31 Deep Songs About Pain, Suffering & Hurting

Posted on by Daniel Reyes
Songs About Pain

There are many songs about pain, suffering, and hurting that really put in perspective how bad those times can be,

Just like the saying goes, “Happiness is what happens between two moments of pain.”

In general, life has many bitter and suffering moments, but this is something normal in human existence.

That is why it has been a recurring and widely discussed theme in both contemporary music and other times.

Here are 31 songs about pain that you might enjoy and relate to some degree:

1. “Creep” by Radiohead

The song “Creep” by Radiohead is a hauntingly captivating song about insecurity and self-doubt.

Its lyrics are both personal and relatable, and the music is transcendental and very atmospheric.

The song has an eerie quality that makes it feel like a journey into the darkest parts of the human psyche.

“Creep” is a song that feels like it was written specifically for people who have ever felt like they don’t belong.

It’s a track for the outcasts, the misfits, and the broken-hearted that reminds us that we are not alone in our feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

In many ways, “Creep” is the perfect song for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in.

2. “Someone Like You” by Adele

Adele’s Grammy-winning song “Someone like you” is a heart-wrenching ballad about the end of a relationship.

The lyrics are simple but effective, and the emotion in Adele’s voice is palpable and really fits the overall track.

It resonated with listeners all over the world, and it has become one of the most popular break-up songs of all time.

Adele - Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

The song was written by Adele and produced by Dan Wilson and it was released in 2011 as part of her album “21”.

“Someone like you” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top ten in several other countries.

It also won numerous awards, including Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

3. “Hurts So Good” by John Cougar Mellencamp

This tune is about the simple pleasures of young love and how it’s one of those things that hurts in a good way.

John Mellencamp - Hurts So Good (Official Music Video)

The lyrics talk about how good it feels to be with someone you care about, and how sometimes love can be painful but it’s worth it.

“Hurts So Good” also talks about how time goes by too quickly and how we should enjoy every moment while we can.

4. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles

Many believe that this song is George Harrison’s response to the often tense relationship he had with his bandmates, particularly John Lennon.

The lyrics speak of looking at the world and seeing all the love that is sleeping.

The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

It also acknowledges that with every mistake, we must be learning something, no matter how small it seems at the time.

The melody has a feeling of hope, and many see it as one of the most beautiful and poignant songs ever written.

5. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

This song was written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and released in 1994.

It tells the story of someone who is struggling to deal with pain and loss, which reflects why it was titled “Hope”.

The lyrics are full of despair and hopelessness, but there is also a sense of strength and determination to keep going.

Johnny Cash - Hurt

Throughout the years, the song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash, who released his version in 2002.

As for this version, it is particularly poignant, as it was recorded shortly before Cash’s death.

The track has become a symbol of hope for many people who are going through difficult times.

6. “Nothing Compares To You” by Sinéad O’Connor

“Nothing Compares To You” by Sinéad O’Connor is about the pain of losing someone you love.

The lyrics describe the feeling of emptiness and loneliness that comes with missing that person and living life without them.

Despite the happiness that surrounds the singer, nothing can take away the sadness of not having the one they love.

Sinéad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U (Official Music Video) [HD]

In addition, the lyrics also express hope for reconciliation and a willingness to try again, no matter what happens and what they go through.

The singer knows that living with their loved ones wasn’t always easy, but they are willing to give it another go.

There is a universality to the lines that anyone who has experienced loss can relate to since it perfectly captures the feeling of longing for those who are no longer there.

7. “Love Hurts” by Nazareth

This song is about the pain of love and how it can scar and wound people.

The lyrics talk about how love is like a cloud that holds a lot of rain, and how it can hurt people when it’s hot.

nazareth love hurts (1976)

They also talk about how some people fool themselves into thinking that happiness and togetherness are all that matter in a relationship, but that those things are really just lies.

In the end, the song says that love is just a lie made to make people blue and that it really hurts.

8. “Everybody Hurts” by R. E. M.

“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. is about the universality of pain and suffering.

R.E.M. - Everybody Hurts (Official HD Music Video)

The lyrics are meant to comfort those who are going through tough times, reminding them that everyone experiences pain and that they are not alone in their struggles.

R.E.M. spreads a message of longing and hope, urging listeners to hold on and not give up despite the challenges they may be facing.

9. “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera

The lyrics of “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera are about regret, apology, and the feelings we get when those things happen.

The speaker is looking back on a relationship that ended and they are apologizing for their role in the breakup.

Christina Aguilera - Hurt (Official Video)

They express regret for not being able to make things work and hurt the other person in the process.

Despite all that has happened, they still miss the other person and wish they could have one more chance to make things right.

10. “Hurt Me” by Juice WRLD

“Hurt Me” is a song by American rapper Juice WRLD, part of his “Goodbye & Good Riddance” debut studio album released on May 23, 2018.

The song was written by Juice WRLD and produced by Mitch Mula.

Juice WRLD - Hurt Me (Official Audio)

It is a dark and introspective look at the rapper’s struggles with addiction and mental health.

