Songs About Self Harm
Music has the power to heal, inspire, and connect us on a deep emotional level. It can serve as a lifeline when we feel alone, offering solace and understanding in the face of difficult emotions. Self-harm is a complex and sensitive topic, but it’s important to acknowledge that music can provide a sense of comfort and catharsis for those struggling with these feelings.
In this blog post, we explore 20 songs that touch upon the theme of self-harm, shedding light on this often misunderstood aspect of human experience.
20 Top Songs About Self-Harm
1. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s haunting rendition of “Hurt” is a powerful exploration of self-harm and the internal struggles that can lead to it.
The song, originally written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, delves into the pain of addiction and self-destructive behavior.
Cash’s raw and emotional delivery captures the despair and regret associated with self-harm, reminding us of the profound impact our actions can have on ourselves and others.
Listen to “Hurt” by Johnny Cash here.
2. “Scars” by Papa Roach
Papa Roach’s “Scars” is a heartfelt anthem that speaks directly to the emotional wounds and scars we carry within.
The song tackles the inner turmoil of self-harm, offering a message of hope and resilience. With its powerful chorus and honest lyrics, “Scars” resonates with listeners who have experienced the pain of self-inflicted harm, reminding them that healing is possible.
Check out “Scars” by Papa Roach here.
3. “Sober” by Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s “Sober” is a deeply personal song that addresses the struggle with addiction and self-harm. Through her soulful vocals and honest lyrics, Lovato bares her vulnerability and shares her journey towards sobriety.
The track serves as a reminder that reaching out for help is a courageous act, and that we are never alone in our battles.
Listen to “Sober” by Demi Lovato here.
4. “Hold On” by Good Charlotte
“Hold On” by Good Charlotte is an uplifting anthem that addresses the darkness and pain that can lead to self-harm, urging listeners to find hope and hold on during their darkest moments.
The song acknowledges the struggles many face but emphasizes the importance of resilience and finding support in times of despair.
Check out “Hold On” by Good Charlotte here.
5. “My Immortal” by Evanescence
Evanescence’s “My Immortal” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that delves into themes of self-harm, loss, and longing.
The emotive lyrics, accompanied by Amy Lee’s powerful vocals, evoke a sense of vulnerability and pain, creating a cathartic experience for listeners who resonate with the song’s message.
Listen to “My Immortal” by Evanescence here.
6. “The Way She Feels” by Between the Trees
“The Way She Feels” by Between the Trees is a deeply introspective song that explores the hidden struggles and emotional turmoil of self-harm. Through heartfelt lyrics and melodic guitar-driven sounds, the band captures the complexity of these emotions while offering a sense of understanding and compassion.
Check out “The Way She Feels” by Between the Trees here.
7. “Snuff” by Slipknot
Slipknot’s “Snuff” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that delves into the pain and regret associated with self-harm.
The song’s introspective lyrics and Corey Taylor’s emotive vocals provide a window into the internal struggles that can lead individuals down a destructive path. “Snuff” reminds us of the importance of reaching out for support and seeking healing.
Listen to “Snuff” by Slipknot here.
8. “Adam’s Song” by Blink-182
This Song” addresses the themes of depression and self-harm, exploring the feelings of isolation and despair that can accompany these struggles.
The song’s relatable lyrics and melodic punk-rock sound offer a sense of comfort and solidarity to those who have experienced similar emotions.
Check out “Adam’s Song” by Blink-182 here.
9. “One More Light” by Linkin Park
Linkin Park’s “One More Light” serves as a poignant reminder of the impact our actions can have on others. The song acknowledges the pain and darkness that can lead to self-harm, urging listeners to be there for one another and provide support during difficult times. Chester Bennington’s emotive vocals make this song a powerful tribute to those who have lost their battles.
Listen to “One More Light” by Linkin Park here.
10. “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead
This is a hauntingly beautiful song that touches upon themes of self-harm and the search for authenticity in a superficial world.
Thom Yorke’s ethereal vocals and the song’s introspective lyrics create a melancholic atmosphere that resonates with those who feel trapped by their own struggles.
Check out “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead here.
11. “Swing Life Away” by Rise Against
Rise Against’s “Swing Life Away” is an acoustic ballad that speaks to the hope and resilience found in the midst of despair. While not explicitly about self-harm, the song’s uplifting message and Tim McIlrath’s emotive vocals can resonate deeply with individuals struggling with these emotions, offering a sense of comfort and reminding them of the beauty that can be found in life.
