“Darkness is a harsh term, don’t you think, and yet it dominates the things I see” is a line from Roll Away Your Stone by…
John Mayer’s “Stop This Train” beautifully captures the songwriter’s existential crisis, stemming from his fear of growing old. The vocalist feels life is moving too fast…
Broken is a song by American rock band Seether that captures the pain of coping with loneliness. The lyrics describe the importance of a partner for…
In “Even My Dad Does Sometimes”, Ed Sheeran encourages those who feel sad and depressed to share those feelings with others, as that is the…
“Where Is My Mind?” by Pixies is a song inspired by a lonely time in the artist’s life when he felt his life was going…
“The Lonely” by singer and songwriter Christina Perri speaks of her experiences with loneliness and isolation, as well as her desire for closeness and intimacy. She…
In 2006, lead vocalist and songwriter for Sanctus Real, Matt Hammitt captured the anxiety he felt when dealing with his own traumatic memories in the…
“Hate me” by musical group Blue October was written by lead singer Justin Furstenfeld as an apology to his mother for all that he put…
“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…
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…
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…
“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.
“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…
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…
Music by Bloody Valentine. Singer Bilinda Butcher expresses and confronts the abuse she faced in childhood.
