20 Songs About Forgiving Yourself

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves carrying the weight of past mistakes and regrets. I’ve been there—caught in a cycle of self-blame and doubt, struggling to let go of the decisions that haunt me. It took time, reflection, and a lot of soul-searching to realize that forgiving ourselves is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for growth and healing. Music has been my constant companion during this process, offering solace and understanding through its powerful lyrics and melodies.

In this playlist, I want to share with you 20 songs about forgiving yourself—tracks that resonate deeply with the struggle of self-acceptance and the journey toward inner peace.

1. “Dangerous Place” by Molly Burch

In “Dangerous Place,” Molly Burch explores themes of self-reflection and the hope for self-forgiveness. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of déjà vu, as Burch finds herself in familiar emotional turmoil. She questions her past decisions and expresses a desire to learn from her mistakes, ultimately hoping to forgive herself one day.

The repetitive acknowledgment of being in a “dangerous place” symbolizes the internal struggle and the daunting nature of confronting one’s own shortcomings. The song’s introspective nature and haunting melody underscore the emotional weight of seeking forgiveness from oneself.

2. “Hold On Tightly” by John Denver

John Denver’s “Hold On Tightly” is a contemplative song that addresses life’s challenges and the pursuit of inner peace. The lyrics suggest that true freedom and peace are found within the heart, emphasizing the importance of holding on to what matters while letting go of negativity. The recurring line “hold on tightly, let go lightly” highlights the balance between perseverance and acceptance.

By advocating for surrender and forgiveness, Denver implies that blaming others or oneself is counterproductive to personal growth and healing. The song encourages listeners to embrace forgiveness as a path to inner freedom and peace.

3. “You Had Your Soul With You” by The National & Gail Ann Dorsey

“You Had Your Soul With You” by The National, featuring Gail Ann Dorsey, delves into themes of loss and emotional reconciliation. The song juxtaposes upbeat instrumentals with melancholic lyrics, creating a complex emotional landscape.

Dorsey’s powerful vocal contribution adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the pain of separation and the longing for emotional closure.

The song reflects on the difficulty of moving forward after a relationship ends, capturing the essence of forgiving oneself for past emotional vulnerabilities and mistakes.

The collaboration between Berninger and Dorsey brings a sense of shared emotional experience, making the theme of self-forgiveness more poignant.

4. “If I Could Change Your Mind” by HAIM

HAIM’s “If I Could Change Your Mind” is a reflection on regret and the desire for redemption in a failed relationship.

The lyrics express a yearning to reverse past decisions and a realization of the mistakes that led to the breakup. The song’s protagonist wishes to make amends and hopes for a second chance, highlighting the struggle to forgive oneself for past actions. The upbeat tempo contrasts with the introspective lyrics, emphasizing the internal conflict between moving on and dwelling on past regrets.

The song captures the universal experience of wishing to change the past while learning to accept and forgive oneself.

5. “Diplomat’s Son” by Vampire Weekend

“Diplomat’s Son” by Vampire Weekend is a complex narrative that intertwines themes of personal identity, guilt, and the struggle for self-forgiveness. The song tells the story of a young man reflecting on a past encounter with a diplomat’s son, set against the backdrop of 1981.

The lyrics explore a sense of regret and the internal conflict of wanting to forgive oneself for actions taken during a moment of vulnerability. The protagonist questions whether he can ever forgive himself for the choices he made, highlighting the emotional turmoil of reconciling with one’s past.

The song’s layered storytelling and evocative imagery create a poignant exploration of self-forgiveness and personal growth.

6. “The Daughters” by Little Big Town

“The Daughters” by Little Big Town addresses societal expectations and the pressures faced by women, encouraging self-acceptance and forgiveness. The song critiques the traditional roles imposed on women and highlights the struggle to meet these expectations. By questioning these norms, the song advocates for self-forgiveness and the importance of embracing one’s true self.

