20 Songs About Domestic Violence

Welcome to “Songs About Domestic Violence,” a carefully curated playlist that shines a light on one of society’s most pressing and often hidden issues. Through the power of music, these songs explore the many facets of domestic violence, from the harrowing pain and fear experienced by victims to the resilience and strength they muster to survive and overcome.

Whether you’re here to find solace, raise awareness, or simply understand more about this critical issue, we hope these songs resonate with you and inspire a deeper conversation about the importance of ending domestic violence. 

1. “Two Beds and a Coffee Machine” by Savage Garden

“Two Beds and a Coffee Machine” by Savage Garden is a poignant ballad that delves into the struggles of a woman escaping an abusive relationship. The song narrates the story of a mother who, along with her children, is constantly on the move to avoid her abusive partner. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the transient lifestyle they lead, staying in cheap motels and living out of a suitcase. The song’s title symbolizes the temporary and unstable nature of their existence. The emotional depth of the song is enhanced by its haunting melody and Darren Hayes’ evocative vocals, making it a powerful commentary on the impact of domestic violence.

2. “Kiss With A Fist” by Florence & The Machine

“Kiss With A Fist” by Florence & The Machine is a high-energy rock song that uses aggressive and violent imagery to describe a tumultuous relationship. Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics describe a relationship marked by mutual physical aggression, where both partners inflict harm on each other. Florence Welch, the band’s lead singer, has clarified that the song is not meant to glorify or condone domestic violence but rather to depict the chaotic and destructive nature of a toxic relationship. The song’s raw energy and provocative lyrics make it a striking, albeit controversial, portrayal of domestic violence.

3. “Gunpowder & Lead” by Miranda Lambert

“Gunpowder & Lead” by Miranda Lambert is a country song that tells the story of a woman who decides to take matters into her own hands after enduring domestic abuse. The song’s protagonist waits for her abuser to return home, prepared to defend herself with a shotgun. The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and defiance, as the woman refuses to be a victim any longer. The song’s gritty narrative and Lambert’s powerful delivery highlight the themes of self-defense and retribution, making it a stark and intense depiction of domestic violence.

4. “Never Again” by Nickelback

“Never Again” by Nickelback is a hard-hitting rock song that addresses the issue of domestic violence from the perspective of a witness. The lyrics describe a harrowing scene where a child watches their mother being abused by their father. The song’s chorus, “Father’s a name you haven’t earned yet,” reflects the anger and resentment towards the abuser. The song’s aggressive guitar riffs and Chad Kroeger’s intense vocals amplify the sense of urgency and outrage. “Never Again” serves as a powerful condemnation of domestic violence and a call for intervention and justice.

5. “Face Down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

“Face Down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is a powerful rock song that addresses the issue of domestic abuse. Written by lead singer Ronnie Winter, the song is deeply personal, drawing from Winter’s own experiences with domestic violence during his childhood. The lyrics vividly depict the suffering and fear that accompany an abusive relationship, with a focus on the emotional and physical toll it takes on the victim. The song’s energetic and intense musical arrangement underscores the urgency and gravity of the subject matter. The accompanying music video further emphasizes the theme by showing a young woman dealing with the aftermath of an abusive relationship, symbolized by the destruction of her belongings by an unseen force.

6. “Bang and Blame” by R.E.M.

“Bang and Blame” by R.E.M. is an alternative rock song from their 1994 album Monster. The song explores the themes of blame and responsibility within the context of an abusive relationship. The lyrics suggest a cycle of accusation and denial, capturing the complex dynamics often present in such situations. Although the song was written before the O.J. Simpson trial, its release during that period led many to interpret it in the context of domestic violence. The song’s hard-edged guitar tune and Michael Stipe’s evocative vocals convey a sense of frustration and helplessness, making it a poignant commentary on the issue.

7. “Behind The Wall” by Tracy Chapman

“Behind The Wall” by Tracy Chapman is a haunting a cappella song that addresses the issue of domestic violence from the perspective of a neighbor who hears the abuse happening next door. The lyrics describe the helplessness and frustration of witnessing domestic violence and the inadequate response from the authorities. The song highlights the systemic failures in addressing domestic abuse, with the police often arriving too late or not intervening at all. Chapman’s powerful vocal delivery and the stark simplicity of the a cappella arrangement amplify the emotional impact of the song, making it a stark and moving portrayal of domestic violence.

