Songs About Suicide: Top 10 Playlist
Songs about suicide dig into deeply personal and tough themes that so many people face at some point. Through music, artists open up about despair, loss, and emotional pain, giving listeners a space to reflect—or maybe even feel a little less alone.
When we look at songs that deal with suicide, we get a glimpse of how music can be both a way to express pain and a comfort for those struggling or grieving. These tracks don’t shy away from hard conversations; instead, they invite us in and help build empathy in ways only art can.
1. James Arthur – Suicide
- Title: Suicide
- Release Date: November 4, 2013
- Album Name: James Arthur
- Artist Name: James Arthur
Why we included this song in the list
We picked “Suicide” by James Arthur because it dives straight into the topic—just look at the title. The lyrics talk about personal struggles, mental health, and emotional pain, which fits right in with this list.
James Arthur’s honest approach opens up space for conversation around these heavy issues.
Critical reception
Critics and fans have had mixed but mostly positive reactions to “Suicide.” People praised James Arthur’s raw and emotional vocal style.
Some critics thought the topic felt a bit too heavy, maybe even controversial, but most recognized that he brought attention to tough conversations through his music.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
One line that really sticks out:
“If I could take it all away, I would.”
That lyric captures so much regret and pain. The song as a whole just aches with longing for relief and a sense of loss.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
“Suicide” landed on James Arthur’s debut album after he won The X Factor in 2012. He’s spoken openly in interviews about his own mental health battles, which shaped his songwriting here.
The song wasn’t released as a big single, but it still got attention for the subject matter and his vocal performance.
2. Logic – 1-800-273-8255
- Song title: 1-800-273-8255
- Release date: April 28, 2017
- Album name: Everybody
- Artist name: Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid
Why we included this song in the list
We included “1-800-273-8255” because it doesn’t just address suicide—it puts the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number in the title. The lyrics talk about grappling with suicidal thoughts and the importance of reaching out for help.
Critical reception
People praised the song for its honest look at mental health struggles and its encouraging, hopeful message. Critics and mental health advocates pointed out the track’s impact, especially since calls to the Lifeline spiked after its release.
Some studies even noticed a short-term dip in suicides after the song dropped and Logic performed it at big events.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
Probably the most recognized line:
“I want you to be alive, I want you to be alive / You don’t gotta die today.”
And this one from the chorus: “I’ve been on the low, I been taking my time / I feel like I’m out of my mind / It feel like my life ain’t mine.”
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Logic performed this song at huge events like the MTV VMAs and the Grammys, which brought a ton of attention to suicide prevention.
After those performances, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline saw big jumps in calls. Alessia Cara and Khalid both join in, adding their own voices to the message.
3. Nick Drake – Black Eyed Dog
- Title: Black Eyed Dog
- Release Date: 1974 (recorded), released posthumously
- Album Name: Time of No Reply (compilation)
- Artist Name: Nick Drake
Why we included this song in the list
“Black Eyed Dog” makes the list because it’s often considered one of Nick Drake’s starkest reflections on his fight with depression. He recorded it near the end of his life, and many people see the lyrics as a direct confrontation with suicidal thoughts.
Critical reception
Critics have called “Black Eyed Dog” haunting and emotionally raw. The fragile way Nick Drake sings adds to the song’s somber mood.
Music writers and fans alike often point to this track as a powerful portrayal of mental health struggles.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
Probably the most memorable line: “A black eyed dog he called at my door.”
Another that really hits: “I’m growing old and I wanna go home.”
Both lines just drip with pain and resignation.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
The title likely nods to Winston Churchill’s “black dog” metaphor for depression.
Nick Drake recorded it solo, just him and his guitar, separate from his other sessions. It didn’t come out until after he died, which only adds to its reputation as a final glimpse into his mindset.
4. Kanye West – Ghost Town
- Title: Ghost Town
- Release Date: June 1, 2018
- Album Name: ye
- Artist Name: Kanye West
Why we included this song in the list
We added “Ghost Town” because it talks openly about emotional struggles and mental health. The lyrics touch on depression and feeling lost, with references to despair and letting go—some listeners even connect it to thoughts of suicide or an existential crisis.
Critical reception
“Ghost Town” got a lot of love from critics. People called out its production, the emotional honesty, and the raw vocal performances.
It stands out on Kanye’s “ye” album for being vulnerable and just a bit different in sound.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A couple of lines that stick:
- “I put my hand on a stove, to see if I still bleed.”
- “I wish I could feel things like you.”
Those lyrics really capture numbness and emotional turmoil—something a lot of people struggling with mental health can relate to.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Kanye brought in Kid Cudi, 070 Shake, and PARTYNEXTDOOR for vocals on this track. 070 Shake’s outro especially grabbed people’s attention for its raw emotion.
Kanye has mentioned that his own mental health struggles shaped parts of the song.
