Since 1984, Michael Sweet has been delivering powerful hard rock songs with positive messages as the frontman for Stryper. Thirty years after Stryper’s debut album The Yellow And Black Attack, Sweet continues to offer songs of hope with his latest solo album I’m Not Your Suicide. Fans will have to wait until May 6, 2014 to hear the full album, but the title track has just been released as a single.
“I’m Not Your Suicide” tackles the serious implications of bullying and abuse in a way that offers hope and understanding to those in pain, but the song offers more than just a positive message. Sweet has partnered up with ChildHelp for the release of the single, and a portion of the proceeds from the song will be donated to help victims of child abuse and neglect. “I’m Not Your Suicide” can be purchased via iTunes.
Sweet chose to partner with ChildHelp after learning that almost half of all abused children consider suicide at some point in their lives. The intention of the heartfelt lyrics (listed below the video) was to connect with kids in pain and show them that there are alternatives to suicide.
“I’m Not Your Suicide” is a melodic anthem of hope that showcases Sweet’s incredible voice, which seems to be getting better with age. The vocal harmonies create a powerful feeling of defiance and encouragement to stand united against those who abuse or bully others.
The big hair and flashy costumes of the 80’s that once helped to define Sweet and Stryper are nowhere to be seen in this impactful, black and white video. Though his outward appearance may have changed, his spirit and enthusiasm remain intact. Sweet rocks as hard as ever with a more mature, subdued look that allows the soulful, impassioned delivery of his message take center stage.
The full I’m Not Your Suicide album is available for pre-order on www.MichaelSweet.com. Fans who pre-order the album will be able to instantly download the song “Taking On The World Tonight” (featuring Tony Harnell), in addition to being registered to win a guitar used in the recording of the album. Further incentive to pre-order the album is a sneak-peak into Sweet’s upcoming autobiography Honestly: My Life and Stryper Revealed.
“I’m Not Your Suicide” lyrics
They say that time can heal the pain, the scars
Forgive, forget – that only goes so far
You were someone I opened my heart to
Till I asked you for help, you became someone else
I was sanctified – I used to feel justified
Only to be crucified, by you – by you
My life has just begun, I’m standing in the shining sun
I’m not gonna run and hide, lay down and die
No I’m not your suicide
The stones you throw might bruise my bones, my skin
Reap what you sow, the truth will show in the end
I won’t break under pressure – I wouldn’t give you that pleasure
I was sanctified – I used to feel justified
Only to be crucified, by you – by you
My life has just begun, I’m standing in the shining sun
I’m not gonna run and hide, lay down and die
No I’m not your suicide
Are you so pitiful that you want to be me?
I was sanctified – I used to feel justified
Only to be crucified, by you – by you
My life has just begun, I’m standing in the shining sun
I’m not gonna run and hide, lay down and die
No I’m not your suicide
I am not you suicide!…awesome…God bless you!!