, a simple message of hope and support will do substantial amounts, probably ones we cannot fathom to comprehend until we've been there. How often does a song use this structure? Often, it's gloating, relationships, sex, whatever - but what about a song that directly addresses 'you'? Exactly. You, me, everyone. We're all the targeted audience here, not just those in a dark place. If we can all work together, we will achieve more.
The process of writing such a powerful song has been a long one, according to the artist himself. Just google the lyrics and the background behind the song to understand why. He wanted to get it right because, ultimately, he wants to save as many lives as he can.
World Suicide Prevention Day carries a simple slogan this year: 'Take a minute, change a life'. If you can grant yourself just 4 minutes and 10 seconds to listen to this song, you'll have understood the thought process of a human suffering with suicidal thoughts.
So thank you Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid. Thanks for using your platform to save lives.
Visit 'Mind' for more information on symptoms and care for those in need: https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/bluelight/world-suicide-prevention-day/?ctaId=/news-campaigns/campaigns/bluelight/blue-light-programme-events/slices/world-suicide-prevention-day/