My choir teacher told me to promise I would listen to this tonight. I did. And it saved me for one more night. I stayed alive another night. Thank you.
I sing this whenever my self hatred gets too intense to handle. The line "You are not a burden to anyone" always makes me cry because I'm slowly working on believing that.
Hi Mercy. I just found this video and read your comment. I hope you are doing well. In French the meaning of the name Fae is: Fairy. Also a, meaning: Confidence; trust; belief. I pray you have found confidence, trust and belief in yourself.
@@MrTherauhster thank you i relapsed and cut again on the 28th of feburary but i havent cut since. Im goin almost 2 months and now draw when i feel upset like that :) not proud of myself for cutting but im proud of myself for staying alive
@@Yagirlhannah2004 anytime you feel like that, you can reply to this comment hannah and I promise to respond as fast as I can ♥️ know help will be there wherever you seek it
We sang this for All-State choir last year and nothing has surpassed the sound and emotion of singing "You are light" while surrounded by 100 others doing the same. I almost couldn't hold my note it was so powerful...
"You are light." I burst into tears at that point. Was introduced to this song for the first time this past week. My choir has chosen to add this song and 'Let My Love Be Heard" to our repertoire this year and I'm so thrilled. Remembering all those who have passed on for reasons of suicide or just giving up. For those struggling or wanting to give it all up....Please stay. Thank you for this wonderful music!
I get to meet Jake Runestad in a few days because I get to do a workshop with him with my choir! If I can I’m going to let him know that he’s my hero because this song saved my life.
This choir is unbelievable. I have to admit they are incredible. Every note is so clear. I actually sang this with my choir at the University of Akron. I just wanted to say this group is incredible.
when we performed this in high school, anyone who had lost someone to suicide came down at the end and held up pictures of the person. beautiful song and beautiful memories
As a 14 year old with extremely severe depression and anxiety with suicidal thoughts just makes all this make me feel better. Friday a choir performed this at my school and I was crying the whole time
@@sageycakes22 I'm so glad you made it. A funny coincidence. I'm a 14 year old with sever depression and anxiety with lots of suicidal thoughts. Tonight was my district's high school's spectacular show for show choir. The middle school grades all came to sing one song with them, and then watch the show. This was the last song they sang. Everyone the middle schooler section was crying. I balled my eyes out the entire time along with a few others. My sister looked at me the whole time while singing this. She was singing it to me. After it was over we hugged for at least 5 minutes. Neither one of us wanted to let go. I'll remember this for the rest of my life.
Mr. Runestad. Thank you. This song will never leave me. I made an attempt on my life because I felt that no one was there. I wish that I had heard this beautiful song. This song is a perfect embodiment of hope and will keep being a beacon of light throughout the ages. This song has saved my life and will continue to save others in the future. Singing this will be one of the hardest things I'll ever do, but I feel this immediate need to tell as many people as I can that they are loved. Thank you... Thank you Mr. Runestad.
Our choir has decided we will be performing this song for our Fall program this year. In the past month, we have lost 2 of our classmates to suicide. I cannot fathom how much this song has touched us and brought us together as a choir and as a single community. There was not a dry eye as we listened to this song, and remembered who they were and what they meant to us. We miss them more than ever, and they won't be forgotten thanks to you and the song that just seemed to find us in this time. It has made me feel like they are still here with us now, and I could have made them listen to this and convinced them that while they felt like they were the only people in the world, they were the world to someone else.. Your work is absolutely stunning, and I couldn't think of a better memorial for Nick and for Raistlin. May they rest in peace. This song means so much more to our school as we mourn now than it ever can, and it means that much more to me, as Nick was an old friend but a very important one. Thank you Mr. Runestad. Keep inspiring.
Just this past month my school too has had 2 suicides, one being a teacher's son. They were only in 8th and 9th grade. I plan on mentioning this song to my choir teacher.
My high school choir is also singing this song in our fall concert for suicide awareness. Our choir teacher asked us to look up this song and listen to it because she said it was so beautiful. I started crying. I'm so sorry for the lose at your school. Nothing, NOTHING, can replace a human life who has left us.... I'm so sorry
Our choir decided to sing this piece as well. We lost a friend not because of suicide but a heart attack. He had a bright future and was a genuine prodigy. His life was ended too short. When we sang this classmates had to leave the room. We have all been through hard times and this song reminds us that we are not alone. Thank you. God bless you and your wonderful music.
I sob every time I listen to this. Rehearsing it in choir is also a challenge. This hits so very close to home for me. Thank you, Mr. Runnestad for creating this beautiful piece.
Just recently I had a mental war happening all day and I had been breaking down an crying for no reasons and then I started to remember all of my loved ones who killed them self’s because of mental health. And I sadly started cutting my legs again. Where I know no one would see it. I almost took my life because I couldn’t deal with the pain and suffering that I’m constantly going through. I didn’t do it because my best friend had texted me. Just to check up on me at 3AM. I was crying and I called him. And he talked me out of it and told me that I wasn’t a burden even though I felt like I was. And this song is such a beautiful composure. Thank you so much.
I am someone with depression. A good friend of mine showed this to me. It almost put me to tears. Her hand shook as she held mine while we listened. I have had depression for a long time. More than 3 years most likely. I have had thoughts of suicide for many of those months, and 3 weeks ago it was particularly strong. This song means a lot. I don't get to see my friend very often, and I'm more commonly alone then with someone. While ending my life sounds like such a beautiful thing, I don't think I will. I'm not living for me. If I did, I would have been gone a long time ago. I'm living for the friends that care. There aren't many that I know, but there are some. And I will live for them. Even if I don't know how to live for myself. This song does give me hope. Maybe people do care. More than I can see. I am very thankful for my amazing friend for putting up with me and showing this to me and I am thankful that this song has been made. If it can bring hope to me, I'm sure it gives hope to many more. I hope we can stay strong, stronger than me.
You're so right- "Maybe people do care. More than I can see." People do care, much more than you can ever know. Thank you for sharing your story, Ornji. You are a valuable person. You are worthy of giving your love to this world and receiving the beautiful gifts of life. Life will change, you'll continue to evolve through challenges and joyful surprises, and you'll look back and be able to use the challenges you've faced to bless someone else. In the meantime, you are loved and cared for even by a complete stranger like me! Sending you all my love.
Ariel M Thank you very much. This world is a hard one, but knowing people like you exist can give hope. I wish I knew more like you. Once again, thank you for
I wish I had found this piece in 2021, I was at the lowest point in my life, and there wasn't hope for me. I'm not still here because I found a reason to continue, I'm here because God decided that I needed to still be. I attempted twice, and both times they failed by chance. I got the help I needed, but the shame I feel I still battle with. This song so perfectly encapulates how I feel. Thank you so much for writing this
I just finished All State Choir in Montana. We sang this song. It was an absolute honor to meet Jake Runestad and perform it for him. It was an amazing and emotional experience that I will always remember. Thank you Jake💓
A choir came to my high school and circled around the students (including me) and sang this song. I have depression and social anxiety and at that time I hadn’t told anyone that I was suffering. When the choir sang this song, I got this feeling in my chest and it felt magical. It felt like I was finally pulled away from all of the depressed thoughts and was able to breathe. I was finally being seen. A few months later, I told my doctor and I was quickly got a therapist who I saw weekly and was also given medication. The first few sessions I cried and my therapist said, during the last couple of meetings, that she saw a total 180. I am now more confident, working on my social anxiety, and found my true calling which is writing. If it wasn’t for this song, I would never be the person I am today.
