Comfort in Pain

Content warning, trigger warning, proceed with caution.

Photo of Tablo

Tablo was kind enough in his Instagram messages, to warn the audience that "Stop the Rain" was heavy, and dealt with hard topics. Yet even with this heads up, I wasn’t prepared for the gut punch that was his intro and verse. I was left gasping, and caught in a storm of memories as I listened to him speak about religious trauma, and the demand for excellence. The anxiety was real. In fact, I was so ensnared by my visceral response to the first minute and eight seconds that it took nearly 24 hours before I could actually hear, and feel what came next.

Photo of RM

One would think that the opening was enough, but what followed Tablo’s first verse was such an accurate description of the perpetual ache that is depression, all I could do was let the tears trail down my cheeks. From RM’s pre-chorus through the back and forth in verse two, every phrase evoked the futility, and oftentimes hidden, aspects of what it is like to live with depression and suicidal ideation.

How did these two men share all this pain, embrace it, and still manage to convey the glimmer of hope that is enough, just barely, to cause one to pause, and wait another 2 seconds?

The fact that they are both writers before they are lyricists, [Tablo has written two books, and nearly every verse RM puts his pen to, is a poem], means that these men have a wealth of language to bring to the table. Words don’t engender this level of emotion without the writer first being a skilled wordsmith. Also, in my opinion, you cannot invoke images such as these without first having experienced them to some degree. This implies, therefore, that Tablo and RM have chosen to expose some of their deeper emotions and truths; their vulnerability, and honesty are a testament to the trust they have in their collective fans, [High Skool, and ARMY].

Black and white digital drawing of young boy falling down backward through the air, with rain falling. [clip from official MV for Stop the Rain]

Between them, RM and Tablo have crafted a song that gives voice to the pain that many find difficult to express, and allows them to both feel seen, and feel less isolated in their experience. Whether you empathize or sympathize with the message they share in this deeply personal song, “Stop the Rain” will touch your heart and mind as you listen. It is a timeless piece that will offer both acknowledgement and comfort for years to come.