Song about being stressed
20 Best Songs About Being Stressed
As with many powerful human experiences, the arts prominently feature stress, including music. Some artists use their craft to process stress and feeling overwhelmed by various aspects of life.
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While the subject matter in these pieces is not always pleasant, listeners and artists find great value in them. Exploring these topics and knowing that others experience similar troubles can be a lovely first step toward escaping negative emotional experiences. Read on to learn about some of the best songs about being stressed.
While many of the songs on this list relate to individual experiences of stress and anxiety, “American Screams” is a song inspired by the stress and anxiety surrounding the United States and its political landscape in the early 21st century.
Even though this song explores complex themes of stress, it is ideal for stress relief thanks to its fast tempo. Listen to this song to explore your stress or go for a run or have a stress-relief dance party. The band, Arkells, released this song in 2018 on their album Rally Cry.
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The aptly named Jason Isbell song explores anxiety and describes what it feels like to experience stress and other emotions. The lyrics of the song capture being struck with anxiety as you go about your day. Choose this piece if you are looking for songs about being stressed at work and feeling unease in social situations.
American singer-songwriter Jason Isbell released the song “Anxiety” in 2017 on the album, The Nashville Sound. Isbell was a solo artist at the time of release, but he was also a member of the band Drive-By Truckers and worked with The 400 Unit.
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The song “Breathin” describes the feelings of stress and anxiety that lead to a panic attack.
Grande explained that she wrote the song when she was suffering from stress and panic attacks. The lyrics can also serve as a reminder to breathe during times of stress.
Ariana Grande released “Breathin” as the third single from her album Sweetener in 2018. Grande is a solo artist, and Sweetener was her fourth studio album. This piece is a dance-pop song with a strong beat. As a result, “Breathin” is great for contemplation and getting up and moving your feet.
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“Disturbia” by pop icon Rihanna represents feelings of anxiety, stress, confusion, and other related emotions. The dark lyrics echo equally dark instrumentals. When recording this song, Rihanna hoped that the result would help listeners relate so that they could feel less alone in their anxieties.
Disturbia is the third single on a re-release of her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad in 2008. It is a dance-pop song that was a huge commercial success in the United States and Europe.
A complex and dark music video accompanies the song as a reflection of the complicated feelings of stress and anxiety.
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The alternative rock song “Fix You” is the second single from Coldplay’s third studio album and makes the list of best songs about stress. All four members of the band collaborated on this song. However, the composition was started by Chris Martin when he wanted to comfort his wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, after her father’s death.
The organ, piano, and guitar in this song come together with bass and drums to make a song that explores grief, anxiety, and other concerns relating to mental health. It also explores traveling through grief and the ability to recover and heal.
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“Help I’m Alive” is the lead single on Fantasies, Metric’s fourth studio album from the four-member Canadian indie rock band. This song is a popular choice for film and television and is in Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, 90210, and in the closing credits for the 2010 movie, Defendor.
This song perfectly captures stress and anxiety. The lyrics, tempo, and music come together to convey what it feels like to experience the physical experience of stress and anxiety.
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Iconic and legendary foursome The Beatles released “Help!” in 1965, a single from their fifth studio album titled the same. John Lennon wrote the song with some assistance from Paul McCartney and the lyrics capture Lennon’s stress surrounding The Beatles’ meteoric rise to fame.
“Help!” describes what it feels like to be overwhelmed and stressed and the difficulty of asking for help. This feeling is an experience that many anxiety sufferers can relate to. Despite the heavy subject matter, the music is playful and an iconic example of folk rock.
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“In My Blood” is the lead single of Shawn Mendes’ third studio album, Shawn Mendes. In the pop rock song, Mendes describes his experiences with anxiety, making it the first time he publicly discussed his mental health struggles.
The song may is a ballad that starts slow and acoustic but then develops with drums, electric guitars, and more vocals. Throughout, the lyrics describe feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious.
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“In The Garage” is a single from rock band Weezer’s debut studio album, known as Weezer and the Blue Album. This 1994 album contains elements of alternative rock, emo, pop rock, and geek rock genres.
“In The Garage” is not the only song on this album that discusses anxiety, but it stands out as the most descriptive. The song discusses social anxiety and how being in the garage is a safe space away from stress.
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“Lovely” is the lead single from American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and R&B pop singer Khalid’s 2018 soundtrack album for the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why: Season 2. This song is a chamber pop ballad that describes the stories and experiences the two artists have with depression.
The lyrics describe feeling trapped in depression, and the melancholy music provides support through its slow tempo and languid instrumentation. Even though much of the song dwells on depression, stress, and other mental health issues, some lyrics point to hope.
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“Paranoid” is the first single from Black Sabbath’s second studio album, Paranoid, which came out in 1970. Originally written as an afterthought for the album, the piece is one of the songs about being overwhelmed with life and wondering if negative feelings will continue.
