45 Songs About Suicide For People Struggling With Suicidal Thoughts

Last Updated on July 15, 2024

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Songs about suicide are something to which one can turn one into someone who is struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. I know firsthand how dark and isolating it can feel. It’s a topic often stigmatized and swept under the rug, leaving those who suffer feeling alone and unheard.

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, I know firsthand how dark and isolating it can feel. It’s a topic often stigmatized and swept under the rug, leaving those who suffer feeling alone and unheard.

However, there is a powerful and often overlooked source of comfort and support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, music.

Songs about suicide can be both therapeutic and triggering, providing a complex and nuanced look into the struggles of mental illness. In this article, I’ll explore how songs about suicide can impact listeners, from their dangers to their potential benefits.

Whether you’re a music lover or struggling with mental health issues, this article will provide a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the power of music in our lives.

1. “Bed Of Razors” By Children Of Bodom

I love this song’s intense and powerful sound. The guitar riffs hit hard, and the vocals convey a raw emotion that resonates with me. The lyrics speak to the dark place one can find themselves in when contemplating suicide.

The chorus, “Lying in my bed of razors, begging to be free,” haunts and sticks with me long after the song ends.

2. “One More Light” By Linkin Park

This song always hits me hard in the feels. The beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics were written as a tribute to a friend of the band who died by suicide.

The song’s chorus speaks to the fragility of life and the pain of losing someone to suicide.

3. “Fade To Black” By Metallica

I feel a deep melancholy whenever I listen to this classic Metallica song. The opening guitar riff sets the tone for the emotional journey the music takes you on.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone on the brink of suicide, and the chorus, speaks to the hopelessness and despair that can come with suicidal thoughts.

4. “Breathe Me” By Sia

This hauntingly beautiful song always chills me. The lyrics are poetic and deeply emotional, and the stripped-down music perfectly complements the song’s message.

The chorus, “Be my friend, hold me. Wrap me up, unfold me. I am small and needy, warm me up and breathe me,” speaks to the pain and isolation that can come with depression and suicidal thoughts.

5. “Adam’s Song” By Blink-182

This song reminds me I am not alone, even in my darkest moments. The lyrics speak to the struggles of depression and suicide, and the chorus is a powerful plea for help.

This song speaks to me deeply as someone who has struggled with mental illness.

6. “Eulogy For A Dream” By Blood For Blood

This spoken-word piece hits my home, as I’ve lost loved ones to suicide. The raw emotion in the lyrics speaks to the pain and guilt I’ve felt in the aftermath of their deaths.

The piece also reminds me of the importance of reaching out for help and seeking support when struggling with mental health.

7. “Vanishing Point” By New Model Army

This hauntingly beautiful song resonates with me deeply as I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts. The lyrics capture my confusion and hopelessness, and the music creates a dreamlike atmosphere reflecting my mind.

The chorus reminds me of the importance of moving forward, even when I don’t know where I’m going.

8. “Falling Endlessly” By Willow

This dark and brooding song feels like it was written specifically for me, as I’ve experienced the hopelessness and despair it describes.

The poetic lyrics and raw music capture the depth of emotion I’ve felt when struggling with my mental health. The chorus is a haunting reminder of how easy it can be to spiral into a dark place.

9. “Last Words” By Thousand Foot Krutch

This hard-hitting rock song is a powerful reminder of the impact suicide can have on those left behind. It brings back memories of a friend who took his own life and the pain and loss I felt in the aftermath.

The chorus is a reminder of the importance of seeking help when struggling with suicidal thoughts and not giving up.

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10. “Sleepwalking” By The Chain Gang Of 1974

This song speaks to me deeply as someone who has felt disconnected and alone. The lyrics capture the desperation of wanting someone to show me a reason to keep going, while the dreamy synthpop sound creates a sense of being lost in my thoughts.

The chorus is mighty, as I can feel the singer’s pain and longing as he repeats, “I don’t wanna die, I don’t wanna sleep. I wanna keep on living this lie.”

11. “December 1943” John Micheal Montgomery

This haunting folk song resonates with me as someone who has experienced the pain of losing loved ones to war. The lyrics’ vivid imagery and powerful emotion take me to a different time and place, and I can feel the soldier’s pain as he contemplates taking his own life.

The chorus is particularly haunting, reminding me of life’s fleeting nature and the things we cannot control.

12. “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” By Procol Harum

This classic rock song has always intrigued me with its cryptic lyrics and surreal imagery. As someone who has thought about death and the afterlife, I connect with the music’s sense of detachment and otherworldliness.

