According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. To help combat this, September serves as Suicide Prevention Month with several individuals and organizations raising awareness across the country. As music is often an outlet for those struggling with mental health, Pop Passion has compiled a list of Pop Songs For Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting tracks that raise awareness for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and provide hope to those in need.
1. "Friend, Please" by Twenty One Pilots
Written from the perspective of someone trying to convince a friend to stay alive, “Friend, Please” is a touching track from Twenty One Pilots that focuses on suicide prevention. The song feels deeply personal as frontman Tyler Joseph sings to a loved one who is considering suicide, encouraging them to believe that life is worth living despite how dark things may feel at the moment. “Friend, Please” comes off the duo’s self-titled album, being one song of many from Twenty One Pilots to tackle the intricacies of mental health.
2. "1-800-273-8255 (ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid)" by Logic
A huge hit from 2017, Logic collaborated with Alessia Cara and Khalid to create “1-800-273-8255” (aka “1-800”). The track is named after the original number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and uses Logic’s platform as an artist to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Shedding light on the meaning behind the song, Logic discussed “1-800” during an interview with Genius, stating, “So the first hook and verse is from the perspective of someone who is calling the hotline, and they want to commit suicide. They want to kill themselves. They want to end their life. When I jumped on a tour bus that started in Los Angeles, California and I ended in New York City and did a fan tour where I went to fans' houses and shared meals with them, hung out with them, played them my album before it came out. Them along with other people on tour, just fans that I met randomly, they've said things like, ‘Your music has saved my life. You've saved my life.’ And I was always like, ‘Aw so nice of you. Thanks.’ And I give them a hug and shit but, in my mind, I'm like, ‘What the fuck?’ And they're really serious. And they tat shit on their arms and get shit like lyrics that save their life, and, in my mind, I was like, ‘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?”
3. "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind
An upbeat power pop/alt rock hit from the 90s, Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” has a deeper meaning that some might not realize due to its lightheartedness. The track’s narrative is based on real events, centering around band manager Eric Godtland’s high school friend who committed suicide after enduring bullying for his sexuality. “Jumper” has taken on multiple meanings over the years, including suicide prevention, anti-bullying, and encouraging listeners to have compassion for one another.
4. "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects
A song with a powerful narrative, The All-American Rejects’ “Move Along” is a pop-punk classic that has an anti-suicide message incorporated into its lyrics. “Move Along” was written by Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter, serving as the titular track from the band’s second studio album and is considered by Wheeler to be an “anti-suicide message song about believing in oneself and persevering in the face of problems.”
5. "Call Your Mom" by Noah Kahan
A deeply moving and touching song, Noah Kahan’s “Call Your Mom” promises unconditional support for those struggling with mental illness. The track reminds us that there’s always light at the end of a tunnel as Kahan tenderly sings to a loved one and begs them to stay. An emotional journey, “Call Your Mom” provides reassurance that others have been in similar situations and have lived through it, showing us that there’s hope despite how dark things might seem.
6. "Life's Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)" by Man-Made Sunshine
Earnest and vulnerable, Man-Made Sunshine’s “Life’s Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)” reflects on struggling through a heavy depression and healing from that mental anguish. The track comes from Conor Mason’s solo project, giving a transparent look into the psyche of the Nothing But Thieves frontman. “Life’s Gonna Kill You (If You Let It)” shows that it’s possible to survive even the darkest of places in your mind, giving a gentle reminder to not give up and that any storm can be weathered.
7. "Reason To Live" by Malachi Gagnon
Written as a letter to friend, Malachi Gagnon’s “Reason To Live” is a beautiful new release that has an equally beautiful message. The ballad debuted during Suicide Prevention Month on September 20, 2024, reflecting on the artist’s grief over losing a loved one to suicide. Gagnon wrote “Reason To Live” as a tribute to his late friend, using the lyrics to send a message of hope to those struggling with their own battles. It’s a reminder that you’re never alone and shows us that life is worth living.
8. "Forever Winter" by Taylor Swift
A heartfelt reflection on the fear of losing a friend to self-harm, Taylor Swift’s “Forever Winter” describes the artist’s anxiety over having a loved one suffering from mental illness. The track shows Swift supporting someone through a dark time, trying to encourage him to see the brighter side of life and remind him that she’s there for him. “Forever Winter” shines light on two different perspectives through the lyrics, bouncing between how Swift’s loved one is feeling and how that impacts the artist. It’s often considered a cathartic song, acknowledging the difficulties faced by those struggling with mental health and the loved ones who are trying to support them.
While the songs on this list can help those experiencing mental health troubles and suicidal thoughts, don’t rely on music alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Written By Cheyenne Johnson
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