Music has an incredible power to resonate with our deepest emotions. For those grappling with despair and suicidal thoughts, songs can act as a mirror, reflecting their pain and making them feel less alone. While some may perceive songs about suicide as glorifying or encouraging self-harm, a closer look reveals a more nuanced landscape. Many of these “Suicide Songs,” surprisingly, offer messages of resilience, hope, and the will to keep fighting. It’s about finding solidarity in shared struggles and realizing you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. This playlist explores songs that confront the darkness, but ultimately lean towards the light, offering solace and a reason to stay.
Songs That Whisper “Hold On”: Finding Strength in Melancholy
Navigating the complex emotions surrounding suicide requires understanding and validation. The following songs don’t shy away from the pain, but within their melodies and lyrics, they plant seeds of perseverance.
“24 Floors” by The Maine
The Maine’s “24 Floors” is a direct plea to someone contemplating ending their life. The lyrics are stark and urgent: “You don’t wanna die tonight / Take one more breath to clear your mind / Every moment’s relevant / Bittersweet and delicate / Tomorrow may not come again / Tonight is all there is.” The song emphasizes the preciousness of each moment and urges the listener to pause and reconsider, focusing on the immediate present rather than a permanent decision.
“Adam’s Song” by Blink-182
Blink-182’s “Adam’s Song,” while initially appearing somber, holds a core of hope. Written from the perspective of someone who has considered suicide, it shifts towards a brighter outlook: “Tomorrow holds such better days / Days when I can still feel alive / When I can’t wait to get outside / The world is wide, the time goes by.” The song acknowledges the allure of ending pain but ultimately chooses to look forward to better times, emphasizing the potential for future happiness and connection with the world.
“Battle Scars” by Paradise Fears
Paradise Fears delivers an anthem of resilience with “Battle Scars.” The lyrics are a direct encouragement to keep fighting: “You’ve had enough, / But just don’t give up. / Stick to your guns, / You are worth fighting for. / You know we’ve all got battle scars. / Keep marching on.” It’s a powerful reminder that everyone carries burdens and faces hardships, but these “battle scars” are testaments to survival and strength.
“Cut the Cord” by Shinedown
Shinedown’s “Cut the Cord” uses strong imagery to promote perseverance. The lyrics, “Don’t be a casualty, cut the cord… / Cause victory is all you need / So cultivate and plant the seed / Hold your breath and count to ten, just count to ten,” urge listeners to break free from destructive thoughts and behaviors. It’s about taking control, focusing on inner strength (“victory”), and taking small, manageable steps (“count to ten”) towards overcoming challenges.
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Kix
Kix offers a raw emotional plea in “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” The lyrics, “Don’t close your eyes / Don’t sing your last lullaby… / Hold on – Hold on tight / I’ll make everything all right / Wake up – Don’t go to sleep / I pray the lord your soul to keep,” are a desperate cry to someone on the verge of giving up. It’s a song of intervention, offering reassurance and support during a critical moment of crisis.
“End of the Movie” by Cake
Cake’s “End of the Movie” takes a different approach, using metaphor to encourage perseverance. “People you hate will get their hooks into you / They’ll pull you down… / But you still don’t like to leave before the end of the movie / No you still don’t like to leave before the end of the show.” The song uses the relatable experience of wanting to see a story through to its conclusion as an analogy for life. It suggests that even amidst negativity and hardship, there’s a natural inclination to see what happens next, implying that life’s “movie” is still worth watching.
“Friend, Please” by Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots’ “Friend, Please” is a direct and intimate appeal to a friend in distress. “Friend, please remove your hands from / Over your eyes for me / I know you want to leave but / Friend, please don’t take your life away from me.” The lyrics are simple yet powerful, expressing concern and a direct request for a friend to reconsider suicide. It highlights the importance of connection and the impact of suicide on loved ones.
“Hang On” by Guster
Guster’s “Hang On” is a minimalist yet resonant message of support. The repeated phrase, “We break / We bend / With hand in hand / When hope is gone / Just hang on / Hang on,” emphasizes unity and the importance of enduring hardship together. It’s a reminder that even when hope feels lost, simply holding on and supporting each other can be enough to get through difficult times.
