19 Best Songs About Guilt

Eddy Villa

There’s something about guilt that makes for great music.

Maybe it’s the vulnerability or the emotion that comes with it.

Whatever the reason, there are plenty of songs out there about guilt.

From country to rock and everything in between, these 20 tracks explore all aspects of the feeling.

So whether you’re wallowing in your own guilt or just listening along, these songs are sure to hit home.

By the way, if you’re interested in songs about guilt, you may also be interested in songs about greed, songs about jealousy, songs about mistakes, songs about regret, and songs about secrets.

Guilt Trip – Kanye West

Originally released as part of Kanye West’s 2013 album Yeezus, the song “Guilt Trip” has quickly become a fan favorite.

This track really captures the essence of West’s unique musical style.

But at the same time, the song also offers a deeper meaning that goes beyond its impressive beat and catchy lyrics.

Whether you view it as an exploration of addiction or a raw portrayal of human vulnerability, “Guilt Trip” is guaranteed to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with difficult emotions.

So if you’re looking for something fresh and thought-provoking in your music collection, then make sure to give this addictive track a listen!

Guilty – Barry Gibb and Barbara Streisand

Barbra Streisand - Guilty (Official Audio) ft. Barry Gibb

Guilty, by Barry Gibb and Barbara Streisand, is a catchy pop song that quickly became a huge success when it was released back in 1980.

Structured as a duet between two well-known artists, the song draws on elements of disco and soul to create an upbeat and dynamic sound.

Featuring soaring harmonies and energetic instrumental flourishes, the song manages to capture all the energy of the disco era while simultaneously tapping into more modern musical trends.

Additionally, Guilty is widely considered a feminist anthem, with both singers putting their own unique stamp on the lyrics as they declare their love for one another in spite of any wrongdoing or past indiscretions.

Ultimately, Guilty has stood the test of time and remains an iconic song that continues to delight audiences even decades after its release.

So if you’re feeling nostalgic for the best music from the 80s, be sure to check out this legendary track!

Guilty Conscience – Eminem ft. Dr. Dre

Eminem - Guilty Conscience (Director's Cut) ft. Dr. Dre

Guilty conscience is the powerful collaboration between two of hip-hop’s biggest artists: Eminem and Dr. Dre.

The song was released in 1999 as a single from Eminem’s critically acclaimed album, The Slim Shady LP.

It features haunting beats and emotionally charged lyrics about the guilt and suffering that can come with destructive behavior.

Eminem’s delivery draws listeners deep into his world, making them feel every emotion he expresses in the song. Dr. Dre adds his signature gritty raps to enhance the intensity of the track, while their combined efforts make Guilty Conscience one of the most memorable songs in hip-hop history.

Whether you are a fan of rap and hip-hop, or simply enjoy great music, there is no denying that Guilty Conscience is a truly unforgettable track that deserves to be recognized as one of the biggest hits of its time.

Guilt – Nero

Guilt is a powerful force that can have a profound impact on our lives.

The song Guilt, by Nero, explores this idea in depth.

In the opening lines of the song, the narrator describes being plagued by feelings of guilt as he grapples with challenging personal relationships and secret desires.

Over the course of the song, he struggles to come to terms with his dark emotions, eventually reaching a point where he must face his guilt head-on.

Through its haunting melodies and lyricism, Guilt manages to capture in words and music the complexity and intensity of our struggles with guilt.

Whether or not you’ve ever been guilty yourself, this song will undoubtedly leave you feeling deeply moved and profoundly introspective.

Guilty Party – The National

The National - 'Guilty Party'

Guilty Party, by The National is a melancholy exploration of the themes of loss and regret.

With minimal instrumentation and an understated vocal melody, this track creates a powerful emotional impact that lingers long after the song is over.

The rhythm section drives the song forward while incorporating subtle elements of tension and suspense, layering in unexpected sounds to keep listeners hooked until the end.

Overall, Guilty Party showcases The National’s signature blend of raw energy and nuanced emotion, making it a must-listen for fans of indie music.

Whether you’re listening to the song on your own or with friends, Guilty Party is sure to leave you feeling both heartbroken and captivated.

Guilty Pleasure – Cobra Starship

Cobra Starship: Guilty Pleasure [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Guilty Pleasure is a song by the popular pop/rock band Cobra Starship.

Written and produced by lead singer Gabe Saporta, it combines elements of electronic dance music, synthpop, and indie rock to create a catchy and upbeat tune that has become a favorite among fans.

The song was released as the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album, Night Shades, which was well-received upon its release in 2011.

