20 Songs About Commitment Issues

Navigating the complexities of relationships can be challenging, especially when commitment issues come into play. As someone who has experienced the push and pull of wanting to connect deeply while simultaneously fearing the constraints of commitment, I find solace and understanding in music. The songs that speak to these struggles offer both comfort and insight, capturing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with commitment issues. 

In this playlist, I’ve curated a list of 20 songs that resonate with those of us who grapple with these feelings.

1. “San Marcos” by BROCKHAMPTON

“San Marcos” by BROCKHAMPTON is a reflective track that delves into themes of self-realization and the struggle with internal conflicts, including commitment issues. The song’s narrative is set against a backdrop of coping mechanisms, such as substance use, which are used to escape reality. The lyrics explore the tension between outward appearances and inner struggles, highlighting a disconnect that many feel. The chorus emphasizes a desire for redemption and the weight of societal expectations, symbolized by “putting diamonds on my back.” The song reaches a climax with raw admissions of suicidal thoughts and a fear of commitment, juxtaposed with a longing for change and a more meaningful life.

2. “All About Us” by Jesse McCartney

In “All About Us,” Jesse McCartney explores the complexities of relationships and the fear of commitment. The song’s protagonist is caught in a “grey area,” torn between the desire for a stable relationship and the fear that commitment might feel like giving up. The lyrics express a deep affection for the partner but question whether the love is strong enough to overcome the hesitation about commitment. The chorus repeatedly asks if both parties are truly “all about us,” reflecting the uncertainty and pressure to make a definitive choice about the future of the relationship.

3. “Wassup With It” by Kevin Gates

“Wassup With It” by Kevin Gates presents a more casual and non-committal approach to relationships. The song’s lyrics convey a clear intention to avoid deep emotional involvement, focusing instead on physical connections. Gates expresses a reluctance to learn about the partner’s personal life or fall in love, emphasizing a preference for temporary and superficial interactions. This song highlights a commitment issue from the perspective of someone who is intentionally avoiding any form of long-term attachment.

4. “Don’t Disappoint Me” by Ruth B

Ruth B’s “Don’t Disappoint Me” addresses the generational fear of commitment and the desire for something more meaningful in relationships. The song’s lyrics reflect a personal struggle with commitment, acknowledging a tendency to move from one relationship to another. Despite this, there is a genuine interest in the current partner, with hopes that they won’t disappoint. The song captures the tension between wanting to stay and the instinct to run, illustrating the internal conflict faced by those with commitment issues.

5. “Ghosts” by The Jam

“Ghosts” by The Jam is a song that reflects on the existential struggles and the lack of purpose that many people experience in their lives. While not directly about romantic commitment, the song explores a broader sense of commitment to life and personal identity. Paul Weller, the band’s frontman, uses imagery of suburban life and economic hardship to highlight how these external pressures can lead to a sense of disconnection and a search for meaning. The song suggests that people often adopt superficial identities or “cults” to fill this void, indicating a deeper commitment issue with one’s true self and purpose.

6. “Nobody’s In Love This Year” by Warren Zevon

Warren Zevon’s “Nobody’s In Love This Year” captures the emotional detachment and lack of commitment prevalent in relationships. The lyrics describe a scenario where people are constantly walking away from relationships without any clear reason, highlighting a mutual lack of commitment. The song speaks to the self-protective behaviors that prevent deeper connections, as both parties are too busy guarding themselves to truly invest in love. This reflects a societal trend where commitment is often seen as risky or undesirable.

7. “Stay With You” by Cheat Codes & Cade

“Stay With You” by Cheat Codes & Cade directly addresses the fear of commitment in romantic relationships. The song’s protagonist admits to being scared of commitment, acknowledging that it’s easier to be alone. However, there is a desire to overcome this fear and stay with the partner, suggesting an internal conflict between the comfort of independence and the longing for companionship. The lyrics emphasize the struggle to maintain a balance between personal freedom and emotional attachment, a common theme in discussions about commitment issues.

8. “Cacophony” by blink-182

“Cacophony” by blink-182 explores the anxiety and fear associated with long-term commitment. The lyrics express uncertainty about the future and a reluctance to fully engage in a relationship. Words like “forever” are described as frightening, indicating a deep-seated fear of being tied down. The song captures the internal dialogue of someone who is aware of their commitment issues but feels powerless to change. This reflects a common experience for many who struggle with the idea of permanence in relationships.

9. “Moratorium” by Alanis Morissette

“Moratorium” by Alanis Morissette is a song about breaking free from negative patterns, particularly in relationships. Morissette expresses a desire to stop repeating the same mistakes and to take a break from the chaos that often accompanies emotional entanglements. The song reflects on the need for self-reflection and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of pausing to reassess one’s life choices. This introspective approach highlights the struggle with commitment issues, as it involves recognizing and addressing the behaviors that hinder forming healthy relationships.

10. “Falling For Boys” by Julia Michaels

Julia Michaels’ “Falling For Boys” delves into the emotional turmoil of repeatedly falling for the wrong type of person. The song captures the pattern of developing feelings for individuals who do not reciprocate the same level of care or commitment. Michaels candidly explores the heartache and frustration that come with these unbalanced relationships, highlighting her struggle with choosing partners who are emotionally unavailable. This self-awareness of her tendency to fall for the wrong people underscores the theme of commitment issues, as it reflects a cycle of unfulfilling relationships.

