A lifetime masterpiece! The song “How to save a life” was composed by Fray’s lead singer Isaac Slade after his experience working as a mentor at a rehabilitation camp for teens.
After being paired up with a troubled 17-year-old teen who had many problems, including drug addiction problems. He found out that no one, including himself, had the capacity to save him from destroying his life.
After unsuccessful attempts to save the teen, Slade wrote the song “How to save a life.” That is the central theme of the song. Due to drug addiction, a young teen boy lost his best friend and could not deal with the bitterness. In addition to that, the Fray band left the song open for personal interpretation.
What does the song “How To Save A Life” mean?
With different meanings attached to it, this emotional masterpiece seemingly talks about giving up on each other. Just as Isaac Slade says. “And I would have stayed up with you all night. Had I known how to save a life.” shows that it’s not good to lose hope in people.
The lyrics are laid out in a framework that provides a connection for many people who, just like Isaac Slade, give up on their friends too soon without giving them a few more chances because they didn’t know how to.
The truth is that most of us can relate in one way or another to the feeling of people giving up on us. The feeling is bitter and hurtful, whether it is from a close friend or family.
Yes! This song is based on the act of having the desire to help someone, but you end up giving up because you don’t know what approach to take. Even though we might have little chance to help people who do not want to change, it is essential not to give up on them.
The line: “And I pray to God he hears you” reminds us that when all help we have to offer is depleted, prayers can help a lot.
What is the meaning behind the song “How To Save A Life”?
The song “How to save a life” addresses all the people with regrets about a person they tried dearly to help but succumbed to either; Suicide, addiction, or depression.
The truth is that as much as they are a lot of guilty emotions accompanied by such instances, there is nothing that can be done. “How to save a life” is a good classical song that reminds us that it’s never our fault and that at least we tried.
Facts About “How To Save A Life” By Fray
This single track was officially released on 13 September 2005. It was recorded at the Epic Records studio, and it is the second single track from the album How To Save A Life. It is considered a Christian song.
At the time of the release of this track, The Fray’s rock band consisted of:
- Isaac Slade
- Dave Welsh
- Joe King
- Ben Wysocki
The song “How to save a life” is considered The Fray’s most-successful song due to its impressive and outstanding performance. For instance, the track remained on Billboard Hot 100 songs for a good 58 weeks and making it the Fray’s signature song.
In addition to the song’s outstanding performance, “How to save a life” achieved its multi-platinum record in the US and Italy, having sold over 5,000,000 copies on all digital platforms.
The track “How to Save a Life” has so far won the following Awards:
- The 2006 Billboard Music Award, being named Digital Album of the Year.
- A 2007 Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance genre.
Lastly, due to the soul-piercing and emotional lyrics of the track “How to Save a Life.” The song was featured on “Grey’s Anatomy,” a popular medical television series largely focused on saving the lives of dying patients.
What is “How To Save A Life” about
The song “How to save a life” is a polite reminder of the act of kindness and the art of not giving up on our loved ones. Just caring, a tight hug and a true act of love could go a long way in someone who’s hurting, addicted, or depressed.
The song reminds us that no one is perfect, and once in a while, we all need a shoulder to lean on. If everyone gave up on you, you would not be where you are right now. At some point in time, despite how hard it was to love you and someone who believed in you, and that simple act of love made you totally different.
Hey! This is your chance too. Don’t give up on your friend, family, or whoever you are planning to give up on. As stubborn as they are, you light up their world.
Lyric “How To Save A Life” by Fray
Step one, you say we need to talkHe walks, you say sit down, it’s just a talk He smiles politely back at you You stare politely right on through Some sort of window to your right As he goes left, and you stay right Between the lines of fear and blame You begin to wonder why you cameWhere did I go wrong?I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a lifeLet him know that you know best‘Cause after all, you do know best Try to slip past his defense Without granting innocence Lay down a list of what is wrong The things you’ve told him all along And pray to God he hears you And I pray to God he hears youAnd where did I go wrong?I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a lifeAs he begins to raise his voiceYou lower yours and grant him one last choice Drive until you lose the road Or break with the ones you’ve followed He will do one of two things He will admit to everything Or he’ll say he’s just not the same And you’ll begin to wonder why you cameWhere did I go wrong?I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a lifeWhere did I go wrong?I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a lifeHow to save a lifeHow to save a lifeWhere did I go wrong?I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a lifeWhere did I go wrong?I lost a friend Somewhere along in the bitterness And I would have stayed up with you all night Had I known how to save a lifeHow to save a lifeHow to save a life