Behind the Logic “1-800-273-8255” suicide chat line song

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This music video if it originated from the UK would be titled ‘116 123’, the number for the Samaritans. It’s a very strong and emotional depiction of a struggle many people in the world face on a daily basis, although it doesn’t portray financial trouble this can be a factor in those with suicidal thoughts so we thought it worthy of posting. You’re never alone, speak to someone!

The song

The title of the track, “1-800-273-8255,” is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US, the nearest equivalent in the UK is 116 123 for the Samaritans.

Within 2 weeks of launching it has seen 23M views, along with a further 5M for the live version (3rd video on this page).

Behind the song

In an interview with Genius, Logic said:

So the first hook and verse is from the perspective of someone who is calling the hotline and they want to commit suicide. They want to kill themselves. They want to end their life. When I jumped on a tour bus that started in Los Angeles, California and I ended in New York City and did a fan tour where I went to fan’s houses and shared meals with them, hung out with them, played them my album before it came out. Them along with other people on tour, just fans that I met randomly, they’ve said things like, “Your music has saved my life. You’ve saved my life.” And I was always like, “Aw so nice of you. Thanks.” And I give them a hug and shit but in my mind, I’m like, “What the fuck?” And they’re really serious. And they tat shit on their arms and get shit like lyrics that save their life and in my mind, I was like, “Man I wasn’t even trying to save nobody’s life.” And then it hit me, the power that I have as an artist with a voice. I wasn’t even trying to save your life. Now what can happen if I actually did?.^[4]

Helplines and support groups

We know it can be difficult to pick up the phone, but reach out to somebody and let them know how you are feeling.

• Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
• Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
• PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
• Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information.
• Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
• Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.

I have literally no money, what can I do?

Immediate relief:

• Speak with family & friends – it’s obvious but understandably doesn’t work for everyone however most family members or friends will prefer to help than see you suffer. Just remember to pay them back (& not go off and splash out on non essentials) otherwise you risk ruining your relationship.
• Find your local food bank & get referred, you will need a voucher from an authority (e.g. Doctor, Citizens Advice Bureau, Family support, Job Centre, Colleges, Council, Hospital, Probation services, Social Services, and various other charities/groups) but these are fairly common across the country.
• See if there is a Foodcycle or similar near you, normally will give you a hot meal
• See if you can apply for a hardship grant via Turn2Us, anything from being a Vegan to having a last name of Johnston and everything in between! Also speak with your university/college or your council for similar hardship grants (these often aren’t ‘advertised’).
• Apply for a crisis loan – https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits/how-it-works
• Take advantage of freebies etc, for instance we generally have multiple freebies on our website including free food and drink
• See if you have a local church that can help or a charity that gives free food. For instance in a Sikh Gurdwara (temple) they have Langars (kitchens) where vegetarian food is served to all visitors (regardless of faith, ethnicity etc).
• Bank overdraft – Only really suitable for students who can get 0% for up to 3-5 years, if you can’t get this interest free then ideally avoid it as long term it will cost you more money.
• Do some small jobs for cash – Cutting lawns, helping decorate etc. Make a few flyers with your story and explain what you’re trying to do and someone will help. Search local job boards, Facebook groups etc for cash in hand jobs.
• Sell your unused things on Facebook, Gumtree etc
• I know it may sound ridiculous but lots of places throw away perfectly edible food at the end of the day, finding these places can massively help but be careful with the whole trespassing thing.

Immediate relief that you should try and avoid

• Avoid payday loans – they’re the devils work, cost you ridiculous fees and if you don’t pay them back in time you risk massive charges
• Avoid credit cards – if used correctly you can benefit from the perks / income from stoozing HOWEVER if you’re currently in a situation where you have little or no money this unfortunately proves you’re not the best with financial planning, this is common with lots of people so don’t worry you’re not alone but getting a credit card is a bad idea at the moment.
• Avoid doing something you may regret – e.g. something illegal
• Avoid a bank loan – you need to drastically improve your current financial situation, masking it with cash that isn’t yours and will cost you more to pay back isn’t a solution.

Short term relief:

• Learn about ‘Reduced to clear’ times and exploit them to get super cheap food
• Delay/postpone your bills – Speak with the council, electricity/gas/phone companies &/or landlord and see if they can delay/spread out over time your bills etc to give you some breathing space.
• Continue looking for other grants you can apply for.
• Use our free guides on this website (e.g. improve yourself, profit & save)

Long term changes you need to make ASAP:

• Reconsider your food expenses, what you buy, where you buy it etc.
• Wrap up warm and learn how to spend less on your heating
• Learn about couponing and do it
• Educate yourself, use that education to earn more money. You can learn so much for free.
• Act confident and you can get away with anything (within reason)

Watch the song live at MTV