These songs acknowledge the unpleasant feelings that can surface when we feel overwhelmed and despairing rather than necessarily advocating giving up. They could aid in our emotional processing and catharsis.
The best songs about giving up on life frequently have honest, moving lyrics that perfectly express despondency. These lyrics are frequently backed by eerie melodies or powerful accompaniment, which underscores how serious the feelings being expressed are. These songwriters frequently don’t hesitate to address challenging issues and reveal their sensitivity in their music.
We’ll look at some of the most influential and potent songs about giving up on life in this article. We will explore a range of genres, from classic rock to modern pop, to highlight the various ways in which artists have tackled this theme. We hope to shed some light on the ability of music to support us during some of life’s most trying times through this article.
16 Best Songs About Giving Up On Life – Here are our recommendations!
16: Gave Up – Nine Inch Nails
This ferocious industrial rock song from 1992 features a narrator who is battling inner demons. He has sacrificed every aspect of who he is, including his sanity, integrity, and principles, as a result of an unhealthy relationship. After he has let go of everything that was significant to him, a gloomy, hollow feeling remains. His sacrifices still don’t seem to be sufficient.
15: In My Blood – Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes, a Canadian pop-rock musician, admits that he occasionally feels like the world is collapsing around him and wants to give up hope. In this open song, the singer, who has experienced anxiety, talks about feeling overpowered. In 2018, the song went viral all over the world.
No amount of medication can take away the narrator’s sense of unravelling. He seeks out other people’s company because he is afraid of being alone and tells himself that perseverance is not in his nature.
14: Dear Agony – Breaking Benjamin Ft. Lacey Sturm
In this rock song from 2009, the narrator begs for the slow, agonising end to be finished. It’s unclear if he’s talking about a relationship or life in general, but his experience has been one of hardship and suffering. He fights all the way to the end, but now he has nothing left to give. He pleads with Agony to let go of him as he surrenders.
13: Worthless – Eli.
A socially isolated loner who feels dangerously close to giving up is the protagonist of this 2019 pop tune. He cries out for help from a professional and bemoans his social awkwardness and self-harm. The narrator, who feels unworthy, looks for affirmation from others, particularly from people in positions of authority. By pushing him to keep trying, a buddy acts as a lifesaver.
12: Say Something – Christina Aguilera And A Great Big World
Have you ever been crushing on someone and the other person wasn’t really into it? The narrator in this poignant 2013 pop song about unrequited love has given up all hope that the relationship they have emotionally invested so much in would ever come to pass. They told the person they were in love with that they would have done anything for them if they had the opportunity because they were bitter over the unsuccessful, one-sided love relationship.
11: Remind Me To Forget – Kygo Ft. Miguel
When a love isn’t working out for you, know when to go on. This R&B song from 2018 has an electro undertone and features a man who, after being severely burned in a romantic relationship, is finally calling it quits. He informs his girlfriend that she may have her twisted love as he feels worse for wear. His wounds from their relationship will always serve as reminders of her love and the harm is done.
10: Lost – Ivan B
In this hip-hop song from 2017, the narrator admits that he is obstinate, resentful, and motivated by both pride and selfishness. The man is prepared to give up since he feels exposed and as though his entire world is crashing down. Thus, he begs Jesus for assistance. The narrator had previously turned his back on God, but now that temptation and negativity are all around him, he asks for guidance.
9: I’m Not Okay – Citizen Soldier
In this pop song from 2020, a façade of normalcy hides a psychologically damaged psyche. The song is an appeal for assistance and an attempt to express the suffering the narrator feels but generally keeps to themselves. The monsters in his thoughts are tormenting the man. In order to be heard, understood, and helped, he will fearlessly pull down his protective barriers to express his anguish rather than give up on himself. The lead singer of Citizen Soldier battled bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attempted suicide while in college. As a result, the group works to provide persons dealing with mental health issues a voice.
8: Fade To Black – Metallica
This melancholy, guitar-driven song explores the narrator’s emotional suffering as he muses upon suicide. The defeated man questions why he should even attempt any more, feeling like he has no other choices and being emotionally depleted. Sadly, he no longer has the desire to live. When the heavy metal power ballad was released in 1984, it drew a lot of flak. Politico-activists who wanted to prohibit offensive song lyrics were alarmed by it.
The legendary Metallica song was partially influenced by desperation following the band’s equipment being taken from outside a Boston concert venue. An amp with sentimental value was among the things taken. If Metallica had given up after losing their equipment, just think! Perspective is typically gained via additional life experience, helping you to understand that such bad periods are not the end.
