literature

How To Save A Life

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Literature Text

Step one, you say, "We need to talk"
He walks, you say, "Sit down it's just a talk"
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through


"Hey. Come on, let's talk. Sit here." I say, motioning towards the couch. He looks like he's going to leave. "Just sit." I urge.
He sits, and he gives me an artificial smile, as if he doesn't know why I want to talk to him. I just watch him.

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 came


"You know why we're here. We need to sort out this problem of yours, and I think it's best if you talk to someone about it." I say.

He stays silent.

"You used to tell me about this before, you used to let it all out. And then you stopped. You started keeping everything bottled up inside. You closed up. It's not right. You'll start to wither." I start. "Everyone needs an outlet. You're my friend. You know I'll do anything to help you, if you would just talk to me." I look out of the window, at the dark night sky.

More silence. Finally, "I have no idea what you're talking about. I know I used to have trouble, but I'm fine now. Really. That's why I stopped talking about it – there's nothing to talk about anymore." He looks in the opposite direction.

I know he's lying through his teeth. It's been clear the past couple of months that he's only gotten worse. His behavior makes it obvious. But if he doesn't want to talk, then why am I here? 'There's nothing to talk about anymore' – I feel dread seep through me. He wasn't going to . . . commit . . ?

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 life


No, I wouldn't let him do that. We were going to talk about this, even if we had to stay up all night. He needed an outlet, whether he admitted it or not.

Let him know that you know best
'Cause after, all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence


"Don't give me that nonsense. Do you think I don't know you? I know what to do here. You obviously don't."

"There's nothing wrong, man. It's all fine now, everything was cleared up a while back." He gives me another forged smile.

"Enough with the lies."

He sighs in defeat and looks down, emptiness in his eyes. "Alright. . . " He mumbles.

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


"You shouldn't be trying to keep it all in, alright? Stop thinking you're the only one with problems. You're not. There are people out there who have it worse than you. Think about them, too. What I think you really need, is a confidant to talk to. Someone who'll hear you out and try their best to help you." Please listen to me, I think.

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 life


We begin to discuss his problem. I look at the clock: its 1:30 AM now. I hope earnestly that he's listening to me.

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed


He starts getting frustrated.

"I feel trapped! What the hell am I supposed to do?!" He yells.

"Calm down," I say. "You have two options. Tie the loose ends up, or cut them off."

He closes his eyes for a few minutes. Then, "Can we go somewhere, please? I feel locked up here."

"Okay." I say. Whatever helps him feel better.

We go outside and to the car. He opens the driver's door.

"No, I'll drive." I say frowning, reaching my hand out for the keys.

"It's alright," He protests. "I like driving. Besides, you'll be with me, right?"

"Of course." I mutter.

I get into the passenger seat, and he starts driving. We drive for a while, and then we enter a dirt road.

"Hey, where are we going?" I ask him anxiously.

"It's nothing to worry about. It's a place I go to when I want peace." He replies.

I pause, then nod reluctantly, not feeling all too reassured.

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 came


We stop outside what seems to be a field. We get out, and he walks. I follow him. After clearing a few trees, I see that about ten metres away, even though the only light's coming from the moon, there's what's, unmistakably, a cliff.

Panicking, I grab his arm and say, "Lets – lets, sit here."

I drag him to the nearest tree and we sit down, facing the dark cliff. He leans back against the tree and sighs.

"So, tie the loose ends up, or cut them off?" I ask.

He pauses. "Things will be different, but I'm going to face my problems head on." He replies.

I sigh in relief and give him a hug. So there wasn't anything to worry about now. Why was I here?

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 life


Because I'd stay with him all night long if I had to, to get him to see sense.

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 life


We sat there, talking. And for the first time since forever, I saw him smiling and laughing.

How to save a life

Of course, his problem wasn't resolved yet, but I feel like the weight on my shoulders had lifted somewhat.

How to save a life

This would be his first step. . .

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 life


Towards recovery. . .

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 life


Thinking back now, that's the way I wish things had gone.

How to save a life

How to save a life
Well. . this idea got a hold of me a while back and wouldn't let go :shrug:

Basically my view of the song; what I think of when I listen to it.

It's inspired by an experience of mine with a friend, but don't worry, it wasn't so serious!

Hope you like it!



How To Save A Life © The Fray
© 2012 - 2024 After--Forever
Comments16
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Siouxi-Q's avatar
Wow. I got so caught up in this story that I felt as if I was watching a movie.
(And that Fray song just became a lot cooler to me.)