Listening to this song helps me process my grief, both as a survivor and as I continue to grieve the young lives I’ve lost to suicide 💙 thank you so much, Jake Runestad… your words help more than you can ever know.
This is the only song that has made me fight back tears while singing. We sang this for the Montana All-State Music Festival this last October and Jake Runestad was going to fly in from Salt Lake to teach us his music. Unfortunately, his flight was canceled and there was no flight he could take to make it in time. He could have just accepted it but instead, he decided to be a mad man and drive all the way from Salt Lake to Great Falls just to make our performance sound great. It really shows how much he cares and how dedicated he is, learning how to sing a piece from the composer is always cool but Jake was so much more incredible and he made All-State unforgettable for me. Thank you!
I sang this my junior year in choir in high school. At the end, we did what they did in this video, joining hands. I was still on the risers so I could see the audience. I didn’t realize that magnitude of what I was doing until I looked out into the audience and saw people crying, and it hit me how important singing this was. That will always be my favorite choir memory.
I got to see my old choir teacher today. He has always been my biggest supporter when it comes to pursuing music and through Choir he basically saved my life. The year I tried to commit suicide I was really in a terrible condition and when I got out of the hospital, it wasn’t much brighter. Then I came back to my choir class and the song our choir was working on was Please stay and even though I know my teacher choosing this song wasn’t because I tried to end myself, it was a sign that i had a reason to stay, and that was my love for music and and performance and it was thanks to my choir teacher that I can stand here now and say that I’m pursuing music.
I finally managed to get into Allstate where I am and this is one of the pieces they picked this year. I’ve been really struggling and finally got some help for it, and seeing this is one of the songs they’ve picked made me tear up a bit. It really is special
I met Jake Runestad in 2018 region honor choir for coastal California region. the music he composes is so nice and refreshing it makes me feel piece. Especially, the piano when it sounds like its own solo behind the the choir and how the choir becomes the accompany.
When i was 17 our choir got to go to a college concert. I had a plan to end my life that night. They sang this song and it was like a sign from god. Now im 22 happier than ever.
I sang in this song and I go back and watch, every time it brings me to tears. As someone who suffers from anxiety which has brought me to horrible thoughts it's nice to hear this when I need to. Thank you, Jake Runestad, for writing this to help everyone who also needs this said to them. I'm so fortunate to have been able to work with you with the Capital University Chapel Choir. You have no idea how much this song means to me.
My high school choir is singing this song. Everyone was so entranced in the song when we first heard it. Most people were almost brought to tears. Even our music director admitted he cried when he first saw this performed. He said it impacted him so much because he thought of us and all his students. In all honesty it hit home for me. Ever since last year I have been falling deeper into depression and close to making an attempt. While in class singing this it’s never hit me hard because we are just learning it and there isn’t much emotion put into yet. We haven’t done any of the spoken lines and that’s what hit me hard while watching this video. I’m crying right now.. I think I might ask for help finally.
Ronicia -- I'm so glad you are singing this piece and appreciate you sharing your story. It can seem really, really difficult to move beyond what you're feeling but it IS possible and there are people that want to support you! I hope you do seek help -- it's a sign of strength to do so. Sending lots of love. Here's a great resource: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
My choir teacher showed this to us the day after suicide prevention day, it was stunning. We have upwards towards 80 people in the A Capella choir at my school, and never have I heard a room so silent. In that moment, we weren’t seniors and juniors, bass and tenor, or alto and soprano; we were a family. It was truly one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had in choir. Beautiful song. I’m absolutely sure this performance has changed lives.
Learned this song in choir in 2022 and I still come back to it. We weren’t able to perform it and it felt like a dagger hitting my heart because this song meant so much to me and others I know. This song is beautiful and having to had studied the words and worked on singing it, it’s not hard to put your feelings into it but it’s so hard to keep yourself together the more you feel the lyrics… I’ll never forget this song
i can usually hold it together until they all start holding hands... and then i start crying. because community was honestly what saved me when i so deep in depression this past year. if i hadn’t been in school, i really don’t know what would have happened to me.
This is absolutely STUNNING. It takes quite a bit for this stone cold queen to shed a tear during a piece. This did exactly that, it's so obvious to me that this was such a labor of love. From where some of the words were taken from to the lines and to the choralography. THIS is choral music in the world.
This song came too late for my son RYAN. He ended his life on his third attempt, the internal turmoil, the emotional pain was too much to bear. I can HONESTLY say that my brave brave boy, 25 years young, tried his damn hardest to keep loving for nearly 10 years. He had reasons to be depressed and anxious, he was being treated with therapy and medication, and special programs for mental illnesses, yet he did what he did because the daily pain was too much after so much effort on his part to improve his life and overall mental/emotional well-being, my poor boy. I so WISH I could’ve taken it all away so he could have now been here LIVING THE LIFE he wanted to really have. If you’re hurting and thinking of ending your life, PLEAE PLEASE, DONT, PLEASE STAY! Your family & those that DO CARE & LOVE YOU WANT YOU HERE!!! Talk to them PLEASE, go to therapy, take meds if necessary, ACCEPT the help you need to get better. Tomorrow is a new day and you’ll feel better. Thank you. Ryan’s Mom & Family - Dad David, sisters Natalie & Bella ❤
Mr. Runestad you are a GENIUS. Each of your compositions bring me to tears through how rich and thorough they are, not just through musical structure but through lyrics. You never fail to make powerful pieces. Thank you for bringing people together and giving people hope. Never stop creating.
The Chamber Choir i’m in at my school and I are performing this piece in march. I am really looking forward to singing this! The impact this song has is amazing, and I can’t wait for us to share it with the world. Thank you for this amazingness
Hello. I am sining this song with my school chamber choir. Last year, my school lost a student to suicide. I have a friend who has tried to commit suicide multiple times. I helped him and he his doing better. Planning to share this to social media. Very inspiring song. Thank you!
the choir at the school i went to performed this and it was probably the most impactful moment i’ve ever had with music. i’ve suffered my whole life with depression and hearing this song broke me to tears. anyone reading this who is having a hard time, please, stay.
2:40 - 3:10 . Those have to be the most touching lyrics I’ve ever heard in any song. Thank you, Jake Runestad. This song has helped me cope partially with my depression.
Brother, you are invited to jump right in and be the Blessing! we all knew was in you...all along....those Cloud of Witnesses ...your Mom and Dad are rejoicing, and you don't have to be 2:11 ! Blessings!
I just heard this piece at the season closer for The Orpheus Choir of Toronto (Robert Cooper) as the concert was called "Sound Mind" and this song moved me deeply. I have suffered with ADHD and various degrees of depression, however "choral music" has always been my therapy having sung in some of North America's many professional choirs. I love the words in this piece, and the concluding messages of hope and reflection are amazing and speak to the "day to day struggle" that having mental health issues daily attacks one's self-esteem, however this choral piece provides hope! BRAVO Jake Bunestad!!
