Some songs are more than just music—they are messages, memories, and movements. Belinda Howard’s latest release, A 4 Letter Anthem, is all three. This raw and powerful track is not only a tribute to her late father, Ivor “Dratsab” Howard, but also a rallying cry for ADHD awareness and mental health advocacy.
The story behind A 4 Letter Anthem began in 2017 when Belinda received an email from her father with a Word document attached. The message read simply: “u may be hate it.” But she didn’t hate it—not at all. Her father’s vision was for her to bring the lyrics to life in a British punk style, giving those with ADHD a voice and an anthem of their own.
Years passed before the right collaborators came into the picture. Thanks to her mother’s connection, Belinda joined forces with Per Dahlberg and Andreas Björklund from APA GBG, who composed the music. The result was exactly what her father had envisioned—maybe even better. With Dahlberg at the mixing desk and Howard delivering an impassioned vocal performance, the track came to life. Nervous but determined, she poured her heart into the recording, ensuring that her father’s dream would finally be realized.
Beyond its personal significance, A 4 Letter Anthem carries an urgent message. ADHD and mental health issues remain widely misunderstood and neglected. From struggles in education and lack of medication to the heartbreaking realities of school shootings and suicide, the song sheds light on the consequences of a world that too often turns a blind eye. The title itself represents four crucial letters—ADHD—symbolizing the frustration, trauma, and isolation that so many experience without the right support.
With lyrics by Ivor Howard, music by Per Dahlberg and Andreas Björklund, and a powerful vocal performance by Belinda, A 4 Letter Anthem is more than just a song—it’s a movement. It’s a declaration that mental health awareness needs more attention. It’s a tribute to a father’s belief in his daughter’s voice. And most importantly, it’s an anthem for those who have ever felt unheard.
