Released: 2017 • Features: Alessia Cara, Khalid
“1-800-273-8255” by Logic, with features from Alessia Cara and Khalid, is a raw examination of the turmoil of depression and suicidal thoughts, eventually leading to a resolution of hope and a pledge for life. It takes listeners on a journey into the darker recesses of the human mind, and then guides them towards the light.
We roll out onto Logic’s verse, drenched in feelings of isolation and despair. When he says, “I’ve been on the low, I been taking my time,” he’s communicating that he’s been keeping to himself, wrestling with his thoughts and feelings. The melancholy phrase “I feel like my life ain’t mine” touches on an experience not uncommon among those battling depression — feeling out of control, a sense of disassociation from their own lives.
When Logic states, “And my life don’t even matter, I know it, I know it,” we see the depth of his perceived insignificance, but the song quickly raises the stakes with the line, “They say every life precious but nobody care about mine.” This is a powerful commentary on the hypocrisy that society often presents, highlighting the disconnect between platitudes and real support.
The chorus then switches from “I don’t wanna be alive” to “I want you to be alive,” signifying a turning point, an intervention of sorts. It’s a transformative moment where the song shifts from despair to hope. It suggests that, while one may want to give up, there’s still a chance for change and rejuvenation.
With Alessia Cara and Khalid’s contributions, they express the beauty and struggles in life, illustrating the duality of existence. They acknowledge both the pain and the joy that life offers. “What’s the day without a little night?” is a line that metaphorically means that life’s lowest points can contrast and highlight its best moments.
In the final verse, Logic speaks of continued adversity and struggle, and yet he manages to find a renewed desire to live. Describing his process of moving forward despite the pain, he underlines resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s a crucial part of the narrative of ‘surviving’, giving the listener a sense of potential victory over their own personal demons.
By the end of the song, Logic has taken us on an emotional rollercoaster ride, from despair and hopelessness, through intervention and understanding, to resilience and a renewed desire to live. He manages to lay bare the harsh realities of mental health while encouraging dialogue and action, making “1-800-273-8255” not just a song, but a call to action.
