How To Save A Life by The Fray

Album: How To Save A Life (2005)

Charted: 4 3

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In an interview with USA Today, The Fray lead singer Isaac Slade explained that he wrote this song about an experience he had working at Shelterwood, a camp for troubled teens in Denver, Colorado. "One of the kids I was paired up with was a musician," Slade said. "Here I was, a protected suburbanite, and he was just 17 and had all these problems. And no one could write a manual on how to save him."

Slade says this kid was battling drug addiction and had been kicked out of the house. Fortunately, he was already on his recovery journey when Slade met him, and he ended up being OK. Slade's takeaway was that ultimatums and "tough love" usually aren't as effective as listening and offering support, which is how to save a life.
The verses find Issac Slade offering compassion to a loved one, patiently listening and trying to help him through a crisis. The chorus, though, finds him anguished because he wasn't able to save this person. "Where did I go wrong?" he wonders.

The song shows how suicide or death by addiction can devastate the people who care about that person and are trying so hard to help them. Slade says he heard from lots of fans who used this song to help get them through very difficult periods in their lives.
The Fray are devout Christians, and this song certainly has some religious subtext, with specific references to God:

And I pray to God he hears you

The Christian music community embraced the song, sending it to #4 on the Christian Songs chart, but it wasn't marketed as a religious song and was also a hit in the secular community - it made #3 on the Hot 100 and was also a #1 Adult Contemporary hit. The Fray stressed that although they were Christian, they weren't making Christian music.
"How To Save A Life" is known for its use on Grey's Anatomy, an ABC medical drama that was in its second season when it first aired on the March 19, 2006 "Superstition" episode. The song landed in the episode after the show's music supervisor saw The Fray perform in Los Angeles and couldn't resist the very on-the-nose connection between the title and all the life-saving that happens on the show.

The Fray released the song on their debut album, also called How To Save A Life, six months earlier, but were still little-known outside of their home state of Colorado. Soon after the episode aired, The Fray's first single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)" started gaining traction, and in June 2006 it went to #8.

"How To Save A Life" was then used in the promotional campaign for the third season of Grey's Anatomy in the fall of 2006, and it really took off when a custom-made Grey's Anatomy version of the music video (similar to the one made for Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars ") was shown prior to the third season premiere of the show on September 21, 2006. The song was also released as one of the tracks on the Grey's Anatomy, Vol. 2 soundtrack album, and would later be used in the trailer for the Australian release of the show.

All that Grey matter helped send the song up the chart, where it peaked at #3 on October 7.

But that wasn't the end of this association. On March 31, 2011 "How To Save A Life" was used in a special musical episode of the show called "Song Beneath the Song" with cast members in character singing it as they perform surgery.

But wait, there's more. The Season 11 finale of Grey’s Anatomy, which aired April 23, 2015, is titled "How To Save A Life" and features a cover version of the song by the singer Nilu.

The band is often asked about their connection to Grey's Anatomy, and while they're diplomatic about it and grateful for the exposure, you can tell they'd like to be out of this Grey area where they're so associated with the show.
The song was written by Issac Slade and guitarist Joe King, the primary songwriters in the group. They wrote it because they didn't know how to save a life and wanted to share that perspective.

"I had friends in my life that I felt unable to reach," Slade said in a 2007 interview. "I didn't know how to help them or how to stop them or how to save them - it's not like I'm some savior. We wrote the song out of frustration that it's difficult sometimes to know what to say and when to say. How much do you push somebody before they stop taking your phone call? I think that's the frustration of being a parent. You love this kid so much and you want them to be happy and healthy and alive, and you watch them killing themselves slowly or killing themselves all at once, and you feel helpless."
Grey's Anatomy isn't the only medical show to use this song. It was featured on the April 25, 2006 Scrubs episode "My Lunch," as well as the March 1, 2007 episode "My Night to Remember," where the character J.D. looks back on the awkward moments in his life and says how "That Fray song starts playing." When the song come on, J.D. quickly says, "No not that Fray song!" and another Fray song, "She Is," starts playing instead.
Other TV appearances for this song include One Tree Hill, The Hills, 8th & Ocean and Cold Case. HBO used the song for its "Summer Image" television campaign, and it was also used in the trailer for the film Reign Over Me.
Lead guitarist David Welsh told I Like Music how this song came together: "The song came about very organically. Isaac had this idea on the piano of this kind of lullaby. Then he concocted this repetitious drum beat that moved the lullaby along with Ben [drummer Ben Wysocki]. The lyrics came from an experience Isaac had with a teenager he was mentoring who was struggling with drugs and addiction. It was just a very natural process, the song developed and the lyrics fit very well."
"How To Save A Life" was one of the first songs to rack up huge numbers of digital downloads, as consumers made the switch from CDs to MP3s. It sold 3 million downloads, making The Fray the only group to hit that number in the '00s other than Coldplay, whose "Viva La Vida" also moved 3 million.
If you see The Fray in concert and something seems off, that's because lead singer Isaac Slade left the band in 2022, so guitarist Joe King handles their vocals. It was an amicable split and Slade supports their decision to go on without him.

