Anxiety is a mental illness that affects millions of people every single day. It can be complicated to deal with, but some songs out there relate to the anxiety experience and might help you cope. There’s a range of songs about anxiety from the genres of pop, indie rock, folk music and more, and here are the best ones of all time:
1. In My Blood – Shawn Mendez
This song is from the perspective of someone struggling with anxiety and feeling helpless at the moment. Mendes sings about how he can’t escape his fears, and they’ve got a pretty heavy hold on him. This song has become a sort of anthem for people who struggle with mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, or OCD because it perfectly describes their struggles. The song is about wanting peace and acceptance, and it’s a pretty powerful one.
Next: Best songs about depression ever made
2. No Woman – Whitney
This song is from the perspective of someone with anxiety which is at their breaking point with destructive thoughts that keep running through their mind. The singer in this song feels like they’ve tried everything, and it’s not working, so they’re giving up on their mind. The lyrics are pretty depressing, to be honest, but the song is still really good at portraying how anxiety can lead someone to feel worthless and ready to give up on themselves.
Next: The best songs about pain and suffering
3. Ana’s Song – Silverchair
This song is from the perspective of someone reassuring themselves that they’ll be okay and giving them comfort while struggling with anorexia. The song has a calming vibe to it which can help ease anxiety symptoms. It’s saying that things will get better and you won’t feel this way forever, so take your time and don’t rush yourself.
4. Blank Space – Taylor Swift
This song is about anxiety that turns into anger and having a bad temper. Anxiety is about worrying too much over things out of your control. Still, it often leads to people getting angry quickly or lashing out at others because they can’t control their emotions anymore. But this song also says that the person with anxiety shouldn’t apologize for who they are, even though they might act like a crazy person sometimes.
5. The End – The Doors
This song is about struggling with depression and mental illness in general, but it can be relatable to anxiety issues. It’s saying that the person with depression is struggling so much inside, and they wish things would get better. They want to achieve so much in life, but they feel like they don’t deserve it. It’s a potent song about the inner struggle of depression, and some people say this is their anthem to living with mental illness.
Next: The top songs about mental illness & mental health
6. Way Down We Go – KALEO
This song is about someone who has anxiety, but they’re dealing with self-destructive thoughts and not feeling good enough for anyone. It’s a sad song about feeling like a nuisance to the people in your life and that you’re a burden they can’t carry anymore.
7. The Scientist – Coldplay
This song talks about someone who has depression and is going through a tough time. The song is about feeling exhausted but wanting to have hope for the future and be okay again. It’s hard when you’re going through it because your mind keeps telling you that things will never get better, but this song is saying that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and you’ll manage to get back to the person you once were.
Next: The best songs about death
8. Tickle Me Pink – Johnny Flynn
This song is about anxiety and feeling overwhelmed because your brain won’t stop thinking about these negative thoughts. It’s saying that you have to keep fighting because it doesn’t last forever. It talks about being isolated in your world, but eventually, it’ll get better when the storm passes.
Next: Top songs about growing up and its struggles
9. lovely – Billie Eilish ft. Khalid
Gen Z really has some raw talent on its hands with Billie Eilish. Her insight into anxiety and other dark themes of life is fascinating in someone so fresh.
10. Addicted – Jorja Smith
This song is about feeling lonely and isolated because of relationship factors. The person singing doesn’t need to be understood because they’re okay with who they are. They can deal with their problems themselves, even if others don’t think it’s worth it or don’t care enough to understand what they’re going through.
Next: Songs about feeling lonely and loneliness
11. Aeroplane – Red Hot Chili Peppers
![Red Hot Chili Peppers - Aeroplane [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vV8IAOojoAA/0.jpg)
This song is about self-destruction and addiction. The person in the song has these negative thoughts repeatedly that it’s better if they don’t live at all, but they have to get through the day. It’s about finding strength when you feel like running away is the only option you have. It’ll be okay in the end.
