Billy Joel's 'You're Only Human' Helps Me Through Depression

I haven’t been writing a lot recently. This is in part due to my increasing university work studying social sciences, but mostly due to a sudden attack of depression. I’ve lived with depression on and off since I was 12 years old. Although I wasn’t particularly prepared for the dark clouds’ return, it wasn’t a shock either.

I have also lived with Billy Joel’s songs playing in the background throughout my life. My mum used to dance around the house singing to him. I particularly liked the song “Honesty” and would play it over and over again until mum would pull the plug out of the wall in frustration. As I got older, I became more interested in his entire catalog and particularly a song called “You’re Only Human (Second Wind).” I liked its upbeat sound and often listened to it when I felt depressed. Only recently did I discover that this song actually was written about depression and suicide.

I don’t know why, but a few weeks ago, in the peak of my depression, I popped my Billy Joel CD (well one of them!) into the CD player and for once, really focused on the lyrics.

“You probably don’t want to hear advice from someone else
But I wouldn’t be telling you if I hadn’t been there myself
It’s all right, it’s all right
Sometimes that’s all it takes
We’re only human
We’re supposed to make mistakes
But I survived all those long lonely days
When it seemed I did not have a friend
Cause all I needed was a little faith
So I could catch my breath and face the world again
Don’t forget your second wind
Sooner or later you’ll feel that momentum kick in”

Suddenly, a song which had previously been one of my favorites for its music alone, had become my go-to song for my depression. Whenever I feel the dark mist descend, I grab my CD (I have only just upgraded to MP3) and put this song on. When you feel like the world is collapsing around you, it’s lovely to hear someone who has also “been there” remind you this is not the end, you will feel better again.

I highly doubt Billy Joel will see this post, but in the off chance that he does, thank you so much for writing this song for all the depressed teenagers (and adults) in the world. Thank you for getting me through what feels like intolerable, unending pain. Hopefully my second wind will soon come and I will find my way back to my previous state of happiness and productivity. Until then, I have this song to remind me life is always worth fighting for.

If you or someone you know needs help, see our suicide prevention resources.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.