11. “Wide Open” by Mike Posner

In “Wide Open,” Mike Posner addresses the fear of commitment and the consequences of treating new relationships like past ones. The lyrics reveal Posner’s awareness of his own destructive patterns, such as being emotionally distant and repeating past mistakes. He acknowledges that if he continues this behavior, he risks ending up alone. The song’s chorus, “And I’m wide open,” suggests a vulnerability and openness to change, despite the fear of commitment. This internal conflict between wanting to change and being stuck in old habits is central to the theme of commitment issues.

12. “Heart Attack” by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato’s “Heart Attack” is a powerful anthem about the fear of falling in love and the vulnerability it entails. The song describes the intense emotions and anxiety that come with developing strong feelings for someone, to the point where they feel overwhelming and potentially painful. Lovato uses the metaphor of a “heart attack” to illustrate the fear of being hurt, which leads her to put up defenses to avoid falling in love. This fear of vulnerability and the protective measures taken to avoid emotional risks highlight the commitment issues faced by many when dealing with intense romantic feelings.

13. “Narcissus” by Alanis Morissette

“Narcissus” by Alanis Morissette is a song that explores the challenges of dealing with narcissistic individuals in relationships. The lyrics highlight the emotional toll of being with someone who is self-centered and lacks empathy, often expecting their partner to do all the emotional labor. Morissette uses the song to express the frustration and hurt caused by such relationships, while also acknowledging her own desire to connect despite the pain. This dichotomy reflects the struggle with commitment issues, as the emotional imbalance and lack of reciprocity can make it difficult to fully commit to a relationship.

14. “Crazy ‘Bout You” by Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams’ “Crazy ‘Bout You” delves into the complexities of falling in love again after experiencing heartbreak. The song captures the internal conflict between the desire to embrace new love and the fear of getting hurt again. Williams expresses her apprehension about commitment, fearing that loving again could lead to losing again. Despite these fears, she acknowledges her deep feelings for her partner, highlighting the tension between fear and love. This song explores the courage required to open oneself up to love again, despite past scars, making it a poignant reflection on commitment issues.

15. “Young Dumb & Broke” by Khalid

“Young Dumb & Broke” by Khalid encapsulates the carefree and reckless nature of youth, where commitment is often not a priority. The song reflects on the freedom and boldness of adolescence, a time characterized by careless decisions and juvenile mistakes. Khalid’s lyrics convey a sense of living in the moment without the burdens of adult responsibilities, including commitment. The song highlights how young love is often fleeting and marked by misunderstandings, capturing the essence of commitment issues during this stage of life. It celebrates the innocence and freedom of being young and uncommitted.

16. “Girls Love Beyoncé” by Drake

In “Girls Love Beyoncé,” Drake explores his relationship troubles and the difficulty of finding genuine connections. The song reflects on the superficiality and emotional detachment often present in modern relationships. Drake expresses a longing for something more meaningful but acknowledges the challenges posed by the current dating landscape. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and a fear of commitment, as he grapples with the pressure to maintain a façade while desiring deeper connections. This song highlights the struggle to find authenticity in relationships, a common theme in discussions about commitment issues.

17. “Ain’t Too Hard” by Kevin Gates

“Ain’t Too Hard” by Kevin Gates is a song that delves into the complexities of expressing emotions and the impact of a tough exterior on relationships. Gates reflects on his struggles with vulnerability, acknowledging that his pride and hardened persona have negatively affected his relationships. The song highlights the internal conflict between maintaining a tough image and the desire to be open about his feelings. This tension underscores the theme of commitment issues, as Gates grapples with the challenge of being emotionally available to his partner despite his past and his self-protective instincts.

18. “Half of My Heart” by John Mayer featuring Taylor Swift

“Half of My Heart” by John Mayer, featuring Taylor Swift, explores the struggle of being unable to fully commit to a romantic relationship. The song’s protagonist is torn between the desire to love wholeheartedly and an inherent inability to do so. Mayer sings about giving only half of his heart to his partner, acknowledging the limitations within himself that prevent full emotional investment. This internal conflict is a central theme, as it reflects the fear of commitment and the consequences of not being able to fully engage in a relationship. The song poignantly captures the pain and frustration of loving someone while knowing you can’t give them everything they deserve.

19. “When the Credits Roll” by George Strait

“When the Credits Roll” by George Strait is a reflective song that examines a life lived with various roles and the question of how one will be remembered. Strait sings about playing different parts in life, including being a “commitment cop out,” which suggests a history of avoiding long-term commitments. The song uses the metaphor of a movie to explore the idea of looking back on one’s life and considering the impact of one’s actions. The introspective nature of the song highlights the theme of commitment issues, as it questions whether the protagonist was able to be a hero in relationships or if he remained a villain due to his inability to commit.

20. “Fear” by Sia

“Fear” by Sia addresses the paralyzing effect of fear on personal growth and relationships. The song’s lyrics explore how fear can hold people back from pursuing love and meaningful connections. Sia touches on the idea that fear of vulnerability and past experiences can create barriers to commitment. The song reflects on the struggle to overcome these fears and the desire to move past them to embrace love and connection. This theme resonates with commitment issues, as it highlights the internal battles that prevent individuals from fully engaging in relationships.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

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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.