Mr. Runestad, I swear I've listened to this on repeat for the past 3 months. So, so stunning. I wish to be a choral music educator in the future, and this totally reminded me why I wanted to do so. Music is supposed to bring us together and it definitely can make a large impact on someone's life without them truly realizing it. I think you totally achieved that. By far my favorite composition. You truly inspire me. Thank you for being such an amazing composer.
I am crying in class right now. I guess I didn't realize how much I needed to hear this until right now. I will stay if it means that one day I can help others the way this song has helped me in this moment
i've probably watched this over 20 times now and every single time it has the same effect. we're singing this at davidson high school and performed last week it at our fall concert. a student very recently took his life in the past month which gave it even more power. mental health shouldn't be something we're ashamed of and it should be talked about!! no matter how many times we sing this or i listen to it, i get chills. Thank you mr. runestad. truly. such an amazing piece and hearing how positively everyone was impacted by it just makes it that much more worth it.
so my choir teacher showed it to the girls choir and we just were dead silent it pulled us in to listen. This piece of music is strong. it made me want to cry.
This. This is truth in the purest state. My school district is dealing with a very sudden and tragic loss of a classmate. He seemed like the happiest person in the world, overcoming obstacles each day. The beauty of music is it's ability to find the people who need it most. As the Music Program prepares to deal with this, I believe that this is the message that should be spread. Please stay.
We sand this for a choir concert a year ago. I found myself in the worst pit I've ever been in and this was the first place I came. This song makes me think of those who didn't choose to stay and how their family and friends are affected by it. Beautiful piece.
I watched the University of Michigan’s Men’s Gee Club perform this as well as other pieces all related to mental health. I didn’t cry at the show, but when my choir teacher played it in class I couldn’t contain my tears.
I have a friend who is going through mental struggles with this right now. I thought back to this song, which we sang almost 2 years ago exactly today. This song helped so much- for her, but also for me, giving me relief and hope. Thank you.
My choir is singing this piece in our spring concert and when I listen to this piece, I can't help but to cry. I have suffered from depression for 10 years. It has worsen over the past few years and I had almost made attempts multiple times. I have gotten better, but I still suffer and this song keeps reminding me that I can go on. I am very happy and grateful to sing this song in our choir because it may be difficult, but we can get through it. Stay strong and as the song says, "Please Stay."
Our high school choir sang this song last night. The kids who spoke the words had a personal experience with suicide. So glad many of them were there last night to share why they stayed. And my heard breaks for those who couldn’t stay and were not there to hear this song.
We actually had the honor of Mr. Runestad coming to our school and doing a workshop with us on some of our songs such as Let My Love Be Heard, Climb, and Please Stay. I’m so honored he actually came to us and helped us. We performed this piece last night and there was no dry eye in the audience. Thank you Mr. Runestad for everything!
This song is so incredibly powerful. We are singing this song in choir right now- the first time we finished, the room was silent for at least a full minute. We all know people who have dealt with this problem, and one person out of those is my good friend. After choir she came up to me and just hugged her for a while. This song has power. Thank you.
My high school chamber choir is doing this piece for our spring and tour set, and many of our singers have been affected by suicide in some form throughout their lives; whether it be themselves attempting or a family member or friend who have "succeeded". The first time we all heard this song, one of my friends, who lost two of her family members to suicide, was choking back tears. I myself, having lost family member that way, was having a hard time keeping back my tears as we sat in the middle of class watching this exact video. I knew right then that we had to do it, for all of the people we've lost. For all the people who have attempted or contemplated. This song truly has made a way for us to express our love for the people we've lost. So thank you, Jake Runestad, for creating a piece to truly bring peace to us all. My classmates and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
My school’s choir sang this for our spring concert a few days ago. I’m someone who has been stuggling the past few years and hearing this made me shed a tear, this is such a beautiful piece
I went on a college visit and got to sit in on their choir singing this. Before the class, some of the students were telling me that it was okay if I cried and I was confused! And then they sang and I understood. During the spoken testimony part the entire choir circled up and help hands as the sung softy. I have never been so moved but a song in my life. Thank you for creating such an amazing piece of art.
I lost my brother to suicide. I nearly lost my sister. I came very close to losing my daughter within the past 12 months. This piece is one of the most stunning works of art I have ever experienced. As someone who has had suicide touch his life, I can tell you that this piece of music is REAL. There are moments in your life where something inside you has changed - even if just a little. Mr. Runestead, this piece which I just listened to for the first time, was a life changing moment. Thank you for this gift to the world and I cannot wait to share it with my HS choir.
I'm so sorry for the losses you've had, and I really appreciate you sharing your story. Thank you for wanting to bring this message of hope to your community.
My best friend committed suicide in December, I wish he could have heard this before then. I’ve struggled with depression since then and I know it has helped me so much. You were my clinician for the Florida all state choir this year, it was really special to meet you. Keep doing what you’re doing, it doesn’t go unappreciated.
my choir class watched this today in class for our suicide awareness week at school, and it made the whole class start crying. our accompanist had lost her cousin to suicide last night. this song really means a lot to people, thank you for making this.
“Suicide does not get rid of your pain-it passes it on to everyone else” is a really horrible thing to say to anyone feeling despair. This song is beautiful and has helped me but hearing that line makes me feel even worse to the point that I have to stop the song.
This is the most incredible thing I've ever heard in my whole life. Im sitting my room looking at my dog like ".. I'm not crying, your crying.." This is truly beautiful
My choir was going to sing this song back in 2020 but it got cancelled for obvious reasons. Three years later, here we are again, and now I'm introduced to this beautiful piece of art. Its like all the voices are hugging the audience. Perfect ❤
My choir teacher was in the capital university choir and he had our madrigals sing it last year and he played it for us during suicide prevention week. I’ve been feeling really bad for a while but imagining my friends singing this song after I was gone was devastating to me.
I went through such a difficult year, being a composer myself, this piece makes me realize the importance of my music. If i didn't open up and talk to someone than i would have also been part of the statistic. Thank you very much for this piece of music, i really appreciate the reminder.
I first heard this song at one of my highschool concerts about 5 years ago. A student had committed suicide that year which is why they sang this song. I didn't know him, but several people in the honor choir did. Despite having sang the song several times before, most of the choir members cried on stage. I remember sitting on a railing in the back and this song felt like a deep stab to my soul, like it was ripped open. Like I was bleeding out, yet no blood was there. Like I would open my mouth and no words would come out. That was during a very rough period in my life where suicide was on my mind nearly every day. I searched up this song and found this video. Since then, it has made me cry alone while stopping me from commiting suicide more times than I will ever admit to anyone. This is the very first video on what is now a nearly 40 song playlist that I listen to whenever it comes back. And after all this time, I am still here. Thank you so very much.
Update: I got the first solo, and we won FIRST in competition with it! I am so thankful for you writing this song. It is so powerful and needed and it is so freaking thought provoking. I had people that I didn’t even know coming up and thanking my director for having us perform this. It was so emotional and we all have you to thank. We sang it for a school that just lost one of their students to suicide and the emotions I could feel in the room from those students was so raw. So thank you so much.