5. The Smiths – Girlfriend in a Coma
- Title: “Girlfriend in a Coma”
- Release Date: August 1987
- Album Name: Strangeways, Here We Come
- Artist Name: The Smiths
Why we included this song in the list
We picked “Girlfriend in a Coma” because it explores themes of serious illness and existential despair. The story follows a man whose girlfriend is in a coma, and it’s heavy with loss and contemplation.
The lyrics use irony and ambiguity, but the emotional weight is still there, connecting it to the broader conversation around suicide in music.
Critical reception
Critics have pointed out the song’s dark humor and the weird contrast between its upbeat melody and the grim subject. At first, some folks felt uneasy about the theme, but over time, it’s become a standout in The Smiths’ discography.
Now, people see it as a clever, if uncomfortable, mix of wit and seriousness.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
- “Girlfriend in a coma, I know, I know, it’s serious.”
- “There were times when I could have murdered her—but you know, I would hate anything to happen to her.”
These lines are blunt and capture that complicated blend of affection and frustration.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Johnny Marr wrote the music, while Morrissey handled the lyrics.
It was the first single from their final studio album. Despite the dark theme, the tune is bright and poppy—kind of a strange combo. Some folks see the lyrics as a comment on tragedy and relationships rather than something literal.
6. Nine Inch Nails – Hurt
- Title: Hurt
- Release Date: 1994
- Album Name: The Downward Spiral
- Artist Name: Nine Inch Nails
Why we included this song in the list
We put “Hurt” on this list because it faces self-harm, isolation, and psychological pain head-on. The lyrics talk about addiction and emptiness, so it’s no surprise that a lot of people see it as a song about suicidal thoughts and depression.
Plenty of listeners find honesty and vulnerability in the words. “Hurt” is often brought up as a raw look at inner turmoil in modern music.
Critical reception
“Hurt” got critical acclaim for its emotional depth and willingness to tackle dark subjects. Reviewers mentioned how disturbing yet moving the song feels.
Johnny Cash later covered it in 2002, which brought the song to a whole new audience and earned even more praise.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
“I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel”
“The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting”
“If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way”
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
People still debate whether “Hurt” is meant as a suicide note from the main character’s perspective. Some tie it to the concept album’s story, where the protagonist hits a turning point after battling addiction and despair.
Trent Reznor, who wrote the song, admitted that Johnny Cash’s version hit him hard and gave the song new meaning. Both versions come up a lot in conversations about how music depicts suicide and mental health.
7. Sia – Breathe Me
- Title: Breathe Me
- Release date: 2004
- Album name: Colour the Small One
- Artist name: Sia
Why we included this song in the list
We picked “Breathe Me” because it digs right into the rawest parts of emotional vulnerability and pain. Sia sings about isolation, guilt, and the struggle to keep afloat, which fits perfectly into conversations about mental health and suicide.
Her voice—so fragile and exposed—makes the lyrics hit even harder. It’s honestly tough to listen without feeling something.
Critical reception
Critics really praised “Breathe Me” for its haunting vibe and unfiltered emotion. They often called out the minimal piano and Sia’s delicate vocals, saying those elements made the track unforgettable.
It’s become one of her signature songs, the kind people mention when they talk about music that actually feels real.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A few lines just stick:
“Be my friend / Hold me, wrap me up / Unfold me / I am small and needy / Warm me up and breathe me.”
Those words just ache with a need for comfort and human connection.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Sia wrote “Breathe Me” during a rough patch in her life. She’s talked about attempting suicide the same night she finished the song.
The track blew up after it played in the final scene of “Six Feet Under.” Over 1.2 million copies have sold worldwide, which is pretty wild for such a personal song.
8. Johnny Cash – Hurt (cover)
- Title: Hurt
- Release Date: February 17, 2003
- Album Name: American IV: The Man Comes Around
- Artist Name: Johnny Cash
Why we included this song in the list
We put Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” on this list because it’s brutally honest about pain, regret, aging, and self-destruction. The lyrics wrestle with emotional chaos and the scars left by past choices, which really hits home for anyone who’s struggled with dark thoughts.
Cash’s weathered voice and the stark video give the song a whole new layer of meaning. It’s almost uncomfortable in its honesty, but that’s what makes it so important.
Critical reception
People went nuts for Cash’s version. Critics focused on the emotional punch and the way his life story seemed to echo through every line.
Trent Reznor, who wrote the original, admitted that Cash’s cover felt “deeply personal” and even moved him. The music video, directed by Mark Romanek, got a lot of attention for its raw imagery and picked up a bunch of award nominations.
Some even call it one of the most powerful music videos ever made. Not sure I’d disagree.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
- “I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel.”
- “What have I become, my sweetest friend? Everyone I know goes away in the end.”
These lines don’t pull any punches. They just lay the pain out there, no filter.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Cash recorded this cover not long before he died at 71. The video was shot at his home, mixed with old footage from his career, so you really feel the weight of his whole life.
Trent Reznor didn’t expect to like the cover, but he ended up feeling genuinely honored by it. The song and video brought mental health into the spotlight for a whole new audience.