7: Nothing Left To Say – Imagine Dragons
Progress isn’t always linear, smooth, or permanent, while overcoming challenges, and for the discouraged guy in this 2012 pop-rock song, it feels like he has to take two steps back in order to advance. He is torn between wanting to give up on himself and not because he feels hurt and shattered. The narrator goes into a downward gloomy spiral. The dejected man begs a buddy to throw him a lifeline as he sinks helplessly: “If you could only save me / I’m drowning in the waters of my soul.” However, as the two “fall apart” in the end, the friend’s assistance might not be sufficient to save the narrator from himself.
6: I’m Not Okay – Deadfish
In a society where people try to hide their most frail aspects of themselves, Deadfish from Poland deserves praise for putting emotional weakness on full display. (Hey, the first step to solving a problem is acknowledging it). The protagonist of this 2020 alternative rock song is on his knees as a result of a breakup. The guy openly states that he is not fine. The only company he has are his negative emotions, and he feels stuck inside his own mind. He screams out for assistance, looking for respite.
5: Should I Give It All Up – James Blunt
When it comes to relationships, we all make errors and have insecurities, but the guy in this 2020 pop song is letting his past control him. He admits that he feels uncomfortable, alone, and in danger of losing emotional control over his emotions (but that’s what love is). The desperate, love-sick man admits that if his sweetheart asks him to, he will sacrifice everything. What did you sacrifice for love?
4: 1-800-273-8255 – Logic Ft. Alessia Cara And Khalid
This hip hop song from 2017 broke down barriers by directly addressing the stigma surrounding suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is situated in the US and offers a free 24-hour resource for people having suicidal thoughts, is promoted in the song’s title.
The international smash depicts a distressed narrator who is battling thoughts of suicide. He reaches out to get the life-saving care he needs since he feels alienated and detached (“I feel like I’m out of my mind/ It feel like my life ain’t mine”).
3: You Don’t Know – Katelyn Tarver
The majority of us have that perpetually upbeat friend who always sees the bright side of everything. However, sometimes you just need to digest the sorrow, so their overly upbeat attitude may not be beneficial. Then, while you indulge a little in your misery, you may want them to shove their best intentions where the sun doesn’t shine, hold back on lessons learned, and ignore nice platitudes.
2: You’re Only Human (Second Wind) – Billy Joel
This upbeat rock song from 1985 is filled with a positive message. Billy Joel tells teenagers not to lose up on themselves based on his personal experiences because the momentum of their second wind is within grasp. The iconic singer struggled with melancholy and suicidal thoughts as a teenager. This song conveys a message of self-forgiveness for the mistakes we all make as well as hope. Instead of giving up, increase your efforts and begin again.
1: Cry – Alexx Calise
The depressed narrator retreats to her room and feels a great wave of emptiness sweep over her. It’s raining outside, which seems fitting. Withdrawn and speechless, the storyteller is unwilling to continue. She only wants to cry. This is what it feels like to give up. The 2010 rock song by Alexx Calise that was frequently played onLifetime’s ‘Dance Moms’ is her most well-known work.
16 Best Songs About Giving Up On Life – Final thoughts
The best songs about giving up on life, in conclusion, serve as a reminder that we are not the only ones who struggle. They provide comfort and understanding that can be hard to come by elsewhere. These songs aid in the processing of our feelings and the feeling of catharsis through their raw and impassioned lyrics, eerie melodies, and potent orchestration.
These songs address the challenging emotions that can surface when we feel overwhelmed and despairing, even though it’s crucial to stress that they do not advocate giving up. These songs frequently act as a type of therapy, enabling us to face our suffering and find a way to go on.
The best songs about giving up on life can bring solace and understanding, whether you are experiencing personal difficulty or feeling the weight of societal difficulties. They serve as a reminder that we can find strength in our vulnerabilities and that it’s alright to not feel okay.
Closing Remarks:
Let’s not lose sight of the ability of music to promote healing and development as we continue to face life’s obstacles. Music has the power to evoke our deepest feelings and assist us in making sense of the world, whether it is through themes of love, heartbreak, resiliency, or giving up on life. Thank you for taking the time to read this article concerning the best songs about giving up on life.
Useful Depression And Mental Health Help Lines
Samaritans (UK) – 116 123
Samaritans (USA) – 1-877-870-4673
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA) – 1-800-273-8255