Comments: 103

Azalyth from Vernal, Utah.I've always loves this song but recently I've re-discovered it especially since my cat, that i bottle fed and loved so much, died i miss her so much it hurts, the reason i really love her so much is because she came into my life when i was in the worst ever depression I've ever been in and she brought me out of it she was my little ray of sunshine that kept me going in this pitch dark black i was in, and the pain is only multiplied because it was my fault that she died, if only i had checked under the tires before i left like a normally do, she would still be here but i was so caught up in my own selfishness and self-pity i didn't. it is entirely my fault she died and i was going into depression again and having some suicidal thoughts until i said to myself "i am not going to just be depressed again a throw away everything she gave to me like the happiness i finally felt after being depressed for so long, i am not going to throw away every little happy memory peanut gave me" so i decided i would make some new friends and now i am happier than ever. NEVER give up, NEVER. i promise every one of you that there is still happiness for all of you.
Nari from South KoreaMy younger brother killed himself. He was like my best friend and simply adored this song. He killed himself on his graduation day. what makes it worse is that the day before we had an argument over his depression. I could have stopped him since he came to apologize to me. I thought he was apologizing because of the argument and said that it was okay and told him that I was happy for him because of the graduation. He smiled and asked me if I could hang out with him but I said that I had to finish some work. He nodded and went back to his room then some minutes after he went back to his room, I heard a crash and saw him hanging from a hook with a rope around his neck. I was both the suicidal and friend in this, and I'm glad to say that I've stopped cutting.
Robert from AlaskaThis song is catchy and sounds so good, but I can't listen to it because it always reminds me of the times I wanted to end it all or the times I've cutted. I'm still going through it all but I haven't cut in awhile and I'm happy for it.
Spenser from Sa. AustraliaI guess you have to have been 'in the zone', as either the sufferer, or the 'friend' to understand the meaning. 'Being there', is not an empty word! I have a mate who did something when I was out with another mate, and although I knew something was not 'right', put it down to simply being the usual 'drunken' chat. An event transpired, but althought this was not a suicidal issue, it was life changing for him. However, in my own life circumstances I have faced many challenges, losing my baby brother at 20, when it really should have been me, but despite chronic pain, stress, depression and employment issues, I have persevereved and carried on, but I wonder if it is worth it? I only have my parents and sister to worry over my death, but the pain of living often becomes to much to bear! How much does one need to suffer to protect family?
Jaden (jared) from South Sudan This has been a tough year. Ngl. 1. My best friend called me a slag. 2. I lost my dog to Covid (don’t worry, I didn’t realise that was a thing either). 3. I moved to Hatfield. 4. My holiday was cancelled to North Sudan was cancelled (gutting). 5. Lost an arm wrestle. 6. Got bombed. 7. It was after I finished my house. 8. Tried to sell my camels, got s--t all for them. 9. Spilt my corona (drink), gave me flash backs to point 2. 10. The past 9 points.

All in all, pretty s--t year, but thank f--k for the Fray.