Next: Songs about strength and overcoming difficulties
12. Salad Days – Mac Demarco
This song is saying that the person singing it is ready to be more responsible and mature. They’ve been through a lot before, but they’re prepared for what’s coming next because their experiences have made them stronger. It talks about not wanting to wait longer, so you should go for it instead of worrying if things will work out or not. Unfortunately, this song is tied to a pretty terrible event, but it’s great nonetheless.
13. Moon Song – Phoebe Bridgers
This song is about having empathy and loving someone who hates themselves. Sometimes anxiety can make us go through negative emotions unfairly, and it’s helpful to have someone who loves you to get you through it.
Next: The best songs about the moon ever made
14. Help – The Beatles
The Beatles are one of the most popular bands of all time, and for good reason too! However, they explored themes that were not exclusive to popular music at the time, including feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Check out this track for a hidden song that details painful thoughts.
Next: The top Beatles songs ever made
15. Overkill – Colin Hay
Overkill was featured on an episode of Scrubs, but don’t let that speak for the meaning and importance of the track. If you’ve ever wandered around at night because your brain won’t turn off, then this song is for you!
16. Crawling – Linkin Park
![Crawling [Official HD Music Video] - Linkin Park](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gd9OhYroLN0/0.jpg)
Much of the Linkin Park discography is about depression, anxiety and more. It’s probably why Chester Bennington’s death was so impactful. However, none of their songs are as visceral as Crawling is, in our opinion. Whenever you’re feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, just remember that so many others feel the way that you do.
17. No Better – Lorde
This song is about being isolated in your world, but eventually, it’ll get better. You can’t fix things right now, but finally, you’ll have a reason to be happy again. It’s saying that you shouldn’t feel discouraged if other people don’t understand what it’s like for you because there’s still a chance that things will work out.
18. Unwell – Matchbox 20
![Matchbox Twenty - Unwell (Official Video) [HD Remaster]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WziA88-n02k/0.jpg)
Ever had the feeling that you just can’t sleep and that something is just not right? Matchbox 20’s hit “Unwell” addresses this notion that you’re just not very well off and are on the road to a breakdown.
19. This is Me Trying – Taylor Swift
This song is about feeling like no one wants to be around you and you’re just a burden, but the person singing it says they’ll try their best to show you that they care even if it’s not easy. It’s okay if things get tricky for a while, but don’t lose hope because there are still good things waiting for you.
Next: Top songs about hope, perseverance and belief
20. Mind playing Tricks on Me – Geto Boys
![Geto Boys - Mind Playing Tricks On Me (Official Video) [Explicit]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IJtHdkyo0hc/0.jpg)
Rap music is generally about being strong and independent. But sometimes we come across tracks that are about more negative aspects of the human experience. This song elicits paranoia and anxiety for the protagonist. If you’ve ever been scared that someone is out to get you, then this is the song for you!
21. In The Garage – Weezer
This song is about feeling like you’re stuck in the same place of being a “loser” and social outcast. Rivers Cuomo has always felt like someone who didn’t fit in, but in his garage he can find his comforts in his muses such as X-Men posters, Dungeons and Dragons and his music.
22. High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco
This song is about being tired of people telling you that you can’t do the things you want and not having any motivation left, but things will get better if you give it some time. You can’t change anything now, so don’t punish yourself for it because it doesn’t help. It’ll take a while for those dreams to come true, but if you hang on for a while, then it’ll be worth it.
23. Fix Me – 10 Years
This song is about feeling like you’re completely useless and wanting someone to help you get your life back together, but the person singing it says that they can’t because they can’t fix themselves first. They need to learn how to help other people before they can help anyone else, so try not to give up hope even though it feels like you’re all alone right now because things will get better sooner or later.
24. Come As You Are – Nirvana
Everyone knows Nirvana has many iconic tracks surrounding anxiety, depression and loneliness. Come As You Are is certainly one of their best with Kurt Kobain’s broody lyrics entrancing the listener in meaning behind describing how we are meant to act and behave. Being told how you need to act and who you need to be is a crux of modern anxiety, and Nirvana really nailed it on the head with this one.
