Follow Me
by Vala

Album: not on an album (2020)
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Songfacts®:

  • New York-based singer/rapper Vala is a lyricist/guitarist who doesn't mince words. "Follow Me" is a personal song about a conversation with a friend who was struggling with ending his life.

    She told Songfacts: "'Hopelessness' and 'hope' are two words that tell the story behind 'Follow Me.' The pain of the past can bend and try to break you. The core of 'Follow Me' is based on a conversation that I had with a close friend who was struggling. But, in numerous ways, it represents many of the people I've known throughout my life who suffer with addiction and mental health as I do. I told this friend you're not alone: I've breathed the same air, had the same pain. Our lives may be different but we get to the same place if the pain is strong enough. I listened and I think that helped. After I finished writing this song, I lost another close friend. At the time, it didn't seem real. People talk about time standing still; whenever you hear that kind of news, it does. Then it moves very quickly and before you know it you're at their service. I don't think this wound will ever fully heal.

    As a songwriter, I am fortunate enough to be able to use my music as an avenue of expression. I honestly cannot imagine what it would be like not to have this as an outlet for my pain. In the video for the song, I tried to get many people together to sing the chorus to symbolize that you are not alone and we're here. To represent this on social media, I'm using the hashtag #Imlistening to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention."

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