20 Best Songs About Drowning

Richard Ellison

Drowning is a very real fear for a lot of people, and as such, has been the topic of many songs over the years. Here are 20 of the best songs about drowning, ranging from heart-wrenching ballads to hard-hitting rock anthems.

By the way, if you’re looking for more songs about drowning, you may also want to check out songs about pirates, songs about quitting, songs about rainbows, songs about rivers, and songs about tears.

Drowning – Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys - Drowning (Official HD Video)

Drowning is a song by the Backstreet Boys which was released in 2001. The song is about the dangers of drowning and how to prevent it. According to the CDC, approximately 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children aged 1-14 years old. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, and it can happen in shallow water as well as deep water. That’s why it’s important to always be vigilant when around water, even if you’re a strong swimmer.

Drowning – Chris Young

Chris Young - Drowning (Official Lyric Video)

Chris Young’s song “Drowning” is a heart-wrenching ballad about a man who is struggling to keep his head above water after the death of a loved one. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is adrift in a sea of grief, desperately trying to stay afloat but slowly being pulled under by the weight of his sorrow. The song is suffused with references to water, both literal and metaphorical, which serve to heighten the sense of despair and isolation. The chorus, in particular, is incredibly powerful, with the line “I’m drowning in an ocean of you” serving as a gut-wrenching reminder of just how deep the protagonist’s pain runs. “Drowning” is a beautifully sad song that perfectly captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by grief.

Drowning – A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie - Drowning (feat. Kodak Black) [Official Audio]

“Drowning” is a song by American rapper Boogie wit da Hoodie. It was released on May 16, 2017, as the third single from his debut studio album, The Bigger Artist (2017). The song peaked at number 38 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by Boogie wit da Hoodie and produced by Jahaan Sweet. “Drowning” is a slow-tempo R&B and hip hop ballad that samples American singer Aaliyah’s song “One in a Million”. The lyrics of the song center on a relationship that is facing difficulties. 

Drowning Lessons – Chemical Romance

“Drowning Lessons” is a song by American rock band My Chemical Romance. The song was released as the second single from their debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, on July 1, 2002. “Drowning Lessons” is a song about drowning, both literally and figuratively. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is struggling to keep their head above water, both emotionally and physically. The song speaks to the feeling of being overwhelmed by life and struggling to keep afloat.

I Feel Like I’m Drowning – Two Feet

Two Feet - I Feel Like I'm Drowning

I Feel Like I’m Drowning by Two Feet is a song about the feeling of being overwhelmed and struggling to keep up. The lyrics describe the sensation of being underwater and struggling to swim to the surface. The song reflects the sense of hopelessness and helplessness that can come with feeling like you’re drowning. The artist captures the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape, and the song resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they were in over their head. The song is a powerful reminder that we all feel like we’re drowning sometimes, but we can always find our way back to the surface.

Drowning – Anna Clendening

“Drowning” by Clendening is a haunting ballad that tells the story of a young woman’s descent into addiction and despair. The lyrics vividly describe the narrator’s self-destructive spiral, as she turns to drugs and alcohol to numb her pain. The song culminates with the chilling image of the narrator drowning in her own tears. Despite its dark subject matter, “Drowning” is a beautiful and moving song that speaks to the universal experience of struggling to stay afloat in the face of life’s challenges.

Drown – Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon - Drown

Bring Me The Horizon’s “Drown” is a song about the struggles of life and how sometimes it feels like you’re just treading water. The lyrics talk about how everything can feel pointless and how it’s easy to get pulled under by your problems. However, the song also has a message of hope, with the chorus saying “Don’t forget we all drown alone”. The song is about how it’s important to keep fighting even when things seem hopeless. In the end, we all have to face our demons alone, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up. “Drown” is a powerful song that speaks to everyone who has ever felt like they’re struggling to keep their head above water.

Drowning – Mscmkrs

Drowning (feat. Aaron Dews & Quinten Coblentz)

“Drowning” is a song by American pop rock band Mscmkrs. It was released as the lead single from the band’s self-titled debut album on May 18, 2018. The song was written by Mark Foster and produced by Greg Kurstin. “Drowning” is a pop rock ballad with an electronic production. The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of being overwhelmed and struggling to keep one’s head above water. The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its emotion and production. 

Forget My Name – Thought Forms

“Forget My Name” by Thought Forms is a song about drowning. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is struggling to keep their head above water, both figuratively and literally. The song begins with the person gasping for air, as they try to stay afloat. They cry out for help, but no one seems to hear them. They plead for someone to forget their name, as they know that they are going to die. The song then shifts to the person’s memories, as they recall all of the things that they loved in life.

Drowning In The Sea Of Love – Joe Simon

Joe Simon - Drowning In the Sea of Love (Official Audio)

Drowning in the sea of love is a song about, you guessed it, drowning. Joe Simon sings about a man who is struggling to keep his head above water, both literally and figuratively. The song describes the feeling of being overwhelmed by love, and how it can sometimes feel like you’re literally drowning in it. The lyrics are emotive and thoughtful, and the melody is catchy and upbeat. It’s easy to see why this song has been such a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions. Whether you’re looking for a song to set the mood or one that will make you think about love in a different light, Drowning in the Sea of Love is definitely worth a listen.