“How to Save a Life” by The Fray
The Fray’s “How to Save a Life” is a poignant reflection on the pain of losing someone and the regret of not knowing how to help. “Where did I go wrong? / I lost a friend / Somewhere along in the bitterness / And I would have stayed up with you all night / Had I known how to save a life.” While sorrowful, the song serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reaching out, understanding, and learning how to support those who are struggling before it’s too late.
“I Walk Beside You” by Dream Theater
Dream Theater’s “I Walk Beside You” offers a comforting message of hope and resilience amidst despair. “Oh, when everything is wrong / Oh, when hopelessness surrounds you / Oh, the sun will rise again / The tide you swim against / Will carry you back home / So don’t give up, don’t give in…” The song assures listeners that even in the darkest times, hope remains, and struggles are temporary. It encourages perseverance and the belief in a brighter future.
“Let Go” by Everest
Everest’s “Let Go” is a gentle encouragement to release burdens and find renewed strength. “So take a breath / My dear friend / Take it slow / And let go / And rise again / You’re not done yet…” The song advocates for self-compassion and pacing oneself through difficult times. It’s a reminder that overcoming challenges is a process, and it’s okay to take things slowly and keep moving forward.
“Missing You” by All Time Low
All Time Low’s “Missing You” is a direct address to someone contemplating suicide, emphasizing the impact of their potential loss on others. “Now don’t lose your fight, kid, / It only takes a little push to pull on through, / With so much left to do, / You’ll be missing out, and we’ll be missing you.” The song highlights the value of life and the future opportunities that suicide would foreclose, appealing to the listener’s sense of connection and the grief their absence would cause.
“No Giving Up” by Crossfade
Crossfade’s “No Giving Up” is a defiant declaration of resilience. “There’s no giving up now / Do you really want to give this all away / Can’t you ever see things in a different way… / You should think things through / Over and over again.” The song challenges the listener to reconsider their decision, urging them to explore alternative perspectives and persevere through their struggles.
“Remember We Die” by Gemini Syndrome
Gemini Syndrome’s “Remember We Die” offers a unique perspective on life and death. “Remember we die / But you’re still alive / So don’t let go / ‘Cause it’s the only thing you know / There’s plenty of time / To see the other side.” The song uses the inevitability of death to emphasize the preciousness of life in the present moment. It encourages listeners to hold on and experience life fully, as there is still time to explore and find meaning.
“Sacrifice” by Aurelio Voltaire
Aurelio Voltaire’s “Sacrifice” is a poignant lament for lost potential and dreams unfulfilled due to suicide. “There’s a place where you and I looked in each other’s eyes and promised we’d be free someday. / So please tell me why you sacrificed all that you would be. / You threw away your dreams. / So much life to live… / So much love to give… / So much life to live… / So much love to give…” The song mourns the “sacrifice” of life and potential, highlighting the tragedy of suicide and the immense value of what is lost.
“Stay Alive” by Andy Black
Andy Black’s “Stay Alive” is a straightforward and powerful anthem for perseverance. “Stay alive for the good times / Stay alive through the bad / Stay alive for the hopes and the fears and the dreams / The best that we ever had.” The song offers a simple yet compelling reason to keep living: to experience the full spectrum of life, both joys and sorrows, and to cherish the potential for future positive experiences.
“Stay Alive” by Smile Empty Soul
Smile Empty Soul’s “Stay Alive” is a raw and direct message of hope amidst struggle. “Stay alive, stay alive, / Because it’s almost over now / Stay alive, stay alive, / Better days to come around.” The song offers reassurance that current pain is temporary and that relief and better times are on the horizon. It’s a message of hope for those who feel overwhelmed by their present circumstances.
“Story of My Life” by Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Boys’ “Story of My Life,” while perhaps unexpected on this list, delivers a universal message of resilience. “Everybody falls, everybody cries / Everybody feels like a nobody sometimes / You get up again, give it one more try / Everybody’s got what it takes on the inside.” The song normalizes struggle and failure as part of the human experience and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and inner strength.
