15 Songs About Anxiety

Anxiety is an inevitable part of life, but the key to overcoming it is learning how to manage your stress.

If you are experiencing anxiety in your work or personal life, here are 16 songs about anxiety that can help you get through it.

Anxiety by The Smiths

The Smiths are known for their depressing lyrics, but when it comes to songs about anxiety, this track takes the cake.

This song is about being anxious before a date or social event – feeling nervous and worrying about how you come across to others. Morrissey sings,

“I’m not looking for sympathy…just don’t put me on display”

in an attempt to convey his anxiety without sounding too whiny.

Hurt by Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor wrote lyrics that were both danceable and dark.

The song is about the angst of watching a lover leave, which anyone who has gone through heartbreak can relate to.

He sings:

“I wear this crown of shit upon my liar’s chair…”

conveying his feelings of self-loathing and anxiety.

I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones

The Ramones had a sense of humor and wrote tracks that anyone could relate to, even if they didn’t have anxiety or depression.

“I Wanna Be Sedated” is about the desire to run away from responsibilities and hide out in a sedative state. Anyone who wants to escape their responsibilities can relate to the Ramones’ classic track.

What’s The Frequency Kenneth? by R.E.M.

What’s The Frequency Kenneth?” is about finding yourself in a state of confusion and questioning your surroundings.

“I’m on the air waiting for you but all I hear is static.”

The lyrics convey losing touch with reality and wondering if anyone else is trying to communicate with you.

If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot

Lightfoot’s song is about someone thinking of a lost lover but not able to express their feelings. The singer reflects,

“You just caught my eye as you walked on by you could’ve waved but you didn’t even see me.”

Someone who has experienced the pain of unrequited love can relate.

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová won an Oscar for their song “Falling Slowly” from Once.

The song is about falling in love and seeing life with a new sense of wonder. It’s also about anxiety – feeling like you’re moving too fast and worrying that it will all fall apart.

Everyday Is Like Sunday by Morrissey

Morrissey has a knack for writing depressing lyrics, but sometimes he writes about relatable things to the everyman.

“Everyday Is Like Sunday” conveys the feeling of being trapped in your hometown and wanting to escape. The singer is anxious because he cannot get out of his small-town life. The lyrics convey a sense of sadness but also longing.

“Every day is like Sunday and I wish it was always this grey.”

Anyone who has felt blue on a sunny day can relate.

Trophy by Electric Youth

Electric Youth’s song is nostalgic and dreamy – the opposite of anxiety-inducing. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and anticipation, perhaps about meeting someone new:

“I’ve been waiting to meet you like an old-fashioned movie.”

This track will help anyone feel less anxious.

I’m Not Calling You A Liar by Florence + The Machine.

Florence Welch is known for her dark lyrics, and this song is no exception.

The singer reflects on people who have hurt her in the past, but because of that, she doesn’t want to keep them close.

“You can say what you like but I will never be there to catch you if you fall.”

Anyone who has had difficult people in their lives can relate to this song.

Happy by Pharrell Williams

Pharrell’s anthem is about being content, even when things haven’t gone your way.

This track conveys a sense of happiness and satisfaction – it will put anyone in a good mood. Anyone who’s felt down in the dumps will appreciate this song.

Someone Like You by Adele

Adele’s song is about saying goodbye to someone you love.

It can be challenging to move on after a breakup, but this song will remind you that life goes on, and there is plenty of fish in the sea. It also captures that anxious feeling of wanting someone back or wishing they would come back to you.

Close To Me by The Cure

The lyrics of this song are dark, but they also convey the feeling of wanting someone close to you.

“Please don’t leave me alone tonight” is a plea for closeness and human contact, regardless of whether it’s sexual or not. Anyone who has felt lonely can relate to these lyrics.

Right Here by Bridget Kearney

Bridget Kearney’s song is about wanting to connect with someone you are attracted to. The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and anxiety about this connection.

“Give me one thing I can hold on to now I’m reaching out for something now.”

This track will help anyone feel less alone.

Savior by The Muse

The Musee’s song is about wanting someone to save you from your troubles. It can be difficult when you feel like you need help and this song perfectly captures the feeling:

“Savior, I’m calling for you save me from these heartaches.”

Fix You by Coldplay

The lyrics of this song are all about comfort.

The singer is comforting someone who may be feeling down.

“And when you’re ready I’ll be standing here ready to hold you.”

Anyone who has felt alone or upset can relate.

Hopefully, you find relief in this list of songs that speak to the anxieties we all experience.

These songs about anxiety offer a light at the end of the tunnel and remind us that there is always someone out there who understands what it’s like to feel anxious about life.