25. 24/7 – Kehlani
This song is about not finding joy in anything and wanting to go to sleep, so you don’t have to think about it anymore. It’s saying that there isn’t any point in getting better because things were okay before, so why change? But the person singing it says that they’ll get through this mess one way or another, and they’ll help you the best way they can.
Next: Top songs about sleep ever made
26. Disturbia – Rihanna
One of Rihanna’s most iconic and earliest tracks in her discography really evokes powerful dark imagery, to where it almost seems like a horror song rather than a song about anxiety. Despite this, when the listener digs deeper into the song’s meaning, they realize that this is a song which perfectly encapsulates many of the feelings of anxiety that we all have from time to time.
27. Breathe Me – Sia
This song is about feeling like the world has ended and it’s the end of the road, but the person singing it says that they’ll be there to catch you if you fall. It might not feel like things will get better right now, but give it some time because things will work themselves out eventually, so don’t lose hope.
28. Carry On – Fun.
![Fun.: Carry On [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q7yCLn-O-Y0/0.jpg)
This song is about wanting to let go and forget everything that happened in your life, but the person singing it says that they understand why you’re feeling like this and they’ll be there for you no matter what. It’s okay to feel numb sometimes, so don’t try to fight it because you can cry when things get better.
Next: Greatest anger songs of all time (songs to be angry to)
29. Breathin – Ariana Grande
This song is about feeling like you’re suffocating and no one can help you because everyone else has given up, so it’s up to you to find a way out of the darkness. But the person singing it says that they’ll keep believing in you even though it feels like nothing will get better.
30. Sober – Demi Lovato
From childhood bullying to adult addiction, Demi Lovato has certainly undergone her own struggles of hardship and mental pain. These past memories combined with being thrust into the spotlight as a young famous person can wreck havoc on the developing brain. Although she is hopeful to overcome her inner anxieties, she is doubtful that inner peace will be attainable.
Next: The best songs about addiction ever made
31. Killing Me Softly With His Song – The Fugees
This song is about feeling empty inside and not thinking that you’ll ever find what you’re looking for, but the person singing it says that they want to show you something amazing. They know it’s hard right now because nothing feels right, but try your best to get through this because there are still things out there for you to discover.
32. What Is Love – Haddaway
![Haddaway - What Is Love [Official]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HEXWRTEbj1I/0.jpg)
This song is about feeling like you’ll never be loved or accepted for who you are, but the person singing it says they know what it’s like to feel the same way. They don’t want you to give up because everyone deserves love, so try your best to move past this moment because there are still people out there who can change your life.
Next: Best songs about love of all time
33. Broken – Seether Ft. Amy Lee
This song is about feeling like you’re shattered to pieces, and it’s hard to put all the broken pieces back together, but the person singing it says that they’ll do their best to try and stay optimistic. Everyone gets hurt sometimes, but it’s all about how you can move past that moment and come back even stronger than before.
34. How Long? – Vampire Weekend
This song is about feeling like you’re losing hope, and it’s too difficult to fight back because you feel like no one cares, but the person singing it says that they understand what you’re going through. They can’t promise that everything will be okay because there’s always a chance that things might not work out, but they’ll do their best to try and make you feel loved.
35. Bright – Echosmith
![Echosmith - Bright [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kMAzstG5O7E/0.jpg)
This song is about feeling like your life is stuck in a cycle that you can’t escape from, but the person who is singing it says that they want to be part of the solution instead of making things worse. It’s okay not to know what you want in life because it’s a journey that requires a lot of exploring, but don’t lose hope when it comes to your future.
36. Fix You – Coldplay
This song is about feeling lost and alone when it seems like everyone’s going their separate ways, so the person singing it says that they’ll fix you. It might feel like no one wants to be there for you because of what happened in your past, but try to let go and move forward because you won’t find the answer if you keep looking in the same place.
37. The Greatest – Sia
This song is about feeling empty and not knowing what will make you happy anymore, so you feel lost, but the person singing it says they’re still here for you. You can handle whatever you want because it’s your life, and no one will judge you, so try to be optimistic about the world because there are many good things out there waiting to be discovered.
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As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
