Our adoration for music runs far and wide, with tunes hitting our hearts from different angles and bringing on emotions we stuggle to articulate. Music has helped us cope, grieve, digest, motivate, understand, and most of all, feel. From the lyrics to the melodies to the overall story, certain tracks have the unique capability to move us in certain ways.
With mental health being openly discussed or perhaps even advertised, artists are using their music to cope but also be a voice for the voiceless and connect deeper with fans.
Below are some notable tracks that discuss different parts of mental health.
RAYE | Billboard | Sebastian Kapfhammer
Raye’s newest album “My 21st Century Blues” features the track titled ‘Body Dysmorphia.’ a candid track that discusses eating disorders and self-deprecation. She touches on the daily struggles, internal dialogue that runs through her head while also speaking on how she copes with this societal desire to have the ideal body type. Millions of listeners can identify with this track and its dark theme. From the inner pressure to marketed 'perfect' body types, the song is spot on with the difficulties to accept oneself.
The emotionally intense track by Sufjan Stevens titled ‘Fourth of July’ discusses grief and the loss of a loved one, in this case, his mother. The gut-wrenching song is beautifully written as it depicts a conversation between Sufjan and his lost parent. The artist felt a deep rooted healing from this newfound vacancy and the realization that death is inevitable. The beautiful story of Sufjan encountering this type of pain can aid others in understanding this harsh truth. To some, this poetic song may provide closure or a way to cope with loss.
Julia Brennan | Spotify
Julia Brennan’s single “Inner Demons”, released in 2016 continues to be an raw dialogue between the listener and a source of help to relieve them of these internal battles & struggles. Although the artist didn’t write the track based on her own experiences, she felt that millions can relate to these honest lyrics, especially those dear to her. The song perfectly describes the emotions related to depression and the daunting struggles that go along with it.
Melina Lorge | Music Mayhem | NF | Facebook
Rapper NF produces tracks that mirror personal and difficult experiences. His single 'Let You Down' is his biggest hit and openly discusses his family trauma, trust issues, depression, and never-ending spiral of arguments and narcissism. This sensitive story can hit the nerve of multiple individuals who empathize with difficult home situations, strained relationships with close people in their life, and mental health. NF has given a voice to millions of fans who have found the courage to open up about their own personal stories.
Catie’s massively successful track “God Must Hate Me” is a glorious story behind feeling inadequate as compared to others who seemingly "have it all". Not only is she looking into the mirror and seeing all that she feels she is lacking in physical appearances but also in mental and emotional flaws. This stunningly relatable song hits deep in your core especially with social media being a consistent part of everyone’s routine. As comparison is becoming a daily occurrence for many, the track is raw & authentic in every way.
Zevia | Souncloud
The painful yet gorgeously written song “if depression gets the best of me” by Zevia describes the feeling of constantly dealing with depression and the harsh realities that go along with it. The track is written like a letter from someone that's currently in a dark place and Zevia put all of her emotions into it that is unlike any other piece. Despite the immense sadness and rawness of the story, she provides a dialogue for fans who can relate to process how they’re feeling and share their stories.
Rachel DeSantis | People | ShareIf Ziyadat | Getty
JAY-Z & Gloria Carter’s ‘Smile’ is a gorgeous tune that emphasizes turning pain into something amazing. Despite the negativity thrown into our lives, facing it with a positive attitude, a smile, and a good mantra will get you through. The rap discusses the two decisions you’re plagued with in any sort of difficult situation: stay in the hurt or grow with it. The track openly talks about his mother coming out to him and his family, the hurt of keeping things inside, and the freedom found in expressing it. The importance of this song goes beyond his own situation, but provides a motivation for others to do the same.
The outspoken song ‘Anxiety’ by Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez describes the feeling of the life-altering mental health issue with matter of fact examples sung in an upbeat manner. From the lonely day to day to the constricting feeling you get when you feel like the odd one out. The heavy thoughts that plague us and sadly hinder our lives is told so specifically that you can’t help but empathize. Although anxiety is a lonely feeling for many, the single provides that feeling of community and connection with others.
NPR | Las Vegas Review-Journal | TNS
The cool and groovy tune of Paramore’s ‘Fake Happy’ discusses a topic that everyone across the world can understand. The playing pretend of being happy consistently despite feeling anything but is something the band can perfectly describe. From going out with friends, to painting a smiling face each day, to even seemingly “having it all”, we still feeling anything other than joyous. The band highlights the fact that it's okay to let the mask fall and be authentic to how you're truly feeling and it's a message that hits a nerve for all of us.
‘Suffocate’ is the heart-wrenching track that perfectly translates the feeling of emptiness and the feeling of loss from someone who has walked away in your life. The song strikes you right in the core and can be deeply felt by anyone and everyone. Whether it’s loss, grief, love, heartbreak, the gorgeous lyrics detail a story about being left behind by someone who truly means the world to you and give you clarity on the emotions that follow.
Kendrick Lamar | Youtube
In contradiction to his track ‘i’, whose theme preaches self-love and acceptance, Kendrick Lamar’s ‘u’ is just the opposite. Detailing the internal pain and insecurities that he feels even after including a track on his album with the theme of self-acceptance. The pain-stricken number is felt through not only the words but the pain in his voice. Kendrick’s internal dialogue is something we can all understand as we are all our own harshest critics. From self-blame to self-medication, he hits the nail on the head with how hard we all are on ourselves for every little thing.
Artists have the incredible ability to paint a story, bring us together, and shed light on emotions we tend to lock up. The connection we can make to those we look up to is unlike any other as they give us a voice to express our life and struggles with mental health.
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