10 Powerful Songs About Depression That Get It Right
Remember, you're not alone. Use these songs as a source of support.
10 Important Songs About Depression
Depression is a serious disease that is often overlooked, misunderstood, and stigmatized. But you know what we say? F*&K THAT!
Whether you have depression or know someone who does, there are many resources such as podcasts, documentaries, and music to help support or understand the common disease.
What's important to remember when battling depression is that you're not alone. Just look at the 10 most important songs about depression that we put together. Many mainstream singers, rockstars, and bands have battled the disease and put their pain and struggles into their work.
For fans and listeners it shines a light on something extremely important: musicians have turned depression into artistic expression in the hopes that it can do some good. So if you're depressed or having a bad day, these songs accurately represent depression and what it feels like. You can cry through them, scream at the top of your lungs, or blast the music in your car, but either way, use them anyway you want and they will be extremely cathartic.
1. "Wonderful" by Everclear
Everclear might've only had a few hits, but they helped mental illness enter a mainstream musical presence. With other emotional songs like "Father of Mine" and "Santa Monica," their music might help those battling with personal problems find an outlet or support through their music.
Important lyrics: "I close my eyes when I get too sad I think thoughts that I know are bad, close my eyes and I count to ten, hope it's over when I open them."
2. "Breaking Down" by Florence + the Machine
Florence + the Machine depicts what the actual physical feeling of a breakdown, emotional or not. This song resonates with many people because depression can be hard to describe and Florence seems to do it on a grand scale.
Important lyrics: "Creeping in the streetlight holding my hand in the pale gloom, can you see it coming now? Ah-ah, ah-ah I think I'm breaking down again."
3. "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones
Relatively upbeat, The Rolling Stones turned to a darker feel with "Paint it Black." If you're feeling bad about being depressed just remember this song and that sometimes it's okay to feel blue, or rather, black as it's a part of feeling sad. Just make sure to play "Start Me Up" to help get you out of the dark place.
Important lyrics: "Look inside myself and see my heart is black, I see my red door I must have it painted black maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts, it's not easy facin' up, when your whole world is black."
4. "Unwell" by Matchbox Twenty
You might've been an angsty teen when you heard this one but it's still a great song about feeling different. It proves that you can experience anxiety or depression but that doesn't mean you're crazy, a term with a sticky connotation.
Important lyrics: "But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell I know right now you can't tell but stay awhile and maybe then you'll see a different side of me."
5. "Save Myself" by Ed Sheeran
This song might make you feel sad if you weren't before but the message is clear: Life can get you down, but you have to save yourself over anything. Ed Sheeran reminds his listeners that your mental health should be your number one priority. And if you're in a relationship or environment that doesn't let that happen, time for a change.
Important lyrics: "So before I save someone else, I've got to save myself, and before I blame someone else, I've got to save myself and before I love someone else, I've got to love myself."
6. "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects
Another angsty band from the 2000s! But this time they are addressing depression head on. The All-American Rejects want you to move along if you're feeling low. If you're feeling depressed, turn this on to be reminded that you can get through depression, and you don't have to do it alone.
Important lyrics: "And even when your hope is gone, move along, move along just to make it through, when everything is wrong, we move along."
7. "24 Floors" by The Maine
The Maine uses their musical talents to depict what might go through someone's head when they are at their lowest point. Luckily, the protagonist is reminded by a support system, that there's a better day tomorrow.
Important lyrics: "Eyes closed, I see your face, breathe deep and hesitate, I hear the words you'd say if you were here with me you'd say, 'you don't wanna die tonight.'"
8. "What's Wrong" by PVRIS
When we're depressed, the people around us can help or harm us even more. PVRIS proves that those around us can further our recovery, or hinder it greatly.
Important lyrics: "I know it's so wrong but I'm so far gone, don't need you to tell me I'm so cynical quit being so over-skeptical don't need a metaphor for you to know I'm miserable."
9. "Adam's Song" by Blink 182
This is quite possibly one of the saddest songs ever written and for good reason. Blink 182 paints a very blunt depiction of suicide and how it inflicts pain to everyone involved.
Important lyrics: "Days when I still felt alive, we couldn't wait to get outside." (editor's note: the entire song depicts suicide and none of the lyrics are especially positive)
10. "Therapy" by All Time Low
All Time Low sings about therapy and the pain that can come with discussing your problems. Therapy has been stigmatized but unnecessarily so, as it does wonders for many people.
Important lyrics: "Therapy, you were never a friend to me you can take back your misery."
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