I'm still so blessed that I got to be at this performance in person as well as perform songs of yours with the college. The lyrics of this song have stuck in the back of my mind since this day and I will never forget the message that it teaches people. Thank you Mr. Runestad for coming to this event for the day and giving, not just me, but all of the other high schoolers and college students the opportunity to perform your amazing music and hear your story.
Today was one of those days where I needed a Jake Runestad fix (they come around every so often ever since I had the privilege of performing The Peace of Wild Things many years ago). Anyway, I listened again to The Peace of Wild Things, A Silence Haunts Me, Please Stay and Let My Love Be Heard. As usual, I smiled and cried and felt settled deep in my soul.
My high school choir sung this song and I sobbed the entire time, seeing people I know and love sing this song knowing what our school has been through was emotional. I’m thankful for our choir director for the concert he put together for suicide prevention.
I say a TTB choir perform this two days ago, this was honestly the most moving choral piece I have ever had the privilege of listening to. I was hardcore ugly crying by the end of the piece, my whole row was. Thank you Jake for writing this raw and real piece!!
We are singing this in my choir at CSUF this semester. When we heard this in class, it really affected everyone, me especially. I was in tears while listening to this & while reading the text, I felt like each word was speaking to me. I am a person with autism who is suffering from depression & anxiety. Last semester, I lost my best friend for 17 years from a car accident along with losing my grandfather from heart failure. It tore my heart completely when my friend died & crushed my spirit. I’m still in mourning for her & feel lost without her. On top of that, I always feel like I was a burden to everyone in my class because of my disability. There are times I always think I’m a failure. In the moment I heard the lyric, “Your story is not over. You are not a burden to anyone”, it felt like it spoke to me. All these emotions ran in my head while listening to the rest of this song. When the song ended, me & a few other people ran out of the choir room, sobbing. But thankfully, I was comforted by many of my friends & stayed by my side for the remainder of the class. We are still going to work on it & sing it in our up coming concert. I hope we touch many people who will be watching us. Thank you Jake Runestad for composing this beautiful & important topic piece.
Was an honor choir student of Dr. Flora and she was my introduction to this song. It has saved my life for probably the second time. Thank you for expressing these important things in song to really share the message with those who need it. Im working hard on staying and will continue to do so.
I find this song incredibly powerful. My college choir is doing this song this semester. And we just sang it sight read today for the first time. Because I was focused on the sight-reading the piece I didn’t perceive the message. But as I’m listening to this video and studying my music I finally realize what the message of the song and I can tell you that I’m a little choked up. It speaks too my Mental Health and my struggles in life so well. I believe me and my choir are about to work with you later this month on the day of Big Sing on the 27th. I don’t imagine I’ll be able to say this to you during all of that, so I’ll say it now. Thank you, For writing this piece
A story of how this song was too good to perform: I was in an advanced choir in High School, you had to audition and there were about twice the number of performances. We performed with Eastern Michigan University in February 2019 and they did this piece and for the last part of it they spread through the whole church where we were performing, down the rows etc. Most of the choir was crying during it, so many of us either knew someone who had attempted suicide, been close to that point, or had been that person. The next school year our choir director proposed doing the song but knowing the obvious weight of the subject matter offered up that in any way after the hour ended to contact her if it would be too much to do emotionally. We never spoke about doing the song again. It is that powerful of a song.
I got the privilege of singing this song and working with this amazing artist in the WV choir festival best time of my life it helped me break through my shell and get to sing with talented people I almost cried while singing this. Hello to who ever reads this : )
My high school chorus is doing this song....We are also performing it for our state music festival and we are doing our best with it! Mr. Runestad, thank you for writing such an encouraging and uplifting song. Im very glad to be a part of this powerful piece of music
I’m excited all the choirs in my high school are going to be singing this for our last piece as a mass choir and I just wish I heard this a few years ago but this reminds of the struggles I got through and hope this helps the audience at our concert
When I sang this song in an Honor Choir about a year ago, I immediately thought of my uncle who had committed suicide 2 years prior. This piece was emotional for me just a year ago thinking about him. This piece also got a friend of mine thinking about me, which was a long 8 months of her trying to convince me to get help for possible depression and anxiety. Once I finally accepted the fact that I had been struggling with this for months and had finally stopped denying it, I got help and I am so glad I finally got the help I needed and am now on the right path. I always think back to this song on days where I may be more down than others and remind myself that I want to stay and not go down that darker road. I also think about this song when I have really good days because it reminds me that I came to realize that I needed to put down the stresses and responsibilities of others and focus on myself. This is one of my top 3 choral pieces that I have sung and I definitely will not forget the impact this song had on me.
I always come back to this, in February the young adult choir preformed this for HPS at Carnegie hall. I come back to this to relive the memories of crying in the audience with best people i have ever preformed with
I just got back from a concert that my school put on and they sang this.. it really hit close to me because I, myself have tried to take my life five times. I am slowly learning that the pain is only temporary and to let love into my life. That there are people out there who care for me. thank you, for writing this.. it really gets out there.
My choir teacher told me to promise I would listen to this tonight. I did. And it saved me for one more night. I stayed alive another night. Thank you.
I'm so glad you chose to stay. You are breath, you are life, you are beauty, you are light.
I sing this whenever my self hatred gets too intense to handle. The line "You are not a burden to anyone" always makes me cry because I'm slowly working on believing that.
Keep singing, keep believing in yourself. You are NOT a burden.
You're not a burden.
Hi Mercy. I just found this video and read your comment. I hope you are doing well. In French the meaning of the name Fae is: Fairy. Also a, meaning: Confidence; trust; belief. I pray you have found confidence, trust and belief in yourself.
I am glad you are working at it. I hope that is still going well.
that is my favorite line in the whole piece, and I find myself thinking of it right when I need to.
I stayed alive because of this song.
So glad you’re still with us
@@sethmazzuco3716 i am to. Im still struggling but everything has gotten so much better for me. This song is a lifesaver ^_^
@@Yagirlhannah2004 this made me cry today. You're not alone hannah. sending love and good vibes your way.
@@MrTherauhster thank you i relapsed and cut again on the 28th of feburary but i havent cut since. Im goin almost 2 months and now draw when i feel upset like that :) not proud of myself for cutting but im proud of myself for staying alive
@@Yagirlhannah2004 anytime you feel like that, you can reply to this comment hannah and I promise to respond as fast as I can ♥️ know help will be there wherever you seek it
We sang this for All-State choir last year and nothing has surpassed the sound and emotion of singing "You are light" while surrounded by 100 others doing the same. I almost couldn't hold my note it was so powerful...
That was so beautiful and powerful!
The chord on the word “life” is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. Took my breath away
Michelle Trust “You are light” is a very powerful line. 💜
"You are light." I burst into tears at that point. Was introduced to this song for the first time this past week. My choir has chosen to add this song and 'Let My Love Be Heard" to our repertoire this year and I'm so thrilled. Remembering all those who have passed on for reasons of suicide or just giving up. For those struggling or wanting to give it all up....Please stay. Thank you for this wonderful music!
I always cry at that part. It's so powerful
I always cry at that part. It's so powerful.
Ok. So the soloist made me cry actual tears, such a lyric soprano voice. So soothing and crystal clear. This piece is packed with so much emotion.
I get to meet Jake Runestad in a few days because I get to do a workshop with him with my choir! If I can I’m going to let him know that he’s my hero because this song saved my life.
