HOT TRACK: “Last December” by Butcher Babies

June 10, 2023

From the upcoming double album, Eye for an Eye and …Til the World’s Blind, Butcher Babies have released an emotional and powerful song about mental health.

On a social media post, vocalist, Heidi Shepherd wrote,

I’ve been really open about my mental struggles throughout my years in Butcher Babies. I’ve always been an advocate for an open discussion on sharing emotions and healing. Heck, I take a little, pink pill every day that releases a chemical I had missing in my brain. But, sometimes, that just isn’t enough. On the heels of Mental Health Awareness Month, I feel as though this is an appropriate time to invite you into my world.

I have always found that putting my emotions onto paper is my most powerful therapy. After experiencing suicidal ideation in December of 2019 and ultimately following a tiny light out of a deep, dark, lonely hole, I began to put these thoughts into words. Just short little poems. These words and more became, ‘Last December’. This song was written via zoom in April of 2020 with one of the most talented writers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, Blair Daly. Between Blair, myself, Henry and Carla, we combed through these writings and came up with one of the most beautiful, vulnerable, and also UGLY songs we’ve ever written.

The lyric, “…I’m so glad you didn’t last December and I’m still gonna make it last December…” resonated with this mental health warrior who has stared down the same dark hole of suicidal thoughts. The lyrics made me take a deep breath and appreciate the current moment and allowed me to look into the past and acknowledge 20 something me’s journey.

While known for their duality of vocals, clean and harsh, and duality of vocalists, Heidi and Carla, “Last December” shows a softer side to not only the duo, but the band itself. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack from the band allows the vulnerability of the raw and honest lyrics and vocals to shine through.

“Last December” strips away the darkness and allows one to hold onto hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Through their lyrics, music, and honesty, Butcher Babies helps those that listen to start the conversation on healing.

Listen to “Last December” below