\Self-pity is one of the most complex and powerful emotions that we experience. It can be a source of great creativity, but it can also be destructive and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Here are 20 of the best songs about self-pity that will make you feel understood and less alone.
By the way, if you’re a fan of songs about self pity, you might also want to check out songs about being lost, songs about being gay, songs about balance, songs about being sorry, and songs about loneliness.The End Of The World – Sharon Van Etten
The End of the World, by Sharon Van Etten, is a hauntingly beautiful song about self-pity and loss. Drawing on themes of devastation and hopelessness, Van Etten paints a bleak picture of an unraveling world where nothing can save us from our own despair. Yet despite the heavy subject matter, there is also a note of resilience in this track, as Van Etten speaks to her own power to endure in the face of misfortune. With its stripped-down instrumentation and raw vocals, The End of the World perfectly captures that state of mind when all hope seems lost but we continue to soldier on regardless.
Everything Happens To Me – Chet Baker
Everything Happens To Me is a song about self pity, written by Tom Adair and Matt Dennis. The song was first recorded by Chet Baker in 1950, and has since been covered by many other artists. The lyrics tell the story of a man who feels that everything in life goes wrong for him, and that nobody understands his pain. Despite the unhappy subject matter, the song has a catchy melody and is often seen as a jazz standard. Baker’s version of the song is widely regarded as one of the best, and his emotive performance helps to convey the sense of resignation and despair that lies at the heart of the lyrics. Whether you see it as a tale of woe or a black comedy, Everything Happens To Me is a classic example of jazz singing at its finest.
Breathe Me – Sia
Breathe Me is a song by Sia, an Australian singer and songwriter known for her emotionally raw lyrics. This song speaks to the feeling of self-pity, the all-consuming feeling that everything in life is against you and that you will never succeed. The melody portrays this sense of longing, with a slow and steady piano rhythm that draws the listener in. Through her lyrics, Sia explores this bleak inner state, painting an image of isolation and despair as she pleads with herself to breathe. Ultimately, Breathe Me serves as a reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, there will always be hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Even when we are consumed by self-pity and darkness, there is always a chance to change our perspective and find new light within ourselves.
Under The Ivy – Kate Bush
Under the Ivy is a song about self-pity, exploring the emotions and mindset of a person dealing with feelings of sadness and isolation. The lyrics describe a woman in deep emotional turmoil, feeling consumed by her own negative thoughts and allowing them to lead her down a path of self-destruction. She pulls away from others, hiding behind an ivy vine that seems to offer protection and comfort while also serving as a metaphor for these destructive tendencies. Through powerful words and haunting vocals, Kate Bush captures the complex psychological state of someone mired in sadness and self-doubt. Even though the song doesn’t offer any easy solutions or hopeful messages, it is nevertheless thought-provoking and resonant, shedding light on a common human experience that often goes unacknowledged or ignored.
Hooray! Hooray! – A Balladeer
Hooray! Hooray! is a balladeer song which is all about self pity. The song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and it was released on the Beatles’ 1968 album, The Beatles. The song is in the key of C major and it has a 4/4 time signature. The lyrics of the song are about a person who is feeling sorry for themselves and they keep saying “hooray” because they think that things are going to get better. However, the reality is that things are not going to get better and the person is just living in a fantasy world.
Down Again – Charlie Dée
Down Again is a song by Charlie Dée that explores the notion of self-pity. From the opening line, which declares, “I’m down again, feeling sorry for myself,” it is clear that this track is a candid look at how easy it can be to slip into despair. Throughout the song, Dée reflects on her past struggles and attempts to make sense of the emotional turmoil that has plagued her throughout her life. While Down Again may seem like a sad and dark song on the outside, it ultimately serves as a powerful reminder to seek truth and grace. Through its honest and vulnerable lyrics, it reminds us to always strive for hope, no matter how down we feel at any given moment.
I Think It’s Going to Rain Today – Randy Newman
I Think It’s Going to Rain Today, by Randy Newman, is a song about self-pity. The narrator laments that he cannot see happy people around him and views the impending storm as an ominous sign. He feels powerless in the face of this coming storm, unable to protect himself or those around him from its consequences. Through his descriptions of the storm and depictions of loneliness, Newman casts himself as a tragic figure weighed down by negative emotions and despair. But ultimately, this is a song about resilience in the face of darkness, for even during times of hardship there is always hope for the future.
Hurt – Timi Yuro
Hurt is an iconic song by Timi Yuro that perfectly captures the emotion of self pity. The song opens with a series of mournful violins strummed over a simple but haunting backing guitar, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly sets the scene for the heart-wrenching lyrics to come. Yuro’s impassioned vocal performance is infused with raw emotion, hitting just the right balance of despair and pain that fully conveys her feelings of loss and regret. Her lyrics capture both the external circumstances that led to her moment of despair and examine the more personal aspects of suffering, ultimately leaving us with a poignant portrait of unhappiness that resonates powerfully with its listeners.
Drown In My Own Tears – Aretha Franklin
Drown in My Own Tears by Aretha Franklin is a powerful song that explores the theme of self-pity. The lyrics vividly depict the emotional turmoil that can arise when one is overcome by feelings of hopelessness and sorrow. In particular, the line “I’ll be drowning in my own tears” captures the sense of utter despair that occurs when one feels beaten down by life. Furthermore, Franklin’s soulful vocals powerfully convey her intense frustration at not being able to escape these negative emotions.