I am so glad you stayed .
This choir is unbelievable. I have to admit they are incredible. Every note is so clear. I actually sang this with my choir at the University of Akron. I just wanted to say this group is incredible.
when we performed this in high school, anyone who had lost someone to suicide came down at the end and held up pictures of the person. beautiful song and beautiful memories
As a 14 year old with extremely severe depression and anxiety with suicidal thoughts just makes all this make me feel better. Friday a choir performed this at my school and I was crying the whole time
Thank you for sharing your story -- I'm glad you continue to stay.
Me too. Couldn't hold back my tears during this song.
@@obitwokenobi9808 exactly. Now I'm here, 18 years old. I still stayed ♡
@@sageycakes22 I'm so glad you made it. A funny coincidence.
I'm a 14 year old with sever depression and anxiety with lots of suicidal thoughts.
Tonight was my district's high school's spectacular show for show choir. The middle school grades all came to sing one song with them, and then watch the show.
This was the last song they sang. Everyone the middle schooler section was crying. I balled my eyes out the entire time along with a few others. My sister looked at me the whole time while singing this. She was singing it to me.
After it was over we hugged for at least 5 minutes. Neither one of us wanted to let go.
I'll remember this for the rest of my life.
@@--_Nikita_-- use my story and many others as a sign dear, you can do it. You're stronger than you know. You'll make it♡
Mr. Runestad. Thank you. This song will never leave me. I made an attempt on my life because I felt that no one was there. I wish that I had heard this beautiful song. This song is a perfect embodiment of hope and will keep being a beacon of light throughout the ages. This song has saved my life and will continue to save others in the future. Singing this will be one of the hardest things I'll ever do, but I feel this immediate need to tell as many people as I can that they are loved. Thank you... Thank you Mr. Runestad.
Thank you for sharing your story, Sam. I so glad that you are able to share a message of hope through your life and your singing.
Our choir has decided we will be performing this song for our Fall program this year. In the past month, we have lost 2 of our classmates to suicide. I cannot fathom how much this song has touched us and brought us together as a choir and as a single community. There was not a dry eye as we listened to this song, and remembered who they were and what they meant to us. We miss them more than ever, and they won't be forgotten thanks to you and the song that just seemed to find us in this time. It has made me feel like they are still here with us now, and I could have made them listen to this and convinced them that while they felt like they were the only people in the world, they were the world to someone else.. Your work is absolutely stunning, and I couldn't think of a better memorial for Nick and for Raistlin. May they rest in peace. This song means so much more to our school as we mourn now than it ever can, and it means that much more to me, as Nick was an old friend but a very important one. Thank you Mr. Runestad. Keep inspiring.
I'm so sorry to hear about your classmates. Sending love to you and your community.
Just this past month my school too has had 2 suicides, one being a teacher's son. They were only in 8th and 9th grade. I plan on mentioning this song to my choir teacher.
My high school choir is also singing this song in our fall concert for suicide awareness. Our choir teacher asked us to look up this song and listen to it because she said it was so beautiful. I started crying. I'm so sorry for the lose at your school. Nothing, NOTHING, can replace a human life who has left us.... I'm so sorry
Our choir decided to sing this piece as well. We lost a friend not because of suicide but a heart attack. He had a bright future and was a genuine prodigy. His life was ended too short. When we sang this classmates had to leave the room. We have all been through hard times and this song reminds us that we are not alone. Thank you. God bless you and your wonderful music.
This hit me hard, especially the line about not being a burden, I often won’t talk to anyone for fear of being a burden... this is amazing
You are not a burden. Hope is real and help is real.
I sob every time I listen to this. Rehearsing it in choir is also a challenge. This hits so very close to home for me. Thank you, Mr. Runnestad for creating this beautiful piece.
My choir is doing it too. I cried the whole time we worked on it today. It's such an amazing piece but it really hits home
Just recently I had a mental war happening all day and I had been breaking down an crying for no reasons and then I started to remember all of my loved ones who killed them self’s because of mental health. And I sadly started cutting my legs again. Where I know no one would see it. I almost took my life because I couldn’t deal with the pain and suffering that I’m constantly going through. I didn’t do it because my best friend had texted me. Just to check up on me at 3AM. I was crying and I called him. And he talked me out of it and told me that I wasn’t a burden even though I felt like I was. And this song is such a beautiful composure. Thank you so much.
Thank you for sharing your story. You ARE breath, life, beauty, and light.
I am someone with depression. A good friend of mine showed this to me. It almost put me to tears. Her hand shook as she held mine while we listened. I have had depression for a long time. More than 3 years most likely. I have had thoughts of suicide for many of those months, and 3 weeks ago it was particularly strong. This song means a lot. I don't get to see my friend very often, and I'm more commonly alone then with someone. While ending my life sounds like such a beautiful thing, I don't think I will. I'm not living for me. If I did, I would have been gone a long time ago. I'm living for the friends that care. There aren't many that I know, but there are some. And I will live for them. Even if I don't know how to live for myself. This song does give me hope. Maybe people do care. More than I can see. I am very thankful for my amazing friend for putting up with me and showing this to me and I am thankful that this song has been made. If it can bring hope to me, I'm sure it gives hope to many more. I hope we can stay strong, stronger than me.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad that you have chosen to stay and continue to stay. You are strong and you are loved.
You're so right- "Maybe people do care. More than I can see." People do care, much more than you can ever know. Thank you for sharing your story, Ornji. You are a valuable person. You are worthy of giving your love to this world and receiving the beautiful gifts of life. Life will change, you'll continue to evolve through challenges and joyful surprises, and you'll look back and be able to use the challenges you've faced to bless someone else. In the meantime, you are loved and cared for even by a complete stranger like me! Sending you all my love.
Ariel M Thank you very much. This world is a hard one, but knowing people like you exist can give hope. I wish I knew more like you. Once again, thank you for
Giving me such a kind comment
Please stay!
I wish I had found this piece in 2021, I was at the lowest point in my life, and there wasn't hope for me. I'm not still here because I found a reason to continue, I'm here because God decided that I needed to still be. I attempted twice, and both times they failed by chance. I got the help I needed, but the shame I feel I still battle with. This song so perfectly encapulates how I feel. Thank you so much for writing this
I'm so glad you're here with us and sharing your story. You are breath, you are beauty, you are light.
@@JakeRunestad Thank you so much for your kind words
I just finished All State Choir in Montana. We sang this song. It was an absolute honor to meet Jake Runestad and perform it for him. It was an amazing and emotional experience that I will always remember. Thank you Jake💓
A choir came to my high school and circled around the students (including me) and sang this song. I have depression and social anxiety and at that time I hadn’t told anyone that I was suffering. When the choir sang this song, I got this feeling in my chest and it felt magical. It felt like I was finally pulled away from all of the depressed thoughts and was able to breathe. I was finally being seen. A few months later, I told my doctor and I was quickly got a therapist who I saw weekly and was also given medication. The first few sessions I cried and my therapist said, during the last couple of meetings, that she saw a total 180. I am now more confident, working on my social anxiety, and found my true calling which is writing. If it wasn’t for this song, I would never be the person I am today.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm so glad that you found help and are getting better.
