20 Songs About Being Ignored and Unwanted

I know all too well what it feels like to be ignored and unwanted. That empty, lonely feeling when you reach out to someone and they don’t respond. The pain of being overlooked and forgotten. The sting of rejection when you put yourself out there and get shut down.

It’s one of the worst feelings in the world. You feel invisible, like you don’t matter. Like there’s something wrong with you that makes people not want you around. You start to doubt yourself and wonder what’s so unlovable about you.

I’ve been there. I’ve cried myself to sleep feeling so alone, wishing someone, anyone, would notice me and want me in their life. I’ve put on a brave face while dying inside because no one seemed to care. I’ve felt like giving up because it hurt too much to keep trying.

But you know what? I’m still here. And I’m not the only one. There are so many of us who have been ignored, rejected, and made to feel unwanted at some point in our lives. And we’ve all found ways to cope and even thrive in the face of it.

One of the ways I’ve found comfort is through music. Listening to songs that perfectly capture the pain and loneliness of being ignored has helped me feel less alone. Singing along to lyrics that give voice to my feelings has been cathartic. And discovering artists who have been through similar struggles has inspired me.

That’s why I put together this list of 20 songs about being ignored and unwanted. They come from a place of real pain and struggle. But they also offer hope, resilience, and the reminder that you’re not alone.

If you’ve ever felt ignored, unwanted, or like you don’t matter, this playlist is for you. Let these songs be a salve for your wounds and a reminder of your worth. You matter. Your feelings are valid. And you have the power to get through this.

1. “Walking On a Thin Line” by Huey Lewis & The News

“Walking On a Thin Line” is a song by Huey Lewis & The News from their 1983 album Sports. Written by Andre Pessis and Kevin Wells, the song delves into the psychological struggles of Vietnam War veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lyrics reflect the alienation and frustration experienced by a soldier returning home to a society that finds it easy to ignore him. Phrases like “I’m the boy next door / The one you find so easy to ignore” poignantly capture the sense of being unwanted and overlooked by the very people he fought to protect.

2. “I Can’t Take This Anymore” by Paul Anka

“I Can’t Take This Anymore” by Paul Anka is a heartfelt ballad that explores the emotional turmoil of feeling neglected and unappreciated in a relationship. The song’s lyrics express a deep sense of frustration and despair, as the narrator realizes that their efforts to make the relationship work are in vain. The repeated plea of “I can’t take this anymore” underscores the breaking point reached after enduring prolonged emotional neglect. This song resonates with anyone who has felt the pain of being ignored and unwanted by someone they care deeply about.

3. “Faint” by Linkin Park

“Faint” by Linkin Park, from their 2003 album Meteora, is a high-energy rock song that conveys feelings of invisibility and desperation. The lyrics, delivered with intense emotion, speak to the experience of being ignored and undervalued. Lines like “I can’t feel the way I did before / Don’t turn your back on me / I won’t be ignored” highlight the frustration and anger of being overlooked. The song’s aggressive tone and powerful instrumentation amplify the sense of urgency and demand for recognition.

4. “tolerate it” by Taylor Swift

“tolerate it” is a song by Taylor Swift from her 2020 album Evermore. Inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca, the song is a slow-building piano ballad that explores the dynamics of a one-sided relationship. The narrator describes the pain of being in love with someone who merely tolerates her presence. Lyrics like “I know my love should be celebrated / But you tolerate it” poignantly capture the emotional neglect and longing for reciprocation. The song’s melancholic melody and vulnerable lyrics have resonated with many listeners who have experienced similar feelings of being undervalued.

5. “Watching You Without Me” by Kate Bush

“Watching You Without Me” is a haunting track from Kate Bush’s 1985 album Hounds of Love. The song is part of the conceptual suite The Ninth Wave, which tells the story of a person drifting alone in the sea. In this song, the protagonist experiences an out-of-body state, observing their loved ones from a distance without being able to interact or communicate. Lyrics like “You can’t hear me / You can’t hear what I’m saying” underscore the profound sense of isolation and helplessness. The ethereal production, featuring backmasking and world music elements, enhances the feeling of being trapped between life and death, unable to reach out to those who matter most.

