Being used by someone you liked or trusted is one of the most relatable musical themes, hence songs about being used. The feeling of being used is a painful and universal experience, whether it’s a buddy who takes advantage of your generosity or a romantic partner who only displays affection when it’s convenient for them. This subject has been explored by numerous lyricists, who have produced stirring anthems that connect with listeners who have gone through similar experiences.
We’ll look at some of the best songs about being used in this piece. These tracks, which vary from harrowing ballads to empowering anthems, capture the spectrum of feelings that come with being taken advantage of. Each song’s lyrics, themes, and musical genre will be discussed, along with how they have affected viewers.
One of music’s most potent qualities is its capacity to convey complex emotions in a manner that words alone are unable to. When it comes to being used, many people find it difficult to communicate their emotions or find the appropriate words to describe their suffering. Listeners can release these feelings through music in a cathartic way, which makes them feel heard and understood.
We will expand on the psychology of being used by looking at the lyrics and themes of these tracks. Why do some individuals experience these circumstances over and over again? What are the telltale indications that someone is exploiting you? Most significantly, how can you develop self-awareness so that you can stop being taken advantage of in the future?
In the end, the tracks that give listeners a feeling of empowerment and healing are the ones about being used that are the best. These songs deliver a potent message of hope and resilience, whether it’s through mustering the courage to leave a toxic situation or standing up for yourself and demanding respect. Join us as we explore some of the most powerful songs on this subject if you’ve ever felt taken advantage of or used, and learn how music can give you strength and comfort.
20 Best Songs About Being Used – Here are our recommendations!
20: Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
On their 1999 album “The Writing’s on the Wall”, the American R&B group Destiny’s Child issued the number-one single “Say My Name”. The song’s catchy refrain and distinctive harmonies are present, and the lyrics discuss betrayal and infidelity in a romantic relationship. The group appears in the song’s memorable music video while sporting various hairstyles and coordinated outfits, and the scene has become a staple of late-’90s contemporary culture. One of Destiny’s Child’s most well-known and well-liked tracks, “Say My Name,” continues to bring the group accolades and chart-topping success.
19: How Do You Sleep – Sam Smith
On their 2019 album “Love Goes,” British singer-songwriter Sam Smith released the single “How Do You Sleep”. The song’s mid-tempo musical style and Smith’s distinctive soulful vocals and reflective lyrics are featured. The music examines the fallout from a failed relationship and the hurt of witnessing an ex find new love. Smith’s position as one of the most gifted and vulnerable musicians of this age was cemented by the positive reception that “How Do You Sleep” got from critics for its depth of emotion and catchy melody.
18: FU – Miley Cyrus Ft. French Montana
On her 2013 album “Bangerz”, American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus released the single “FU” with French Montana. The song, a mid-tempo ballad with words about a former lover who betrayed her confidence, features Cyrus’s vocal range and emotional diversity. Despite having a less successful commercial run than some of Cyrus’s other hits, the song has become a fan favourite thanks to its catchy refrain and stirring bridge. On “Bangerz”, “FU” stands out as a notable song because it exemplifies Cyrus’s ability to blend vulnerability and attitude in her music.
17: Never Again – Kelly Clarkson
American singer Kelly Clarkson’s 2007 album, “My December”, featured the single “Never Again”. The song is an angsty rocker that highlights Clarkson’s strong vocals and intimate words. The aftermath of a toxic relationship and the agony of realising that the person you loved never genuinely cared for you are the themes of the song. Critics praised “Never Again” for its raw honesty and emotional depth, establishing Clarkson as one of the most gifted and relatable musicians of her age.
16: Sorry – Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber, a Canadian pop star, issued “Sorry” in 2015 as the lead single from his album “Purpose”. The single, which has tropical house and dancehall influences, features Justin Bieber’s slick vocals and memorable chorus. The lyrics of the song speak of Bieber’s regret for the errors he made in a relationship with a former lover. After a few years of personal difficulties, “Sorry” became an international success, topping the charts in several nations and securing Bieber’s comeback. The tune is still a cult classic and a fan favourite.
15: Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood, an American country music performer, released the number-one single “Before He Cheats” in 2005 on her album “Some Hearts”. The tune is a fast-paced country song that highlights Underwood’s strong vocals and sassy personality. The lyrics of the song are about a woman who wrecks her lover’s vehicle to get back at him for being unfaithful. With its immediate classic status, “Before He Cheats” helped Underwood establish herself as one of the genre’s most gifted and dynamic performers. The song continues to be a karaoke soundtrack mainstay and a fan favourite.