Listening to this song helps me process my grief, both as a survivor and as I continue to grieve the young lives I’ve lost to suicide 💙 thank you so much, Jake Runestad… your words help more than you can ever know.
This is the only song that has made me fight back tears while singing. We sang this for the Montana All-State Music Festival this last October and Jake Runestad was going to fly in from Salt Lake to teach us his music. Unfortunately, his flight was canceled and there was no flight he could take to make it in time. He could have just accepted it but instead, he decided to be a mad man and drive all the way from Salt Lake to Great Falls just to make our performance sound great. It really shows how much he cares and how dedicated he is, learning how to sing a piece from the composer is always cool but Jake was so much more incredible and he made All-State unforgettable for me.
Thank you!
I sang this my junior year in choir in high school. At the end, we did what they did in this video, joining hands. I was still on the risers so I could see the audience. I didn’t realize that magnitude of what I was doing until I looked out into the audience and saw people crying, and it hit me how important singing this was. That will always be my favorite choir memory.
I got to see my old choir teacher today. He has always been my biggest supporter when it comes to pursuing music and through Choir he basically saved my life. The year I tried to commit suicide I was really in a terrible condition and when I got out of the hospital, it wasn’t much brighter. Then I came back to my choir class and the song our choir was working on was Please stay and even though I know my teacher choosing this song wasn’t because I tried to end myself, it was a sign that i had a reason to stay, and that was my love for music and and performance and it was thanks to my choir teacher that I can stand here now and say that I’m pursuing music.
I finally managed to get into Allstate where I am and this is one of the pieces they picked this year. I’ve been really struggling and finally got some help for it, and seeing this is one of the songs they’ve picked made me tear up a bit. It really is special
I met Jake Runestad in 2018 region honor choir for coastal California region. the music he composes is so nice and refreshing it makes me feel piece. Especially, the piano when it sounds like its own solo behind the the choir and how the choir becomes the accompany.
And I'm singing this song in the bakersfield college this concert
When i was 17 our choir got to go to a college concert. I had a plan to end my life that night. They sang this song and it was like a sign from god. Now im 22 happier than ever.
I sang in this song and I go back and watch, every time it brings me to tears. As someone who suffers from anxiety which has brought me to horrible thoughts it's nice to hear this when I need to. Thank you, Jake Runestad, for writing this to help everyone who also needs this said to them. I'm so fortunate to have been able to work with you with the Capital University Chapel Choir. You have no idea how much this song means to me.
The soloist is so full of emotion with her control over her vibrato. Very touching voice.
My high school choir is singing this song. Everyone was so entranced in the song when we first heard it. Most people were almost brought to tears. Even our music director admitted he cried when he first saw this performed. He said it impacted him so much because he thought of us and all his students. In all honesty it hit home for me. Ever since last year I have been falling deeper into depression and close to making an attempt. While in class singing this it’s never hit me hard because we are just learning it and there isn’t much emotion put into yet. We haven’t done any of the spoken lines and that’s what hit me hard while watching this video. I’m crying right now.. I think I might ask for help finally.
Ronicia -- I'm so glad you are singing this piece and appreciate you sharing your story. It can seem really, really difficult to move beyond what you're feeling but it IS possible and there are people that want to support you! I hope you do seek help -- it's a sign of strength to do so. Sending lots of love. Here's a great resource: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
Magestic conducting at 2:50-3:01.. Too beautiful!
Siviwe Njajula this is where I cried, in line ‚you are light‘ . so beautiful
I agree! The conductor is awesome! I'm so hyped to sing this
My choir teacher showed this to us the day after suicide prevention day, it was stunning. We have upwards towards 80 people in the A Capella choir at my school, and never have I heard a room so silent. In that moment, we weren’t seniors and juniors, bass and tenor, or alto and soprano; we were a family. It was truly one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had in choir. Beautiful song. I’m absolutely sure this performance has changed lives.
Learned this song in choir in 2022 and I still come back to it. We weren’t able to perform it and it felt like a dagger hitting my heart because this song meant so much to me and others I know. This song is beautiful and having to had studied the words and worked on singing it, it’s not hard to put your feelings into it but it’s so hard to keep yourself together the more you feel the lyrics… I’ll never forget this song
i can usually hold it together until they all start holding hands... and then i start crying. because community was honestly what saved me when i so deep in depression this past year. if i hadn’t been in school, i really don’t know what would have happened to me.
This is absolutely STUNNING. It takes quite a bit for this stone cold queen to shed a tear during a piece. This did exactly that, it's so obvious to me that this was such a labor of love. From where some of the words were taken from to the lines and to the choralography. THIS is choral music in the world.
This song came too late for my son RYAN. He ended his life on his third attempt, the internal turmoil, the emotional pain was too much to bear. I can HONESTLY say that my brave brave boy, 25 years young, tried his damn hardest to keep loving for nearly 10 years. He had reasons to be depressed and anxious, he was being treated with therapy and medication, and special programs for mental illnesses, yet he did what he did because the daily pain was too much after so much effort on his part to improve his life and overall mental/emotional well-being, my poor boy. I so WISH I could’ve taken it all away so he could have now been here LIVING THE LIFE he wanted to really have. If you’re hurting and thinking of ending your life, PLEAE PLEASE, DONT, PLEASE STAY! Your family & those that DO CARE & LOVE YOU WANT YOU HERE!!! Talk to them PLEASE, go to therapy, take meds if necessary, ACCEPT the help you need to get better. Tomorrow is a new day and you’ll feel better. Thank you. Ryan’s Mom & Family - Dad David, sisters Natalie & Bella ❤
Every time I listen to this, I cry. Wish it were a more popular song. Your story is not over, you're not a burden to anyone. 💖
Mr. Runestad you are a GENIUS. Each of your compositions bring me to tears through how rich and thorough they are, not just through musical structure but through lyrics. You never fail to make powerful pieces. Thank you for bringing people together and giving people hope. Never stop creating.
The Chamber Choir i’m in at my school and I are performing this piece in march. I am really looking forward to singing this! The impact this song has is amazing, and I can’t wait for us to share it with the world. Thank you for this amazingness
Hello. I am sining this song with my school chamber choir. Last year, my school lost a student to suicide. I have a friend who has tried to commit suicide multiple times. I helped him and he his doing better. Planning to share this to social media. Very inspiring song. Thank you!
I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm glad you were able to help your friend. Keep spreading the light!
the choir at the school i went to performed this and it was probably the most impactful moment i’ve ever had with music. i’ve suffered my whole life with depression and hearing this song broke me to tears. anyone reading this who is having a hard time, please, stay.
2:40 - 3:10 . Those have to be the most touching lyrics I’ve ever heard in any song. Thank you, Jake Runestad. This song has helped me cope partially with my depression.
Brother, you are invited to jump right in and be the Blessing! we all knew was in you...all along....those Cloud of Witnesses ...your Mom and Dad are rejoicing, and you don't have to be 2:11 ! Blessings!
I just heard this piece at the season closer for The Orpheus Choir of Toronto (Robert Cooper) as the concert was called "Sound Mind" and this song moved me deeply. I have suffered with ADHD and various degrees of depression, however "choral music" has always been my therapy having sung in some of North America's many professional choirs. I love the words in this piece, and the concluding messages of hope and reflection are amazing and speak to the "day to day struggle" that having mental health issues daily attacks one's self-esteem, however this choral piece provides hope! BRAVO Jake Bunestad!!
