The group's self-titled, second album, released in 2009, debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and was certified gold in the United States, Australia, and Canada. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2010. While both albums were commercially successful, critical reception was mixed. The Fray was ranked No. 84 on Billboard's "Artists of the Decade" list. Their third album Scars & Stories, released in 2012, achieved moderate commercial success; debuting and peaking at number four on the Billboard 200. The album again received mixed reviews from critics. The band's fourth album, Helios, was released in February 2014. The band's compilation album, Through the Years: The Best of the Fray, was released in November 2016.
The Fray's use of the piano as the lead instrument in their music has led critics to compare the band with English piano-driven bands such as Coldplay and Keane. However, the band lists its influences as the Wallflowers, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, and U2.
How to Save a Life
The Fray Lyrics
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He walks, you say sit down, it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
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
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
Let him know that you know best
'Cause after all, you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And I pray to God he hears you
And 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
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 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
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
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
How to save a life
How to save a life
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
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
How to save a life
How to save a life
The Fray's 2005 hit "How To Save a Life" is a song about trying to save a friend from self-destructive behavior or suicide. The song follows a conversation between two friends, one of whom is struggling with personal issues. The singer of the song makes an effort to help the friend, but ultimately fails.
The first verse sets the scene for the conversation, with the friend smiling politely but not really hearing what's being said. The second verse describes the conversation itself, with the singer laying out what the friend needs to do to get help, and then pleading with them to listen. The song ends with the singer reflecting on their failure to save their friend and wondering where they went wrong.
The lyrics are powerful and emotional, and the song's catchy melody and chord progression make it a classic. It's a song that can resonate with anyone who has tried to help a friend in need and felt helpless.
Line by Line Meaning
Step one, you say we need to talk
You express the need to have a conversation with him
He walks, you say sit down, it's just a talk
He begins to leave, but you imply that it's not a big deal
He smiles politely back at you
He fakes a smile to acknowledge your presence
You stare politely right on through
You look at him, but there is no connection
Some sort of window to your right
There is a physical barrier between you and him
As he goes left, and you stay right
He goes his own way, and you go yours
Between the lines of fear and blame
There are unspoken emotions of fear and blame at play
You begin to wonder why you came
You question the purpose and value of the conversation
Where did I go wrong?
You question your own actions or decisions
I lost a friend
You lost his friendship
Somewhere along in the bitterness
The relationship turned sour or negative
And I would have stayed up with you all night
You were willing to go to great lengths for the friendship
Had I known how to save a life
If only you knew what to do or say to fix things
Let him know that you know best
You assert your authority or knowledge over him
'Cause after all, you do know best
You are confident in your opinions or suggestions
Try to slip past his defense
You attempt to get through to him despite his reluctance
Without granting innocence
You do not want to excuse or overlook any wrongdoing
Lay down a list of what is wrong
You point out the issues or problems with the friendship or situation
The things you've told him all along
You bring up the same concerns you've mentioned before
And pray to God he hears you
You hope that he will listen and understand your perspective
As he begins to raise his voice
He becomes more emotional or defensive
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
You stay calm and let him make a decision
Drive until you lose the road
He can choose to keep going until he's lost his way
Or break with the ones you've followed
He can choose to break away from past influences or relationships
He will do one of two things
His decision will fall into one of two categories
He will admit to everything
He will take responsibility for any mistakes or issues
Or he'll say he's just not the same
He will claim that he has changed or grown apart
And you'll begin to wonder why you came
Regardless of his choice, you will question the value of the conversation
How to save a life
The overarching theme of the song is about trying to repair a broken friendship
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Isaac Slade, Joseph King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind