20 Songs About Emotions And Feelings

It’s okay to talk about your feelings, even if it’s hard at first.

Emotions are a big part of who you are, but they can be tricky and confusing. Learning to say what you feel, whether to yourself or others, is important for your emotional well-being.

There are songs about feelings in different types of music. If you want songs that match your emotions, here are 20 great ones to listen to.

20 Songs About Emotions And Feelings

1. “That’s What Love Is For” By Amy Grant

“That’s What Love Is For” by Amy Grant is a classic love song that reminds us of the power of love during tough times. The lyrics talk about how sometimes, in a relationship, we make things more complicated than they need to be by saying hurtful words and hiding our true feelings.

Despite moments of doubt and unkindness, the song emphasizes that love is there to help us get through it all, singing, “That’s what love is for, to help us through it.”

The singer believes that love is the one thing that has brought them this far in their relationship, and it can guide them through any challenges. Love has the ability to melt our defenses, bring us back to our senses, and give us the strength to try again, as the lyrics state, “Melt our defenses, bring us back to our senses, give us strength to try once more.”

It’s about believing in each other and holding on, even when things get tough, as the song says, “Believing in the one thing that has gotten us this far.”

2. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey

“Emotions” by Mariah Carey, released in 1991, is a song that celebrates the intense and positive feelings that come with being in love.

In the song, Carey’s powerful vocals express the overwhelming emotions she experiences because of her love interest, as she sings, “You’ve got me feeling emotions, deeper than I’ve ever dreamed of.” She describes feeling “good,” “nice,” “alive,” and “intoxicated” because of the love they share.

The lyrics convey the idea that love can take you to new heights and make you feel like you’re on top of the world, with Carey singing, “I’m in love, I’m alive, intoxicated, flying high.”

The love described in the song is so intense that it feels like a dream, but Carey likes the way she feels inside when she’s with this person, as she expresses, “I don’t know if it’s real, but I like the way I feel inside.”

3. “Emotion” by The Bee Gees

The Bee Gees’ classic hit, “Emotion,” is an emotionally charged song that delves into the pain of a recent breakup. The lyrics reflect the singer’s feelings of heartache and longing for a lost love. The singer wonders who hi ex-lover has moved on to, and the thought of someone else being in their place intensifies the pain.

Throughout the song, the singer expresses a deep sense of sorrow and loneliness, with lines like, “Tears on my pillow wherever you go, I’ll cry me a river that leads to your ocean.” The lyrics convey the overwhelming nature of these emotions and how they’ve taken control, leaving the singer “tied up in sorrow” and feeling lost in his own soul.

Despite the breakup, the singer confesses that he’s still in love with his ex and hopes for her return, as he sings, “But if you don’t come back, come home to me, darling.” 

4. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

“Hurt” is a song originally written by Trent Reznor of the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails in 1995. However, Johnny Cash’s cover of the song in 2000 is particularly noteworthy for its emotional depth and power. Cash’s rendition was so moving that it led Reznor to declare that the song was no longer his.

The lyrics of “Hurt” convey a deep sense of pain and introspection. Johnny Cash, with his weathered and fragile vocals, delivers a haunting performance. The song explores the theme of self-destructive behavior and the desire to feel something, even if it’s pain. It reflects on the consequences of one’s actions and the loneliness that can result from pushing people away.

The chorus, “What have I become, my sweetest friend? Everyone I know goes away in the end,” captures the feeling of isolation and loss. The lines, “And you could have it all, my empire of dirt, I will let you down, I will make you hurt,” convey a sense of regret and a willingness to accept the consequences of one’s actions.

5. “Teardrop” by Massive Attack

“Teardrop” by Massive Attack is a haunting and emotionally-charged song that delves into themes of loss and grief. Released as part of their album “Mezzanine,” the song gained international acclaim for its captivating and atmospheric sound.

The lyrics of “Teardrop” are enigmatic and metaphorical, conveying a deep sense of longing and sadness. The song explores the idea that love is not just a feeling but also a verb, an action that requires effort and commitment. The singer reflects on the fear and uncertainty that come with love, describing it as “fearless on my breath.”

The recurring line, “Teardrop on the fire,” suggests a sense of emotional release or catharsis, as tears are shed in the face of loss. The reference to “black flowers blossom” evokes the idea of mourning and sorrow.

The song’s chorus, “Water is my eye, most faithful mirror, fearless on my breath,” speaks to the introspection and self-reflection that often accompany grief. The mirror represents self-examination and the fearlessness required to confront one’s emotions.

The final lines, “You’re stumbling in the dark,” convey a sense of disorientation and confusion in the wake of loss, highlighting the difficulty of moving forward without the person who is now absent.

6. “Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato

“Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato, released in 2015 as part of her album “Confident,” is a powerful and bittersweet ballad that explores the depths of pain following a breakup. 

In the lyrics, the singer describes herself as feeling “stone cold” and dying on the inside, suggesting the emotional devastation she’s experiencing. She contemplates trying not to cry to numb the pain, as she sings, “Maybe if I don’t cry, I won’t feel anymore.” 

Neil Young’s pained yet hopeful vocals convey the idea that while love has the power to create and heal, it can also bring heartbreak and pain, as he sings, “But only love can break your heart, try to be sure right from the start.”

One of the most poignant lines in the song is, “If happy is her, I’m happy for you.” This line reflects the singer’s mature and selfless approach to her ex-partner’s new relationship, even though it’s tearing her apart. It’s a testament to her ability to let go and wish him happiness, even if it means he’s found it with someone else.

7. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac is a timeless and emotional song that reflects the life experiences of Stevie Nicks, the band’s lead singer. The song mirrors Nicks’ personal journey and her thoughts on the challenges and changes in her romantic relationship.

The song poses existential questions about love, as Nicks wonders, “Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changin’ ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?”

The lines, “Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’, ’cause I’ve built my life around you,” convey Nicks’ fear of change and the sense of dependency she had built around someone or something in her life.

However, she recognizes that time brings growth and maturity, even to children, as she sings, “But time makes you bolder, even children get older, and I’m getting older too.”

8. “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai

“Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai, released in 2018 as part of her self-titled album, is a catchy and relatable song that explores the rollercoaster of emotions that come with newfound love. 

At the beginning of the song, the singer expresses feelings of anxiety and unease, admitting that this love is unlike anything she’s experienced before.

She feels like she’s “touching the ceiling” when she’s with her love interest and acknowledges that he has a powerful effect on her.

The chorus reflects her intense emotions, with the repetition of “Listen to my heart go ba-do, boo’d up,” emphasizing the exhilaration and excitement of being in love. The phrase “Boo’d Up” itself conveys the idea of being happily and deeply involved in a romantic relationship.

9. “Sweet Emotion” By Aerosmith

Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” is a rock anthem released as part of Aerosmith’s “Toys in the Attic” album. The song’s infectious energy and rebellious spirit have made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The song encourages breaking free from societal conventions with lines like “You talk about things that nobody cares, Wearing out things that nobody wears.”

It conveys a sense of freedom and urge listeners to confront their hidden feelings, as expressed in the lines, like “Sweet emotion, Sweet emotion.”

10. “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” by Neil Young

“Only Love Can Break Your Heart” by Neil Young, released more than five decades ago, is a timeless song that carries a universal but deeply personal message about the complexities of love. Neil Young’s pained yet hopeful vocals convey the idea that while love has the power to create and heal, it can also bring heartbreak and pain, as he sings, “But only love can break your heart, try to be sure right from the start.”

The song reflects on the feelings of solitude and vulnerability that come with being young and on your own. Neil Young reminisces about his youthful days when he was always occupied with games and distractions, trying to make the most of his time.

Despite the desire to protect one’s heart from being hurt, the song acknowledges that experiencing heartbreak is an inevitable part of life and love.

11. “Green Light” By Lorde

Lorde’s “Green Light” is a song that poignantly explores the pain and difficulty of letting go after a relationship has ended. The singer reminisces about shared experiences and moments, like dancing on a light-up floor, while grappling with the reality that the love has faded.

In the lyrics, Lorde reflects on the disconnect between the past and the present, with lines like “Thought you said that you would always be in love, But you’re not in love no more.”

She also expresses the desire for closure and the ability to move on, symbolized by the “green light” she’s waiting for, as seen in lines such as “I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it.” The reference to getting her things but not being able to let go underscores the emotional complexity of the situation.

12. “Fix You” By Coldplay

Coldplay’s “Fix You” is a song that offers emotional support and comfort during difficult times. The lyrics convey a sense of empathy and a desire to be there for someone important who has experienced a loss or hardship. 

The lyrics touch on the feelings of trying your best but not succeeding, getting what you want but not what you need, and feeling exhausted and stuck. The line, “And the tears come streaming down your face when you lose something you can’t replace,” captures the deep sorrow and sense of irreplaceable loss.

“Fix You” provides reassurance that there is support and guidance available, symbolized by the line “Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones.”

It emphasizes the willingness to help and learn from mistakes, as seen in the lines “And I will try to fix you” and “I promise you I will learn from my mistakes.”

13. “Nothing Compares 2 U” By Sinéad O’Connor

Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a heartrending song that delves into the pain of lost love with lyrics like “It’s been seven hours and 15 days, Since you took your love away.” The haunting lyrics express the emptiness and loneliness felt since the departure of a loved one. The presence of strings in the song intensifies the emotions conveyed.

In the lyrics, the singer reflects on the passage of time since the love was lost, saying, “I can see whomever I choose, I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant, But nothing, I said nothing can take away these blues.”

The emptiness and longing are palpable as she describes her attempts to move on but finds that nothing can replace the love she once had.

In the end of the song’s music video, Sinéad O’Connor was thinking of her late mother when she cried, adding a personal and poignant touch to the song’s emotions, as expressed in lines like “All the flowers that you planted mama, In the back yard, All died when you went away.”

14. “I Will Always Love You” By Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” gained immense popularity after being featured in the 1992 film “The Bodyguard.” This emotionally charged ballad tells the story of a breakup, where the singer acknowledges that leaving is painful, but it’s the right choice for both parties.

In the lyrics, Houston expresses her love and deep attachment to her partner but realizes that staying would only hinder their individual growth and happiness. Lines like “If I should stay, I would only be in your way” convey the bittersweet decision to part ways.

Despite the separation, the song carries a message of well-wishing and enduring love. Houston wishes her former partner joy, happiness, and love in their future endeavors, as heard in lines like “I’m wishing you joy and happiness, But above all this, I wish you love.”

15. “Marvin’s Room” By Drake

Drake’s “Marvin’s Room” explores the complexities of dealing with a past relationship, regrets, and missed opportunities. The song’s relatable lyrics resonate with the raw emotions that come with heartbreak and nostalgia. Drake’s passionate delivery brings these feelings to life, making the song a powerful and emotional experience.

In the lyrics, Drake engages in a late-night conversation over the phone, revealing his state of inebriation and loneliness. He contemplates reaching out to an old flame, acknowledging that she’s now with someone else, but his emotions get the best of him, leading him to say, “I’ve been drinking so much, That I’ma call you anyway and say.” 

Throughout the song, Drake expresses a mix of emotions, including anger, regret, and longing, as he reflects on past mistakes and the possibility of a rekindled connection. The lyrics emphasize the idea that it’s okay to look back, learn from one’s mistakes, and confront the pain of lost love, even if it hurts.

16. “Happy” By Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” is an uplifting and infectious song that celebrates the simple joys of life and encourages people to embrace happiness in their daily lives. In the lyrics, Pharrell describes himself as feeling like a “hot air balloon that could go to space,” emphasizing his buoyant and carefree attitude.

The song invites people to clap along if they feel happy, as if they are in a room without a roof, suggesting boundless happiness and freedom. Pharrell encourages everyone to acknowledge that “happiness is the truth” and to embrace the small pleasures.

In the music video, Pharrell can be seen dancing through the streets and encouraging others to join him in a spontaneous dance party.

The song’s message is clear: life should be lived with joy and enthusiasm, moving beyond routine and comfort zones to appreciate every moment.

17. “Walking On Sunshine” By Katrina And The Waves

“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is a joyful and upbeat song that’s all about the excitement of being in love. The singer used to have doubts about whether their love interest loved them back, but now she’s sure that the love is mutual. As the lyrics say, “I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it’s true.” 

She can’t wait for the day when her love interest comes to visit, and this anticipation is beautifully captured with the line, “And I just can’t wait till the day when you knock on my door.”

The song is filled with positive energy, and it emphasizes the feeling of being on cloud nine because of love. The catchy chorus repeats the line “I’m walking on sunshine,” which reinforces the message that the singer is overjoyed and, as the lyrics go, “I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real.” 

18. “I’ve Got A Feeling” by Beatles

“I’ve Got a Feeling” is a song by the iconic English rock band the Beatles from their 1970 album “Let It Be.” This song was recorded during the Beatles’ rooftop concert on January 30, 1969, which is famously known as their last live performance as a group.

The song begins with the lines “I’ve got a feeling, a feeling deep inside,” and it captures a sense of excitement and energy. It’s a song filled with optimism and a sense of hope, as if the singer is anticipating something special or looking forward to a positive change. The repetition of “Oh yeah” and “Oh no” in the lyrics adds to the emotional intensity of the song. 

19. “Good Feeling” By Flo Rida

Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” is an uplifting and energetic song from his “Absolute Hits 2011” album and was released in 2011. The song incorporates a sample from the Etta James track “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” which adds to its infectious and catchy melody.

“Good Feeling” celebrates the highs and good moments in life. As the lyrics go, “Oh, oh, sometimes I get a good feeling, yeah,” it conveys the idea that everyone experiences both good and bad days, and it encourages embracing and celebrating the moments when everything feels great.

The song repeatedly emphasizes the feeling of positivity and optimism, with lines like “I get a feeling that I never never never never had before, no no. I get a good feeling, yeah.” It became a commercial success and is known for its upbeat and feel-good vibes. 

20. “Try” By Pink

Pink’s “Try” is a powerful song released in 2012 as part of her album “The Truth About Love.” In the lyrics, the singer reflects on a past relationship that has ended, and she wonders about the choices made and the consequences faced. As the lyrics express, “Ever wonder ’bout what he’s doin’? How it all turned to lies? Sometimes I think that it’s better to never ask why.”

It acknowledges that where there is desire, there is the potential for strong feelings, but with that passion comes the risk of getting hurt. However, the song emphasizes that just because love can be painful, it doesn’t mean one should give up. As the lyrics go, “But just because it burns doesn’t mean you’re gonna die. You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try.”

“Try” has been praised for its message of emotional resilience and the importance of trying even when love gets tough, making it an inspirational anthem for many.

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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.