6. “Don’t Stay” by Linkin Park

“Don’t Stay” is a powerful track from Linkin Park’s 2003 album Meteora. The song addresses the emotional pain of being in a toxic relationship where one feels ignored and undervalued. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and anger, with lines like “Sometimes I need to remember just to breathe / Sometimes I need you to stay away from me” reflecting the narrator’s desire to escape the suffocating dynamics. The aggressive instrumentation and intense vocal delivery amplify the feeling of wanting to break free from a situation where one is not appreciated.

7. “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” by Arctic Monkeys

“I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” by Arctic Monkeys, from their 2006 debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, is a high-energy rock song that explores themes of attraction and social dynamics. While it doesn’t directly address being ignored or unwanted, the song’s narrative involves a sense of longing and the frustration of not being noticed by the object of one’s affection. The lyrics capture the chaotic atmosphere of a nightclub and the fleeting nature of connections made on the dancefloor, highlighting the feeling of being overlooked in a crowded space.

8. “Unwanted” by Avril Lavigne

“Unwanted” is a song from Avril Lavigne’s 2002 debut album Let Go. The track delves into the feelings of rejection and alienation, particularly within the context of a relationship. Lyrics like “You don’t know me, don’t ignore me / If you had your way, you’d just shut me up” express the pain of being dismissed and unappreciated. The heavy guitar riffs and raw vocal delivery emphasize the emotional intensity, making it a powerful anthem for anyone who has felt unwanted and ignored.

9. “So Yesterday” by Hilary Duff

“So Yesterday” is a pop rock song by Hilary Duff from her 2003 album Metamorphosis. Written and produced by The Matrix, the song deals with moving on from a breakup and the feelings of being ignored by an ex-partner. The lyrics reflect a sense of empowerment and resilience, as the protagonist decides to let go of the past and move forward. Lines like “When you started to ignore me / Do you see a single tear? / It isn’t gonna happen here” highlight the narrator’s determination to not let the breakup affect her. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it a feel-good anthem about overcoming the pain of being unwanted.

10. “Ordinary Idols” by Cold War Kids

“Ordinary Idols” by Cold War Kids is a song that explores the disillusionment and emotional struggles within a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of being taken for granted and the frustration of trying to maintain an “ordinary love” that feels increasingly unfulfilling. Lines like “Such a struggle just to keep an ordinary love / Ain’t got the time for friends” reflect the narrator’s feelings of being ignored and unappreciated. The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics capture the emotional weight of feeling unwanted in a relationship.

11. “All My Love to You” by Janet Jackson

“All My Love to You” is a track from Janet Jackson’s 1984 album Dream Street. The song delves into themes of longing and unreciprocated love. The lyrics express a deep yearning for a partner’s affection and the pain of feeling ignored. Although the song is more about unfulfilled love rather than outright rejection, it still captures the essence of feeling unwanted. The soulful melody and heartfelt delivery enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics, making it a poignant addition to the playlist.

12. “Where Did My Baby Go?” by John Legend

“Where Did My Baby Go?” by John Legend is a soulful ballad from his 2006 album Once Again. The song narrates the sorrow and confusion of a man searching for his lost love. The lyrics express a deep sense of loss and longing, with lines like “I miss my baby so / I’m calling but I can’t get through” highlighting the narrator’s desperation and sense of being ignored. The haunting melody and emotional vocal performance convey the pain of feeling abandoned and unwanted by someone who once meant everything.

13. “Best Fake Smile” by James Bay

“Best Fake Smile” is a song by James Bay from his 2015 debut album Chaos and the Calm. This track is a powerful anthem about rejecting societal pressures and embracing one’s true self. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is tired of pretending to be happy and putting on a facade for others. Lines such as “She wants the sun in her eyes but all she gets is ignored” and “No you don’t have to wear your best fake smile” capture the essence of feeling overlooked and unappreciated. The song encourages listeners to stop pretending and to be authentic, even if it means facing the discomfort of being ignored or misunderstood.