We sang this at our concert in memorial of a friend who died of a heart attack and by the end of the concert everyone on stage was in tears. Rip David
My school choir sang this. I was moved to tears. Whoever see this, you are loved. Just be you. You’re NOT alone. Have a good day.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have BPD, GAD and Depression. This song has saved me numerous times -- including tonight. Thank you.
Mr. Runestad, I swear I've listened to this on repeat for the past 3 months. So, so stunning. I wish to be a choral music educator in the future, and this totally reminded me why I wanted to do so. Music is supposed to bring us together and it definitely can make a large impact on someone's life without them truly realizing it. I think you totally achieved that. By far my favorite composition. You truly inspire me. Thank you for being such an amazing composer.
Thank you so much, Caitlin. I wish you the best as you follow your passion!
I am crying in class right now. I guess I didn't realize how much I needed to hear this until right now. I will stay if it means that one day I can help others the way this song has helped me in this moment
i've probably watched this over 20 times now and every single time it has the same effect. we're singing this at davidson high school and performed last week it at our fall concert. a student very recently took his life in the past month which gave it even more power. mental health shouldn't be something we're ashamed of and it should be talked about!! no matter how many times we sing this or i listen to it, i get chills. Thank you mr. runestad. truly. such an amazing piece and hearing how positively everyone was impacted by it just makes it that much more worth it.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and giving voice to this message!
so my choir teacher showed it to the girls choir and we just were dead silent it pulled us in to listen. This piece of music is strong. it made me want to cry.
This. This is truth in the purest state. My school district is dealing with a very sudden and tragic loss of a classmate. He seemed like the happiest person in the world, overcoming obstacles each day. The beauty of music is it's ability to find the people who need it most. As the Music Program prepares to deal with this, I believe that this is the message that should be spread. Please stay.
I'm so sorry for your loss -- I'm hoping for peace for you and your community.
We sand this for a choir concert a year ago. I found myself in the worst pit I've ever been in and this was the first place I came. This song makes me think of those who didn't choose to stay and how their family and friends are affected by it.
Beautiful piece.
Tears everytime I listen, can't wait to sign this Sat March 23 in Duluth, MN
I watched the University of Michigan’s Men’s Gee Club perform this as well as other pieces all related to mental health. I didn’t cry at the show, but when my choir teacher played it in class I couldn’t contain my tears.
I have a friend who is going through mental struggles with this right now. I thought back to this song, which we sang almost 2 years ago exactly today. This song helped so much- for her, but also for me, giving me relief and hope. Thank you.
I'm so glad you find meaning in these words and this music.
My choir is singing this piece in our spring concert and when I listen to this piece, I can't help but to cry. I have suffered from depression for 10 years. It has worsen over the past few years and I had almost made attempts multiple times. I have gotten better, but I still suffer and this song keeps reminding me that I can go on. I am very happy and grateful to sing this song in our choir because it may be difficult, but we can get through it. Stay strong and as the song says, "Please Stay."
Our high school choir sang this song last night. The kids who spoke the words had a personal experience with suicide. So glad many of them were there last night to share why they stayed. And my heard breaks for those who couldn’t stay and were not there to hear this song.
We actually had the honor of Mr. Runestad coming to our school and doing a workshop with us on some of our songs such as Let My Love Be Heard, Climb, and Please Stay. I’m so honored he actually came to us and helped us. We performed this piece last night and there was no dry eye in the audience. Thank you Mr. Runestad for everything!
This song is so incredibly powerful. We are singing this song in choir right now- the first time we finished, the room was silent for at least a full minute. We all know people who have dealt with this problem, and one person out of those is my good friend. After choir she came up to me and just hugged her for a while. This song has power. Thank you.
My choir is too, we watched this video first and the same thing happened everyone was silent. This song has a powerful message.
My choir was supposed to perform this piece before the pandemic happened. I still get chills every time I listen to it.
I heard this my sophomore year after struggling with depression for years, the college choir saw me tearing up and hugged me. Music is beyond powerful
My high school chamber choir is doing this piece for our spring and tour set, and many of our singers have been affected by suicide in some form throughout their lives; whether it be themselves attempting or a family member or friend who have "succeeded". The first time we all heard this song, one of my friends, who lost two of her family members to suicide, was choking back tears. I myself, having lost family member that way, was having a hard time keeping back my tears as we sat in the middle of class watching this exact video. I knew right then that we had to do it, for all of the people we've lost. For all the people who have attempted or contemplated. This song truly has made a way for us to express our love for the people we've lost. So thank you, Jake Runestad, for creating a piece to truly bring peace to us all. My classmates and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We watched this in choir today. Because we are doing it for our next concert. When they say “your not a burden” that’s when I started tearing up.
My school’s choir sang this for our spring concert a few days ago. I’m someone who has been stuggling the past few years and hearing this made me shed a tear, this is such a beautiful piece
I went on a college visit and got to sit in on their choir singing this. Before the class, some of the students were telling me that it was okay if I cried and I was confused! And then they sang and I understood. During the spoken testimony part the entire choir circled up and help hands as the sung softy. I have never been so moved but a song in my life. Thank you for creating such an amazing piece of art.
I lost my brother to suicide. I nearly lost my sister. I came very close to losing my daughter within the past 12 months. This piece is one of the most stunning works of art I have ever experienced. As someone who has had suicide touch his life, I can tell you that this piece of music is REAL. There are moments in your life where something inside you has changed - even if just a little. Mr. Runestead, this piece which I just listened to for the first time, was a life changing moment. Thank you for this gift to the world and I cannot wait to share it with my HS choir.
I'm so sorry for the losses you've had, and I really appreciate you sharing your story. Thank you for wanting to bring this message of hope to your community.
My best friend committed suicide in December, I wish he could have heard this before then. I’ve struggled with depression since then and I know it has helped me so much. You were my clinician for the Florida all state choir this year, it was really special to meet you. Keep doing what you’re doing, it doesn’t go unappreciated.
my choir class watched this today in class for our suicide awareness week at school, and it made the whole class start crying. our accompanist had lost her cousin to suicide last night. this song really means a lot to people, thank you for making this.
“Suicide does not get rid of your pain-it passes it on to everyone else” is a really horrible thing to say to anyone feeling despair. This song is beautiful and has helped me but hearing that line makes me feel even worse to the point that I have to stop the song.
This struck something in me I didn’t know I was feeling. I’m very grateful for this piece.
This is the most incredible thing I've ever heard in my whole life. Im sitting my room looking at my dog like ".. I'm not crying, your crying.."
This is truly beautiful
My choir was going to sing this song back in 2020 but it got cancelled for obvious reasons. Three years later, here we are again, and now I'm introduced to this beautiful piece of art. Its like all the voices are hugging the audience. Perfect ❤
My choir teacher was in the capital university choir and he had our madrigals sing it last year and he played it for us during suicide prevention week. I’ve been feeling really bad for a while but imagining my friends singing this song after I was gone was devastating to me.
