Raye's 'I Know You're Hurting' helped one listener confront a lifetime of depression

A Guardian contributor describes how Raye's song 'I Know You're Hurting' prompted him to confront a lifetime of depression he had previously pushed aside, in a first-person account published by the newspaper.

The writer, who has worked as a recording and mix engineer since age 21, said he found himself in tears while listening to the song for the third time, describing the lyrics as though they were speaking directly to him.

He said cognitive behavioural therapy had not worked for him previously, and that it was unusual for lyrics rather than melody or arrangement to bring him to that emotional response, given his professional familiarity with breaking songs apart.

The account describes the moment occurring while driving with his wife and stepdaughter, with the song playing on the car stereo.

The Guardian piece is presented as a personal reflection rather than a clinical account, focusing on the writer's individual experience with the song.