Drowning – K-BABY

Drowning (feat. The GothHippie)

Released in 2019, “Drowning” by K-BABY is a haunting ballad that tells the story of a young woman’s descent into addiction and despair. The lyrics are stark and unflinching, painting a picture of a life spiraling out of control. The opening lines set the tone for the song, with the narrator confessing that she’s “drowning in a sea of sorrow.” As the song progresses, she details her struggles with substance abuse and mental health, and paints a picture of isolation and desperation.

Sinking, Alright – Cremation Lily

Sinking, Alright (feat. døves)

Cremation Lily’s “Sinking, Alright” is a haunting ballad about the experience of drowning. The song opens with the sound of lapping water, setting the stage for the murky underwater atmosphere that permeates the track. Cremation Lily’s ethereal vocals float over the somber instrumentation, conveying a sense of resignation and despair. The lyrics describe the sensation of sinking into the depths of the sea, as well as the growing panic and fear that come with being unable to escape. “Sinking, Alright” is a beautiful but unsettling song that captures the terror of being pulled under by the waves.

Head Above Water – Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne - Head Above Water (Official Video)

Head Above Water is a song by Avril Lavigne about the feeling of drowning. The lyrics describe the sensation of being pulled under by forces beyond your control, and the desperate need to struggled to the surface for air. The song is structured around the metaphor of a sinking ship, with the chorus representing the moment when Lavigne finally breaks free from the water and takes a deep breath.

Drown In My Own Tears – Ray Charles

Drown in My Own Tears

“Drown in My Own Tears” is one of Charles’ most heartbreaking songs, and it’s believed to be based on his own experience of drowning in his own tears after a failed relationship. The lyrics are simple but poignant, and the melody is both soulful and mournful. It’s no wonder that the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years; it’s a timeless classic that captures the pain of heartbreak.

I’ll Drown In My Tears – Johnny Winter

I'll Drown In My Tears

I’ll Drown In My Tears by Johnny Winter is a song about drowning in one’s own tears. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is struggling to keep their head above water, both figuratively and literally. The song speaks to the feeling of being overwhelmed by sadness and regret, and the desperate need for relief. The imagery is particularly effective in conveying the emotions of the protagonist, and the overall tone is one of hopelessness and despair.

Drowning – Banks

BANKS - Drowning (Official Music Video)

“Drowning” is a song by the American singer Banks. It was released as a single on September 4, 2019, through Harvest Records. The song was written by Banks, Tim Anderson, and Mark Williams, and produced by Anderson and Williams. The song is about the experience of feeling overwhelmed and “drowning” in one’s emotions. The lyrics center around the idea of trying to keep one’s head above water, both figuratively and literally.

Drown – Martin Garrix

Martin Garrix feat. Clinton Kane - Drown (Official Video)

“Drown” is a song by Dutch DJ and producer Martin Garrix, featuring vocals from English singer Mike Yung. The song was released as a digital download on 20 September 2019 through STMPD RCRDS. “Drown” peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The song received mixed reviews from music critics. “Drown” is an EDM and pop song with a length of three minutes and thirty-three seconds. The song consists of an upbeat instrumental with elements of future bass and tropical house, accompanied by Mike Yung’s vocals.

Drown – Theory Of A Deadman

Theory of a Deadman - Drown [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

“Drown” is a song by Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman. It was released in May 2001 as the third single from their self-titled debut album. The song peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number five on the Canadian Singles Chart. “Drown” is about a person who is struggling to keep their head above water and is slowly being pulled under by the weight of their problems. The lyrics talk about how this person feels like they are drowning in their own life and how they want to escape from it all. The song has a very dark and depressing tone to it, which reflects the lyrics perfectly. “Drown” is definitely one of Theory of a Deadman’s most emotional and powerful songs.

Drowning In Your Love – Jake Banfield

Jake Banfield - Drowning In Your Love (Official Lyric Video)

Jake Banfield’s song “Drowning In Your Love” is a haunting ballad about the dangers of becoming too engrossed in another person. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is slowly being pulled under by his own emotions, struggling to stay afloat as he drowns in love. The song’s ethereal melodies and Banfield’s emotive voice give the impression of someone who is desperately grasping for air, gasping for one last breath before they are lost forever. “Drowning In Your Love” is a powerful reminder of the dangers of losing oneself in another person, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Drowning – NateWantsToBattle

NateWantsToBattle - Drowning (Audio)

Drowning is a song by NateWantsToBattle that tells the story of a person who is struggling to keep their head above water. The song begins with the narrator describing how they are feeling “drowning in my thoughts”. They go on to say how they are “trying not to sink” but it feels like they are “Fighting a losing battle”. As the song progresses, the narrator becomes more and more despondent, eventually giving up and allowing themselves to drown.