I went through such a difficult year, being a composer myself, this piece makes me realize the importance of my music. If i didn't open up and talk to someone than i would have also been part of the statistic. Thank you very much for this piece of music, i really appreciate the reminder.
Thank you for sharing your story and for staying. You and your art are SO important.
So many voices are heard here. This song is powerful, and it continues to help me.
I first heard this song at one of my highschool concerts about 5 years ago. A student had committed suicide that year which is why they sang this song. I didn't know him, but several people in the honor choir did. Despite having sang the song several times before, most of the choir members cried on stage. I remember sitting on a railing in the back and this song felt like a deep stab to my soul, like it was ripped open. Like I was bleeding out, yet no blood was there. Like I would open my mouth and no words would come out. That was during a very rough period in my life where suicide was on my mind nearly every day. I searched up this song and found this video. Since then, it has made me cry alone while stopping me from commiting suicide more times than I will ever admit to anyone. This is the very first video on what is now a nearly 40 song playlist that I listen to whenever it comes back. And after all this time, I am still here. Thank you so very much.
Update: I got the first solo, and we won FIRST in competition with it! I am so thankful for you writing this song. It is so powerful and needed and it is so freaking thought provoking. I had people that I didn’t even know coming up and thanking my director for having us perform this. It was so emotional and we all have you to thank. We sang it for a school that just lost one of their students to suicide and the emotions I could feel in the room from those students was so raw. So thank you so much.
You Are Light - 2:52. Amazing writing - and wonderful phrasing. Glorious
I'm still so blessed that I got to be at this performance in person as well as perform songs of yours with the college. The lyrics of this song have stuck in the back of my mind since this day and I will never forget the message that it teaches people. Thank you Mr. Runestad for coming to this event for the day and giving, not just me, but all of the other high schoolers and college students the opportunity to perform your amazing music and hear your story.
Thank you for your kind words and for being part of that special day! Keep singing and being a light with messages of love and hope.
Today was one of those days where I needed a Jake Runestad fix (they come around every so often ever since I had the privilege of performing The Peace of Wild Things many years ago). Anyway, I listened again to The Peace of Wild Things, A Silence Haunts Me, Please Stay and Let My Love Be Heard. As usual, I smiled and cried and felt settled deep in my soul.
My high school choir sung this song and I sobbed the entire time, seeing people I know and love sing this song knowing what our school has been through was emotional. I’m thankful for our choir director for the concert he put together for suicide prevention.
I say a TTB choir perform this two days ago, this was honestly the most moving choral piece I have ever had the privilege of listening to. I was hardcore ugly crying by the end of the piece, my whole row was. Thank you Jake for writing this raw and real piece!!
We are singing this in my choir at CSUF this semester.
When we heard this in class, it really affected everyone, me especially. I was in tears while listening to this & while reading the text, I felt like each word was speaking to me.
I am a person with autism who is suffering from depression & anxiety. Last semester, I lost my best friend for 17 years from a car accident along with losing my grandfather from heart failure. It tore my heart completely when my friend died & crushed my spirit. I’m still in mourning for her & feel lost without her. On top of that, I always feel like I was a burden to everyone in my class because of my disability. There are times I always think I’m a failure. In the moment I heard the lyric, “Your story is not over. You are not a burden to anyone”, it felt like it spoke to me. All these emotions ran in my head while listening to the rest of this song.
When the song ended, me & a few other people ran out of the choir room, sobbing. But thankfully, I was comforted by many of my friends & stayed by my side for the remainder of the class.
We are still going to work on it & sing it in our up coming concert. I hope we touch many people who will be watching us.
Thank you Jake Runestad for composing this beautiful & important topic piece.
Poignant and beautiful. Thank you Jake Runestad and Dr Lynda Hasseler
Was an honor choir student of Dr. Flora and she was my introduction to this song. It has saved my life for probably the second time. Thank you for expressing these important things in song to really share the message with those who need it. Im working hard on staying and will continue to do so.
I find this song incredibly powerful.
My college choir is doing this song this semester. And we just sang it sight read today for the first time.
Because I was focused on the sight-reading the piece I didn’t perceive the message. But as I’m listening to this video and studying my music I finally realize what the message of the song and I can tell you that I’m a little choked up.
It speaks too my Mental Health and my struggles in life so well.
I believe me and my choir are about to work with you later this month on the day of Big Sing on the 27th.
I don’t imagine I’ll be able to say this to you during all of that, so I’ll say it now.
Thank you, For writing this piece
Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to meeting you soon!
A story of how this song was too good to perform:
I was in an advanced choir in High School, you had to audition and there were about twice the number of performances. We performed with Eastern Michigan University in February 2019 and they did this piece and for the last part of it they spread through the whole church where we were performing, down the rows etc. Most of the choir was crying during it, so many of us either knew someone who had attempted suicide, been close to that point, or had been that person. The next school year our choir director proposed doing the song but knowing the obvious weight of the subject matter offered up that in any way after the hour ended to contact her if it would be too much to do emotionally. We never spoke about doing the song again. It is that powerful of a song.
I got the privilege of singing this song and working with this amazing artist in the WV choir festival best time of my life it helped me break through my shell and get to sing with talented people I almost cried while singing this. Hello to who ever reads this : )
My high school chorus is doing this song....We are also performing it for our state music festival and we are doing our best with it! Mr. Runestad, thank you for writing such an encouraging and uplifting song. Im very glad to be a part of this powerful piece of music
I needed to hear this song today. Thank you. It just makes you feel like you can leave another day. This pain is temporary I know now
I’m excited all the choirs in my high school are going to be singing this for our last piece as a mass choir and I just wish I heard this a few years ago but this reminds of the struggles I got through and hope this helps the audience at our concert
Thank you for the song... Soul reviving indeed 😇😇😇
I happened upon this song, this performance. I so needed to hear these words.
When I sang this song in an Honor Choir about a year ago, I immediately thought of my uncle who had committed suicide 2 years prior. This piece was emotional for me just a year ago thinking about him. This piece also got a friend of mine thinking about me, which was a long 8 months of her trying to convince me to get help for possible depression and anxiety. Once I finally accepted the fact that I had been struggling with this for months and had finally stopped denying it, I got help and I am so glad I finally got the help I needed and am now on the right path. I always think back to this song on days where I may be more down than others and remind myself that I want to stay and not go down that darker road. I also think about this song when I have really good days because it reminds me that I came to realize that I needed to put down the stresses and responsibilities of others and focus on myself. This is one of my top 3 choral pieces that I have sung and I definitely will not forget the impact this song had on me.
I always come back to this, in February the young adult choir preformed this for HPS at Carnegie hall. I come back to this to relive the memories of crying in the audience with best people i have ever preformed with
i don’t even think i could sing this without breaking down! it’s so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time
Thank you for making music that helps people like me who maybe feel thoughts of self-harm or thoughts of ending their life ftoo feel less alone
I am struggling to put into words how moved I feel as I listen to this lovely plea. So timely, and so beautiful. Thank you so much.
I just got back from a concert that my school put on and they sang this.. it really hit close to me because I, myself have tried to take my life five times. I am slowly learning that the pain is only temporary and to let love into my life. That there are people out there who care for me. thank you, for writing this.. it really gets out there.
I'm so glad you have stayed. You ARE beauty, breath, and light.