14: Your Power – Billie Eilish
American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish’s single “Your Power” was included in her album “Happier Than Ever” in 2021. The song is a hauntingly gorgeous ballad that highlights Eilish’s flimsy voice and self-reflective lyrics. The lyrics of the song discuss how people can misuse their power and influence in order to hurt others, especially in the context of romantic relationships. Critical acclaim for “Your Power’s” emotional depth and maturity cemented Eilish’s position as one of the most gifted and thought-provoking musicians of her age.
13: Really Don’t Care – Demi Lovato Ft. Cher Lloyd
Demi Lovato, an American vocalist, debuted “Really Don’t Care” in 2014 as the lead single from her album “Demi”. The song, an upbeat musical number, is a joint effort with British singer Cher Lloyd. The song’s lyrics express Lovato’s feelings of empowerment and self-confidence following a separation and convey the idea that she doesn’t really give a damn about what her ex thinks or does. A dancefloor favourite, “Really Don’t Care” cemented Demi Lovato’s reputation as one of the top pop performers of recent times.
12: Mary Jane – Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette, a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, recorded the song “Mary Jane” for her 1995 album “Jagged Little Pill”. The song is a reflective ballad that highlights Morissette’s unpolished vocals and intimate words. The lyrics of the song discuss Morissette’s battles with addiction and her connection with marijuana, conveying the idea that she used the drug to deal with her emotional pain. The critical acclaim “Mary Jane” garnered helped to establish Alanis Morissette as one of the most gifted and genuine musicians of the 1990s.
11: Haunted – Taylor Swift
American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s 2010 album “Speak Now” included the single “Haunted”. The song is a sombre and atmospheric ballad that highlights Swift’s eerie vocals and reflective words. Swift’s previous relationship is discussed in the song’s lyrics, along with the lingering memories that still plague her. The lyrics convey the idea that love can be both beautiful and painful. Swift’s standing as one of the most gifted and significant musicians of her age was cemented by praise for “Haunted”‘s emotional depth and musicality.
10: New Rules – Dua Lipa
On her self-titled debut album, British singer Dua Lipa released the number-one single “New Rules” in 2017. The single is an upbeat musical number with catchy beats and powerful vocals from Lipa. Following a breakup, the song’s lyrics urge listeners to establish new boundaries for themselves in order to prevent reentering a toxic relationship. With the success of “New Rules”, Lipa was recognised with numerous awards and cemented her position as one of the most gifted and creative musical musicians working today.
9: Womanizer – Britney Spears
Britney Spears of the United States released “Womanizer” in 2008 as the lead single from her album “Circus”. Spears’ distinctive vocals and an upbeat tempo are featured in the lively pop single. The lyrics of the song criticise a man who takes advantage of women and urge women to value themselves instead of falling for him. Spears’ position as one of the most recognisable and significant pop stars of the 2000s was solidified by the instant success of ‘Womanizer’.
8: Use Me – Bill Withers
Bill Withers, an American singer-songwriter, wrote the timeless song “Use Me” in 1972 and included it on his record “Still Bill”. The song, which is funky and soulful, highlights Withers’ sultry singing and the catchy rhythm section. Withers is ready to be used as long as the love keeps coming, according to the message in the song’s lyrics, which are directed at a lover who is abusing him. Withers’ position as one of the most accomplished and significant soul singers of his era was cemented by the instant classic status of “Use Me”.
7: Four Five Seconds – Rihanna
Rihanna, a Barbadian vocalist, has a hit single called “Four Five Seconds” with Kanye West and Paul McCartney. The song, which was released in 2015, is a ballad that focuses on the artists’ unprocessed vocals and raw lyrics. The words of the song address a relationship that is in trouble and convey the idea that love is worth fighting for. The chart-topping success of “Four Five Seconds”, and the praise it garnered from critics for its simplicity and emotional depth confirmed Rihanna’s position as one of the most gifted and adaptable musicians working today.
6: Piece Of Me – Bullet For My Valentine
Bullet For My Valentine, a Welsh heavy metal band, released the single “Piece of Me” in 2015 as part of their album “Venom”. The tune is a hard-hitting, intense rock number with the group’s recognisable heavy riffs and ferocious vocals. The song’s lyrics discuss toxic relationships and convey the idea that the other party is attempting to influence and control the narrator. The band’s skill at creating evocative, emotionally stirring music is on full display in “Piece of Me”, which also confirms their place among the most significant contemporary metal acts.