Listen to “Swing Life Away” by Rise Against here.
12. “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team” sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals trapped in cycles of addiction and self-harm.
The song’s poignant lyrics and Sheeran’s soulful vocals create a vivid portrayal of the hardships faced by those on the fringes of society. “The A Team” serves as a reminder to extend empathy and support to those in need.
Check out “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran here.
13. “Pain” by Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace’s “Pain” captures the overwhelming emotions and internal battles associated with self-harm.
The song’s powerful rock sound, combined with its raw and relatable lyrics, resonates with individuals who have experienced the depths of pain and struggle, offering them a sense of validation and understanding.
Listen to “Pain” by Three Days Grace here.
14. “Going Under” by Evanescence
“Going Under” by Evanescence is an intense and emotionally charged song that delves into the experience of self-harm and the pain of feeling trapped.
Amy Lee’s captivating vocals and the song’s dark, melodic energy create a cathartic experience for listeners, allowing them to connect with their own emotions and find solace in the music.
Check out “Going Under” by Evanescence here.
15. “Car Radio” by Twenty One Pilots
“Car Radio” by Twenty One Pilots offers a unique perspective on self-harm and the overwhelming silence that can accompany it.
The song’s introspective lyrics and Tyler Joseph’s emotive vocals take listeners on a journey of self-reflection and self-discovery.
“Car Radio” reminds us of the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms and reaching out for support.
Listen to “Car Radio” by Twenty One Pilots here.
16. “Last Resort” by Papa Roach
This is a hard-hitting anthem that confronts the darkness and despair that can lead individuals to consider self-harm.
The song’s aggressive sound and anguished lyrics create a cathartic release for listeners, offering a sense of solidarity and reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Check out “Last Resort” by Papa Roach here.
17. “Cuts Marked in the March of Men” by Coheed and Cambria
This song addresses the emotional pain and self-destructive tendencies that can lead individuals down a path of self-harm.
The song’s intricate instrumentation and haunting vocals create a captivating listening experience, inviting listeners to reflect on their own struggles and seek healing.
Listen to “Cuts Marked in the March of Men” by Coheed and Cambria here.
18. “Bullet” by Hollywood Undead
Hollywood Undead’s “Bullet” is a raw and honest portrayal of the internal battles that can lead to self-harm.
The song’s powerful rap-rock sound, combined with its introspective lyrics, delves into the desperation and hopelessness experienced by those who feel trapped in their own minds. “Bullet” serves as a reminder to reach out for help and find healthy outlets for our pain.
Check out “Bullet” by Hollywood Undead here.
19. “Wrist” by Chris Cornell
“Wrist” by Chris Cornell is a deeply introspective song that addresses the emotional turmoil associated with self-harm.
Cornell’s soulful vocals and the song’s haunting melody provide listeners with a glimpse into the internal struggles and pain that can lead individuals to harm themselves. “Wrist” offers a sense of empathy and understanding for those going through similar experiences.
Listen to “Wrist” by Chris Cornell here.
20. “The Fragile” by Nine Inch Nails
“This is a complex and emotionally charged song that delves into the fragility of the human condition and the struggles that can lead individuals to self-harm.
Trent Reznor’s introspective lyrics and the song’s atmospheric soundscapes create a visceral listening experience, allowing listeners to explore their own emotions and find solace in the music.
Check out “The Fragile” by Nine Inch Nails here.
21. “U” By Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is one of hip-most hop’s celebrated MCs. When it comes to music, his lyrical creativity lets him tackle a wide range of topics with subtlety and vividness. To Pimp A Butterfly’s “u,” which can be found on the album, is an exploration of the artist’s past struggles with depression, suicidal ideation, and survivor’s guilt.
Depression, anxiety, etc are all forms of self-harm, but I think, self-guilt is the greatest. Imagine how bad you feel when you get judged by a friend, it stings! Now, imagine judging yourself, it’s a nightmare in reality!
If you listen to this song and don’t feel sorry for Kendrick, you most definitely need to visit the cardiologist, your heart needs to be checked.
In the song, it appears Kendrick is battling with his demons, this reminds me of a track in his latest album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” where he said
“…I’m fighting demons better known as myself…”
“.… every thought is creative, sometimes I’m afraid of my open mind”
Kendrick has been through a lot, I mean, the song says it all. He admitted that most of his insecurities, selfishness, and regrets were the basis of the song.