The lyrics describe what it feels like to be paranoid and overwhelmed by stress. The speaker in the song struggles to enjoy life because they can not experience happiness. Try listening to this song the next time you feel stressed and know that others can relate.
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“Rose-Colored Boy” is the fourth single from American band Paramore’s fifth studio album, After Laughter, which came out in 2018.
The song fits into pop rock, synth-pop, and new wave genres.
The lyrics for “Rose-Colored Boy” discuss faking happiness when stressed or sad. These sentiments go along with a danceable tune and seemingly upbeat music. As a result, this song is ideal if you want to get out of a funk. The music video companion to “Rose-Colored Boy” explores the themes of stress, loneliness, and sadness even further.
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English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran’s third studio album’s deluxe edition, released in 2017, features the song “Save Myself. ” Although the song was never a single, it still made it on the UK Singles Chart.
Known for his R&B, pop, and soul music, “Save Myself” describes Sheeran’s need to save himself after giving so much energy to others that he has none left for himself. Anyone who has ever felt down can relate to this song and its message about the importance of self-care.
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“Shake It Out” is a gothic pop song and the first single from Florence and the Machine’s second studio album, Ceremonials which came out in 2011.
With organ chords that sound both optimistic and sad, the lyrics are full of cliches and manage to be uplifting and mournful simultaneously.
Vocalist and primary songwriter for the band, Florence Welch, describes the song as a tribute to shaking off her regrets. The song touches on feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as memories that can haunt a person. Most of the song focuses on getting away from such negative emotions.
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“Stressed Out” is the second single from A Tribe Called Quest’s fourth album, Beats, Rhymes and Life, which came out in 1996. The song features R&B singer Faith Evans in the chorus, and it fits into the East Coast hip hop genre.
A Tribe Called Quest focuses their lyrics on everyday stressors. However, Evans provides a hopeful counterpoint. Her words convey that despite stressors, “we’ve gotta make it.”
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American music pair Twenty One Pilots released “Stressed Out” as a promotional single from their fourth studio album, Blurryface, which came out in 2015.
The song has alternative hip hop, rap rock, and psychedelic rock elements and peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart.
This song describes the difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood and the stress, anxiety, and self-doubt accompanying growth and maturity. Besides capturing those anxieties, this song also delves deep into childhood nostalgia and pressures relating to making money as an adult.
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“The World at Large” is the third promotional single from American rock band Modest Mouse’s album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News. Beginning with guitar chords that set the mood, the lyrics express the meaning of moving on.
The lyrics to “The World at Large” also discuss intrusive thoughts, depression, and stress and what it’s like to get stuck in an anxious rut. Though this song may not be as hopeful as others on this list, it can provide listeners with a cathartic camaraderie.
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Australian solo artist Hamish Anderson sings and plays the guitar in “Trouble.
” A classic blues song with a touch of pop infused throughout the melody, this song is a perfect choice for wallowing.
“Trouble” describes what it feels like when difficult emotions overwhelm you, as well as the loneliness that those experiences can cause. The song does not necessarily offer solutions to the “trouble,” but it offers a great tune for a song about being overwhelmed with life.
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The single “Unwell” from American rock band Matchbox Twenty’s third album, More Than You Think You Are, came out in 2003. Lead singer and songwriter Rob Thomas wrote the lyrics to discuss feeling upset and isolated to assure listeners they are not alone.
This song describes what it feels like to experience stress or other mental health concerns. “Unwell” conveys how the effect of anxiety on sleep and how negative thoughts can manifest from seemingly nowhere.
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Finishing the list of best songs about being stressed is a song from a Broadway musical.
Written by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, “Waving Through a Window” appears in the first act of Dear Evan Hansen and the 2021 film adaptation of the play.
In this song, Evan Hansen, the musical’s protagonist, describes his mental health problems and how he feels ostracized at his high school. The lyrics describe feeling anxious and depressed. The singer is unsure about anyone who cares that he experiences such emotions, and he wonders if he will ever grow beyond his current existence.
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Final Thoughts
Songs about being stressed, feeling anxious, and crumbling under pressure serve a purpose for the artist and the listener. Writing and performing these pieces provide a valuable therapeutic experience for the artist; hearing the song can make listeners feel less alone in their emotions.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, check out any of these songs about stress and pressure to know you’re not alone in your feelings.
20 Songs About Stress - Musical Mum
Stress is a natural part of life that can sometimes become overwhelming and interfere with our daily routine. While a certain amount of stress can be beneficial, too much of it can negatively impact our mental and physical health.
If you’re feeling stressed and need some help to unwind, music can be a great tool. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a playlist of songs about stress that can help you relax and refocus. These songs serve as a reminder that you’re not alone in your feelings and that there are ways to overcome stress.