Jaden/Jared x
Navi from Unknown.my name is solisa but everyone online knows me as "navi". one of my greatest and dearest friends is going through alot and he doesnt think hes gonna make it after tongiht. he has attemted twice since we've been friends and this last time had got him taken to the hospital. hes in a very bad state right now and ive been trying to help him the best i can but i now hes tryign to calm himself and accept it. i jsut pray he gets through this. i love him so much. when i didnt hear from him, i got so scared and my vision on life went blurry. i planned on going along wiht him. but that same night, he responded. saying hes back and hes sorry for what he did. he told me his current health situation and said he wants to give life another chance and push through it this time. i promised id never leave his side for it. those few days without him were a nightmare. i felt so broken. theres so much we plan to do and hes so strong. Lee, know i love you. you can do this. youll get to move with me youll get to be happy ill finally get to give you that hug, youll finally feel relief. youll finally be whole. i ask for prayer. i really do. i do. i thank God hes come this far, i know God has a big plan for him i just want him t make it, to see and experience it <3. im in alot of pain. and this song is kinda getting me through this. i dont want to lose him not now not ever. i want to be here fr him. "how to save a life" meant alot to me as a kid going through depression, abuse, and attempts, myself. but it means so much more right now than it ever has. i pray he makes it. ily Lee. we all do, I love you, everyone in the heart glitch pirates server do, everyone in my worst gen server, and God loves you too. never forget that. God bless anyone reading this if youre hurting or going through the same, pleas reach out. ill be here. my discord is navi#2026 . God bless.
Varus from Southern SwedenIf anyone needs someone to talk to ever, please inform me. I wrote this on September the 4th 2020. Please, talk about anything I will be here for a LONG time. - Discord: Varus#7581 - - Instagram: Valdemar_frannhag - You can do this. I love you, we all love you.
Chelsea from UtahThis song represents my intent to work every day to Save A Life in my world of psychiatry. When it first came out I worked in the ER as an RN and suddenly echoed the stories of those I witnessed passing from their mortal existence to a place beyond this world. One night my friend sought me out to help him in a moment of crisis, when I was working a shift one night. He could barely speak, as he was grieving the loss of his girlfriend‘S death. It was tragic and I didn’t know what to say other than, “I care and I will be with you.” My friend recovered from his depression and he is now an ER physician. This also launched my desire to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner and continue my efforts to Save A Life, working to bring possibilities of recovery through medications, therapy and being present spiritually to assist in safe passage to a better minute, day....year. I thank The Fray for brining awareness to how important it is to connect when we fear that we don’t know what to do. It is okay to say, “I don’t know what to do, but I will be present for you”.My heart goes out to all who have witnessed a loss of friend or loved one. Know that we do care and hear your pain. Ask for help!!!
Rick from UsaMost of you people need to seek counseling and the rest need to get over it. Why on earth would you want to listen to a song that brings back bad memories or makes you cry or depressed? I have had bad times in my life too don't think I haven't but I don't dwell on the past because I hear a song that reminds me of a sad depressing day. Cheer up god loves you all, live for tomorrow not the past....
Megan from Western Australia The night my friend committed suicide When he asked me to hang out- little did I know he was depressed. With no clue, I went to work that night when I could’ve been there for him. He was 19 and had his whole life ahead of him, I think about it everyday. He was the first dead body I’ve seen. I expected him to smile but I walked up to the casket that day and saw the exact opposite. This song reminds me of him
Kaidan from Usa I love this song, it’s so nostalgic for me. When I was younger, my dad used to listen to this song all the time and we both loved it. Then my mom and dad got a divorce and I started seeing him less. Then a few year later he was accused of doing something he didn’t do. And he got arrested. And then he said he was guilty, which I still don’t believe. And now, I’m not going to see him in 10 years. So now every time I hear this song, I feel like crying. I love it because it reminds of the good old times. But it makes me sad, because I may never see my dad ever again.....
Amelia from Marietta, Ga3 years ago, my husband put a gun to my head and then turned it on himself and pulled the trigger right in front of me. He'd been having manic episodes for almost 2 years but seemed to be getting better. My favorite show was (is) Grey's Anatomy and we were watching it the night the fight (ending in his death) started. I spent 7 hours trying to calm him down. About 4 or 5 hours in, he pulled out the gun and I spent many hours trying to get him to put it down. Promising him we would make it if he would just put down the gun. The hoodie I was wearing as I pressed my hands on the entrance and exit wounds, holding in the blood, said, "it's a beautiful day to save lives".. I kept him alive while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Which in turn kept him “alive” for 12 more hours before being declared brain dead and 3 days later, saving at least 4 lives through organ donation. I asked my husband's friend to sing "How To Save A Life" at his funeral. The same episode this song plays on Grey's is also the same episode where Derek first says "it's a beautiful day to save lives". He even says it while the song is playing. This song has so much meaning to me.
Jezebel from AustraliaAs life changes - the meaning of the same songs change too.
This was a song I used to just enjoy as it was so well done but lately it sums up my life.

My partner is a Type 1 Diabetic and plagued with depression, he has hit rock bottom and despite having a circle of family and friends that would do anything for him, no one is able to help him as he refuses to be helped. 'Help' becomes a battle in itself. He has become a shell of the person that he once used to be. He merely exists, I continue to see him deteriorate and loose interest in everything he once loved, including the love he had for me. I continue to bear the full brunt of his depression where I am the enemy, my life has become about his moods, anger, arguments and managing him while I suffer silently. Every day I want to walk away but how can I leave him this way but one day soon I will lose the strength to carry on. This song gives me strength as it makes me feel that he or I are not the only ones in life going through such problems.

Well done Isaac Fray - there are surely many different kinds of pain in life, it's not one size fits all! People need to know about depression & substance abuse which throws in another dimension to an already bad problem and the pain and suffering that all affected by it go through.
Graham from ScotlandI have to agree with Rebekah - Rock Springs, Wy
I had a very similar experience, and this song was released after our breakup, the lyrics spoke to me on a personal and very emotional level, I was at an event recently and a live musician sang this in his set, I was with my daughter she had to ask me why I was crying...