The powerful organ riff and haunting vocals create a sense of being lost in a dream, with the chorus repeating like a mantra in my mind.

13. “A Slow Descent” By The Butterfly Effect

This hard-hitting rock song captures the feeling of sinking deeper into depression and despair in a way that hits close to home. The lyrics express the hopelessness and futility of feeling trapped in a dark place, while the intense music creates a sense of being overwhelmed by emotion.

The chorus is particularly haunting, as I can feel the singer’s acceptance of his fate even as he falls deeper and deeper.

14. “Don’t Follow” By Alice In Chains

This melancholic acoustic ballad captures the pain of feeling lost and alone in a world that can be so unforgiving. The raw emotion in the lyrics and haunting harmonies in the music create a sense of being in a dark and lonely place.

With its repeated plea of “Don’t follow me,” the chorus speaks to the fear of dragging others down with me in my despair.

15. “Fall Away” By Twenty-One Pilots

This haunting song resonates with me as someone who has struggled with feeling lost and hopeless. The lyrics speak to the pain of wanting to give up and having suicidal thoughts, with the singer pleading with me not to “fall away.”

The music is ethereal and moody, with delicate vocals and swirling synths that create a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion.

16. “In My Veins” By Andrew Belle

This uplifting indie pop track has inspired me during my darkest moments. The lyrics are powerful and hopeful, with the singer encouraging me to keep going and not give up, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

The music is upbeat and catchy, with driving rhythms and infectious hooks that make me want to dance and dispose of my suicidal thoughts.

17. “Til It’s Gone” By Yelawolf

As someone who has struggled with addiction and self-destructive behaviour, this intense hip-hop track hits close to home. The lyrics are raw and confessional, with the singer warning me of the dangers of living too fast and not appreciating what I have until it’s too late.

The music is heavy and intense, with pounding drums and distorted guitars that create a sense of urgency and warning.

18. “The New Year” By Death Cab For Cutie

This introspective track speaks to my struggles with mental health and the emotional toll of depression and suicidal thoughts. The music is moody and atmospheric, with delicate guitar work and swirling synths that create a sense of sadness and introspection.

The chorus, with the singer repeating, “So this is the new year, and I don’t feel any different,” is particularly poignant, capturing the hopelessness and resignation that can come with mental illness.

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19. “Life Support” By Sam Smith

This soulful ballad speaks to my heart as it tells the story of someone on the brink of giving up but finding the strength to keep going through the love and support of others.

The lyrics resonate with me, as I know firsthand how it feels to struggle with mental health and feel like I have nowhere to turn. The minimal instrumentation and ethereal vocal harmonies create a haunting atmosphere that stays with me long after the song has ended.

20. “The Warning” By Nine Inch Nails

This intense industrial rock track hits me hard with its raw and aggressive lyrics that express feeling trapped and hopeless.

As someone who has struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, I can relate to the singer’s desire to escape and the sense of impending doom that the chorus creates.

The heavy instrumentation and pounding drums add to the song’s intensity, leaving me both drained and empowered.

21. “What Sarah Said” By Death Cab For Cutie

This powerful indie rock track speaks to the fragility of life and the inevitability of death as the singer reflects on watching a loved one die.

The moody and atmospheric music creates a sense of sorrow and resignation that resonates with me, as I have also felt the weight of these emotions in my own life.

22. “The Ground Folds” By Senses Fail

This post-hardcore track speaks to the desperation and hopelessness that can lead to suicidal thoughts as the singer reflects on his struggles with mental health and addiction.

The raw emotion in the lyrics and the intense instrumentation create a sense of chaos and desperation that I can relate to on a personal level. The repetition of the phrase “The ground folds, I’m losing hold” in the chorus adds to the despair, leaving me both drained and understood.

23. “Not The Same” By Bodyjar

The song speaks to me personally. The lyrics hit close to home as someone struggling to find their place in the world. The fast-paced and energetic music perfectly captures the raw emotions the singer expresses.

The chorus, where he repeats, “I’m not the same,” resonates with me, as it represents the rebellion and defiance I’ve felt in trying to break free from my struggles, including suicidal thoughts.

24. “Pristine” By Snail Mail

This track is a dreamy indie rock track I listen to on repeat. The poetic and introspective lyrics speak to my struggle to maintain a sense of self in the face of overwhelming emotions. The ethereal and atmospheric music perfectly captures the dreamlike quality of the song.

The repeated phrase “Don’t you like me for me? Is there any better feeling than coming clean?” in the chorus represents the vulnerability and honesty I strive for in my relationships.

