“Listen Now” by Ben Drysdale is an honest and emotional song that tells people struggling with depression that they are not alone. Following the singer’s experience of receiving a call from a suicidal friend in distress and having a conversation with him, Ben realized his friend’s mental health struggles are a shared experience. The song is both a show of support and a space for the singer’s vulnerability to be shared. In repeating the words “listen now” in both the verse and chorus, the words are an emphasis on the messages they precede. In the first verse, the narrator sings, “I’ll show you where I hide the cracks behind my smile”. Sharing this struggle and relating to both the friend this song was written for and any listener who feels the same, is a special show of empathy. It communicates the speaker is recognizing his friend’s pain and bearing his own. The verse concludes with the words “I’m here to get you by”, before delving into the chorus with the idea of going through the difficulty together. The words “we’ll take a stumble through the tunnel, make it to the light” are a particularly powerful metaphor. It portrays the darkness brought about by mental illness as a tunnel, meaning there is hope because tunnels have an end. These lyrics by no means make the process of healing seem easy, but they emphasize the strength that comes from having someone by your side with the use of the word “we”.
Slow piano chords introduce the song and accompany Ben’s soft and slow vocals. His voice is breathy and warm, bringing a level of sensitivity to the tune. In the verses, he takes his time with his words, as though he is gently connecting with his friend. Through the chorus, Ben is singing with his chest as his voice grows in volume and power. There is some slight harmonizing through backup vocals used sparingly and purposefully throughout the song, especially during the chorus. Acoustic guitar strumming offers a raw and comforting texture, beginning at the first chorus and continuing throughout the rest of the song.
Ben Drysdale is a singer and songwriter who has performed across North America, and Ireland. He is originally from Canberra, Australia. Ben co-wrote “Listen Now” with his mentor, John Clinebell. This song won second place in the Hawaii Songwriting Festival in 2023, where Eddy Bishai accompanied him on the piano. His music has been featured on television shows like The Young and The Restless and Ex On The Beach. He is a part of East Row Rabble, a funk and soul music group, as their singer and songwriter. He is known as a folk singer but also draws on rock and blues in his music. Take the time to listen to his lyrics, and experience truly powerful messages about life.
Written By Hanna Kowal
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