5: Beautiful Liar – Beyonce And Shakira
Beyoncé, an American vocalist, and Shakira, a Colombian singer, collaborated on the 2007 hit song “Beautiful Liar”. The song’s Latin-influenced beat and the artists’ stunning voices make it an upbeat and catchy pop song. The lyrics of the song speak to a relationship that is in trouble and convey the idea that the two lovers are concealing their real feelings from one another. The chemistry between Beyoncé and Shakira, as well as the song’s contagious energy, helped “Beautiful Liar” become an instant success.
4: Never Enough – Five Finger Death Punch
American heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch’s 2008 album, “The Way of the Fist,” included the tune “Never Enough”. The song is a heavy-hitting, intense metal number that displays the band’s unbridled vigour and potent voices. The words of the song express the speaker’s feeling of unquenchable desire and convey the idea that nothing is ever enough for them. One of the most significant metal acts of all time, the band’s ability to create powerful, emotionally resonant music is demonstrated in “Never Enough.”
3: Hustle – P!nk
P!nk, an American singer-songwriter, issued “Hustle” in 2019 as the lead single from her album “Hurts 2B Human”. The song, which has a catchy rhythm and the artist’s dynamic vocals, is funky and upbeat. The lyrics of the song express a message of resiliency and resolve while addressing the grind of daily living. P!nk’s versatility as an artist and her ability to create catchy, uplifting music are on full display in “Hustle,” further solidifying her position as one of pop music’s most gifted and successful performers, with incredible longevity.
2: Jar Of Hearts – Christina Perri
American singer-songwriter Christina Perri’s 2010 debut album, “Lovestrong”, contained the hit single “Jar of Hearts”. Perri’s stunning singing and a mesmerising melody are featured on the song, which is a strong and emotional ballad. The words of the song discuss a toxic relationship and convey a message of empowerment and getting over a difficult past. As a result of its immediate success and positive reviews for its honest and frank depiction of heartbreak, “Jar of Hearts” highlighted Perri’s position as a rising star in the music business.
1: Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake
American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake‘s 2002 release of “Cry Me a River” on his debut solo album “Justified” became a worldwide success. Timberlake’s sultry vocals and a catchy beat are featured on the track, which is a smooth and seductive R&B single. The message of the song’s lyrics, which deal with a failed relationship and the agony of betrayal, is to move on and find fortitude. “Cry Me a River” quickly became a standard and enhanced Timberlake’s reputation as a gifted and forward-thinking musician.
20 Best Songs About Being Used – Closing remarks and thoughts
In conclusion, one of the most potent and relatable musical motifs is that of being used. Songwriters have used their lyrics to examine the complexities of this traumatic experience throughout history, providing consolation and empowerment to those who have gone through similar circumstances.
We have learned about the various ways that music can offer a feeling of healing and hope through our investigation of some of the best songs about being used. These songs, which vary from harrowing ballads to empowering anthems, capture the complete spectrum of feelings that come with being taken advantage of. They offer a secure place to feel heard and understood and give those who have gone through similar experiences a sense of validation.
The themes and lyrics of these songs have also allowed us to delve deeply into the psychology of being used. We have discussed the telltale signs of toxic relationships and learned how to value ourselves and expect respect from others. By doing this, we have discovered more about how to handle these challenging circumstances and stay strong in the future.
The songs that give listeners a feeling of empowerment and resilience are, in the end, the greatest songs about being used. They serve as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that it takes courage to speak up for oneself and ask for what we are due. As a result, anyone who has ever felt taken advantage of or used can benefit from these tunes.
Closing Remarks:
In conclusion, it is undeniable that music has the ability to convey difficult feelings and promote healing. We have learned more about this common experience and the strength and solace that music can provide by investigating the finest songs about being used.
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A music enthusiast who has taken his passion for music to the next level by starting his own blog. He spends most of his free time listening to new albums, attending concerts, and researching emerging artists.
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John’s love for music started at a young age when he discovered classic rock through his father’s vinyl collection. Since then, he has expanded his musical horizons to include everything from indie rock to hip hop and beyond.
As a blogger, John has found a way to share his love of music with others while also providing valuable insights into the industry.