8. “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks

“Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) is a country song that tells the story of two best friends, Mary Anne and Wanda, who take matters into their own hands to deal with Wanda’s abusive husband, Earl. The song’s narrative follows Wanda’s struggle with domestic abuse and the failure of the legal system to protect her. In a twist of dark humor and revenge, Mary Anne and Wanda decide to poison Earl, ultimately leading to his death. The song’s upbeat and catchy melody contrasts with its serious subject matter, creating a unique blend of satire and social commentary. The accompanying music video further emphasizes the story with a mix of humor and drama, making “Goodbye Earl” a memorable and impactful song about domestic violence.

9. “Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?” by The Offspring

“Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?” by The Offspring is a poignant rock ballad that addresses the aftermath of abuse and the lingering effects it has on the victim. The song is written from the perspective of someone who notices a girl, Kristy, who is struggling with the trauma of her past. The lyrics express concern and empathy, offering support and understanding to Kristy as she navigates her pain. The song’s gentle melody and reflective tone underscore the sensitivity of the subject matter, highlighting the importance of reaching out and offering help to those who have suffered from abuse. The Offspring’s approach in this song is both compassionate and introspective, making it a touching tribute to survivors of domestic violence.

10. “Shoot” by Sonic Youth

“Shoot” by Sonic Youth is a track from their 1992 album Dirty, known for its raw and unfiltered exploration of dark themes, including domestic violence. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and fragmented, reflecting the chaotic and disorienting nature of an abusive relationship. The dissonant guitar work and Kim Gordon’s haunting vocals create an unsettling atmosphere that mirrors the emotional turmoil of the subject matter. “Shoot” captures the confusion and pain of living with abuse, using Sonic Youth’s signature experimental sound to convey the intensity and complexity of the experience. The song’s abstract approach allows listeners to interpret the emotions and themes in a personal and visceral way.

11. “Love Abuse” by Lukas Kasha

“Love Abuse” by Lukas Kasha is a lesser-known but powerful song that delves into the destructive nature of an abusive relationship. The lyrics describe the manipulation and control exerted by the abuser, as well as the emotional and psychological toll it takes on the victim. The song’s title, “Love Abuse,” highlights the twisted way in which love can be used as a weapon in such relationships. The band’s intense musical arrangement, featuring driving rhythms and emotive vocals, amplifies the sense of urgency and desperation in the lyrics. “Love Abuse” serves as a stark reminder of the insidious ways abuse can manifest in relationships, making it a compelling addition to any playlist addressing domestic violence.

12. “Run For Your Life” by The Beatles

“Run For Your Life” by The Beatles is a controversial song from their 1965 album Rubber Soul. The song’s lyrics, sung by John Lennon, depict a possessive and threatening attitude towards a romantic partner, with lines that suggest violence if the partner is unfaithful. The upbeat and catchy melody contrasts sharply with the dark and menacing lyrics, creating a disturbing juxtaposition. While the song reflects the cultural attitudes of its time, it has been criticized for its portrayal of possessiveness and implied violence. Lennon himself later expressed regret over the song’s lyrics. Despite its problematic content, “Run For Your Life” serves as an example of how domestic violence and possessive behavior have been depicted in popular music, prompting discussions about the portrayal of such themes in art.

13. “Stone Cold Dead In The Market” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan

“Stone Cold Dead In The Market” is a calypso-style song performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan, released in 1946. The song tells the story of a woman who kills her abusive husband in a public market. The lyrics are delivered with a mix of humor and defiance, as the woman justifies her actions by detailing the abuse she suffered. Despite its upbeat and catchy melody, the song addresses the serious issue of domestic violence and the extreme measures some victims might feel compelled to take in self-defense. The interplay between Fitzgerald’s and Jordan’s vocals adds a dynamic and engaging layer to the storytelling, making it a memorable and impactful song.

