What is it about hate that can make us feel so deeply?
Is it the burning emotion of anger or the icy chill of resentment?
Or maybe it’s just a feeling of being misunderstood and unappreciated.
No matter what form hate takes, we all know how powerful an emotion it can be, and many musicians have used this powerful emotion to create some truly memorable songs about hating someone or something.
We’ve put together a list of the 25 best songs about hate and hating someone that will provide an outlet for the rage that you may be feeling.
1. “Love Bites” by Def Leppard
In 1987, Def Leppard released the hit single “Love Bites”, taken from their third studio album Hysteria.
This beloved rock ballad catapulted to the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and found its place in the Top 10s on Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
The song is about the pain and agony of a failed relationship, where the protagonist is hurt by the one he loves.
Its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals have made it a popular choice for those going through a breakup or dealing with heartache.
2. “Hit The Road Jack” by Ray Charles
“Hit The Road Jack” is a timeless classic by Ray Charles, released in 1960.
It appears on his album The Genius Hit the Road and was lyrically written by Percy Mayfield.
The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm contrast with its message of ending a relationship, making it a memorable and enduring classic that continues to resonate with listeners.
3. “My Life” by Billy Joel
“My Life” is a popular song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel.
It was released in 1978 as the lead single from his sixth studio album, 52nd Street.
The lyrics describe the singer’s rebellious attitude and hate towards society and his refusal to conform to others’ expectations.
Its message of independence and defiance has made it a beloved and long-lasting favorite among listeners of all ages.
4. “Killing In The Name” by Rage Against The Machine
“Killing In The Name” was recorded in 1992 and it encouraged people to stand up and fight against the things they stand for.
This could be applied in a more general sense, such as standing up to the government, as well as standing up against anyone or anything that you have a deep hatred for.
5. “Take This Job And Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck
If you hate your job, this song will resonate with you.
It involves Johnny Paycheck telling his boss that he’s quitting and to “shove it”.
There’s no ambiguity with this song which adds to its charm and makes it a cathartic listening experience.
6. “Leave Me Alone” by Michael Jackson
“Leave Me Alone” was released in 1988 as part of his seventh studio album Bad, and it was an instant hit.
The lyrics were all about breaking free of society’s expectations and resentments and being true to oneself.
People can relate to the feeling of hate that they can have towards society which Michael expressed vividly in this song.
It was included on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, cementing its place in music history.
The song was also covered by numerous artists, from Cyndi Lauper to Alejandro Fernandez.
7. “Gives You Hell” by The All-American Rejects
“Gives You Hell” is a single by The All-American Rejects that was released on July 15, 2008.
The song is about someone in the narrator’s life who constantly brings them down, refusing to accept their happiness.
Despite the negative lyrics and subject matter, the song is catchy and upbeat with an earworm hook, making it a popular radio single.
It spent four weeks at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped several other charts around the world.
8. “Mind Your Own Business” by Hank Williams Jr.
Hank Williams Jr. released “Mind Your Own Business” as the opening single from his now-famous album, Hank Williams Jr. and Friends, in 1975.
The song skyrocketed to the top of his career, peaking at #3 on the Hot Country Singles chart in 1976, and quickly became a recognizable hit.
The song’s playful lyrics and Bocephus bounce style showcase Hank Jr.’s unique take on his father’s work and further solidify his image as an artist willing to explore beyond the traditional country genre.
9. “Creep” by Radiohead
The English alternative rock band Radiohead released their debut single, “Creep,” in 1992 to widespread acclaim.
It’s considered one of the best songs about hate due to its raw, emotional lyrics, Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals, and its iconic guitar riff.
The song’s relatable theme of feeling like an outsider or outcast has resonated with listeners for decades and has made it a timeless classic.
10. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s single “Bad Blood” was released on May 17th, 2015, and appears on her fifth studio album, 1989.
The track has been described as a vengeful post-breakup battle cry as well as a celebration of female friendship and brotherhood.
The song’s theme of betrayal and revenge resonated with many listeners, and the memorable chorus made it an instant hit.
See also: Best Taylor Swift Songs
11. “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift
On August 24th, 2017, Taylor Swift made her sensational return with the catchy single “Look What You Made Me Do” from her album Reputation.
She embraces a darker side of her music and illustrates how she has transformed hurt into the kind of hate that drives transformation.
Its bold and unapologetic lyrics, its infectious beat, and its clever use of pop culture references made it among the best hate songs.
12. “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You)” by Plain White T’s
The lyrics of this song tell the story of how a person was betrayed and the immense hatred that they felt as a result.
The song’s ability to convey negative emotions playfully and cheerfully has made it stand out among other hate songs.
13. “I Hate U, I Love U” by Gnash
“I Hate U, I Love U” is a pop song by American singer-songwriter Olivia O’Brien, released as the lead single from her debut EP Was It Even Real?
