16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Holding On To You

“When I was 22, I attempted suicide. It was not the first time and who knows if it will be my last. A few months later, I began listening to the band Twenty One Pilots. Many of their lyrics deal with depression. I fell in love with the song “Holding on to You,” which features the lyrics: "Tie a noose around your mind Loose enough to breath fine and tie it To a tree tell it, you belong to me, this ain’t noose This is a leash and I have news for you You must obey me!” The lyrics had such an impact on my life that I got the imagery tattooed on my leg to remind me that I am in control and not the bullshit in my brain.”

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Alexandria , Louisiana, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D5100
Copyright: © Keith Matthews