I just love this song, fantastic
Martha from OhioThis song is so beautiful on so many levels. Musically and artistically, as well as being meaningful and emotional. You always know the best songs come from real experiences that actually touch the heart of the person who wrote them, so I was not surprised to find out that this was what happened here. To the woman who asked why someone would write such a song when they know there are so many people who are hurting and suicidal-did you ever think that maybe that person might not realize how much anguish they would put someone through if they left them that way? Maybe hearing this song might make a person realize that their mom or friend or neighbor or sister would be crying later and wishing they could have done something-anything-to prevent it...maybe thinking that thought will prompt them to think again. I love, love, love this song-it's a classic and so great.
Rebekah from Rock Springs, WyWow, this song can have so many meanings depending on the person listening to it. I can see the perspective of someone who's suicidal. For me it's about a relationship and almost identical to what happened in my relationship. We needed to talk, at first he didn't want to but we'd been having issues and it was finally an all or nothing kind of talk. He finally sat down and we talked and talked trying to save our relationship. I was giving a list of things I needed from him in order to feel secure in moving forward but still admitting I needed to work on my own issues as well. He just wanted to go to bed. In the end he said, "he loved me and was committed to me but wouldn't agree to counseling" and I had to walk away. I felt like the way to "save a life" or save our future marriage was lost and in that moment I didn't know what else to do accept walk away. This JUST happened and the emotions are still very raw. I've always loved this song but now it has such a deeper meaning.
Spencer from Eugene, OrI had a friend named Lexi whom I grew up with, by freshman year we grew apart, I started making new friends, she lost most of her friends, one night she calls me when I am at a party, she says, I need you more than ever right now, I told her I cant talk right now... three days later she shot herself... there was a note left for me saying... you did wrong when I needed you the most, now all you will here is my pathetic ghost.
Ezmryder from Nsw, Australiawow theres a lot of comments took me a while to read them all, one comment that really struck home for me was by - Timmy, Mukilteo, WA
"suicude is almost impossible to stop. the last thing a suicidal person wants is to be told not to kill themselves. the problem with society is that people dont care until the last possible moment of someones life."
and thats true people enjoy watching others pain in currently in yr 9 at highschool and whenever a fight breaks out people run to watch it and record it on there phones because they get there sick kicks out of it i think i have bipolar disorder and anxiety, i can barly sit in a class with out feeling like some one is going to hurt me or i start hyperventilating normally when i can tell this is going to happen i get a note and "go to the bathroom" i get picked on a bit and im scared to tell my parents because i dont want to be an even bigger dissapointment to them than i already am some of my close friends no and my ex who has turned out to be 1 of my best friends he still loves me but im not good enough for him the guy i am currently with who i love has his own problems and i dont wont to stress him more by telling him this iv had a few people tell me to go die and iv considered it but iv never sucked it up because i have this stupid delusion that some one might actually care...
Kimberly from Landing, NjWe all are gifted, life says, follow what we see, cont. to as we help one another. Thank you for the beauty in your lyrics. Very sight as seen. Thank You..*
Caleb from Dallas, Txwhen i first heard the song i thought it had to do with a break up or child birth gone wrong or a bad doctors visit, also possible divorce. Its totally cool to see everyone s opinion on here,so thank you all for sharing you thoughts :)
Derek from Who Cares?, DcFavorite song of all-time.
Grey from Fairfax, VaTo Stephen from Armenia, I will pray for you.
My mom served over seas for 9 months, not as bad as many people, and thank goodness not in the war zone. My dad decided he liked being single and divorced her after 17 years. She told me that she tried to hang herself and the only thng that kept her from not doing it right that moment in over seas was that she wanted all her work done and to make sure it was bad for the person that would find her. She told that to a person she was working for and he told the Doc. They helped her get therapy and shes still learning that shes perfect and it wasn't that my dad didn't want her or didn't love her or was happy without her, her had his own problems, ones that didn't include her at all. Though she has learned it, I can still hear her calling the suicide hotline. I hope just me saying I'm sorry will be enough.
Mary from London, United KingdomEvery time I hear this song it makes me cry... I wanted to commit suicide but thank God a friend helped me. But this song always reminds me of that...
Nicki from Baltimore, MdWow. I always liked the song but I guess I didnt pay that much attention to the lyrics. I figured that it was about a relationship on the brink of breaking up. Now after reading what the lead singer said on this site...it makes so much sense. I have my psych. degree and I have worked with suicidal people as well as those with addiction problems. I also have dealt with both in my family. Now the song has such a deeper meaning. You want so much to help people but sometimes its so hard to figure out how. Theres no manual on "how to save a life" in those situations. Sometimes if they are so lost and don't want saving, you feel you failed. Great song. I have a newfound respect for the Fray now.
Joel from Oxford, Oxfordshire, United KingdomThis is a very touching song. It makes sense that it has been used on such medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy and House, M.D. I don't recall hearing it on Scrubs but I'm sure it was used.
Lamonica from Nashville, Tn~I love how this one song brought all these ppl on this site together and how strangers are related.~
=]
Kaisi from Shanghai, ChinaReally touching and emotional..many people have once thought about suicide..finally, some survive, while some get "free". How to save a life? Maybe we cannot -- as long as those people have been determined to end their own lives. Perhaps, it would be better if we never stop loving. Let them feel loved might be the best way to keep them from those sad thoughts, or at least, make it better. Love this piece so much...yeah it has never bored me.
Lauren from Lynn, Ara kid in my class, my friend jace, died this summer.he was playing with a toy gun with his brother.it turned out the gun was real. the weird thing was that they had played with it before.his girlfriend moved after his death, so we ended up losing two friends that summer. his brother was a real jerk.everyone in our class gets teary-eyed when this song plays. to us, its not about suicide. its about how you never know when its going to happen or to whom.r.i.p. jace.
Donna Brothers from West Blocton, AlMy son, committed suicide in January of this year, he was depressed and after his death someone left the words to some of these songs on his grave, I didnt know anything about this group, but can't help but feel that songs about suicide only makes matters worse for someone who is in a dangerous place (suicidal thoughts), (going through a bad divorce, etc.) why would anyone write songs about suicide knowing there are so many depressed people in the world.