So, take a deep breath, put on your headphones, and let these calming tunes help you find some peace of mind. You deserve it.
Contents
- 1. “Help” by The Beatles
- 2. “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots
- 3. “Crawling” by Linkin Park
- 4. “Breathin” by Ariana Grande
- 5. “Unwell” by Matchbox 20
- 6. “Waving Through a Window” by Ben Platt
- 7. “Help I’m Alive” by Metric
- 8.
“Trouble” by Hamish Anderson - 9. “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” by Geto Boys
- 10. “My Stress” by NF
- 11. “Growing Pains” by Alessia Cara
- 12. “Mellomaniac” by Roger Shah
- 13. “Save Myself” by Ed Sheeran
- 14. “Happy & Sad” by Kacey Musgraves
- 15. “Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne
- 16. “You’ve Got Your Whole Life Ahead of You Baby” by Ider
- 17. “Stressed Out” by A Tribe Called Quest ft. Faith Evans
- 18. “Aqueous Transmission” by Incubus
- 19. “Hunger” by Florence + The Machine
- 20. “Ooh Child” by Beth Orton
- Final Thoughts
- Related Posts:
Starting off the list is a song that is all too relatable for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by stress. In “Help!”, The Beatles perfectly capture the feeling of being at your wit’s end and needing somebody to be there for you because you just can no longer do it on your own.
It was featured in the movie of the same title.
This 2015 hit by Twenty One Pilots is a perfect anthem for anyone who’s struggling to keep up with the demands of adulthood.
The song captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the responsibilities that come with growing up, and wanting to go back to simpler times. It’s one of his most popular tracks which can be found on his album of the same title.
3. “Crawling” by Linkin ParkCrawling [Official HD Music Video] – Linkin ParkFear and trauma can cause us to feel like we’re stuck in a dark place and can’t escape. “Crawling” by Linkin Park is a song about someone who feels this way and is trying to find a way out.
The lyrics talk about feeling paralyzed by fear and not being able to move forward. It was released in 2000 as part of their Hybrid Theory album.
4.
“Breathin” by Ariana GrandeAriana Grande – breathinEven if we’re not going through a traumatic experience, everyday stress can make us feel like we’re suffocating.
“Breathin” by Ariana Grande is a song about just trying to keep calm and carry on when everything feels like it’s closing in. It was released in 2018 as part of her Sweetener album.
5. “Unwell” by Matchbox 20Matchbox Twenty – Unwell (Official Video)Sometimes stress can make us feel like we’re just not ourselves. “Unwell” by Matchbox 20 is a song about someone who feels this way and is trying to find a way to get back to normal.
The lyrics talk about feeling tired, run down, and hopeless. It was released in 2002 as part of their More Than You Think You Are album.
6. “Waving Through a Window” by Ben Platt“Waving Through a Window” from the DEAR EVAN HANSEN Original Broadway Cast RecordingWhen we’re feeling anxious or depressed, it can be hard to reach out and connect with others.
“Waving Through a Window” by Ben Platt is a song about someone who is struggling with this.
The lyrics talk about feeling like an outsider and not being able to find a way in. It was released in 2017 and was featured in the musical play, Dear Evan Hansen.
7. “Help I’m Alive” by MetricMetric – Help I’m Alive (Album Version)This next song captures the feeling of being so stressed that it feels like your heart is going to explode. “Help I’m Alive” by Metric is a song about someone who is struggling to keep up with the demands of life.
The lyrics talk about feeling like you’re running on empty and just trying to survive. It was released in 2009 as part of their Fantasies album.
8. “Trouble” by Hamish AndersonHamish Anderson – “Trouble” (Live at The Troubadour)Hamish Anderson’s “Trouble” is a song about the feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges and how nobody cares about you.
If you’re feeling like this, just know that you’re not alone.
This song was released in 2014 and is from his album of the same title which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.
Another song that will resonate with anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed is “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” by Geto Boys. This hip hop classic captures the feeling of being so stressed that you start to lose your mind.
The lyrics talk about paranoia, anxiety, and feeling like you’re going crazy. It was released in 1991 as part of their album, We Can’t Be Stopped.
10. “My Stress” by NFNF – My Stress (Audio)“My Stress” by NF is a song about the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect. The lyrics talk about the never-ending cycle of stress and how it can feel like you’re constantly fighting a losing battle.
It was released in 2019 as part of his The Search album. You can stream it on all music platforms out there.
Dealing with stress is a part of life, especially when you’re going through tough times or major changes. “Growing Pains” by Alessia Cara is a song about how hard it can be to keep going when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It was released in 2018 as part of her Fresh Hits Jesień 2018 album.
12. “Mellomaniac” by Roger ShahDj Roger Shah – MellomaniacNext on the list is a song about stress that is a bit more upbeat. “Mellomaniac” by Roger Shah is all about the ups and downs of life and how to deal with them.