25. “Deadman’s Gun” By Ashtar Command

“Deadman’s Gun” is a sad alt-country track that I find both heartbreaking and beautiful. The poignant and heartfelt lyrics reflect the pain and despair I’ve felt in my darkest moments. The slow and mournful music adds to the haunting feeling of the song.

The repeated phrase “Deadman’s gun, don’t fail me now” in the chorus represents my desperation and resignation when it seemed like there was no way out, which makes me have suicidal thoughts.

26. “Suicidal” By YNW Melly

“Suicidal” is a deeply personal and emotional song that offers a glimpse into YNW Melly’s struggles with mental health.

It’s a raw and honest portrayal of the pain and desperation that can come with depression and suicidal thoughts, and it reminds me that even as I go through similar struggles, I am not alone.

27. “Scissors” By Emery

This emo/post-hardcore track hits close to home for me as someone who has struggled with mental health and relationships. The lyrics are raw and emotional, capturing the pain and desperation that can lead to suicidal thoughts.

The music is intense and driving, reflecting the intensity of these emotions. The chorus, with its repeated phrase, “I should have cut the chord, I should have never been born”, feels like a painful reminder of the regrets that can come with struggling to hold on.

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28. “Kamikaze” By Walk The Moon

This indie rock track hits close to home for me as someone who has struggled with mental health and relationships. The lyrics are raw and reflective, with the singer expressing the same feelings of isolation and hopelessness that I have experienced.

The music is energetic and upbeat, which creates a sense of urgency that reflects the desperation and pain that can lead to suicidal thoughts.

29. “Shadow Man” By David Bowie

 “Shadow Man” is a deeply personal and introspective song that deals with themes of isolation, loneliness, and inner demons that may lead to suicidal thoughts.

The haunting melody and evocative lyrics create a sense of unease and tension, and the song reminds me of the power of music to express complex emotions and feelings.

30. “The Death Of Me” By City And Colour

This acoustic ballad is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the pain and regret that can lead to suicidal thoughts. The lyrics are poetic and reflective, with the singer using vivid imagery to describe his experiences.

As someone who has struggled with mental health and relationships, I find the song deeply relatable. The music is gentle and melancholy, which adds to the emotional impact of the lyrics. The chorus, where the singer repeats, “you are the death of me,” is haunting and heartbreaking.

31. “Suicide Saturday” By Hippo Campus

This indie rock track is a bit irreverent and tongue-in-cheek, but it still makes a point about the dark subject matter. As someone who has struggled with mental health, I appreciate how the singer uses humour to cope with the idea of “suicide Saturday.”

The music is upbeat and catchy, which makes the lyrics all the more ironic. The chorus, where he repeats, “suicide Saturday, what a day to be alive,” is a clever commentary on the idea’s absurdity.

32. “Suicide Note” By Johnette Napolitano

This acoustic ballad is a heartbreaking meditation on suicide that tears my eyes every time I listen. The raw and emotional lyrics express the sorrow and pain that can lead someone to take their own life.

The simple and intimate music, with just a guitar and the haunting vocals of the singer, makes the song feel like a personal conversation. The chorus, where the singer repeats “goodbye, goodbye,” creates a sense of finality and loss that hits close to home for me.

33. “Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me” By The Smiths

This haunting track by The Smiths captures the feeling of being unloved and unwanted, which may lead to suicidal thoughts, something I have struggled with.

The lyrics are stark and direct, with lines that reflect my thoughts and feelings. The slow and mournful music feels like a companion to my struggles.

34. “Fall To Pieces” By Velvet Revolver

“Fall to Pieces” speaks to the feeling of being overwhelmed and helpless, something I have felt in my battles with mental health. The song’s chorus, where the singer repeats, “I’m falling, fell to pieces and I’m still falling,” captures the feeling of being unable to escape from a downward spiral leading to suicidal thoughts.

The hard-hitting and aggressive music, with a powerful guitar riff, adds to the intensity of the lyrics and makes me feel the raw emotions of the singer.

35. “Swim” By Jack’s Mannequin

“Swim” is a song about perseverance in the face of mental illness, which I have struggled with. The lyrics speak to drowning in despair and offer hope for recovery.

The upbeat and energetic music, with a catchy piano melody, reinforces the song’s uplifting message and makes me feel like I can keep going despite the challenges.

36. “Sleep” By My Chemical Romance

“Sleep” explores the idea of suicide as a way to escape pain and suffering, something that I have personally struggled with. The poetic and abstract lyrics, with lines like “The hardest part of this is leaving you,” reflect my inner turmoil.