Recently someone said to me, his life turned out like the words in a "Fray" song, about "you never called" very sad,
Lisa from Milwaukee, Wi, WiTo Timmy in WA - I disagree. The problem with depression/suicidal thoughts is that if one is having these feelings they feel weak, and don't want to be perceived as such.
I think people DO care, but are unable to see the extent of pain someone is in because they usually try to fight those feelings and not let them show.
Any other feelings on the subject?
Uzoma from Kano, OtherGet so nostagic anytime i hear this song. Got this album when we were moving out of a neigbourhood i grow up in. So painfull seeing a sweet circle that spun 18 years spin its last.
Sarah from St Paul , Mnwelll i love this song but i think its about 2 friends and one believes in god and the other deosnt and the one freind is trying 2 convince the other one 2 become christian " hey i know how 2 save a life."
Edward from Rockledge, FlWow, this song really is deep, I don't see why anyone would not like this song, it has so much meaning to it!
Dari from Florida, FlTo me this song is about losing a friend, whether that be by death or just growing apart. I also believe it could be about helping someone who obviously needs help but you don't know how or what to do to help them! the part "I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life" means the most to me, i think it is saying that If you knew there was something you could do or say to the person to help "save their life" you would stay up with them "all night" or do whatever you can to help them. This is a classic song that will be on radio play for years and years to come because of its relativeness.
Hope from Naperville, Ilmy favorite part..."where did i go wrong i lost a friend somewhere along in the bitterness..." its such a versatile yet meaningful line. it seems about suicide at first glance but can be about a lot more things too.
IM SEEING THE FRAY LIVE IN 1 MONTH!! JUNE 28!
Timmy from Mukilteo, Wasuicude is almost impossible to stop. the last thing a suicidal person wants is to be told not to kill themselves. the problem with society is that people dont care until the last possible moment of someones life.
Ben from Greater Vancouver, Bcto me its about you and a friend, and you are trying to tell the him/her that they're are on the wrong path, but the person doesnt listen. So they head in different directions."she turns left and you stay right" and then your life is fine, but she/he ends in disaster and you lose 'em and you are wondering why did it happen and what u could have done to stop it. (where di i go wrong, i lost a friend, somewhere along in the bitterness". I had a friend and she left our school in depression and now i havent seen her in years. this song helps the eases my hurt. the fray pwns
Paul from Manila, PhilippinesSometimes the context and lyrics of a song easily overwhelm any specific concerns about the performance. The Frays "How to Save a Life" is one of those. Inspired by practical wisdom gained from working at a camp for troubled youths, Isaac Slade (the band's lead singer) words easily captivates many listeners. "How to Save a Life" tells astory about a friend, as well as a mentor, trying to save a life of a troubled teen. The Fray successfully entertains the listeners with their great song and capture some with the use of words on their lyrics.
Duyen from Murrieta, CaBefore when I heard the song, I started to cry badly. It reminds me of my deceased brother. He passed away one month before his 16th birthday. I didn't have the chance to see him for the last time. I've been away from home for one yr and a half. The last time I saw him was Sep. 5, 2007. He committed suicide on July 24, 2008.... There remains a feeling of guilt in me. I'm his older sis but just couldn't do anything to help him. I thought that I understood him but I was totally wrong. I'm such an uncaring person.
Kat from Candyland, WiThis song is really deep
and it could be about so many different things if you really think about it
like when i first read the lyrics i thought it was about like some one being abused like in the part where it says they've changed
totally intense!
Bob from Las Vegas, NvThats a lot of comments
Shilo from Noneofyourbuisness, ItalyI can relate to this song, because I lost my gramma...The words are so meaningfuland and true.Amaing band,amazing song ^^ ~Shilo~
Alex from Rio Rancho, NmI do believe this is about people who mess up their lives and trying to save them from thier fault; drugs, suicide, mental illness, ect. It can be interpreted as a man & woman relationship, but it is sung by a man and is most likely talking about their friend.
Elena from Port M., Australiaawwwh,
this song is so upsetting, reading all your comments i get goosebumps, your stories are so sad. i know everyone feels alone and that they are th eonly one with problems, but i realise, its not jsut me with life changing experiences gained at a young age
let us all take strength from these wise words =]
take care and love to all
Shadelle from Columbia, Scooooohhh,so thats why he made that song so people would listen to others and care about what they are trying to say......this song reminds me of my grandpa.................i miss him so much but hes in a better place now so im sure hes happy and isnt going to let anyone hurt me..........also he will be proud if i achive my goals..........thanks the fray!!!!!!!!!
Chris from Newport Beach , CaI tried to kill myself. To everyone around me I could not explain what I was feeling. This song has so much depth and emotion it really helps me when im feeling down. And the lyrics are right, No one knows how to save a life.
Marie from Laubach, Germanythis song really means a lot to me. they played it on the radio when i got to know that my best friend had killed himself. it describes so much how much you want to help a loved one, but you just can't.
And i'd have stayed up with you all night, had i known how to save a life..........~*RIP Lexy*~
Bailey Wilson from Tazewell, TnThis song explains my life for this year my aunt is in the hospital because she had a stroke and she is about to die.And my uncle shot his brains out when i was right beside of him(one of the worst things you could ever see trust me i know).
And my great grandma died to soright now my life sucks and this song is about the only friend i have right now because the whole family is saying i killed every one who died and i didn't ,of course , why would i do that gosh it's times like these you think life is just not worth living.=[
Stephen from Non-existentvile, ArmeniaI first heard this song about 3 months ago. I had just returned from Iraq without either of my legs and shrapnel in my spine leaving me totally paralyzed. My only family (wife and son) had to drive 8 hours to get to the hospital only to get gunned down by a man who had just lost his dog to a bald eagle. My son at the age of only 4 months was shot 134 times and my wife being hit 112 times. I will never forget the words that my wife screamed out as she went down in that hospital waiting room "AAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!" i just really think this song speaks for me in my time of agony.
Zoey from Phoenix, AzThis song is so sad. It made me cry when I first heard it.
Susan from Westchestertonfieldville, Vadrug addiction - suicide - father or someone trying to help their son.