Save Myself – Ed Sheeran
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In “Save Myself,” Ed Sheeran opens up about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He sings about how he tries to numb himself with alcohol and other substances, but it only leads to self-destructive behavior. Sheeran admitting that he’s “been trying to save myself” but “keeping [himself] from falling apart.” The chorus asserts that he’s “not gonna write [himself] a postcard” and encourages listeners to do the same. Despite the heavy subject matter, the song is upbeat and optimistic, with a message of hope for those who are struggling. In an interview, Sheeran said that he wrote the song in order to give people “permission to not be okay.” By sharing his own experiences, Sheeran hopes to provide comfort and encouragement to anyone who is struggling.
One – Harry Nilsson
Harry Nilsson was a prolific singer, songwriter, and musician whose work encompassed many different genres of music. One of his most popular songs was “One,” which is ostensibly a song about self-pity. The lyrics feature an angsty and disaffected narrator who laments the painful realities of life. However, as this voice veers between bitterness and despair, it also exhibits flashes of insight and wisdom. Through its pessimistic message and subtle emotional nuance, “One” offers an intriguing portrait of self-pity in all its complexity and nuance.
Tired Of Being Alone – Al Green
Tired of Being Alone, by Al Green, is a song about self-pity and the deep emotional longing that comes with it. The lyrics describe a sense of desperation and yearning for companionship, with the speaker voicing his pain as he languishes in perpetual solitude. He longs to be wanted, needed, and loved by someone who will make him feel complete. Written at a time when Green was struggling through difficult personal circumstances and suffering from deep loneliness, this song reflects the deep emotional turmoil that can arise when we feel isolated and alone.
Perfect Solitude – Leonie Meijer
Perfect Solitude by Leonie Meijer is a song about self-pity. The song opens with the lines “I’m so alone, I’m so alone / I don’t know why I bother trying.” These lines immediately establish the theme of loneliness and despair. Meijer’s voice is raw and emotive, conveying the sense of isolation and desperation that comes with self-pity. The song continues with the lines “I’m such a mess, I’m such a mess / I can’t do anything right.” Here, Meijer conveys the feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness that often accompany self-pity. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the lines “But I’m still here, I’m still here / And I’m gonna make it through.” These lines suggest that despite the darkness of self-pity, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
I Guess I Just Feel Like – John Mayer
John Mayer’s “I Guess I Just Feel Like” is a song about self-pity. The lyrics explore the feeling of being undeserving of love and attention, and longing for the days when things were simpler. The song speaks to the feeling of being lost and alone, even in a crowded room. It’s a relatable song for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. The simple acoustic guitar accompaniment creates a melancholy mood that mirrors the lyrics. “I Guess I Just Feel Like” is a touching song about the struggles of life and the human need for connection.
Dancing On My Own – Calum Scott
Calum Scott’s “Dancing On My Own” is a song about self-pity. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is at a club, watching the woman he loves dance with someone else. He knows that he will never have her, but he can’t help but feel sorry for himself. The song is sad and poignant, but it also has an uplifting message. Scott encourages listeners to embrace their own sadness and use it as fuel to keep going. The song is a reminder that even when we feel alone, we are never really dancing on our own.
I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues – Elton John
I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The song was released in 1984 and was included on the album Too Low for Zero. The song is about self-pity and how it can lead to depression and loneliness. The lyrics describe how the narrator has been hurt by love and how he is struggling to cope with the pain. Despite the sorrowful subject matter, the song is upbeat and features a catchy melody. I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues has remained one of Elton John’s most popular songs, and it continues to resonate with listeners who have experienced heartbreak or loss.
Hate Myself – NF
NF’s song “Hate Myself” is a powerful anthem about self-pity. The lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts, and wanting to escape from the pain. NF uses his own experience to illustrate the destructive nature of self-pity, and how it can take over your life if you’re not careful. The song also includes a message of hope, encouraging listeners to break free from their negative thought patterns. “Hate Myself” is an emotionally charged track that resonates with anyone who has ever felt stuck in their own head. NF’s raw honesty and vulnerability makes this song an important part of the conversation about mental health.
Selfpity – Lucifer
Self-pity is a destructive emotion that can lead to a downward spiral of negative thinking and self-destructive behaviors. It is important to catch yourself when you start feeling sorry for yourself and make a conscious effort to change your perspective. One way to do this is to focus on all the things you have to be thankful for, no matter how small they may seem. Another way to combat self-pity is to take action towards your goals, instead of just wallowing in your sorrows. Finally, remember that everyone goes through difficult times and that you are not alone in your struggles. By recognizing the signs of self-pity and taking steps to counter it, you can prevent it from taking over your life.
A Little Rain Has Never Hurt No One – A Balladeer
A Little Rain Has Never Hurt No One – A Balladeer is a song about self-pity and learning to move on from difficult experiences. The lyrics of the song depict a character who has been through many hardships, but who refuses to wallow in sadness or despair. Instead, he chooses to acknowledge his pain and then take action to improve his situation. This message is one that resonates with countless people, offering them the strength and resilience to keep going even in the face of adversity.
Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
![Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now (2021 Remaster) [Official Audio]](https://theawesomemix.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FyXr2EFomFkU%2F0.jpg&fix=it)
“Both Sides Now” is a song written by Joni Mitchell that was first released on her 1968 album, Clouds. The song is about the choices we make in life and how our perspective can change over time. It begins with the narrator looking back on a relationship that ended poorly, and feeling regret for the choices she made. However, as she looks at the situation from both sides, she realizes that her ex-lover is just as much to blame as she is. The song ends on a note of acceptance, with the narrator realizing that she will never really know what could have been. “Both Sides Now” is a powerful song about the complexities of relationships, and how our perceptions can change as we grow older and wiser.
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