The lyrics emphasize the need to let go of societal judgments and forgive oneself for not conforming to prescribed roles. Through its empowering message, “The Daughters” inspires listeners to seek self-compassion and acceptance in the face of external pressures.

7. “Revenge” by XXXTENTACION

“Revenge” by XXXTENTACION is a raw and emotional exploration of pain, loss, and the desire for self-forgiveness. The song delves into the artist’s personal experiences with heartbreak and betrayal, expressing a deep sense of hurt and the struggle to move forward.

The lyrics convey a longing for closure and the difficulty of forgiving oneself for past mistakes and emotional vulnerabilities. Through its candid portrayal of inner turmoil, “Revenge” captures the complex journey of seeking forgiveness and healing from within.

8. “God Made Me” by The Sundays

“God Made Me” by The Sundays is a reflective song that contemplates self-worth and the acceptance of one’s imperfections. The lyrics explore the idea of being created with inherent value and the struggle to embrace this truth amidst self-doubt. The song encourages listeners to forgive themselves for perceived flaws and to recognize their intrinsic worth.

By highlighting the notion that everyone is made with purpose, “God Made Me” promotes self-forgiveness and the acceptance of one’s unique identity. The soothing melody and introspective lyrics create a comforting atmosphere that reinforces the theme of self-compassion.

9. “Long Live Love” by LeAnn Rimes

“Long Live Love” by LeAnn Rimes is an anthem celebrating the enduring power of love and the importance of self-acceptance. The song emphasizes the need to embrace love in all its forms, including self-love, as a path to healing and forgiveness. Through its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics, Rimes encourages listeners to let go of past grievances and embrace a future filled with love and understanding.

The song’s message of resilience and self-compassion underscores the journey toward forgiving oneself and finding peace within.

10. “Forgive Myself” by Sam Smith

“Forgive Myself” by Sam Smith is a poignant exploration of self-reflection and the struggle to let go of past mistakes. The song delves into the emotional pain of holding onto guilt and the desire to find self-forgiveness. Smith’s soulful vocals convey a deep sense of vulnerability and introspection, as the lyrics recount the process of coming to terms with one’s actions and seeking inner redemption.

The song’s haunting melody and raw emotion highlight the difficulty and necessity of forgiving oneself to move forward.

11. “One More Time” by Pretenders

“One More Time” by Pretenders is a reflective song that deals with themes of regret and the hope for reconciliation. The lyrics express a longing for another chance to make things right, capturing the internal conflict of wanting to forgive oneself for past actions. The song’s narrative centers on the desire to mend broken relationships and the realization that self-forgiveness is a crucial step in the healing process.

Through its introspective tone and emotive delivery, “One More Time” encourages listeners to confront their regrets and embrace the possibility of forgiveness and renewal.

12. “Alcohol” by Barenaked Ladies

“Alcohol” by Barenaked Ladies offers a candid and humorous take on the complexities of addiction and self-forgiveness. The song explores the role of alcohol as both a coping mechanism and a source of regret, highlighting the struggle to reconcile one’s actions under its influence.

Through witty lyrics and an upbeat tempo, the band addresses the challenge of forgiving oneself for past behaviors and the impact of alcohol on personal relationships.

The song’s blend of humor and honesty provides a unique perspective on the journey toward self-acceptance and forgiveness, encouraging listeners to confront their struggles with compassion and understanding.

13. “Start Again” by OneRepublic (ft. Logic)

“Start Again” by OneRepublic, featuring Logic, is a song that delves into the themes of redemption and the desire to move past one’s mistakes. The lyrics express remorse for past actions that have caused harm in relationships, with Ryan Tedder’s verses highlighting a longing to change and begin anew. Logic’s contribution reflects a similar journey of feeling unappreciated and lost, but ultimately recognizing the importance of rebuilding connections with dedication and commitment.

The song’s chorus, “Can’t I just turn back the clock? Forgive my sins, I just wanna roll my sleeves up and start again,” encapsulates the desire for a fresh start and the acknowledgment that redemption requires effort and responsibility.

