Messages in The Two Songs ‘sad!’ Performed by Xxxtentacion and ‘logic’ Performed by Alessia Cara and Khalid

Introduction

Even though the two songs ‘SAD!’ performed by XXXTentacion and ‘1-800-273-8255’ by Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid are written about mental health, there are many differences in how they are both portrayed to the audience. Both these songs enable the audience to see how people with depression live, the emotions they don’t express, and the possibility of wanting to end their lives. These songs may send the same message to the audience; however, throughout both songs, differences appear. By comparing and contrasting these songs, the similarities consist of the meaning, and the differences consist of the way they are both structured and the different devices/techniques used.

Messages in the Two Songs

The two songs ‘SAD!’ and ‘1-800-273-8255’ both have many similarities; however, the main similarity they both share is the purpose of the song. Both songs reach out to all the people who are unfortunate enough to suffer a mental illness, depression that leads to suicide. They are both wake-up calls to people that individuals struggling with the illness may need you to reach out to them, which could lead to saving their lives. This is evident in ‘1-800-273-8255’ as the lyrics state, “I've been praying for somebody to save me, no one's heroic” (Logic, 2017, Verse 1, Line 2). Both songs articulate the feelings and emotions that people experience while going through a down point in their lives. For example, in ‘SAD!’ “Who am I? Someone that's afraid to let go, uh” (XXXTentacion, 2018), and in ‘1-800-273-8255’, “I been on the low, I been taking my time, I feel like I'm out of my mind, it feels like my life ain’t mine” (Logic, 2017).

Structure and Stylistic Differences

A notable difference between these two songs is the way they are structured. The song ‘SAD!’ has a simpler structure than ‘1-800-273-8255’, as the chorus is repeated three times with one verse in between, whereas ‘1-800-273-8255’ includes three different verses, three pre-choruses, three choruses, and one outro. As mentioned, it is evident that ‘1-800-273-8255’ is a much longer and more complex song. Although ‘SAD!’ has continuous lyrics, the use of punctuation is more effective in this song. For example, in the chorus, he sings, “Who am I? Someone that's afraid to let go, uh.” This line is impactful with punctuation as the question mark enhances the meaning, prompting the listener to ponder the question.

Tone and Mood

The tone and mood of these songs start similarly; however, ‘SAD!’ remains consistent, while ‘1-800-273-8255’ undergoes a transformation. At the beginning of both songs, the mood is somber, urging awareness about reaching out to people. ‘SAD!’ maintains this melancholic tone throughout, whereas ‘1-800-273-8255’ arrives at a hopeful conclusion. This shift is evident at the end of the song where the lyrics proclaim, “I finally wanna be alive (Finally wanna be alive), I finally wanna be alive, I don't wanna die today, I don't wanna die” (Logic, 2017). The final verse and outro alter the song’s mood, emphasizing a newfound desire to live.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the two songs ‘SAD!’ performed by XXXTentacion and ‘1-800-273-8255’ by Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid both convey similar messages and can be compared and contrasted. The songs allow the audience to understand what individuals suffering from depression endure and how they can be supported. The differences between the two songs include their structures and mood changes, while the similarity lies in the meaningful message they impart.

References

Logic. (2017). 1-800-273-8255 [Song]. On Everybody. Def Jam Recordings.

XXXTentacion. (2018). SAD! [Song]. On ? (Question Mark). Bad Vibes Forever, Empire.