22. Lucid Dreams By Juice WRLD
When Juice WRLD died in 2019, the culture was left with a lot of unanswered issues about how to deal with mental illness and substance abuse. Lucid Dreams” is the most recognizable song by Juice WRLD. He wrote it as a “therapy session” during a difficult time in his relationship.
This track hits hard, especially after a breakup. Ending a relationship with someone you love can mess up your head big time
Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” examines the mental suffering one gets after a breakup.
If you’ve heard of the term “lucid dreaming,” it means that you’re awake while you’re dreaming. A dreamer’s ability to influence the content of their dreams can develop with time, but it takes practice. Yeah, this sounds like insanity!
To avoid seeing his ex-lover in his nightmares, Juice utilizes the example of controlling lucid dreams.
23. Logic, Cara Alessia, Khalid – 1-800-273-8255
I love the chorus of this song, Logic always delivers, always!
On “1-800-273-8255,” Logic addresses the problem of suicide directly.
“…my life doesn’t even matter…”
Now, this is some real, hardcore suicidal talk.
If you’re not American, you’d probably be wondering, what’s up with the title, it’s very dull. It’s depressing!
The American National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is the song’s title (NSPL). To the tune, Logic tackles issues like homophobia and bullying, both of which are frequent triggers for people to take their own lives.
“1-800-273-8255” has been dubbed by Logic as the “most essential song” in his discography. To tell you how amazing this song is, It has sold more than 6,000,000 copies in the US, making it his most successful album.
Logic always delivers!
24. Beautiful By Eminem
This is not the normal “Slim Shady-Marshall Mathers-Eminem” song. Eminem always has a way to touch my soul with his songs
From the first line of the first verse, it’s pretty obvious what this song is about.
“I am so f**king depressed…”
Eminem is depressed.
He raps about how fame and popularity have brought depression in his life. How everybody is “trying to follow him around and wipe his ass.” Even when he says something that’s not funny everybody goes:
“…you’re so funny,
You should be a comedian…”
From this song, I think he’s just tired of everybody trying to impress him. He just wants a normal life like you and me.
He also takes us on a tour of his childhood and from the song Mr. Marshall Mathers was not a happy child. I started feeling a little depressed while listening to the song. It was so filled with emotion.
As a kid, he just wanted to fit in with his peers. He didn’t like being an outcast, nobody does. He wanted to be the cool kid and would give almost anything just to be that, even if he had to act stupid just to belong, he wouldn’t mind.
He also talks about his dad:
“I was never the type of kid to wait by the door and…For a dad to show up…”
If you know Eminem, you know that he had a “father figure deficiency” in his childhood. Not having a father can affect a child as he plays a major role in the child’s upbringing.
The chorus of the song is a simple message to any child going through what you went through or anybody in a tight corner. Kiss message in the chorus of the song is that you are beautiful just the way you are, you don’t need to fit into another person’s shoes just to find closure.
25. Mansion By NF and Fleuri
Well, we know NF, and constantly battling his demons. NF popped up as a very popular rapper in 2017. Some may say he’s like Eminem’s Clone, besides, the rapper has admitted that Eminem was someone he idolized while pursuing his career.
NF is without a doubt an outstanding rapper but, there seems to be this dark cloud hovering over him and the music he makes. But if the fans love it, I don’t see any problem with that, at least he’s keeping it REAL.
NF did an excellent job with this song.
Fleuri comes in with the intro and NF takes the wheels from there. NF has used the term “Mansion” to represent his mind. In this “mansion”, there are rooms, just like real mansions, the difference here is that these are no ordinary rooms.
From the lyrics, you’ll understand that these rooms are the demons NF is struggling with, anger, depression, physical abuse, regrets, fear, trust issues, etc.
NF originally built the mansion as a safe house from the world, a place where he escapes in trying moments. But he let fear in and it seems fear has come to stay.
The problem now is, that he can’t get out even if he wants to because he is still hiding from the world and his safe house, well, it isn’t so safe anymore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 songs offer a window into the complex emotions and struggles associated with self-harm. While it’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity, music can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, understanding, and healing.
Through these songs, listeners can find solace, validation, and a sense of connection with others who have experienced similar pain.
