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,…
In a 1976 interview, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys reflected on his drug abuse, which was accompanied by a struggle with depression. Through the years,…
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…
Radiohead’s “How to Disappear Completely” captures the feeling of desperation people feel as stress mounts in their lives. Alluding to the process of running away…
“Asleep” by The Smiths tries to capture the hopelessness that is present in suicidal ideation. The lyrics speak of wanting to go to a better, happier place and the song…
The band Sonic Youth has done a fantastic job capturing the fragmentation in thought and feeling experienced by those suffering from schizophrenia within this song.
The 1975’s lead singer and writer, Matt Healy, shares a dark, inner dialogue through his music. ‘Me’ is a powerful and haunting song– the interpretation…
Dane Schmidt, who goes by the stage name Jamestown Story, is an independent vocalist and songwriter. In the piece “Who I Am”, he shares his…
A recollection of a girl with her “soul in division from itself.” It is up to the reader to decide whether Yeats meant to say…
“Children of a Lesser God” is a song from Tropic of Cancer’s new album Restless Idylls. This album touches upon themes of helplessness, romance, and wrestling with one’s…
The lyrics suggest being in the difficult place of watching a loved one in a cycle of addiction and not knowing how to help. By:…
The lyrics evoke someone dealing with depression but finding themselves “erased” by the medication. The lines: “I’m trying, but I’ve gone through the glass again, just…
Leonard Cohen’s life long struggle with depression permeates into many of his songs and poems—Avalanche is but one instance of the artist meditating on such…
Music By: The National The National’s music can be interpreted in many ways. In this particular song, they capture feelings of pain and emotional discomfort—resonating…