The honest portrayal of the complicated emotions in a toxic relationship is the limelight of this song.
The song’s lyrics explore the conflicting feelings of love and hate towards a partner and the pain that comes with being trapped in such a dynamic.
14. “PSYCHO” by Anne Marie ft. Aitch
Anne Marie and Aitch’s hit single “PSYCHO” was released on 9th September 2022 as a single off of her debut album, Speak Your Mind.
Anne-Marie’s track paints a vivid portrait of an unequal and one-sided relationship; she has come to know that her partner has been unfaithful.
The song explores the psychological impact of being with someone who is emotionally abusive and controlling and the pain that comes with trying to break free from their grip, making it a standout addition to the genre of hate songs.
15. “Mean” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s iconic track, “Mean” is from her third studio album Speak Now was released on October 25th, 2010.
It’s all about standing up for yourself and pushing back against those who try to bring you down.
It has become a significant cultural phenomenon due to its powerful message against bullying and criticism.
16. “Buzzkill” by Luke Bryan
The country music hit song “Buzzkill” by Luke Bryan was first released in 2013 as part of his album Crash My Party.
The song is a tale of a man who has experienced the sting of heartbreak which results in feelings of frustration and hatred towards his former lover.
17. “H.A.T.E.U.” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s “H.A.T.E.U.” is a soulful, mid-tempo ballad that was released in 2009 as part of her 12th studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.
The lyrics of “H.A.T.E.U” manifest a woman’s pain after being betrayed by her partner and convey the difficulty of overcoming this heart-wrenching experience that can be a source of relief for any heartbroken person.
18. “Haterz Everywhere” by B.o.B ft. Rich Boy
“Haterz Everywhere” is a single released by American rapper B.o.B on November 15, 2005, as part of his debut studio album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray.
Rich Boy’s verse largely focuses on his struggles with haters, while B.o.B’s lyrics are more self-assured, as he raps about shrugging off negative criticism and following his own path.
19. “Hate On Me” by Jill Scott
“Hate On Me” is a song by American soul singer Jill Scott, released in 2007 as the third single from her second studio album, The Real Thing.
The song is an upbeat anthem that celebrates individual liberty and freedom of expression.
Scott encourages the listener to “hate on me” if they have a problem with her but reminds them that she won’t allow it to drag her down.
20. “Hate Me Now” by Nas ft. Puff Daddy
This song was released in 1999 as a single from Nas’s third album, I Am…
Nas uses the song to address false rumors and haters who want to see him fail.
His rhymes explore themes of materialism, survival in hostile environments, and triumph over adversity, making this song stand out.
21. “Cool To Hate” by The Offspring
“Cool To Hate” was released in 1994 as part of their third studio album Smash.
The song talks about how people are quick to hate others, both out of jealousy and insecurity.
The vocalist, Dexter Holland, reflects on how this kind of behavior can be destructive to people and society.
22. “Platypus (I Hate You)” by Green Day
The American punk rock band Greenday released this song on their fourth studio album, Nimrod, which was released on October 14, 1997.
The song is an anthem of rebellion and frustration toward authority figures, painting them as oppressive and hypocritical.
The chorus has Armstrong shouting, “I hate you/ I hate your platypus face”.
23. “Love’s In Need of Love Today” by Stevie Wonder
“Love’s In Need of Love Today” is a classic soul song written and performed by Stevie Wonder, released on his 1976 album, Songs in the Key of Life.
The song’s lyrics address the issue of hatred and how love is needed to bring peace and joy.
24. “I Hate Myself, and I Want To Die” by Nirvana
The influential grunge band Nirvana released this song on September 21, 1993.
The subject matter of this song is self-loathing and despair, capturing the deep feelings that many people can relate to during times of depression.
The lyrics give voice to a person’s desperate feelings in an anguished way: “I hate myself, and I want to die/No one can save me/No one will try.”
25. “Hate Love” by Girlicious
“Hate Love” is a song by the all-female pop group Girlicious which was released in 2008.
The song conveys a sense of inner turmoil in a relationship, depicting the challenge of breaking free from a love-hate cycle.
It highlights a range of emotions, such as resentment, exasperation, and animosity towards the song’s subject, along with a yearning and fondness.
Best Songs About Hate & Hating Someone – Final Thoughts
Hate is a passionate emotion that can be manifested in innumerable forms.
These 25 songs, from Nas to The Offspring, Green Day, and even Girlicious, have captured the intricate emotions of ire, exasperation, and pain when we find ourselves facing hate.
Whether it’s a reflection on false rumors or an anthem for rebellion against authority figures, each song showcases how powerful music can be in expressing the emotions we all experience.
We hope this list has provided you with some tracks to help you cope when those negative thoughts start creeping in.
You may also like: Songs About Pain