14. “Better Man” by Pearl Jam

“Better Man” by Pearl Jam is a rock ballad from their 1994 album Vitalogy. Written by lead vocalist Eddie Vedder, the song describes a woman trapped in an unhappy and possibly abusive relationship. The lyrics depict her internal struggle as she lies in bed, waiting for her partner to come home, and rehearses what she wants to say to him. However, she ultimately feels powerless to leave, believing she cannot find a “better man.” The song’s poignant lyrics and Vedder’s emotive delivery highlight the feelings of helplessness and resignation that often accompany abusive relationships. “Better Man” has resonated with many listeners, becoming one of Pearl Jam’s most beloved songs.

15. “He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss)” by The Crystals

“He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss)” by The Crystals, released in 1962, is a controversial song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. The song was inspired by the real-life experiences of singer “Little Eva” Boyd, who explained that her boyfriend’s physical abuse was a sign of his love. The lyrics, combined with Phil Spector’s ominous production, create a disturbing narrative that seems to justify domestic violence. Upon its release, the song faced significant backlash and was quickly pulled from many radio stations due to its perceived endorsement of abuse. Despite its troubling message, the song remains a stark reflection of the complex and often misunderstood dynamics of abusive relationships.

16. “Family Portrait” by Pink

“Family Portrait” by Pink is a deeply personal song from her 2001 album Missundaztood. Co-written by Pink and Scott Storch, the song portrays the turmoil and pain of a family on the brink of falling apart, seen through the eyes of a child. The lyrics describe the emotional impact of domestic conflict and the longing for familial harmony. Pink’s raw and heartfelt vocal performance, combined with the song’s stripped-down arrangement, underscores the intensity of the emotions involved. “Family Portrait” resonated with many listeners who have experienced similar family dynamics, and it has been praised for its honest and vulnerable portrayal of the effects of domestic strife on children.

17. “Chain of Abuse” by Three Days Grace

“Chain of Abuse” by Three Days Grace is a hard-hitting rock song that delves into the cyclical nature of domestic violence. The lyrics describe the emotional and physical torment inflicted by an abuser and the struggle of the victim to break free from the cycle. The song’s intense guitar riffs and powerful vocals reflect the anger and desperation experienced by those trapped in abusive relationships. The band’s raw and aggressive sound amplifies the urgency of the message, making “Chain of Abuse” a compelling call to recognize and end the patterns of violence that perpetuate domestic abuse.

18. “Cherry Wine” by Hozier

“Cherry Wine” by Hozier is a hauntingly beautiful song that addresses the complexities of an abusive relationship. The song is performed acoustically, with Hozier’s soulful voice and gentle guitar playing creating an intimate atmosphere. The lyrics describe the conflicting emotions of love and pain, as the victim grapples with the affection they feel for their abuser despite the harm inflicted. The imagery of “cherry wine” serves as a metaphor for the sweetness and bitterness of the relationship. Hozier’s nuanced portrayal of domestic violence highlights the emotional entanglement and difficulty in leaving such relationships, making “Cherry Wine” a poignant and thought-provoking addition to the playlist.

19. “Pulling Teeth” by Green Day

“Pulling Teeth” by Green Day is a punk rock song from their 1994 album Dookie. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who finds himself in an abusive relationship, flipping the typical gender roles often associated with domestic violence. The title “Pulling Teeth” refers to the painful and excruciating experience of enduring the abuse. The upbeat and energetic tempo contrasts with the dark subject matter, creating a jarring effect that underscores the absurdity and horror of the situation. Green Day’s use of irony and satire in “Pulling Teeth” sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of male victims of domestic violence, adding a unique perspective to the playlist.

20. “Violet’s Tale” by Ren

“Violet’s Tale” by Ren is a narrative-driven song that tells the harrowing story of a woman named Violet who endures severe domestic abuse. The song’s lyrics are vivid and descriptive, painting a graphic picture of the violence and trauma Violet experiences at the hands of her abuser. Ren’s emotive vocal delivery and the song’s haunting melody create a powerful and immersive listening experience. The narrative arc of the song follows Violet’s journey from victimhood to empowerment as she ultimately finds the strength to escape her abuser. “Violet’s Tale” is a gripping and emotional portrayal of domestic violence, highlighting the resilience and courage of survivors.

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.