14 Best Songs About Eating Disorders

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Written By John Red

Founder of Handsounds, avid music lover of all genres and tastes. 

Millions of individuals worldwide are impacted by eating disorders, which are a complicated and frequently misunderstood subject. If left untreated, these illnesses, which can include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, can have major medical and mental repercussions. This article is centred around songs about eating disorders.

Many people turn to music as a source of solace and understanding because they know how intensely alienating and difficult it can be to live with an eating disorder. Songs about eating disorders can help those who feel alone in their battles by providing a sense of validation and connection while also bringing attention to how serious these disorders are.

With varied degrees of accuracy and sensitivity, numerous musicians have created songs over the years that allude to the subject of eating disorders. While certain songs may provide a potent and relevant depiction of what it’s like to battle an eating problem, others could unintentionally reinforce negative stereotypes or romanticise the condition.

Songs About Eating Disorders

We’ll examine the lyrical substance, musical style, and overall impact of some of the best songs on eating disorders in this post. We’ll talk about the realities of eating disorders, the possible consequences of certain forms of messaging, and how these songs might help spread awareness of such issues.

This article will provide a thorough and enlightening look at some of the most potent songs on the issue, whether you have personally struggled with an eating disorder or you simply want to understand more about this difficult and much misunderstood subject. In addition to highlighting the significance of mental health and self-care, we hope that our investigation will encourage empathy and understanding for those who deal with these difficult situations.

14 Best Songs About Eating Disorders – Here are our recommendations!

14: I Lie Awake Every Night – James Vincent McMorrow

James Vincent McMorrow, an Irish singer-songwriter, published the song “I Lie Awake Every Night” in 2020 as a part of his album “Grapes.” McMorrow speaks of the agony of missing someone who is no longer there, and the song’s melancholy tune and eerie vocals evoke a sense of loneliness and heartbreak.

The minimal instrumental setting brings out the emotional range and lyrical profundity of McMorrow, making for a raw and personal listening experience. The song “I Lie Awake Every Night” is a standout in McMorrow’s career and demonstrates his skills as a songwriter and vocalist. It offers comfort to anybody who has felt the pain of a broken heart.

13: Shatter Me – Lindsey Stirling

American violinist Lindsey Stirling’s second studio album, “Shatter Me”, featured the song “Shatter Me” as its lead single in 2014. The song, which features Lzzy Hale of Halestorm on vocals, discusses the difficulties in moving past emotional bonds and past tragedies.

A distinctive and eerie atmosphere is produced by the song’s potent fusion of electronic and orchestral sounds, Stirling’s expert violin playing, and Hale’s soaring vocals. Stirling breaks free from a glass case in the “Shatter Me” music video, signifying the release from emotional confinement. The song is still a favourite among listeners and a symbol of how music can mend emotional wounds.

12: Anorexic Beauty – Pulp

The 1996 release of “Anorexic Beauty” by the British alternative rock band Pulp was a part of their album “Different Class”. The darker side of beauty standards and the preoccupation with thinness are explored in the song’s lyrics, which also highlight the negative effects of aiming for unreachable ideals.

The distinctive rock and pop components that make up Pulp’s music, along with Jarvis Cocker’s distinct vocals and the catchy chorus, make for an engaging and thought-provoking listening experience. The cautionary tale “Anorexic Beauty” on the risks of body dysmorphia and the social forces that fuel it is still applicable today.

11: I Go Hungry – Mother Mother

Mother Mother, a Canadian indie rock band, released “I Go Hungry” in 2017 as a single from their seventh studio album, “No Culture”. The complex emotions of a love that has lost its spark and the effort to go on are discussed in the song’s lyrics. The bouncy speed and appealing melody of the song clash with the melancholy words to produce a bittersweet listening experience.

Mother Mother’s distinctive harmonies and energising instrumentals display their talent as musicians and distinctive sound. A noteworthy piece in the group’s career, “I Go Hungry” is a realistic song for everyone who has gone through heartbreak.

10: Just A Little Bit – Maria Mena

Maria Mena, a Norwegian singer-songwriter, released “Just A Little Bit” in 2011 as a single from her fifth studio album, “Viktoria”. The lyrics of the song discuss how tough it is to end a poisonous relationship and how hope for a reunion still exists.

For anyone who has struggled to let go of a prior relationship, Mena’s eerie voice and melancholy melody communicate a sense of heartache and vulnerability. Mena’s discography continues to be a fan favourite, and “Just A Little Bit” serves as a showcase for her unadulterated emotive talent as a songwriter and vocalist.

9: Somebody I Once Knew – Dead Celebrity Status

Dead Celebrity Status, a Canadian hip-hop duo, released the song “Somebody I Once Knew” in 2006 as a part of their debut album, “Blood Music”. The grief of losing someone to drug addiction and the battle to recall the person they once were are topics covered in the song’s lyrics.

Rap lyrics’ passionate delivery and eerie tune create a sense of loss and despair, while the chorus’s uplifting melody inspires hope and introspection. The song “Somebody I Once Knew” serves as a moving reminder of the devastation caused by drug addiction and the value of keeping memory of the deceased.

8: Pretty – Lauren Alaina

American singer Lauren Alaina’s 2019 release “Pretty” is a country-pop song that she included in her third studio album, “Getting Good.” The lyrics of the song talk about how society’s unattainable beauty standards can damage people’s self-esteem. Alaina advises people to embrace their own qualities and inner beauty rather than live up to society norms.

The cheerful speed and catchy chorus of the song provide for an enjoyable and uplifting listening experience, and the lyrics’ message of self-love and body positivity is reinforced by the music. Alaina’s strong vocals are on full display in “Pretty”, which also makes a significant contribution to the body-positive movement in country music.