The lyrics talk about how we all have our moments when we feel like we’re going crazy, but that’s just part of life. It was released in 2008 as part of the Ultimate Chillout Collection Vol.2 album
13. “Save Myself” by Ed SheeranEd Sheeran – Save Myself [Official Audio]If you’re looking for a more recent song about stress, then check out “Save Myself” by Ed Sheeran.
The lyrics are all about how we sometimes need to take a step back and focus on ourselves.
It’s a great song for when you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a reminder to take care of yourself. It’s one of the tracks from his Divide album.
14. “Happy & Sad” by Kacey MusgravesKacey Musgraves – Happy & Sad (Audio)Sometimes, the happiest people are the ones carrying the most sadness. This is what Kacey Musgraves explores in her song “Happy & Sad”.
It’s a candid look at how we all have our highs and lows, and that’s okay. The song is from her 2018 album, Golden Hour, which can be streamed on all music platforms.
15. “Head Above Water” by Avril LavigneAvril Lavigne – Head Above Water (Official Video)If you’re struggling to keep your head above water, then this song by Avril Lavigne is for you. It’s all about how we can find ourselves in over our heads and feeling like we’re drowning.
But the lyrics offer hope and remind us that we’re strong enough to get through anything.
The song was released in 2019 as part of her album of the same title.
This next song will remind you that no matter how tough things might seem, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you.
“You’ve Got Your Whole Life Ahead of You Baby” by Ider is a feel-good track that will lift your spirits and give you some perspective. It was released in 2019 as part of their Emotional Education album.
17. “Stressed Out” by A Tribe Called Quest ft. Faith EvansA Tribe Called Quest – Stressed Out (Official HD Video) ft. Faith EvansBeing stressed out is something we can all relate to and this song by A Tribe Called Quest ft. Faith Evans is the perfect anthem for it. The lyrics talk about how we all have so much going on that it’s hard to keep up.
But despite the challenges, we keep pushing through because we know that’s what we have to do.
The song was released in 1996 as part of the Beats, Rhymes and Life album.
Next on the list is “Aqueous Transmission” by Incubus. This song is about heartbreak and what it can do to a person.
The lyrics talk about how someone can be “transmitted” through their emotions and how they can be spread too thin. It’s a relatable track released in 2001 and you can find it on the Morning View album.
19. “Hunger” by Florence + The MachineFlorence + The Machine – Hunger“Hunger” by Florence + The Machine is a song about, well, hunger. The lyrics talk about how someone can be consumed by their own hunger and how it can make them do things they never thought they would do.
It’s a dark track with a powerful message released in 2018. This can be found on their High as Hope album which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.
20. “Ooh Child” by Beth OrtonBETH ORTON – OOH CHILDWrapping up the list is “Ooh Child” by Beth Orton.
This song is about hope and how things will get better.
The lyrics talk about how the world is a tough place but there is still hope for a better tomorrow. It’s a beautiful track released in 2003 and you can find it on the The Other Side of Daybreak album.
Final ThoughtsWhen it comes to managing stress, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. However, listening to music can be a helpful way to relax and de-stress.
If you’re looking for some musical inspiration, check out our list of songs about stress. And remember, things will work out soon!
10 Stress Relieving Songs
Music has a unique connection to our emotions. And research scientists have proven that it can be used to manage stress. They found that music affects the brain just as well as drugs. No wonder music therapy is a separate method of treatment.
Stress increases the risk of health problems, heart disease, obesity, depression, stomach problems, asthma and more.
Scientists at Harvard and Stanford have found that health problems from work stress cause more deaths than diabetes, Alzheimer's or the flu.
And music is an easy way to take the pressure off all those emails, meetings, and deadlines that keep you anxious.
When things get difficult at work or problems in your personal life haunt you, you know what to do. Turn on the music!
Great stress reliever:
- Native American, Celtic, Indian string instruments, drums and flutes
- Sounds of rain, thunder, waves, and other sounds of nature
- Light jazz, classical and calm music
But not only!
British neurologists have gone even further. They have compiled an anti-stress playlist of 10 songs especially for you. And here you will even hear your favorite Adele and Coldplay!
How did they find the right songs?
The study was conducted on people who tried to solve complex puzzles as quickly as possible. They are connected to sensors.
The puzzles caused high levels of stress and the participants listened to different songs. During this time, the researchers measured brain activity, physiological state, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.
Experiment conducted by Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson of Mindlab International. He found that Marconi Union's 'Weightless' was the most relaxing. She reduced her anxiety levels by 65%.
The song was written specifically for this. The group took the composition seriously. Organized harmonic rhythms and softness help to slow the listener's heart rate, lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol (stress hormone).
Scientists say that the songs are so effective that some of the people tested even wanted to sleep. Therefore, it is not recommended to listen to this playlist in the car 🙂
And here is the entire playlist:
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