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 pray to God he hears you
Katie from Hopewell Junction, Nywhat is great about this song is that everyone who loves it gets it at such a different level, and I wouldn't be here without it. (no offense, Fio and El, you helped me out alot too) I think that is about some one who wants to kill themselves and the people who help them out.
Sarah from Lahoma, OkOmg this song really touches me...i really didnt understand it in the beginning but its all clear now..it reminds me of me and how all my friends used to tell me that i needed to change and i always turned my nose up at them i made on of those 2 choices and now i regret it
Marie from Seattle, WaI first heard this song shortly after my brother died. He was an alcoholic, and after watching a parent as an alcoholic, I deemed any help hopeless, and never even tried to help him. This song sums it all up for me.
Michele from Houston, TxThis song reminds me of a guy that was at one time my best friend. When my friend was going through his divorce, I would talk to him on the phone every night until he would fall asleep, because after 13 years of marriage, being alone at night made it almost impossible for him to sleep, and by me talking to him, it took away his loneliness. My husbands jealousy eventually made it impossible for us to remain close. The hardest thing that I've ever had to do was walk away from him.
Stephanie from Pittsburgh, PaMy friend Jake died of a drug overdose, and this describes exactly how it was in the months preceding his death. Everyone tried so hard to help him, to get him in rehab and let him know how much we cared, but he pushed away every single person who called him on his addiction, and became a different person altogether. This will always be my anthem for him. RIP Jake A.
Stike from Aurora, Canadawoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.................... this is a grat song =)
Stike from Aurora, Canadai think of this song as a fight between a guy and a girlbut i see y ppl think of it as a father and sone or helping ppl out with a problem but this song is a grat one my best friend whenerver she is sad she will go to her room and listin to this song
Mikko from Chicago, IlDoes anyone here watch scrubs? I do and there is an episode called "My Lunch." they play this as a certain patient dies while the doctors are trying to save him. It was so sad it made me cry. There is something about this song that brnigs out so much emotion whenever people listen to it. It is a great song.
Lauren from Jackson, MsWOW... I cant really explain why this song REALLy is so powerful, but if you know then you know... thats some deep stuff.... its like a 3 min version of my life for the past 3 yrs... awesome
Kristin from Santa Maria, CaThis song makes me cry every time I hear it. It reminds me of my friend who was killed in a car accident, my senior year of high school.
Barbette Ann from Baguio City, Otherthis song reminds me of philip, he died in a big bike accident just this september 23,2007... just meters away from their home..they played this at his funeral.. dude we'll be missing you nd wherever you are now we know you're in a better place..
Matthew from Milford, MaAnd every night I will save your life,
And every night I will be with you,
And every night I still lie awake,
And I dream of an absolution...
Jim from Rossville, IlI liked this song after the first few times hearing it.I really like it now because my P.E. teacher died but when i think about him and get sad this song pops in my head and I feel Somewhat better
Mike from St. Louis, MoIsaac Slade, the lead vocalist and pianist found inspiration for the song while he was a counselor at a camp for troubled teens. As a mentor for an aspiring 17-year-old musician, he could find no way to save his life before his problems got worse. The line "I would've stayed up with you all night, had I known how to save a life," really shows the pressure he was under to save the youth.
Lauren from Perth, Australiai think phillip is wrong here because god doesnt help every person that prays to him. i think there is something out there, but i do believe that this song is very powerful and i am glad it has helped alot of people.
Ashley from LeedsSounds to me a song about regret and how he didnt know how to help someone
Josh from Toronto"This song also reminds me of an old friend of mine, Curtis. We just never saw quite eye to eye. He moved and we lost touch. "Exact same thing happened to me, and his name was Curtis. Anyways, this song is just amazing but more than that, immensely meaningful, too.
Sandy from In, InI absolutely LOVE this song even though I have absolutely no idea what it is about. I thought this sight was supposed to tell me what it is about!!
