“After all” by Dar Williams describes her personal recovery from depression. The lyrics depict the cycle of depression; from the initial onset to the final…
Travis’ “Blue Flashing Light” tells the story of the band’s lead singer, Fran Healy. Healy’s father was an abusive alcoholic who left his family when…
Blue October’s “Schizophrenia” describes the symptoms and challenges a person with schizophrenia faces. Most importantly, the song points out that anyone can suffer from this…
Tracy Chapman’s song “Behind the Wall” showcases the pain of living in an abusive household. Chapman depicts abuse that happens behind closed doors and how…
The song ‘Brain Damage’ was partially inspired by Pink Floyd band member, Syd Barrett, who endured a mental breakdown. The song speaks about losing one’s…
Low is a Minnesota indie-rock band composed of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker. Their music often delves into darker themes of regret, guilt, and self-destruction,…
William Blake saw ‘visions’ since a young age – experiences which we might today explain as some type of psychosis. Blake managed to transform these experiences into poetry and…
Glenn Gould became known for his varying ‘eccentricities’ both in his music and personal life. He suffered severe physical trauma from a spinal injury, and…
Oren Lavie’s lyrics speak to the invisibility of mental health issues. Many individuals struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without others being…
Nirvana’s song “Polly” is about a 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped after attending their concert in Tacoma, Washington. The man who abducted her, Gerald Friend, raped…