The song features a slow, emotive beat and Juice WRLD’s trademark melodic singing and the lyrics are frank and honest, detailing the pain and hurt that addiction can cause.

“Hurt Me” is a powerful song that showcases Juice WRLD’s talent for making music that is both personal and relatable.

11. “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful” by Gary Allan

This song is about the struggles of life and how they can make people stronger if it’s handled correctly.

Gary Allan - Life Ain't Always Beautiful (Official Music Video)

It also talks about how happiness doesn’t always come easy, but it’s worth the wait and effort.

The lyrics are meant to encourage people to keep going even when things are tough and everything seems to be falling apart.

12. “Her Diamonds” by Rob Thomas

A woman who is struggling and feels like she can’t win is the central essence of the song.

Rob Thomas - Her Diamonds (Official Video)

The lyrics talk about how her tears are like diamonds on the floor, and how her struggles are bringing them down.

He tries to comfort her but doesn’t know what to do so in the end, he just sits with her and cries.

13. “Let’s Hurt Tonight” by OneRepublic

OneRepublic’s “Let’s Hurt Tonight” is a gorgeous song that perfectly captures the feeling of lost love.

The lyrics are full of longing and regret, and the melody is both melancholic and hopeful to some degree.

It’s a song that anyone who has ever loved and lost can relate to, and that’s what makes it so special.

OneRepublic - Let's Hurt Tonight

The song starts with a simple guitar intro, which sets the tone for the rest of the song; as the instruments build, so does the emotion.

These lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of being on the verge of losing someone you love.

Even though you know it’s not going to work out, you can’t help but hold on to hope.

And that’s what makes this song so special – it perfectly captures that feeling of hope in the midst of despair.

14. “Let It Hurt” by Rascal Flatts

“Let It Hurt” by Rascal Flatts is a song about coming to terms with the pain and heartache that life can bring.

The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their hurt and allow it to make them as stronger as possible.

Let It Hurt by Rascal Flatts Music Video

The song speaks to the idea that sometimes the only way to get through tough times is to let love do its work.

Ultimately, the message of the track is one of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

The song was likely inspired by personal experiences of heartache and pain, as well as by the struggles that many people face in life.

15. “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” by Culture Club

Culture Club approaches the pain of love and how it can sometimes hurt more than we expect.

The lyrics of this song talk about the feeling of being in love and how it can be like a step too far, and how we can be prepared to let go.

Culture Club - Do You Really Want To Hurt Me

There is also a sense of regret in the lyrics, as if the singer is wondering if they really want to hurt the person they love.

Overall, the song is about the complex emotions that come with love, and how it can sometimes be difficult to navigate.

16. “Hurt Feelings” by Mac Miller

The song “Hurt Feelings” by Mac Miller is about the changes that occur in life and how they can be difficult to deal with.

Mac Miller - Hurt Feelings

The lyrics explain how everything is different and how people can be “tripping” and missing out on what’s happening.

Miller also has a message about being true to yourself and not letting others take advantage of you.

17. “Pain” by Three Days Grace

This song is about someone who is experiencing pain and suffering in their life.

Three Days Grace - Pain

Rather than numbness, they want to feel something, anything, it doesn’t matter what it is, just to feel alive.

The lyrics describe how this individual isn’t the only one feeling this agony, and there is a way out.

18. “Life After You” by Daughtry

The song “Life After You” by Daughtry is about the pain of loss and all the other emotions that come with it.

Chris Daughtry’s powerful vocals convey the sense of betrayal and rejection felt by the narrator, as he tries to come to terms with the end of a relationship.

Daughtry - Life After You

The lyrics are emotive and deeply relatable, making the song a powerful anthem for anyone who has experienced a breakup.

The song’s simple instrumentation – consisting primarily of piano and acoustic guitar – allows Daughtry’s voice to take center stage, making the emotion in the lyrics all the more impactful.

“Life After You” is a beautifully crafted song that perfectly captures the hurt and confusion of being left behind.

19. “Broken” by Seether (Featuring Amy Lee)

“Broken” is a song by Seether featuring Amy Lee that talks about wanting someone back even though they’re gone and feeling broken without them.

The song depicts in an excellent way the pain of losing somebody and never feeling the same without them.

Seether - Broken ft. Amy Lee

Furthermore, the song speaks to the idea of never giving up on somebody even though they may have gone away.

It’s about holding onto hope and the belief that someday they will come back.

The lyrics express the deep longing and hurt that comes with missing somebody and are ultimately about feeling broken and lost without somebody.

It’s a testament to the power of love and its ability to endure through anything.

20. “Fall” by Clay Walker.

This track is about someone who is always there for someone else, no matter what.

It is about being strong for someone else when they are weak, and being there to catch them when they fall.

Clay Walker - Fall (Official Music Video)

The lyrics talk about how this person is always putting themselves last, but they can only be strong for so long before they break.

The song encourages the listener to let go and fall into the arms of someone who will always be there for them.

21. “Feel No Pain” by Sade

The struggles of the working class and how they are often left behind are the principal subject Sade sings about.

