The cover art for Logic & Juanes’ ‘1-800-273-8255’; Photo: YouTube
Rapper Logic tapped Latin singer Juanes for a bilingual version of his suicide prevention song, “1-800-273-8255.”
Just as Luis Fonsi reached across from the other side of the language barrier and pulled Justin Bieber over to sing “Despacito” in Spanish. Fortunately, in the case of “1-800-273-8255,” Logic is actually getting a Spanish-speaking artist to sing in Spanish. Unlike Bieber, who later had no idea of the lyrics he’d sung.
Juanes gives the rapper’s song a new flare, changing the first verse and alternating with Logic in the pre-chorus and chorus. He first comes in with these powerful lines, but in Spanish:
I don’t wanna be alive
I don’t wanna be alive
I just wanna die today
I just wanna die
I don’t wanna be alive
I don’t wanna be alive
I just wanna die
And let me tell you why
And the singer said the song effected him and that he was “incredibly moved,” according to Rolling Stone.
“[I] thought of how many people can relate or know someone who can relate to those words,” he said. “I love to be part of a song with such a powerful message, and I believe we can use music to inspire people who are going through dark times in their lives.”
Logic said Juanes “immediately” accepted his invitation to collaborate.
“[Juanes] is genuinely passionate about mental health awareness, and it all happened organically,” Logic said. “I’m glad that we can discuss this issue and give people hope around the world.”
Logic first got the idea for this song after he met many of his fans who told him his music saved their lives — literally.
“It’s just so hard to fathom that, because I’m just like, a guy who raps,” he said during an interview with the suicide prevention campaign I’m Listening. “And I had to ask myself, ‘If I saved your life, but I wasn’t even trying, could you imagine possibly all the people I could effect if I actually tried and I made, not only one song, but an entire album?'”
