Shouldn’t it a song be more popular if it has been known to get people to end their lives. I mean there should be more awareness around it. It should be taken off all internet streaming services and websites. The last remaining CDs should be burnt and then the ashes should be buried in a deep unmarked pit and doused in holy water and salt.
The song you probably never heard of is gloomy Sunday( Szomorú vasárnap) a.k.a The Hungarian suicide song. Brought to us by the Hungarian composer and pianist Rezsö Seress, and first recorded in English by Ray M. Lewis -Gee thanks bro!.
Since the song was published in 1933, there is a popular legend that says it has been linked to a bunch of suicides in Hungary and all around the world including the song composer himself. Seress ended his life on his 69th birthday by jumping from his apartment building in Budapest. However, claims that the song causes people to kill themselves cannot be properly verified as other factors could have been what led to the deaths.
A young girl once drowned in Vienna, when her body was found, she had a piece of paper with the music in it. In fact, several bodies have been found Over at Budapest, a shopkeeper killed himself and left a note that quoted from the lyrics of the same song. Two people shot themselves while hearing a band play the song. Prompting the song to be banned from being performed and played across all radio stations in Hungary.
Even in the U.S, Gloomy Sunday was forbidden from being aired, not until 2002.
It is a fact that music can be able to influence a human beings emotions and psychology. But is it too far-fetched to say that this particular song is responsible for more than a 100 deaths worldwide?
“Could it be that Gloomy Sunday was created with the perfect combination of elements for one to welcome suicide? After all, in the despair of loss through a loved one’s death perhaps the listener finds acknowledgement and consolation. In the ideas of suicide and reunion with a loved one on the “other side” a person finds comfort and hope. Merge these elements with a dreary economic and political environment, and perhaps you have the perfect cocktail for mass suicide. It’s almost too depressing to think about.”