Its lyrics talk about how hard it is to find a job, and how many people are forced to listen to the blues because of their situation.

Sade - Feel No Pain - Official - 1992

The song also calls for help from others, asking them to give these people a chance and not let them stay home and listen to the blues.

In the end, the song asks for mercy from God, as many people have to face difficult situations that they cannot control.

22. “Valley Of Pain” by Bonnie Raitt

This song is about continuing to move forward despite feeling pain in a certain situation.

The lyrics talk about how somebody who is going through a tough time can lean on their faith to help them get through it.

The song also speaks to the idea that eventually; this pain will pass and that things should start to get better.

It’s a reminder to be thankful for even the tough times because they can teach us lessons and make us stronger in the end.

23. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss

A couple’s struggle against alcoholism is the theme of this song performed by Paisley and Krauss.

The woman in the relationship eventually succumbed to her addiction and died, while the man continued to battle his demons.

Brad Paisley - Whiskey Lullaby (Full Version - Official Video) ft. Alison Krauss

The lyrics also approach how their addiction affected those around them in their lives.

This expresses the tragedy of their situation and how addiction can lead to early death in somebody that seemed to be on the right path.

24. “The Cure for Pain” by Jon Foreman

The song “The Cure for Pain” by Jon Foreman is a beautiful traditional song that speaks to the human condition.

In the song, Foreman laments the pain that we all experience in life and our inability to ever truly escape it.

However, he also offers a ray of hope, suggesting that love can be the cure for pain most of the time.

Jon Foreman - The Cure For Pain (Official Live Video)

The lyrics are both poignant and uplifting, and the melody is both catchy and sincere; it’s really no wonder that the song has resonated with so many people.

In a world that is often filled with pain and suffering, “The Cure for Pain” provides a much-needed dose of hope and compassion.

25.”Hurts” by Emeli Sandé

“Hurts,” the hit single by Emeli Sandé, is a stirring ballad with a powerful message about love’s power.

The lyrics tell the tale of a relationship that has come to an end but continues to cause pain in the person.

Emeli Sandé - Hurts

Despite the pain, the singer remains confident that love will triumph in the end.

The track is incredibly moving and upbeat, and Sandé’s emotional sentiments are relatable to anybody who has ever been in a broken heart.

26. “Give Me Novacaine” by Green Day

Green Day’s “Give Me Novacaine” is a song about escaping from reality.

The lyrics talk about numbing the pain with drugs, both literal and metaphorical whenever applicable.

Its protagonist is looking for a way to escape their problems, and they see drugs as the answer.

Green Day - Give Me Novacaine

The lyrics are relatable to many people who have struggled with addiction or other forms of escapism.

Overall, “Give Me Novacaine” is a powerful song that speaks to the human need for escape when things are not going well.

27. “Simon” by Lifehouse

This song is about feeling trapped and alone, and feeling like you’re not good enough.

Lifehouse - Simon (Lyrics)

It’s about the fear of being different and the fear of being preyed upon by those who are weaker than you.

Additionally, it also mentions finding strength in yourself to keep going despite all of these fears.

28. “Hurts” by James Arthur

Unrequited love is the reason for this beautiful song performed by James Arthur.

James Arthur - Hurts (lyrics)

The song features a soft piano melody in the back with the vocals taking a lot of the spotlight.

Despite the hurt, the speaker still loves the other person and can’t help but watch as their relationship burns.

29. “My Immortal” by Evanescence

“My Immortal” is a song by the American rock band Evanescence.

The song was released as the fourth single from their debut studio album, Fallen, on March 4, 2003.

It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Evanescence - My Immortal (Official HD Music Video)

The song was written by Amy Lee and Ben Moody, and it was inspired by the death of his grandfather.

Its lyrics are about the pain of losing a loved one and the struggles of moving on with life.

The song has been described as “haunting” and “emotional,” and it is one of Evanescence’s most popular songs.

30. “Smile” by Nat King Cole

“Smile” is a song composed by Charlie Chaplin with lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons.

It was first performed in the film Modern Times and later became a pop standard.

The song is about finding happiness in spite of life’s difficulties, and its message of longing and stability has resonated with people around the world.

Nat King Cole "Smile" (1954)

Perhaps no one has brought more joy to the world with their rendition of “Smile” than Nat King Cole.

His version charted in 1954, reaching number 10 on the Billboard charts and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

Cole’s creamy baritone and warm delivery are the perfect antidote to a bad day, and his “Smile” is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

31. “Amnesia” by 5 Seconds of Summer

The song “Amnesia” by 5 Seconds of Summer was released in 2014 and quickly became a hit.

Its lyrics are about a break-up and the pain that comes with it after everything seemed to be going perfect at one point.

5 Seconds of Summer - Amnesia (Official Video)

The lyrics are catchy and easy to sing along to, and the overall message is relatable to many people.

Overall, the song has a strong beat that makes it enjoyable to listen to, and the vocals, as usual of 5SOS are beautiful and emotive.

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