“Suicide; Stigma” by The Color Morale
The Color Morale’s “Suicide; Stigma” directly confronts the issue of suicide and its impact on loved ones. “I want you to live. / Suicide doesn’t end the pain, / it passes to the ones you love and remains. / Take yourself out of the equation / And the problem stays.” The song emphasizes that suicide is not a solution but a transfer of pain to others. It encourages listeners to seek help and understand that their struggles are not isolated.
“The Sun is Rising” by Britt Nicole
Britt Nicole’s “The Sun is Rising” offers a message of hope and healing after hardship. “When life has cut too deep and left you hurting / The future you had hoped for is now burning / And the dreams you held so tight lost their meaning / And you don’t know if you’ll ever find the healing / You’re gonna make it / You’re gonna make it / And the night can only last for so long.” The song assures listeners that even after profound pain and loss, healing is possible, and difficult times are temporary. It’s a message of hope and the promise of brighter days.
“Sunrise” by Our Last Night
Our Last Night’s “Sunrise” offers solace to those feeling isolated and alone in their struggles. “When the night is cold and you feel like no one knows / what it’s like to be the only one buried in this hole / You can make it to the sunrise.” The song acknowledges feelings of isolation but provides reassurance that these feelings are not permanent. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of darkness and light, promising that even the longest night will eventually give way to sunrise.
“Survive” by Rise Against
Rise Against’s “Survive” is an anthem of resilience forged in the face of adversity. “Life for you, has been less than kind / So take a number, stand in line / We’ve all been sorry, we’ve all been hurt / But how we survive, is what makes us who we are…” The song acknowledges that life can be unfair and painful, but it emphasizes that the ability to survive and overcome challenges is what defines and strengthens us.
“Truce” by Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots’ “Truce” is a delicate and poignant reflection on life and death. “Stay alive, stay alive for me / You will die, but now your life is free / Take pride in what is sure to die.” The song is a gentle encouragement to cherish life in the present moment, even with the knowledge of its eventual end. It’s a call to find meaning and value in life while it lasts and to “stay alive” for oneself and for loved ones.
“Wonderful Life” by Hurts
Hurts’ “Wonderful Life” is a powerful and uplifting anthem against despair. “Don’t let go / Never give up. / Don’t let go / Never give up, it’s such a wonderful life.” The song is a direct and repeated affirmation of the value of life, urging listeners to hold on and never surrender to hopelessness. It’s a simple yet potent reminder of the inherent beauty and worth of existence.
“You are Loved” by Set It Off
Set It Off’s “You are Loved” directly addresses suicidal ideation with a message of support and understanding. “It’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem / We all have issues not knowing how to solve them / And when you feel you’re at your worst, / Remember all these words.” The song reframes suicidal thoughts as a reaction to temporary problems and emphasizes the availability of love and support. It’s a reminder that feelings of despair are not permanent and help is available.
“You’re Gonna Be Ok” by Brian and Jenn Johnson
Brian and Jenn Johnson’s “You’re Gonna Be Ok” offers reassurance and faith in overcoming hardship. “When the night, is closing in / Don’t give up, and don’t give in / This won’t last, it’s not the end, it’s not the end / You’re gonna be ok.” The song provides comfort and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness, assuring listeners that their struggles are temporary and that they will ultimately find their way through.
“You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” by Billy Joel
Billy Joel’s “You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” is a compassionate and understanding take on suicidal thoughts. “Sometimes you just want to lay down and die / That emotion can be so strong / But hold on / Till that old second wind comes along.” The song normalizes the feeling of wanting to give up and acknowledges the intensity of such emotions. It encourages listeners to “hold on” and wait for the “second wind,” suggesting that resilience and renewed strength are possible even after feeling completely depleted.
Finding Your Anthem of Hope
These songs, diverse in genre and style, share a common thread: they acknowledge the pain and darkness associated with suicidal thoughts but ultimately offer a path towards hope and resilience. They are not necessarily “happy” songs, but they are songs of survival, songs that whisper “you are not alone,” and songs that subtly, or sometimes powerfully, encourage life.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, remember that these songs are just one form of support. Reaching out to mental health professionals, friends, or family is crucial. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. There is help, and there is hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741.