The slow and ethereal music, with a haunting guitar melody, adds to the sense of detachment and otherworldliness that can come with depression and suicidal thoughts.

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37. “1-800-273-8255” By Logic Ft. Alessia Cara And Khalid

As someone who has struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, the lyrics hit home. It’s a powerful reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The chorus, where Logic repeats, “I don’t want to die, I just want to be alive,” is a message of hope that resonates with me.

38. “Everybody Hurts” By R.E.M.

It is a song that has always been there for me when I feel down and have suicidal though. The lyrics remind me that I’m not alone in my struggles and that sometimes feeling overwhelmed is okay.

The song encourages me to reach out for help and support when needed, which is a message I appreciate.

39. “Heavy” By Linkin Park Ft. Kiiara

“Heavy” is a song that I can relate to deeply. The lyrics capture the weight of depression and the struggle to keep going when life feels too hard.

The chorus, where Chester Bennington sings, “I’m holding on, why is everything so heavy?” really speaks to me. It’s a reminder that even though life can be tough to the point of having suicidal thoughts, we can still find the strength to keep fighting.

40. “You Are Not Alone” By Michael Jackson

This song has always comforted me during difficult times when I have suicidal thoughts. The lyrics remind me that even when I feel like I’m all alone, there is always someone who cares.

This song’s message of love and hope is compelling, has resonated with me for years, and has helped me eliminate suicidal thoughts.

41. “Rise Up” By Andra Day

This soulful song is like a personal pep talk that helps me find the strength and courage to keep going, even when feeling down to the point of having suicidal thoughts.

Andra Day’s powerful vocals and inspiring lyrics remind me that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way and be suicidal-free. Whenever I hear the uplifting chorus, “I’ll rise up, I’ll rise like the day, I’ll rise up, I’ll rise unafraid,” I feel renewed hope and resilience.

42. “Fight Song” By Rachel Platten

This empowering anthem is my go-to song whenever I need a boost of confidence and motivation. Rachel Platten’s upbeat melody and empowering lyrics remind me never to give up on my dreams, no matter how difficult they seem.

The chorus, “This is my fight song, take back my life song, prove I’m alright song,” inspires me to stand up for myself and keep pushing forward, no matter my challenges.

43. “Don’t Stop Believin'” By Journey

This classic rock song reminds me never to lose hope and strive for my goals. The upbeat melody and inspiring lyrics of “Don’t Stop Believin” always resonated with me and motivated me during tough times when I had suicidal thoughts.

The song’s chorus, “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’,” reminds me to keep pushing forward, even when things seem impossible.

44. “Brave” By Sara Bareilles

When I had suicidal thoughts due to what I was going through, this anthem encouraged me to be true to myself and speak my mind. Sara Bareilles’ catchy melody and inspiring lyrics remind me that it’s essential to be brave and stand up for what I believe in, even when it’s scary.

The song’s chorus, “Say what you wanna say, and let the words fall out; honestly, I wanna see you be brave,” inspires me to be confident and speak my mind to avoid bottling things up to the point of depression.

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45. “Shake It Off” By Taylor Swift

This upbeat pop song is like a mood booster encouraging me to shake off anything that might bring suicidal thoughts. Taylor Swift’s infectious melody and playful lyrics remind me to let go of negativity and focus on the positive things in life.

The song’s chorus encourages me to embrace a carefree attitude and not let others bring me down and cause me depression that may lead to suicidal thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Risky To Listen To Songs About Suicide If Someone Is Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts?

It’s essential to exercise caution when listening to songs about suicide, as they can potentially trigger or worsen someone’s mental health.

However, these songs may offer some individuals a sense of community and understanding. It’s crucial to prioritize one’s mental health and seek professional help.

Do Songs About Suicide Romanticize Or Glorify The Act Of Taking One’s Life?

Although certain songs may contain inappropriate messages or glorify suicide, most songs aim to shed light on mental health struggles and support those struggling.

It’s essential to approach these songs with a discerning eye and to differentiate between accurately portraying the difficulties of mental illness and promoting dangerous behaviour.

Can Listening To Songs About Suicide Assist In Suicide Prevention?

While songs alone are not a substitute for professional help, they can provide comfort and support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts. By listening to songs about suicide, individuals may feel less alone and find comfort in the shared experiences of others.

It’s essential to seek appropriate help if one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, in addition to using music as a supportive tool.

Michael Stone
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