Since then, Guilty Pleasure has been featured in countless compilations and movie soundtracks, as well as blasting from countless car stereos and nightclub speakers around the world.

Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that Guilty Pleasure is an immensely popular song that has left its mark on music history.

Guilty – Marina & the Diamonds

Marina and the Diamonds- Guilty (HQ)

Guilty is a song by the British actr Marina & the Diamonds.

The song was first released in 2012 as the lead single from her third studio album, Electra Heart.

With its powerful vocals, catchy melody, and evocative lyrics, Guilty quickly became a fan favorite and one of Marina’s most beloved songs.

The track tells the story of a woman who feels guilty about falling out of love with someone, even though she knows their relationship is no longer working.

Laced with emotional intensity and raw emotion, Guilty uses music to explore themes of relationships and heartbreak in a way that is striking and relatable for listeners.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply discovering it for the first time, this iconic track will have you singing along in no time!

Guilty All the Same (feat. Rakim) – Linkin Park

Guilty All The Same - Linkin Park (feat. Rakim) | The Hunting Party

Guilty All the Same is an explosive, high-energy song by Linkin Park that features legendary hip-hop artist Rakim.

The song is driven by a hard-hitting beat and electrifying guitar riffs, making it a must-listen for fans of punk, metal, and rap alike.

With its heavy riffs and strong vocals, Guilty All the Same keeps listeners on their toes at every turn.

And Rakim’s fierce rhymes make him a perfect collaborator for this genre-bending track.

Whether you’re into old-school hip hop or modern rock, you’ll definitely find something to love in this catchy and powerful song.

So if you’re looking for some fierce beats and virtuosic rapping, be sure to check out Guilty All the Same!

If you like Linkin Park, we have a list of bands that sound like Linkin Park you might like!

Modern Guilt – Beck

Beck’s track, Modern Guilt, was released in 2008 as part of his album of the same name.

This clearly-produced, synthesizer-driven track draws on many musical influences, from electronic music to disco to jazz.

Despite its eclectic musical nature, however, Modern Guilt manages to maintain a cohesive structure, which gives the song a sense of cohesion and flow.

With its driving rhythms and sharp, memorable hooks, Modern Guilt remains one of Beck’s most acclaimed and popular songs to this day.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new listener, this catchy and vibrant tune is sure to be an instant favorite.

Guilty Filthy Soul – Awolnation

AWOLNATION- "Guilty Filthy Soul" (with lyrics)

Guilty Filthy Soul is one of the most iconic songs by the alternative rock band Awolnation.

With its driving bass line and infectious energy, this song has become a staple of modern rock music.

The lyrics are at once relatable and poetic, exploring themes of existential angst and moral uncertainty.

They also draw on powerful images, evoking powerful visual imagery in the minds of listeners.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of rock music or just looking for a great song to listen to,

Guilty Filthy Soul is sure to captivate you with its catchy melody and powerful message.

So turn it up and dive into the world of guilty, filthy souls! You won’t regret it.

Survivor Guilt – Rise Against

Rise Against- Survivor Guilt

Survivor Guilt is a powerful and thought-provoking statement from Rise Against, about the mental burden and emotional toll of surviving a tragedy.

This haunting ballad explores the complicated emotions that can arise when one person survives a horrific event that claimed the lives of many others, highlighting feelings of guilt, isolation, and shame.

Through relatable lyrics, meaningful instrumentation, and an intense vocal delivery, this song perfectly captures the struggles of those who feel shackled by their past and burdened by their survivor’s guilt.

Whether you have been personally affected by loss or simply appreciate music with depth and meaning, “Survivor Guilt” is a song that deserves to be heard.

Guilty Cubicles – Broken Social Scene

Guilty Cubicles - Broken Social Scene

Guilty Cubicles is driven by soaring synthesizer melodies and pulsing drum loops, creating a driving but somewhat atmospheric soundscape.

Lyrically, Broken Social Scene’s Guilty Cubicles explores themes of work and office culture, with singer Kevin Drew reflecting on the monotony and alienation of the modern workplace in his impassioned vocals.

Overall, it’s a hauntingly beautiful piece that perfectly captures the unique vibe of the band’s trademark sound, making it an essential addition to any music lover’s playlist.

Whether you’re listening at home or on the go, Guilty Cubicles is sure to keep you grooving to its infectious rhythms and uplifting melody.

So why not give it a spin today? You won’t be disappointed!

Guilty of Being White – Minor Threat

Minor Threat-Guilty of being white

Hardcore band Minor Threat’s “Guilty of Being White”, is an impassioned call for social justice.

