I. Introduction
The song “13 Reasons Why” is the official soundtrack of the Netflix series with the same title, an American teen drama mystery television series based on the 2007 novel by Jay Asher. The show premiered on Netflix on March 31, 2017, and received mixed comments from critics and viewers alike. Despite this, the song became a hit, garnering a lot of attention. This article aims to explore the themes of the song, its creation, impact, and its connection to mental health awareness.
II. Analyze the Lyrics of “13 Reasons Why” Song
The song’s lyrics depict the desperation of a young girl, Hannah Baker, who commits suicide. The song is highly emotional and intense, using metaphors and strong imagery to convey the tone of the song.
The themes of “13 Reasons Why” are centered on love, loss, pain, and, ultimately, suicide. The lyrics are directed towards the young teen struggling with her life, with Hannah’s voice leading the way. It is important to note that the song speaks to important issues faced by today’s youth, which makes it relatable and quite moving.
The following lyrics are examples of how the song relates to the show’s themes:
“I’m a shadow, now you’re seeing the worst of me
Gone too far, now DJ won’t you turn me around?
We got one life, one chance, and we’re not sure if it’s meant to last.”
These lyrics reflect Hannah’s state of mind and her situation, as she felt like a shadow, with no one noticing her struggles. The lyrics also create a sense of urgency, with Hannah asking for someone to help her before it is too late. The line “We got one life, one chance, and we’re not sure if it’s meant to last” highlights the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing it.
III. The Creation of “13 Reasons Why” Song
The song was co-written and performed by Selena Gomez and produced by record producer Brian Alexander Morgan. The creation process was highly collaborative, with the artists working closely together to create a perfect fit for the show and its message of a young girl suffering from mental health problems.
The song was originally called “A Reason” and was written in early 2016. Gomez was touched by the story when manager Mandy Teefey brought the book to her, and she helped make it into a project. They recorded the song in a single day, with Morgan producing the track.
Interestingly, fans of the show debated over whether the song belonged to Selena Gomez or the band leader of The Night We Met, Lord Huron. It was widely believed that Selena helped with the production of the song, and the lyrics also indicate that it was written from a female perspective. However, the song’s original composer should also be appreciated for his contribution.
IV. Impact of “13 Reasons Why” Song
The song’s impact on the show’s fanbase and pop culture at large is undeniable. The song scored a top 40 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was streamed over 200 million times on Spotify. It also won the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Musical Moment and was nominated for numerous other accolades.
Many fans credit the song with bringing to light important issues surrounding mental health and suicide. The song has become somewhat of an anthem for mental health awareness, with many organizations utilizing the song’s lyrics as a way to spark important conversations about mental health.
V. Connection between “13 Reasons Why” Song and Mental Health Awareness
The connection between the song and the show’s story is quite apparent, but it goes even deeper than that. The song serves as a rallying cry for those who suffer from mental health disorders. The song’s lyrics encourage listening to others and making them feel heard, a message that people all over the world have latched onto.
The artists behind the song have also shown their dedication to raising awareness about mental health. Selena Gomez has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression and has been involved in several mental health initiatives. She and other artists featured on the soundtrack for the show donated money to the Trevor Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals.
VI. Comparison of “13 Reasons Why” Song to Other TV Show Theme Songs
The “13 Reasons Why” song stands out in terms of its message and tone, as it tackles significant issues that are relevant to today’s youth. Other TV show theme songs tend to be more upbeat or more traditional in their genre, with most of them not dealing with such heavy themes as this song.
The show’s use of the song has been widely praised as well, as it creates an emotional connection between the viewer and Hannah’s story. The song ends up being one of the show’s biggest assets, as it draws people closer to the story and engages them in an important conversation.
VII. Interview with the Artists behind “13 Reasons Why” Song
In a recent interview, Selena Gomez spoke candidly about her experience co-creating the song, saying that she felt creatively liberated by the project and was grateful for the opportunity. “It’s amazing when you’re writing for a purpose, and this was one of those projects where I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself,” she said.
The artists behind the song have been vocal about their passion for the show and its message, and they seem eager to continue to spread awareness about mental health. There are currently no public plans for another collaboration, but many fans hope that they will work together again in the future.
VIII. Conclusion
The song “13 Reasons Why” has left a lasting mark on the pop culture landscape, and it has served as a powerful tool in the fight for mental health awareness. Its deep themes, strong lyrics, and emotional performance by Gomez make it stand out from the rest of the TV show theme songs out there. By using their popularity to generate meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, the artists behind the song have shown themselves to be committed to making a difference.
We should take the conversation around mental health seriously, especially for our youth. Let’s continue to raise awareness, and advocate for mental health resources worldwide. Together, we can make a difference.