Chair
Sufferer Lyrics

I know the warning signs
I am familiar with the signs of suicide risk.

I have ignored them in others
Despite knowing the warning signs, I have chosen to overlook them in other people who might have needed help.

I could have helped, but never made an effort
I failed to take action and provide support to people in need even when I knew they were at risk.

They could have lived and never made an attempt
If I had offered help, they might have survived and never considered suicide.

I am the lingering promise that swears that I'll end your pain
I represent the false promise of relief from pain that suicide seems to offer.

I am the dark deep sleep you long for
I embody the idea of a peaceful darkness that people seek when they contemplate suicide.

I crawl through tunnels that I've carved out carefully in your head
I represent the negative and self-destructive thoughts that people experience when they are suicidal.

I'm the envious longing and lust for death
I am the alluring temptation that death can seem to be, particularly when life feels unrelentingly painful and difficult.

Move along
Keep going despite the struggles and challenges that might be in your path.

The critics at your funeral: "how selfish can you be"
People might respond to your suicide with judgment and even hostility, not realizing that you might have been struggling with overwhelming difficulties.

Pay respect
It's important to show compassion and understanding for people who have considered suicide, regardless of whether they end up dying by suicide or not.

Though some'll pity you they're mumbling "thank god it wasn't me"
Even people who express sympathy might secretly feel relieved that they are not the ones struggling with suicidal thoughts.

While we daydream of sleeping, the sleeping will always give way
Suicidal thoughts can seem like a seductive escape from reality, but eventually people always have to face the challenges and difficulties of life.

And we're waking up just to find out that nothing has changed
Despite hoping that things might be different after a night's sleep or some other change, people often find that their problems still exist.

Oh it all stays the fucking same
The lack of change and difficulty of life can be deeply frustrating and contribute to feelings of despair.

Tired but do I have a breath worth catching
When life feels exhausting, people might wonder whether it's worth continuing to fight and try.

Try to find a silver line
Despite the difficulties of life, people often try to find reasons to keep going and hope for better things in the future.

Line up all the pros and cons to living
It can be helpful to weigh the good and bad things about life and find reasons to continue living if possible.

Tally up the reasons not to cash in and die
Despite feeling overwhelmed and tempted by suicide, people often recognize reasons to stay alive and face their struggles head-on.

Call it what it fucking is
Use accurate and honest language to describe the experience of suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Cry for help
Suicidal thoughts might be a signal that someone needs help and support from others.

Do you need the attention
Some people might accuse those with suicidal thoughts of simply wanting attention, but this is a simplistic and ultimately unhelpful way of understanding suicidal ideation.

Chalk it up to cowardice
Some might falsely attribute suicidal thoughts to cowardice, but in fact it takes courage to face one's difficulties and seek help when needed.

Recreant
This word means cowardly or disloyal, and seems to imply that suicide is an act of betrayal or weakness.

I know how you can get it
Having struggled with suicidal thoughts myself, I understand what it feels like and how difficult those feelings can be.

Maybe they're right
People who judge or dismiss people with suicidal thoughts might think they are correct, but in fact their viewpoint is misguided and harmful.

Maybe they suffer as much as us
People who are quick to condemn and judge others might themselves be struggling with similar feelings and difficulties.

All because of us
The problems and challenges of life can feel overwhelming and sometimes it's tempting to blame oneself for everything that goes wrong.

Get the chair
This phrase seems to suggest a desire for punishment or self-harm, which can be a disturbing symptom of severe depression or suicidal ideation.

Can some burdens take care of themselves?
Despite feeling deeply weighed down by life's challenges, people may wonder whether there are any circumstances under which those problems might be resolved without their intervention.

Does it help?
It's important to question whether suicidal thoughts will really lead to relief or help, or whether they might ultimately cause more problems and difficulties.

Kick it out
When suicidal thoughts occur, it can be helpful to attempt to push them out by focusing on something else or engaging in self-care activities.

Say a prayer
For people who believe in prayer, this might be a way of seeking comfort and support during difficult times.

Spit
This word is often associated with rejection or disgust, which suggests a deep aversion to or rejection of suicidal ideation.

Gone
This word evokes a sense of loss and despair, as if something has been irrevocably taken away.

All is lost
This line reinforces the sense of despair and hopelessness that suicide can evoke.

We end on our terms or end up back
This phrase seems to suggest that suicide might be seen as a way to take control of one's own life and death, although this view can be detrimental and ultimately harmful.

Can't end the cycle
Despite feeling desperate and like there's no way out, it's important to remember that suicide is not a solution and often creates further pain and problems.

Just cut it in half
Suicidal thoughts might feel all-consuming, but it's possible to break them up and address them in pieces in order to begin finding a way forward.

I know the warning signs
This line, repeated again at the end, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of suicide risk and seeking help when necessary.