Reading about the pain and trauma that a bullied kid goes through is one thing, but hearing it from their own mouth is something else together. This is precisely why the anti-bullying take on Twista and Faith Evan’s “Hope” performed by teenagers Charlie Lenehan and Leondre Devries at a recent audition for “Britain’s Got Talent” left the judges, including Simon Cowell, and audience awestruck with emotions. The musical duo, going by the name of Bars & Melody, used their music to express the pain and misery of millions of bullied kids. Judging by the reaction of the crowd, it seems that anti-bullying songs are just the thing that’s required to give the up-hill battle against the threat a new impetus.

Two Voices Expressing the Pain of Millions

Referring to the performance of Lenehan and Devries as merely rap would clearly be an injustice to it. It was more than that. It was a quick glimpse of the nightmare countless kids live through every day in school, such as getting beaten up, forced to hand over money, humiliation, rejection, etc. The performance further highlighted the hopelessness that often goes unnoticed and the cry for help that often goes unheard. If there was anyone who was yet to realize or understand what bullied kids go through and feel, they would have certainly grown more familiar with it after the recent “Britain’s Got Talent” performance. The rap would have definitely caused many parents, teachers and school administrators to ask themselves if they’re doing their bit to find an answer to how to stop bullying.

Inspired by a Painful Past

Devries, the rapping member of the duo, conceded that the lyrics of the rap were inspired by his own experience with bullying. He told the judges that writing raps made it easier for him to express his pain. Even though the bullying had stopped, his voice and words left no doubt about the emotional scars it probably dealt him. Lenehan told the judges that not only had music help Devries become stronger, it also helped him grow more confident.

Will It Change Anything?

While the audience cheered their lungs out for the teenagers and rallied behind them to steer the judges towards one of the easiest decisions they had to make in a long time, this rap clearly has a lot more to accomplish. Putting the hurt and pain of victims of bullied victims in victim can clearly stir emotion, as was made obvious during the show, but can it possible make the issue an even bigger priority? Will the suffering of millions receive due attention?

Cowell, a person who isn’t easily impressed, told the young performers that he expects their rap to become a hit. Hopefully, it’s not just the rap that gets popular, but also the anti-bullying message. It’s time to see some concrete steps being taken by all stakeholders to uproot the threat from schools once and for all.