The lyrics are simple but powerful, conveying a sense of anger and frustration at the societal inequalities faced by people of color in America.

Written at a time when punk rock provided a voice for marginalized communities, “Guilty of Being White” speaks to a shared experience among young people who feel that they have been unfairly targeted and discriminated against simply based on the color of their skin.

Through its angry lyrics, the song expresses a resounding need for equity and social change, making it one of the most poignant pieces of protest music ever written.

The Gift of Guilt – Gojira

Gojira - The Gift Of Guilt (Live at Brixton Academy, London)

The lyrics of the Gift of Guilt, by Gojira, touch on themes of personal responsibility, regret, and accountability, with the singer drawing attention to situations where one person is harmed due to another person’s inaction or wrongdoing.

At its heart, this haunting track explores how difficult it can be to live in a world where even seemingly small actions have far-reaching consequences.

Nevertheless, it also conveys a sense of hope, suggesting that overcoming guilt may require an acknowledgement of our own contributions to the problems around us.

Whether you are a fan of heavy metal or not, this song is sure to resonate with anyone who has struggled with feelings of remorse or guilt.

Guiltiness – Bob Marley & The Wailers

Guiltiness (1977) - Bob Marley & The Wailers

Bob Marley & The Wailers released Guiltiness in 1977, and it quickly became one of their most popular and beloved tracks.

Featuring a classic reggae bassline and uplifting harmonies, the song tells the story of a man coming to terms with his mistakes and renewing his commitment to live a better life.

Through its powerful message and irresistibly catchy melodies, this song has inspired generations of listeners to make positive changes in their own lives.

Whether you are struggling to overcome addiction or navigate a difficult relationship, ‘Guiltiness’ reminds us that we have the power to move past our mistakes and chart a new course for ourselves.

So turn up the volume and let the magic of this timeless classic guide you toward your highest potential.

The Guilty Party – While She Sleeps

While She Sleeps - THE GUILTY PARTY

Known for their energetic live performances, hard-hitting lyrics, and intense metal sound, While She Sleeps has become one of the most popular bands in the rock scene today.

Their single, “The Guilty Party,” is a perfect example of all that they have to offer: dark, brooding guitar riffs and rhythms, heavy bass lines, and passionate vocals.

With its massive vocal melodies and pounding drum beats, “The Guilty Party” is sure to capture the attention of fans both old and new.

Whether you are a long-time metalhead or simply looking for something fresh and innovative in the music world, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible track from While She Sleeps.

So hit that play button now and get ready to rock!

American Guilt – Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - American Guilt (Official Audio)

American Guilt by Unknown Mortal Orchestra explores the conflict between independence and interdependence in modern life.

From the opening riffs of the guitar, it is clear that this track is driven by a sense of reckless energy and determination against all odds.

At the same time, there is also an underlying sense of anxiety as the lyrics grapple with themes of isolation and connection in a hyper-connected world.

Whether hailed as an anthem for millennial angst or a rejection of our increasingly globalized culture, American Guilt captures both sides of modern life in a powerful and compelling way.

Guilty Cocker Spaniels – Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse - Guilty Cocker Spaniels

Guilty cocker spaniels is a song by indie rock band Modest Mouse from their 2009 album “No one’s first, and you’re next”.

This catchy, upbeat tune muses on the ways in which humans are drawn to assigning blame even when it doesn’t really seem to fit.

Whether it’s blaming a dog for your slobbery socks or casting aspersions on your poor cat for knocking something over, this song explores the ways in which we blame others (and ourselves) for things that are simply beyond our control.

But ultimately, the message of this track is one of acceptance: while it’s natural to feel guilty sometimes, we need to learn to let go and forgive ourselves and others in order to move forward with our lives.

So next time you find yourself getting worked up over perceived slights or misdeeds, listen to Guilty Cocker Spaniels and remember that it’s all just a little bit silly.

The Everlasting Guilty Crown – Egoist

The Everlasting Guilty Crown

The song “The Everlasting Guilty Crown” by Japanese pop duo Egoist, is one of the most popular and widely-admired songs from their groundbreaking 2012 album, Extra Terrestrial Biological Entities.

What sets this song apart from others is its emotional and moving lyrics, coupled with its powerful and dramatic melodies.

The result is a track that instantly draws listeners in, whisking them away to another world where they can lose themselves in the passion and intensity of the composition.

Whether you are a fan of electronic music or simply appreciate good songwriting, “The Everlasting Guilty Crown” has something for everyone.

So if you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to check it out today!