Music has the power to move us in ways that few other art forms can. It can make us feel happy, energized, and inspired, but it can also help us navigate difficult emotions like sadness and depression.
In fact, many musicians have used their own experiences with depression as inspiration for their music, creating powerful and moving songs that speak to the struggles of mental illness.
From soulful ballads to gritty rock anthems, songs about depression have the ability to connect with listeners on a deep and personal level, offering a sense of comfort and solidarity in times of need.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most powerful and poignant songs about depression, and examine how music can help us better understand and cope with this complex and challenging mental health condition.
So, Let’s start…
1. Florence + the Machine – “Never Let Me Go”
Florence + the Machine is known for their emotional and powerful music, and “Never Let Me Go” is no exception. This hauntingly beautiful ballad was released in 2011 as part of their album “Ceremonials” and quickly became a fan favorite.
The song is about the fear of losing someone you love and the desperate plea to hold onto them. The lyrics are raw and vulnerable, with lead singer Florence Welch pouring her heart out as she sings, “Looking up from underneath, fractured moonlight on the sea. Reflections still look the same to me, as before I went under.”
2. R.E.M. – “Everybody Hurts”
“Everybody Hurts” is a poignant and uplifting song by the iconic alternative rock band R.E.M. The song was released in 1992 as part of their album “Automatic for the People” and quickly became a fan favorite.
The lyrics of “Everybody Hurts” offer a message of hope and empathy, reminding listeners that it’s okay to feel sad and that everyone experiences pain at some point in their lives. The chorus of the song features the memorable refrain, “Everybody hurts, sometimes, everybody cries, sometimes.”
3. Ingrid Michaelson – “Be OK”
“Ingrid Michaelson Be OK” is a cheerful and uplifting song that was released in 2008 as part of the album “Be OK” by the American singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody combine to create an irresistible feel-good anthem.
The lyrics of “Be OK” offer a message of optimism and hope, encouraging listeners to stay positive and keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity. The chorus of the song features the memorable refrain, “I just wanna be okay, be okay, be okay. I just wanna be okay today.”
4. Selena Gomez – “Lose You To Love Me”
“Lose You To Love Me” is a heartfelt and emotional song by American singer Selena Gomez, released in 2019 as a single from her third studio album “Rare”. The song has been widely praised for its raw and honest lyrics, as well as its hauntingly beautiful melody.
The lyrics of “Lose You To Love Me” describe the painful process of moving on from a toxic relationship and finding self-love. Gomez sings, “I gave my all and they all know it, then you tore me down and now it’s showing. In two months, you replaced us like it was easy. Made me think I deserved it in the thick of healing.”
5. Demi Lovato – “Skyscraper”
“Skyscraper” is a powerful and inspiring song by American singer Demi Lovato, released in 2011 as the lead single from her third studio album “Unbroken”. The song’s lyrics offer a message of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the track, with Lovato singing, “Skies are crying, I am watching, catching teardrops in my hands. Only silence, as it’s ending, like we never had a chance.” The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, with Lovato singing, “You can take everything I have, you can break everything I am, like I’m made of glass, like I’m made of paper. Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper.”
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6. Twenty One Pilots – “Stressed Out”
“Stressed Out” is a chart-topping single by the American musical duo Twenty One Pilots, released in 2015 as part of their fourth studio album “Blurryface”. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics about the pressures of adulthood struck a chord with audiences around the world.
The song’s opening lines, “I wish I found some better sounds no one’s ever heard, I wish I had a better voice that sang some better words,” immediately set the tone for the rest of the track. The lyrics of “Stressed Out” describe the struggles of navigating adult life, with lines like “Used to dream of outer space but now they’re laughing in our face saying ‘Wake up, you need to make money’.”
7. Lana Del Rey – “Summertime Sadness”
“Summertime Sadness” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released as a single from her second studio album “Born to Die” in 2012. The song was written by Del Rey and Rick Nowels and produced by Emile Haynie.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. The melancholic tone of the song, coupled with Del Rey’s haunting vocals and the instrumental backing, creates a powerful sense of nostalgia and longing.
8. Sia – “Chandelier”
“Chandelier” is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Sia. It was released as the lead single from her sixth studio album “1000 Forms of Fear” in 2014. The song was written by Sia and Jesse Shatkin, and produced by Greg Kurstin and Shatkin.
The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of being caught up in a self-destructive cycle, while the soaring chorus expresses a desire to break free from this pattern. The song’s music video, which features a young dancer performing a powerful and emotional routine, has also received critical acclaim for its artistic and cinematic qualities.
9. Carrie Underwood – “Just A Dream”
“Just a Dream” is a song by American country music artist Carrie Underwood. It was released as the second single from her second studio album, “Carnival Ride” in 2008. The song was written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young woman whose fiancé has died in combat overseas. The woman struggles to come to terms with his death, and finds solace in imagining what their life together would have been like. The song’s emotional depth and powerful vocals have resonated with listeners, making it a fan favorite.
10. All Time Low – “Missing You”
“Missing You” is a song by American rock band All Time Low. It was released as a single from their sixth studio album, “Future Hearts” in 2015. The song was written by the band members themselves, namely Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson, and Zack Merrick.
The song’s lyrics express feelings of longing and nostalgia for a past relationship. The chorus, which features the refrain “Missing you, missing you,” has become a fan favorite and has resonated with listeners who have experienced heartbreak or loss.
Conclusion
Many artists have written songs about depression, as it is a common experience that can be very difficult to deal with. Some of these songs can be powerful and meaningful expressions of how a person feels, and they can connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
These songs can offer comfort, support, and a sense of understanding to those who are dealing with depression or other mental health challenges. They can also help to reduce stigma and raise awareness about the importance of seeking help and support for mental health issues.