PRIDE ANTHEMS: “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis

2007 was a whirlwind year for the music industry.

While Timbaland was dominating the charts, Sean Kingston was becoming a household name. And while Fall Out Boy was thanking us for the memories, Colbie Callait was telling us all about feeling bubbly.

And while all of that was happening in the US, the UK also saw a rising star: the X Factor’s Leona Lewis.

After coming in first on the X Factor’s third season, Lewis rose to fame both in the UK and across the pond. Her debut album “Spirit” became the first debut album by a solo artist to debut at number one on the UK charts, and eventually hit platinum status in the US.

But more impressive than the album itself is the album’s leading track and Lewis’ first lead single, “Bleeding Love.”

Released to American fans on December 18th, 2007, “Bleeding Love” instantly became a radio favorite. With fans everywhere requesting plays and Miss Lewis quickly becoming a household name.

And though it has been 12 years since the track’s release- “Bleeding Love” is still making it’s way onto love song playlists everywhere. Including our very own Pride Anthem Playlist.

“Bleeding Love” was submitted to our playlist by our close friend, Christian, A gay man who used Lewis’ track to come out to his family. You can read Christian’s story below.

The song that is the most meaningful to my coming out is “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis, which was introduced to me by a boy in my senior year of high school.
The day I came out, it did not happen the way I thought it would.
My mother borrowed my cell phone to place a call for a taxi. She stumbled on a contact in all caps with unnecessary repeated letters followed by text symbols.
My mother asked, “Who is this boy?” and “Why does this boy’s name appear as is?”
I told my mother with conviction, “This boy is no one and this means nothing.”
My mother proceeded, “So, if I call this boy, he would tell me the same thing?”
I hesitated and said, “I am gay and this boy is my boyfriend.”
The lyrics, “but I don’t care what they say / I’m in love with you / they try to pull me away / but they don’t know the truth,” played a pivotal point in my decision to come out.
My mother was supportive with my decision to come out and happy I am no longer living in denial, closed off, and having to remain in silence. In fact, she was more surprised with the fact that I was interested in white boys rather than the fact that I was gay.
I thank my boyfriend for introducing me to this song. I owe him a special thanks because if it was not for him and this song, I would have not come out then. I would have continued to let time pass and be frozen.
I wish to believe he is looking down on me and hoping this world gets better in time.