If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with depression, self-harm, or any related topics, music can be a great way to begin to heal.
We are all aware of the power that music can carry, and it can bring out emotions that need to be released.
This article directs you toward the twenty best songs about self-harm so that you can begin your healing journey.
1. “Last Resort” by Papa Roach
“Last Resort” is American rock band Papa Roach’s debut single from their album Infest.
The song is about suicide and self-harm and is a reminder to many that they are not alone. Singer Jacoby Shaddix described the song as his “cry for help”.
He originally wrote it about a best friend of his, but later found himself in that same dark place.
He said that the hip-hop influences in the single came from The Fugees and Wu-Tang Clan, and the hit helped Infest become certified triple Platinum.
2. “Ghost” by Badflower
“Ghost” is the lead single from Badflower’s debut studio album, OK, I’m Sick.
It was inspired by lead singer Josh Katz’s panic attacks and subsequent thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
He wrote it to allow his feelings out and soon realized that this was a very positive thing.
The single sold over five hundred thousand copies in the United States and became popular as an anthem for those suffering.
3. “The Way She Feels” by Between The Trees
“The Way She Feels” was Between the Trees’ debut single.
The band has been well known for being involved with the non-profit organization To Write Love On Her Arms, which provides help to those suffering from depression and thoughts of self-harm.
The single was written based on this organization and aims to provide a sense of community to the people that it helps.
4. “Bleed It Out” by Linkin Park
“Bleed It Out” was a single on Linkin Park’s third studio album Minutes to Midnight, which was released in 2007.
The song was placed at number forty-four on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of 2007 list and is also featured in mainstream video games.
“Bleed It Out” charted in seventeen different countries and reached number one on the US Rock and Metal chart.
It was awarded quadruple platinum status after selling over four million copies in the United States.
5. “Suicidal Dream” by Silverchair
“Suicidal Dream” is a song by Silverchair that was aimed to help listeners stop fantasizing about self-harm and suicide.
The band has many songs about this topic, and their fans have agreed that they have helped them out of some of their darkest times.
6. “Popular Monster” by Falling In Reverse
“Popular Monster” is a song by Falling In Reverse, who are an American rock band.
The song was released in 2019 where it debuted at number on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and number four on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
The song has since amassed over two hundred million listens on Spotify.
Ronnie Radke stated that it was about him exploring his inner demons, and turned into a track about someone who had been pushed too far by society.
7. “Breaking the Habit” by Linkin Park
“Breaking the Habit” is another Linkin Park hit, released on their album Meteora.
It has won two awards: Viewer’s Choice Award at MTV Music Video Awards and Best Group Video at the MTV Music Video Awards Japan.
The entire music video is in anime style, causing the song to shoot to worldwide popularity.
It is said that Mike Shinoda often began crying in the booth when recording the hit.
8. “Breathe Me” by Sia
“Breathe Me” was a 2004 hit from Sia’s studio album Colour the Small One.
It got awarded Platinum certification after selling over 1.2 million copies in the United States and charting at number twenty-four.
“Breathe Me” was coined “delicate and haunting” by Rolling Stone for its moving and somewhat deep lyrics.
9. “Ohio is for Lovers” by Hawthorne Heights
“Ohio is for Lovers”, which is sometimes known as just “Ohio”, is written and recorded by the rock band Hawthorne Heights.
It is the debut single from their debut studio album The Silence in Black and White.
It has been nicknamed “the emo anthem” for its lyrics about depression and soon became the band’s signature song.
It is popular among sufferers, and singing along can definitely be a great way to let out your emotions.
10. “F**kin’ Perfect” by P!nk
“F**kin’ Perfect”, as it’s stylized on the main cover, is a song by P!nk from her album Greatest Hits…So Far!!!.
The music video, which was directed by Dave Meyers, has been praised for its powerful message surrounding suicide, self-harm, and depression.
The song has been coined as a power ballad that aims to create acceptance within our community, allowing people to be true to their identities.