14. “Changed” by Rascal Flatts

“Changed” by Rascal Flatts is a song about transformation and the power of forgiveness. The lyrics are inspired by a personal story of baptism, symbolizing a new beginning and the shedding of past transgressions.

The song conveys a message of hope and renewal, emphasizing that change is possible when one decides to let go of past mistakes and embrace a better path. With its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Changed” encourages listeners to forgive themselves and embrace the possibility of personal growth and redemption.

15. “Sometimes” by No Doubt

“Sometimes” by No Doubt explores the internal struggle of self-forgiveness and the journey of self-discovery. The lyrics reflect on moments of blindness and the realization of one’s own flaws and mistakes. The song’s protagonist grapples with the temptation and choices made in youth, questioning whether they would choose differently if given a second chance.

Despite the internal conflict, the song emphasizes the importance of forgiving oneself and letting go of the past to face the future with renewed strength. The introspective nature of the song highlights the complexity of self-forgiveness and the ongoing battle to accept oneself.

16. “Mighty to Save” by Hillsong United

“Mighty to Save” by Hillsong United is a contemporary Christian song that focuses on the themes of compassion, forgiveness, and redemption through faith. The lyrics emphasize the need for a savior and the transformative power of divine love. The song portrays Jesus as the source of hope and salvation, offering forgiveness and a new beginning to all who seek it.

Through its powerful message and uplifting melody, “Mighty to Save” encourages listeners to embrace forgiveness and surrender to a higher power as a path to personal and spiritual renewal.

17. “Twice” by Christina Aguilera

“Twice” by Christina Aguilera is a soulful ballad that delves into themes of introspection, love, and self-forgiveness. The song features Aguilera’s powerful vocals as she reflects on the complexities of love and the emotional turmoil it can bring.

The lyrics explore the duality of emotions, questioning the nature of love and the pain it can cause. Aguilera sings about the struggle to forgive both herself and others for past mistakes, ultimately expressing a willingness to embrace these experiences and move forward without regret.

The song’s haunting melody and raw emotional delivery make it a poignant exploration of self-forgiveness and acceptance.

18. “Forgive My Heart” by Nat King Cole

“Forgive My Heart” by Nat King Cole is a classic ballad that captures the essence of longing and the quest for forgiveness. The song’s lyrics convey a deep sense of regret and the desire to mend a broken relationship. Cole’s smooth and emotive vocal delivery enhances the song’s theme of seeking forgiveness from both oneself and a loved one.

The protagonist acknowledges their mistakes and pleads for understanding, highlighting the internal struggle to forgive oneself for past actions. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its heartfelt expression of vulnerability and the universal longing for redemption.

19. “Shell Games” by Bright Eyes

“Shell Games” by Bright Eyes, led by Conor Oberst, is a song that explores themes of self-deception, existential questioning, and the journey toward self-forgiveness.

The lyrics use the metaphor of a “shell game” to describe the feeling of being deceived by life’s illusions and the struggle to find genuine meaning. Oberst reflects on his past experiences and the realization of having been misled, both by external influences and his own choices.

The song encourages listeners to confront their own illusions and embrace self-forgiveness as a means of personal growth and liberation. Its introspective nature and poetic lyrics make it a compelling exploration of self-awareness and redemption.

20. “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Celine Dion

“It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Celine Dion is a powerful ballad that deals with themes of memory, love, and reconciliation. Written by Jim Steinman, the song captures the intensity of past emotions resurfacing and the process of coming to terms with them.

The lyrics describe the vivid recollection of a past relationship, highlighting moments of passion and regret. Dion’s emotive performance conveys the struggle to forgive oneself and a partner for past mistakes, ultimately suggesting that forgiveness and acceptance are possible through the power of love.

The song’s dramatic composition and lyrical depth make it a poignant reflection on the complexities of forgiveness and emotional healing.

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.