Jess from Lowell, Mathis song isn't about suicide, really. it's about loss of a loved one in general. not necessarily physical loss but emotional loss. this is what makes the song so amazing, because you can interpret it so you can connect with the singer.
Alex from New York, NyThey should learn How to write a song before they learn how to save a life.
Alex from New York, NyIm sorry but this song sucks
Margaret from Annapolis, MdI always thought this song was beautiful. There are just some songs that make me feel like I want to listen to over and over. After my brother died, I saw one of the videos and it just really...helped, somehow. Whatever, I LOVE the song!
Kiku from Honolulu, HiThis song came out just when my husband and I were trying to deal with our 19 year old son and the questionable decisions he was making (he was in trouble with the law, thinking about leaving school, trying to "save" a female friend of his) and it's almost supernatural how every single line in this song rang so true for so long that I cried every time I heard it. The newer video also hits home as we try to deal with several issues, deaths of parents and our 16 year old daughter and her issue. I love this song, bittersweet as it is.
Holly from Danville, VaThis song brings a rush of emotions everytime I hear it. there are many friends that I would want to save. But then I wish that they would realize how much pain I was in and save me.
Matthew from Milford, MaI agree 100% with Phillip, by the way.
Matthew from Milford, MaThis song seems to be similar to "Dreams of an Absolution" from "Sonic the Hedgehog" for the Xbox 360. The song is Silver's theme song, and the main difference to me is that "Dreams of an Absolution" seems to refer to physical death, while "How to Save a Life" is about spiritual death.
Lydia from Yukon, OkThis song always strikes a chord with me...a few years ago my father had a bad drinking problem, and I felt like I had to do something. "How to Save a Life" describes, to me, what it feels like to confront someone with something big, and how you worry the whole time if they'll listen. It turned out okay; about six months later, he thanked me. This song will always mean to me that sometimes we have to do hard things, like confronting the ones we love with their problems, to save them.
Ruby from Cc, TxThis song has several different videos, by the way.
George Ramage from Deltona, Fli heard this song its my favorite song.
Kavz from London, EnglandI think this song is about the right things in ilfe. Whether this is to work really hard, have lots of fun or to achieve something huge. In this video, the girl wearing the pink dress is about to get married and she is a doctor. She goes to the hospital to find that her patient had died. Also, a man is dying and the worker falls in love with him. and so she could save his life by making love to him-- this saves his life. Death is a thing we all try to avoid and this song outlines that clearly!!!!!!
Kayla from Richmond, VaThis song is amazing. I think it is sad. I love it though! I can just listen to it over and over =)
Philip from Louisville, Kythe song is very emotional..if you read the bible you could easily find how to save anyones life..well really it's Jesus who does the saving. But you can definitely help someone. God does hear you when you pray..I think everyones insights into the lyrics are correct-just need to bring it through the Cross-redemption and you'll have victory in your life instead of defeat. Everyone eventually moves from one address to the next-but, it's always THEIR decision.
Hannah from Atlanta, GaI'm really glad this song came out when it did because I think it really helped save a life. Be it mine or my best friend's life. It saved one of us for sure.
Adam from Las Vegas, NvI DON'T REALLY THINK THIS SONG IS ABOUT SUICIDE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE HERE SEEMS TOO. I THINK IT'S ABOUT A FAILING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A MAN AND WOMAN. PERHAPS THE WOMAN (FIRST PERSON) HAS HAD A TROUBLED LIFE AND OR MORE PROBLEMS THAN HER SIGNIFIGANT OTHER, AND SHE WISHES SHE KNEW HOW TO SAVE HIM THE WAY SHE FEELS HE SAVED HER. IT'S SAD BECAUSE DESPITE THE FACT THAT HE WAS THE BEST THING IN HER LIFE, SHE MUST LET HIM GO BECAUSE THEY CANNOT SEE EYE TO EYE. THE SONG DESCRIBES A BREAKDOWN IN COMMUNICATION IN THE RELATIONSHIP PERFECTLY. IT HITS HOME. ANYONE MARRIED HERE WILL KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
Mike from West Milford, Njthe scene that runs through my head is a simple one: a girl sitting her boyfriend down to talk about their relationship...

