Photo: Bryson Roatch
Carrie Underwood joined Papa Roach on a stunning new rendition of “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark).” The new version arrived on Friday (August 2).
Papa Roach and Underwood recorded the duet in Nashville, Tennessee. The ballad aims to raise awareness for suicide prevention, mental health, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The iconic rockers are continuing their ongoing efforts with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through their music. Royalties generated from “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark),” titled as a nod to the “Talk Away The Dark” campaign, will support the nonprofit organization, according to a press release announcing the cross-genre collaboration.
“Honestly It’s a dream come true to have Carrie on this track,” Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix told iHeartRadio. “She’s amazing. Her performance and association will raise so much awareness for suicide prevention, which is more important than ever.
“We were humbled that Carrie was open to our mission, and hearing the power of Carrie’s voice in that recording session we were blown away,” Shaddix said in the release. “Not only is her vocal ability unequaled, but the impact of her voice brings a new meaning to our cause and will help people all over the globe. It’s an honor to have a ‘Rock Star’ bring life to this track with us.”
Underwood said she’s “such a huge fan,” of the California-based rock band and of Shaddix. She said she “was honored to be invited to record ‘Leave A Light ON’ with them. It’s a beautiful song and the message behind it and the band’s mission to shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness has never been more important.”
Underwood attended Papa Roach’s concert in Nashville, one of many cities where Shaddix spoke in an emotional PSA video that played before the band’s performance of “Leave A Light On.” They performed the ballad for the first time live last year with Shinedown and Spiritbox. Shaddix pledged to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for concertgoers in each tour stop. The total donation reached $155,000, per the release.
“Papa Roach’s ‘Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark)’ has tapped into a cultural moment in which people are eager and ready for the message the song contains: that we all go through difficult times and that we can all be there for each other. We want to thank Carrie Underwood for joining with Papa Roach to record this new, inspiring duet version, which will reach even more fans and connect them to AFSP’s Talk Away the Dark campaign,” said American Foundation for Suicide Prevention CEO Bob Gebbia in a statement. “We are also incredibly grateful to Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood for their commitment to providing those struggling with their mental health information and resources that can help. These amazing artists are educating the public about the importance of taking care of our mental health, and they are generously supporting the AFSP’s mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.”
“Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” is the latest collaboration by Papa Roach to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Earlier this year, the band teamed up with Chris Daughtry on “Scars” in support of the nonprofit organization. Daughtry, another former American Idol contestant (in addition to Underwood, who will return to the show as a judge in spring 2025), said when the collaboration related in January that “it was an honor to perform this classic which has been a personal favorite with my friend Jacoby and the boys when they came to Nashville. It’s an even greater honor that it is being used to do some good for an organization that is close to my heart.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.