It sold over eight million copies in Sweden and charted in countless countries worldwide.
11. “Baby don’t cut” by Bmike
“Baby don’t cut” by American singer Bmike is a powerful tale written from the perspective of a boy whose girlfriend self-harms.
It is written for those who have a loved one who suffers from depression, and those who have lost someone close to suicide.
It is aimed to remind you that if you have a close one who is struggling, you are not alone.
12. “Deliberate Self-harm Ha Ha” by Of Montreal
“Deliberate Self-harm Ha Ha” is a deep dive into the mind of someone who suffers from self-harm, written by Of Montreal.
Lead singer Kevin Barnes said that it was written due to a friend of his who struggled with depression.
The ‘Ha Ha’ in the title was meant as a nod to society, which sometimes doesn’t take issues like this seriously.
13. “Bullet” by Hollywood Undead
“Bullet” is a song by the rap-rock band Hollywood Undead.
The song is highly critically acclaimed due to its clever writing of it; the uptempo beat is a stark contrast to the harrowing lyrics.
It is about a young man who has attempted suicide before and still suffers from suicidal thoughts.
It has been described as “as infectious as it is intense”. The song has sold over five hundred thousand copies in the US and provides comfort to those struggling.
14. “Bad Habit” by The Dresden Dolls
“Bad Habit” is a song about self-harm by The Dresden Dolls, and is the eighth track on their self-titled debut album.
It is a song about escaping reality, and about the protagonist finding comfort in his pain.
At the end of the song, the lyrics turn into a plea for help.
“Bad Habit” underlines the desperation that sufferers of self-harm experience.
15. “Razorblade” by Blue October
“Razorblade” is a powerful song by Blue October about a sexual-abuse survivor who turns to self-harm as an escape.
The protagonist ultimately ends up letting go of the pain of his past, making the song a reminder to all that the strength of the human spirit can overcome anything.
16. “u” by Kendrick Lamar
“u” is a track from Kendrick Lamar’s third studio album, in which he exposes the negative thoughts that cross his mind.
He called it “one of the hardest songs I ever had to write”, due to it bringing all of his insecurities to the surface.
It is the stark opposite of his other track “i”, which promotes self-love.
Many believe he intended these tracks to show that there is darkness inside of everyone, but everyone can work through it.
17. “Bleed Like Me” by Garbage
“Bleed Like Me” is the title track of alternative rock band Garbage’s fourth studio album.
The song is a “search for empathy”, and brought up many of the band’s shared childhood hardships.
It is a reminder that everyone has baggage and that you should never feel alone.
The song peaked at number six in the United States, and was praised for being “the most poignant, empathetic reflection of self-abuse”.
18. “Dark Enough” by Amanda Lopiccolo
“Dark Enough” is a heartfelt song by American singer Amanda Lopiccolo about a girl in class who appears to be suffering from depression.
In the end, the girl ends up committing suicide, and the protagonist questions “How does someone so perfect feel so insecure”.
The song serves as a reminder that depression and self-harm can affect anyone around us, no matter how their life appears.
You never know what is going on inside someone’s mind.
19. “Tell Tale Signs” by Frank Turner
“Tell Tale Signs” is a song from Frank Turner’s album Tape Deck Heart.
It describes the pain he felt after the end of a long-term relationship of his. He names the woman Amy and describes him hurting himself.
It is a raw depiction of emotion, and Frank Turner captures it perfectly.
20. “The Divine Zero” by Pierce The Veil
“The Divine Zero” is from Pierce The Veil’s fourth studio album Misadventures.
It was nominated for Song of the Year in 2016 and debuted at number twenty-one on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Billboard chart.
Best Songs About Self-Harm – Final Thoughts
The songs in this list are some of the most heartfelt, raw pieces that have brought comfort to many people.
We hope that these songs will make you feel less alone so that you can enjoy your life and be free of pain.
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