i do understand the connections with depression and suicide and drugs...

at its core, the song is about one person confronting another person about a problem in the 2nd person's life... be it drugs, suicide, relationships, etc.... it applies to all problems... and that's why its so popular
S from Aberdeen, United StatesI absolutely love this song, it is one of my favorites.
Jaclyn from Buffalo, Nyi understand why this song could make someone cry, but i don't see it like that. i see it as a way to make things better and help others.
Stacy from Evansville, InI love this song. I struggle with depression and the lyrics are so true because at times I don't think people realize how much they are saving my life just by listening to me. Literally. The friend who you can call at 2 in the morning is a true friend.
Natalie from Fulshear, Txi think its about a father who has a son, and the son has a drug problem...its about the father trying to confront his son about his drug use...sit down we need to talk, he walks...then the father tries to tell him that he knows best and tells him whats right and wrong...lay down a list of what is wrong...then later they are in a fight and the father lowers his voice and gives him a choice, basically to keep doing what hes doing and miss all purpose in life, or to break with the ones who influenced him...then eventually he will either admit everything, or keep lying and say hes just changing
Megan from Nowhere, KyThis is one of the most overplayed songs ever, but I still love it and I'll never get tired of it. It reminds me of my best friend who was having a hard time struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. One year after everything happened, she said I was the reason she was still alive. So now every time I hear this song, I think of her and everything that she went through and the emotion I felt when she told me. It's an incredible song.
Lexie from Haifa, IsraelI really love this song.
Like pretty mush everyone said it's really touching and emotional.
kind of reminds me of a friend of mine, and how i'm not really doing all i could to help her. :(
Chelseanne from Alma, MoI really like this song...and it really touched me. Its me and my boyfriend's "song" because he saved me from commiting suicide.
I love it.
Matthew from New York City, Nyat first i thought he was helping his friend with a girl..then it didnt go well..thus losing a friend
Krissy from Swansea, WalesI agree with the first comment. It is a really emotional song and it makes me cry too. But it is written fantastically and the lyrics are perfect. Try not to blame yourself for things that are out of your control. Easier said than done - I know.
Emersyn from Toledo, United StatesI personally think this song is about someone having a friend or a loved one addicted to drugs. but I also think it's about suicide and not "saving" that person from taking their life and I think it can be viewed either way. When it says
"Between the lines of fear and blame
you begin to wonder why you came."
I had friends addicted to drugs and it was hard talking to them and this exact thought went through my head when they started yelling and getting mad I just wondered why i ever came to talk to them.. and the one verse says as he beings to raise his voice. just like I said my friend that was addicted got very loud and deffensive and I had to just keep my cool and this song is extremly meaningful and touching to me I like it alot. I view it about suicide and drug addiction I really think either way is right.
Dawson from Draper, UtA terrific song live, I saw The Fray at UVSC in Utah, and they played this one last. There was a lot of emotion in the building.
Loranne from Mississauga, CanadaYeah, this one remindes me of suicide too. It remindes me of the night when I took a huge Seroquel overdose. I went to the hospital and my mom stayed at my bedside the whole night even though I was too out-of-it to know.
Alexa from Lansing, Mii love this song and i cry my eyes out everytime i hear it. it reminds me of my friend james who commited suicide just a few months ago. when ever i hear the part "and i would have stayed up, with you all night, had i known how to save a life" it makes me cry and makes me feel guilty becuase i didnt know he was in that much pain, and i didnt know it was even coming. i only wish i could have been with him that night to save his life. i love you james, rest in peace.
Carina from Brussels, Belgiumi really love this song to it reminds me of so many people in my life and the new music video for it is really cool
Ashley from Decatur, IlI love this song. It makes me cry.
Brently from Corning, CaThis song also reminds me of an old friend of mine, Curtis. We just never saw quite eye to eye.
He moved and we lost touch.
Brently from Corning, CaAt first I really didn't know what this song meant. This song kinda reminds me of someone who's desperate for someone to help them! I really like these lyrics!

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