There remains a few gems on the top 40 radio stations these days. You have to look past those fickle pop songs to find it. One reason I still have 107 The River on my car radio preset is due to the Fray.
The Fray’s latest single “How to Save a Life,” decribe an intervention between the singer and an estranged friend. The words show a friend’s regret at not being able to save their friend from a life of trouble. The song begins with “Step one: You say we need to talk…” Then the lyrics describe what would happen next in the intervention, either he will hear you or decide to go his own way.
The lead singer of the Fray, Isaac Slade, stated in past interviews that the song was a result of him working at a camp for trouble teens.
From a personal experience I liken the song to those late night spiritual discussion one has at summer camps or mission trips. A personal interpretation of it is similar to trying to bring someone to Christ and saving them from their sinful ways. I have had many a late night discussion with wandering souls, or people who just want to grow spiritually. And in some ways saving a life could mean being there for them with a listening ear.
And this is the best version of the song.