9. Eminem – Stan
- Title: Stan
- Release Date: November 21, 2000
- Album Name: The Marshall Mathers LP
- Artist Name: Eminem (featuring Dido)
Why we included this song in the list
We picked “Stan” because it goes right to the heart of obsession, mental health, and suicide. The song tells the story of a fan spiraling out, ignored by his idol, and it ends in tragedy.
It’s a harsh reminder of how unchecked pain can take over.
Critical reception
Critics loved “Stan” for its storytelling and emotional depth. It’s one of Eminem’s most respected tracks, often cited as the gold standard for narrative rap.
People noticed how it tackled heavy topics with real nuance, which isn’t always easy to find.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
“My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I got out of bed at all.”
“And all I wanted was a lousy letter or a call.”
“I loved you Slim, we coulda been together, think about it.”
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
People now use the word “Stan” to describe obsessed fans, all because of this song. Dido sings on the track, and they sampled her song “Thank You” for the chorus. The music video follows the song’s story almost scene for scene, making the impact even stronger.
10. Billie Eilish – everything i wanted
- Title: everything i wanted
- Release date: November 13, 2019
- Album name: Single (standalone release)
- Artist name: Billie Eilish
Why we included this song in the list
We added “everything i wanted” because Billie Eilish faces themes of suicide, mental health struggles, and feeling alone head-on. She’s been open about how the song came from a nightmare about her own death—something that’s uncomfortably relatable for a lot of people.
Critical reception
Fans and critics both praised “everything i wanted” for its honesty and moody vibe. Eilish’s vulnerability, along with the support from her brother Finneas (who co-wrote and produced), stood out.
The track charted high and ended up in major publications for its emotional punch.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
“I had a dream / I got everything I wanted
But when I wake up, I see / You with me.”
“And you say, ‘As long as I’m here, no one can hurt you.'”
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Billie and Finneas wrote and produced this one together. The song came from a dream about suicide, but it turned into a tribute to their bond as siblings.
Eilish has talked about her own depression and used this track to process and share what she’s gone through.
Themes and Messages in Songs About Suicide
Songs about suicide get into the messiness of human emotion and sometimes become a lifeline for people who need to feel understood. They dig into public perception, inner pain, and the desperate need for understanding—offering a window into mental health struggles that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Raising Awareness and Breaking Stigma
Plenty of artists use their music to shine a light on what it’s really like to live with suicidal thoughts or mental illness. By talking about suicide out in the open, these songs chip away at the silence that usually surrounds it.
Lyrics often mention the loneliness and isolation that come with these struggles. Some songs even urge listeners to reach out or ask for help, which can be a subtle but powerful message.
Tracks like “1-800-273-8255” by Logic and “Adam’s Song” by Blink-182 actually sparked public conversations. They show why talking matters, and sometimes even point people toward resources. By dragging these issues into the mainstream, musicians challenge a lot of the old, harmful ideas about mental health and suicide.
Portrayal of Struggle and Hope
Songs about suicide don’t shy away from showing the rough stuff—pain, confusion, and conflict. A lot of artists pull from their own lives or real events, so the stories feel honest.
Sometimes they give specific examples or paint vivid pictures of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Still, a few of these songs manage to balance out the darkness with a little hope, even if it’s buried deep. That reminder that support and recovery are possible can mean a lot to someone listening in a rough patch.
Key themes in these songs include:
- Depiction of personal battles
- Desire for connection and understanding
- Messages of hope and survival
Impact of Music on Mental Health
Songs about suicide can really change how we deal with our own struggles—or even how we see what others go through. Music gives us a way to reflect and talk about things that usually feel off-limits or too heavy to discuss.
Emotional Connection for Listeners
When we hear lyrics that echo our own pain or confusion, especially in songs about suicide, it can feel like someone finally gets it. That kind of connection is huge for people who feel alone in their depression or grief.
Researchers have pointed out that genres like rock and rap can get those intense feelings across, making it easier for listeners to face tough thoughts. When artists put their vulnerability out there, it sometimes gives us permission to do the same.
Beyond that, these songs can actually help us cope. Listening to music that doesn’t shy away from mental health struggles offers a safe space to work through rough emotions—without anyone judging or rushing us. That outlet can be a real lifeline, especially after a loss or during trauma.
Encouraging Conversations About Mental Health
When artists talk about suicide and mental health in their music, they help chip away at the stigma. These days, more popular songs bring up anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts—so it’s starting to feel a bit more okay for us to actually talk about these things.
Recent research points out that when mental health shows up more in music, it sparks more conversations, both online and in person. Fans sometimes feel brave enough to share what they’ve been through, realizing they’re not the only ones and that someone out there might care.
Music puts these struggles right in front of us, almost like a casual kind of education. We start to recognize what distress looks like and why support matters, which could nudge someone to reach out or ask for help.
When musicians open up about their own issues, they become examples—proof that mental health struggles don’t care how successful or famous you are.
