Every once in a while, I run across something that touches me so deeply I can't stop thinking about it. I first heard "You Will Be Found" from the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack several years ago when the cast recording came out, and found it to be a beautiful anthem to the power of love and community.
I've never seen a production of Dear Evan Hansen in person, but the song has taken on a second life all over the world as an anthem for mental health, and when I see a video of a group singing and smiling the powerful lyrics of this song, I break down and start crying, which I almost never do. It's that amazing.
I've read many books about the loneliness epidemic and the sense of hopelessness that so many are dealing with in these difficult times. We are addicted to our algorithms and cell phones and aren't connecting like we need to. This song is all about connection, especially in the darkest times. It's about lifting each other up and not giving in to despair. It's the song that quite literally will save lives.
Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere? Have you ever felt like you could disappear? Like you could fall, and no one would hear?
Well, let that lonely feeling wash away Maybe there's a reason to believe you'll be okay 'Cause when you don't feel strong enough to stand You can reach, reach out your hand
And oh, someone will coming running And I know, they'll take you home
Even when the dark comes crashing through When you need a friend to carry you And when you're broken on the ground You will be found So let the sun come streaming in 'Cause you'll reach up and you'll rise again Lift your head and look around You will be found
The song's power hit me when a group of nurses, the Northwell Health Nurse Choir, performed it on America's Got Talent this summer. These nurses have had our back all through the Covid epidemic, and you could tell the strong emotions the song provoked in the audience and judges.
Going through You Tube, you can find many versions, including great ones from actors in Dear Evan Hansen, but my favorite so far is the One Voice Children's Choir version on top of this post. I think every person who's had feelings of depression, disconnection, and sadness needs to hear this- every day if necessary. It's that good. Here are some of the comments from You Tube:
"I was moved by their voices. Voices, lyrics, harmonies, everything is awesome. Perfect.I cried. I stopped talking on my phone with my friends and I joined this live streaming. I cried so hard. Anyway. I could see some of them were crying during they were singing. I can’t watch and listen to this without crying."
"Unbelievable....I found this song just NOW... after years of trying to hurt not only other people, but myself..(had a mental illness yet not diagnosed until after my 3rd suicide attempt on January 17, 2021)...this song is beautiful......makes me feel NOT ALONE...it's taken me a while to heal relationships with those in my life and with myself....will take time, yet again I am not alone....you guys are amazing and never cease to amaze me with your voices"
"Chills. Choir is what saved me during my childhood and teen years even when my home life was chaotic. It is such a positive thing for kids to do. How can you not have hope for the world when you can work with others to produce beautiful music? "
"This song should be the anthem for mental health awareness. So many of us suffer every day, but we just need to remember reach out our hand"
"I wish I can give a million likes, no loves for this song. This song needs to be on every billboard in every city in the world. All I can say is Thank You from the bottom of my ❤"
Dear Evan Hansen the movie came out in 2021 and bombed big time. There was some controversy about the casting and the plot, but the story and song at the heart remains strong. I recommend the movie for those who want to know more of how this all came about. There is a complex backstory behind this song and the "Connor Project" that surrounds it, and I hope everybody who is interested gets a chance to see this movie. Here is a trailer that discusses the song from the movie.
The part that gets me every time is the chorus where the singers look at each other and the camera and repeat the line "You are not alone" over and over. We all need to hear those words. Especially now.
Out of the shadows The morning is breaking And all is new, all is new It's filling up the empty And suddenly I see that All is new, all is new
You are not alone You are not alone You are not alone You are not alone