Lyric discussion by chaidrinker 

Cover art for How To Save A Life lyrics by Fray, The

Correction.

Its "and I know how to save a life" and "I pray to God he kills you then I pray to God he heals you".

I think there are other mistakes.

I think the song is about two people with a strong connection. One did save the other. Due to insecurities, trauma, differences, outside influence, misunderstanding, confusion, whatever something sent them different directions. Two magnets joined by accident then pulled apart. Maybe the one saved fell hard for the rescuer but felt rejection, fear, humiliation, or was just overwhelmed and too confused and fled. Either the rescuer did not feel the same, did not respond in kind, or did not make it clear to the saved who might have been still suffering from an accident.

The praying for bad things then turning around and praying for good things relates to inner conflict. When your feelings for someone are so intense they overwhelm you. On one hand you wish you never met or that they didn't exist. But you can't stand that thought so you thank God for them and that he watches over them. You love this person. But they make you feel like you are bleeding inside not knowing how they feel and not wanting to know they don't feel the same.

The admission part I am not sure whether that is "he" or "you". I thought it was "you". I see it as the saved if put on the spot will either admit to their feelings or deny them. Maybe its for the saver or both. If the saved fled before over admission but not having it reciprocated my guess is, if they encountered each other, they would be right back where they were. Trying to push away the one they feel drawn to. Then history would repeat itself. Or "he will say its not the same". The very thing the saved was afraid of before.

This song is about what happened and what could happen if they confront each other. They both care about each other. But how much?

This song means so much to me, a few years ago I thought God had let me down and he wasn't real. After listening to this song and reading the comments I realized this song can relate to so many people in difficult situations. I am now saved and I can't stop listening to this song... I think this song particularly can mean anything ex: drug addiction, driving drunk, etc... I really the think The Fray made this song so people could relate to it and let some emotion out... GUYS for those of you out there...

Not Valid

This song means so much to me, a few years ago I thought God had let me down and he wasn't real. After listening to this song and reading the comments I realized this song can relate to so many people in difficult situations. I am now saved and I can't stop listening to this song... I think this song particularly can mean anything ex: drug addiction, driving drunk, etc... I really the think The Fray made this song so people could relate to it and let some emotion out... GUYS for those of you out there...

Not Valid