Top 10 Songs About Mental Health
#10: “Head Above Water” (2018) Avril Lavigne
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After several years of silence, Lavigne returned to the spotlight, explaining that she’d been battling Lyme disease. She shared that it often left her feeling like she was physically and emotionally drowning. The song was inspired by a particularly rough night which left her praying for “God, [to] help [her] keep [her] head above water”. Indeed, you can hear the Christian-rock influences in the music. After that night, the music poured out of her in what she called a “spiritual experience.” For Lavigne, the song is specifically about her fight with the tick-borne disease during “the worst years of [her] life.” But it’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s felt like they’re drowning and serves as a reminder that things will get better.
#9: “Breathin” (2018) Ariana Grande
Despite its deceptively upbeat dance-pop rhythm, "Breathin" is about coping with anxiety, something Grande has always struggled with, as she told Vogue in 2018. However, she described her anxiety as "the most severe" following the tragic events of her 2017 Manchester concert. Ari channeled her feelings into her "Sweetener" album, with "Breathin" often cited as one of its standout tracks. While the lyrics might be personal to her experiences, they ring true for many who have also battled anxiety. Due to its catchy tune and universally relatable sentiment, the song became a global hit, even going platinum in several countries. While its message might sound simple, it's a great piece of advice for anyone struggling with mental health.
#8: “Hurt” (2003) Johnny Cash
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Originally written and sung by “Nine Inch Nails’” Trent Reznor in 1995, this song’s meaning has often been speculated on. Some believe that Reznor was narrating a farewell letter from the depths of depression, others that it’s about forging on despite the pain. However, in 2003, the song became even more resonant when it was covered by Johnny Cash. The heartbreaking lyrics are accompanied by a gut wrenching music video that highlights Cash’s frailty at the time. You can also feel his anguish with every note he sings. It shows the power of music when conveying emotion and leaves us a blubbering wreck. Cash passed away just seven months after its release, leaving this heart rending legacy behind.
#7: “Pennyroyal Tea” (1993) Nirvana
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was known for turning his angst into music, becoming one of the most influential voices in alternative rock. Sadly, the singer's final years were plagued by a struggle with fame, chronic stomach pains, and substance addiction. Although it was released in 1993, Cobain penned "Pennyroyal Tea" in 1990. In an interview with "Impact," he explained that it’s about someone in a deep depression. Originally, Nirvana planned to release the song as the third single from their 1994 album "In Utero." Cobain's solo performance on "Unplugged" also garnered much attention. However, after the singer took his own life, this plan was abandoned. Still, it will always remind us of the music legend who was taken from us too soon.
#6: “Smile” (2017) JAY-Z feat. Gloria Carter
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As the longest track on JAY-Z’s “4:44” album, “Smile” covers a lot of ground. The rapper told Letterman that he wrote the song shortly after his mom first revealed her sexuality to him. His lyrics acknowledge the hardships she endured while feeling she had to stay closeted for many years. However, the part that surprised listeners the most was when he revealed that he’d been in therapy. This was considered groundbreaking given the stigma around mental health that’s especially strong among men and in Black communities. So, many applauded JAY-Z for being candid enough about his own experience to show others that it’s ok to speak up and seek help when needed.
#5: “1-800-273-8255” (2017) Logic feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid
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Just in case you weren’t aware, the song’s title is the phone number for a vital mental health lifeline. Released in partnership with the NSPL, the story follows an individual who calls the helpline, which helps him find a new lease on life. In an interview with “Genius,” Logic explained that the idea for the song came from fan interactions and a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. The song peaked at number 3 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and received Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Music Video. According to the NSPL, the song’s release correlated with a rise in callers and visits to their website. It just goes to show the power of music.
#4: “U” (2015) Kendrick Lamar
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Until recently, it was incredibly uncommon for rap artists to broach the subject of mental health in their music. However, Lamar is often considered a trailblazer for using his platform to share his own emotional struggles to break taboos. He told MTV that he was in a dark place while writing his 2015 album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” It addresses the turmoil of being caught between two worlds. However, “U” is the most somber song on the album, with the narrator locking himself in a hotel room and brutally confronting his demons. It’s a powerful number about depression, survivor’s guilt, and imposter syndrome, and gave the artist a creative outlet to vent his feelings and frustrations.
#3: “Skyscraper” (2011) Demi Lovato
Demi is a strong advocate for mental wellbeing and has often documented their own struggles through music. Although they didn't write "Skyscraper," they resonated strongly with its message about overcoming adversity— something we can all relate to on some level. The vocals are so raw and filled with such intense emotion that it's hard not to tear up just a little. Two years later, they followed up with "Warrior," which was about closing the chapter on their turbulent past. Of course, we can never forget their gut-wrenching ballad "Anyone," recorded just days before their near-fatal overdose in 2018. We still get choked up just thinking about that 2020 Grammy performance.
#2: “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” (1966) The Beach Boys
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Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, this melancholy song tells the tale of someone who suffers from depression and struggles to fit in. The song also deals with the relatable disappointment that comes with experiencing multiple failures. Many believed this to be personal to Wilson, who was known for pushing boundaries in the music industry but also suffered from schizoaffective and bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, this song speaks straight to the heart, cementing Wilson’s reputation as one of the best songwriters of all time. Indeed, it’s one of the rock group’s most popular songs to date. Perhaps this is due to many resonating with the anguish of feeling like an outsider, and this song helped them feel seen. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Lithium” (2006), Evanescence Amy Lee Grapples with Difficult Emotions & Numbness “Breathe Me” (2004), Sia The Australian Singer Addresses Emotional Struggles & Asking For Help “Now I'm in It” (2019), Haim A Personal Song About Lead Singer Danielle’s Depression “Rose-Colored Boy” (2017), Paramore The Song Seeks to Destigmatize Mental Illness “In My Blood” (2018), Shawn Mendes The Singer Describes His Experience with Anxiety
#1: “Help!” (1965) The Beatles
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Another deceivingly uptempo tune, “Help!” has far more sinister origins than you might imagine. This was quite literally John Lennon’s cry for help. He was going through a difficult period in his personal life and grappling with the pressures of stardom. In 2015, Paul McCartney confirmed that the song was a manifestation of his bandmate’s mental state, saying, “I think John’s whole life was a cry for help.” Of course, to many of us, it’s a fun song that just makes you want to get up and dance. But underneath it all is one of the world’s greatest stars, at the peak of his fame, revealing his most honest truth.
