Follow Me
by Vala

Album: not on an album (2020)
Play Video

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."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.