7: Ugly – 2NE1

The South Korean girl group 2NE1 released the song “Ugly” in 2011 as a part of their second mini-album, also titled “Ugly”. The words of the song encourage listeners to embrace their defects and not be ashamed of their weaknesses, expressing a message of self-acceptance and empowerment.

The members of 2NE1 are seen coping with numerous personal hardships, such as bullying and body image problems, in the music video for “Ugly”. The song has become a fan favourite and a mainstay in the group’s catalogue thanks to its strong vocals and energetic melody. In a society that frequently prioritises perfection, “Ugly” serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the necessity of self-love and self-acceptance.

6: Sophie – Eleanor McEvoy

Eleanor McEvoy’s heartbreaking song “Sophie” depicts the tale of a woman who battles an eating issue. A haunting mood is created by the song’s quiet acoustic guitar and McEvoy’s passionate vocals that wonderfully conveys the protagonist’s mental agony.

With lines like “Sophie won’t eat / She’s dying for a cause / To be thin and beautiful”, the song vividly illustrates the devastation that eating disorders have on the body and the mind. The beautiful and moving song “Sophie” raises awareness of the terrible realities of these conditions and the need for compassion, understanding, and support for individuals who experience them.

5: Tied Together With A Smile – Taylor Swift

The pressures of perfection and the toll they can have on one’s mental health are discussed in “Tied Together With A Smile” by Taylor Swift. Swift’s sincere vocals and the song’s gentle piano melody combine to create a sombre ambiance that effectively conveys the significance of the message.

With lines like “You’re tied together with a smile / But you’re coming undone”, the song emphasises the façade of joy that people with eating disorders frequently portray to the outside world. A powerful and thought-provoking song, “Tied Together With A Smile” urges listeners to acknowledge the problems of those around them and to provide assistance and compassion.

4: Victoria’s Secret – Jax

Jax’s bouncy pop song “Victoria’s Secret” emphasises assurance and self-assurance. The catchy chorus and pounding tempo of the song produce a contagious intensity that is hard to ignore. With songs like “Got my head held high, living my best life / I ain’t got no secrets, I’m Victoria tonight”, Jax implores listeners to claim their power and celebrate their inner strength.

The song serves as a rallying cry for anybody who has ever felt unappreciated or undervalued, encouraging them to overcome their circumstances and achieve success. The upbeat song “Victoria’s Secret” motivates listeners to live their best selves with assurance and conviction.

3: Tunic (Song For Karen) – Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth’s “Tunic (Song For Karen)” is a sombre ode to Karen Carpenter, the lead vocalist of The Carpenters who passed away as a result of consequences from anorexia. The unsettling melody and dissonant guitar chords of the song effectively encapsulate the sadness of Karen’s tale.

With lines like “You played the role of wife / But you felt incomplete and undermined / Tunic, Tunic, reach to me”, Sonic Youth depicts Karen as a woman who battled to achieve happiness and acceptance in a society that required perfection. “Tunic (Song For Karen)” is a moving homage to individuals who have lost their lives as a result of eating disorders and a sombre reminder of their deadly effects.

2: Waltz Moore – From First To Last

The song “Waltz Moore” by From First to Last explores the bleak reality of eating disorders in a hauntingly beautiful way. The song’s soothing acoustic melody and eerie vocals evoke a solemn mood that effectively reflects the suffering and struggle experienced by those who struggle with eating disorders.

With lines like “My reflection’s thin / And it just won’t stop / And it’s all in my head / But it’s all I’ve got”, the song illustrates the debilitating effects of distorted body image and self-destructive ideas. The song “Waltz Moore” is a sombre and emotional ode to people who have struggled with eating disorders and are still doing so.

1: Scars To Your Beautiful – Alessia Cara

Alessia Cara’s song “Scars To Your Beautiful” is an uplifting ballad that promotes body positivity and self-love. The song exhorts listeners to embrace their flaws and reject society’s limited notions of beauty. The song’s lyrics, which include”You don’t have to change a thing / The world could change its heart”, powerfully convey the concepts of acceptance and self-love.

It’s difficult not to sing along to Alessia’s soulful voice and the peppy tempo because they produce such a positive mood. The song “Scars To Your Beautiful” serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to feel confident and appreciated for who they are.

14 Best Songs About Eating Disorders – Closing remarks and thoughts

In conclusion, songs about eating disorders are profound manifestations of the emotional agony that persons with eating disorders endure, not just amusing pieces of music. The complexity of these conditions can best be communicated through music, which can also be used to spread awareness and foster understanding.

The best songs on eating disorders are those that give voice to the pain that sufferers of these disorders experience in silence. They address delicate subjects with tact and grace, enabling listeners to identify with the suffering and difficulties that are frequently kept secret. Through these songs, musicians may encourage listeners to speak up and get the support they need while also eradicating the stigma surrounding eating disorders.

Additionally, songs concerning eating disorders can encourage and console people who are going through similar challenges. These songs can give people the confidence to keep battling their problems and the ability to feel less alone. They convey a message of optimism and serve as a gentle reminder that recovery is possible.

It’s crucial to remember that songs about eating disorders shouldn’t be used as a replacement for qualified assistance. Professional therapy is crucial for recovery if you or someone you love is battling an eating issue. However, these songs can be a potent addition to expert care, acting as a source of inspiration and support.

Closing Remarks: 

Overall, songs concerning eating disorders are a testament to how effective music can be in assisting listeners in expressing and comprehending difficult feelings. These songs give hope to the struggling and give a voice to the voiceless through their lyrics and melody. They serve as a reminder that recovery from eating disorders is possible with the appropriate support and care.

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