14. “I Am An Outsider” by Three Days Grace

“I Am An Outsider” is a track from Three Days Grace’s 2018 album Outsider. The song delves into the feelings of alienation and the desire to remain independent from societal norms. The lyrics express the narrator’s preference for being “faceless and ignored” rather than conforming to the expectations of the “in-crowd.” Lines like “I’d rather be faceless in the dark / Than be so fake like the way you are” highlight the rejection of superficial social acceptance. This song resonates with those who feel like outsiders and prefer to stay true to themselves, even if it means being ignored by the mainstream.

15. “Stop This Car” by Michelle Williams

“Stop This Car” by Michelle Williams is a song that explores the emotional turmoil of feeling neglected in a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and desperation as the narrator pleads for attention and recognition from their partner. The repeated refrain “Stop this car, I wanna get out” symbolizes the need to escape from a situation where they feel ignored and unappreciated. The song’s emotional depth and powerful vocal delivery capture the pain of being unwanted and the desire to break free from a neglectful relationship.

16. “The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get” by Morrissey

“The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get” is a song by Morrissey from his 1994 album Vauxhall and I. The track is characterized by its ironic and somewhat obsessive tone, as the narrator declares that being ignored only makes him more determined. Lyrics like “The more you ignore me, the closer I get / You’re wasting your time” and “I am now a central part of your mind’s landscape” reflect a persistent and almost defiant attitude towards being overlooked. The song’s dark humor and catchy melody make it a unique exploration of the complexities of feeling ignored and unwanted.

17. “Slumville Sunrise” by Jake Bugg

“Slumville Sunrise” by Jake Bugg, from his 2013 album Shangri La, is a gritty depiction of life in a small, downtrodden town. The song’s lyrics reflect feelings of frustration and alienation, as the protagonist feels trapped in an environment where he is ignored and unappreciated. Lines like “My friends they just ignore me / Tell me nevermind” and “Waiting all your life for the Slumville Sunrise” capture the sense of being overlooked and the longing for something better. The energetic guitar riffs and Bugg’s raw vocal delivery add to the song’s rebellious and defiant tone, making it a powerful anthem for those who feel stuck in a place where they are not valued.

18. “Hey Now!” by Oasis

“Hey Now!” by Oasis, from their 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, explores themes of fame, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics reflect the band’s experiences with sudden success and the accompanying feelings of isolation and disconnection. Lines like “What am I gonna do while I’m looking at you / You’re standing ignoring me” highlight the sense of being ignored despite being in the spotlight. The song’s introspective tone and melancholic melody capture the bittersweet nature of fame and the longing for genuine connection amidst the chaos of celebrity life.

19. “Liability” by Lorde

“Liability” by Lorde, from her 2017 album Melodrama, is a poignant ballad that delves into the feelings of being a burden and unwanted. The song’s lyrics express the narrator’s realization that her intense emotions and personality make her difficult to be around. Lines like “They say, ‘You’re a little much for me / You’re a liability'” capture the pain of feeling like an outsider and being pushed away by those who cannot handle her. The minimalist piano accompaniment and Lorde’s emotive vocal performance amplify the song’s vulnerability and raw emotion, making it a deeply relatable exploration of self-doubt and rejection.

20. “Talk” by Coldplay

“Talk” by Coldplay, from their 2005 album X&Y, addresses the feelings of confusion and isolation in a world that seems indifferent. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for communication and understanding, with lines like “Oh brother, I can’t get through / I’ve been trying hard to reach you” reflecting the frustration of being ignored and unheard. The song’s expansive soundscape, featuring a prominent guitar riff inspired by Kraftwerk’s “Computer Love,” adds to the feeling of searching for connection in an overwhelming and alienating environment. “Talk” resonates with anyone who has felt lost and ignored, seeking solace in the hope of being understood.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.