20 Songs About Hiding

When I think about the concept of hiding, it’s not just about physical concealment; it’s a complex tapestry of emotions and experiences that many of us navigate throughout our lives. Whether it’s hiding our true feelings, concealing our vulnerabilities, or retreating from the world to find solace, the act of hiding resonates deeply within the human experience.

Music, with its profound ability to capture and express our innermost thoughts, often reflects this theme in powerful and poignant ways.

In this playlist, I delve into 20 songs that explore the multifaceted nature of hiding. These tracks, each unique in their narrative and melody, offer a glimpse into the myriad reasons we choose to hide and the emotions that accompany such moments.

1. “Seek and Destroy” by Metallica

“Seek and Destroy” is a track by the American heavy metal band Metallica, featured on their debut studio album Kill ‘Em All (1983). The song has become a staple in Metallica’s live performances and is one of their most frequently played tracks.

Thematically, the song is about the urge to hunt and destroy, which is metaphorically expressed through its aggressive lyrics and thrash metal sound. The lyrics convey a sense of searching and targeting, with lines like “Searching, seek and destroy” emphasizing the relentless pursuit.

Despite its violent undertones, the song is not meant to be taken literally but rather as an expression of intense energy and aggression.

2. “Hide and Seek” by New Edition

“Hide and Seek” is a song performed by New Edition, originally written by Anne Dudley and Garry Bell. The song was first released by Five Star in 1984 before New Edition included it on their album.

The track plays on the metaphor of the children’s game “hide and seek” to explore themes of love and relationships, where the act of hiding represents emotional distance or the challenges in finding true connection. The song combines elements of pop and R&B, characteristic of New Edition’s style during the 1980s.

3. “Don’t Hide Your Love” by Cher

“Don’t Hide Your Love” is a pop song by Cher, released as the second single from her album Foxy Lady in 1972. Written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, the song encourages openness and honesty in love, urging the listener not to conceal their feelings.

The track achieved moderate success, reaching number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 19 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Its upbeat melody and Cher’s distinctive vocal delivery make it a memorable piece from her early 70s repertoire.

4. “Water and Power” by Cold War Kids

“Water and Power” by Cold War Kids is a track that delves into themes of societal observation and introspection. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of contrasts and hidden truths, using imagery such as “drunk on the stars” and “shadows evoke” to suggest a deeper, often concealed reality beneath the surface.

The song’s title itself implies a juxtaposition of natural elements and human constructs, hinting at the complexities of modern life. Cold War Kids are known for their indie rock sound, and “Water and Power” is a testament to their ability to weave narrative and emotion into their music.

5. “Hiding My Heart” by Brandi Carlile

“Hiding My Heart” by Brandi Carlile is a poignant ballad about the emotional turmoil of fleeting love. The song narrates a story of meeting someone unexpectedly during a difficult time, where this person provides comfort and temporarily eases the singer’s pain.

However, the transient nature of the relationship is acknowledged, as the singer realizes that, like everything else in her life, this person will eventually leave. This leads her to protect herself by hiding her heart away to avoid future heartache.

The song’s imagery, including train stations and morning rain, paints a vivid picture of both physical and emotional journeys, while Carlile’s soulful voice underscores the themes of longing and emotional self-preservation.

6. “Hide Away” by Daya

“Hide Away” by Daya is a pop anthem that explores the challenges of finding genuine love and companionship. The song’s protagonist is a “good girl” searching for a “good boy,” lamenting the superficial dating habits prevalent among young people.

The lyrics critique the tendency for boys to be attracted to superficial traits and for girls to prefer emotionally unavailable partners. The recurring question in the chorus, “Where do the good boys go to hide away?” reflects the protagonist’s frustration and desire for a meaningful connection.

The song encourages young people to seek deeper relationships rather than settling for superficial ones.

7. “You Can’t Hide From Yourself” by Teddy Pendergrass

“You Can’t Hide From Yourself” by Teddy Pendergrass is a soulful track that emphasizes the inevitability of facing one’s true self. The song suggests that people often spend their lives trying to ignore or escape their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, only to find that these aspects eventually resurface.

The lyrics convey the message that running from oneself is impossible and ultimately leads to stress and emotional turmoil. The song serves as a reminder that self-awareness and acceptance are crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.

8. “A Venture” by Yes

“A Venture” by Yes is a lesser-known track from their album The Yes Album. The song tells the story of a man reflecting on his life and the advice he gives to his sons.

The lyrics suggest themes of adventure, companionship, and the pitfalls of isolation. The man warns against hiding away from life’s challenges and emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and avoiding the pitfalls of alcohol.

The song’s narrative highlights the value of openness and connection, contrasting with the idea of hiding away from life’s realities.

9. “Hiding All Away” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

“Hiding All Away” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds is a track from their double album Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus. The song explores themes of emotional complexity and the desire for solitude within relationships. It delves into the consequences of avoiding emotional intimacy, highlighting the tension between the need for connection and the instinct to hide away from vulnerability.

The track is noted for its dynamic musical shifts, moving from a queasy funk to an intense, almost apocalyptic sound, which complements the lyrical exploration of hiding and revelation.

10. “Hide” by Creed

“Hide” by Creed is a song that delves into the human tendency to conceal one’s true self due to fear or a desire for revenge. The lyrics suggest that people often hide to protect themselves from the harshness of the world or to maintain a façade.

The song’s message revolves around the idea that hiding is a defense mechanism against brutal realities, but it also implies that such concealment can prevent genuine connection and self-awareness.

11. “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey” by The Beatles

This song by The Beatles, from their 1968 White Album, is characterized by its upbeat and energetic rock sound. Written by John Lennon, it reflects the chaos and paranoia surrounding him and Yoko Ono during their relationship.

The lyrics, inspired by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s teachings, convey a sense of openness and honesty in contrast to the secrecy and tension perceived in others. The phrase “everybody’s got something to hide” suggests that while others may conceal their true selves, Lennon and Ono felt transparent and liberated in their love.

12. “Nowhere to Run” by Kiss

“Nowhere to Run” is a track from Kiss’s 1982 compilation album Killers. The song deals with themes of inescapability and emotional entrapment. The lyrics describe a situation where someone realizes too late the consequences of their actions and finds themselves with nowhere to hide from the repercussions.

Musically, the song features a classic Kiss rock sound with powerful guitar solos and driving rhythms, embodying a sense of urgency and inevitability.

13. “Somethin’ to Hide” by Journey

“Somethin’ to Hide” is a track from Journey’s 1978 album Infinity. The song explores themes of vulnerability and the desire for open communication in relationships. The lyrics convey a plea for honesty, as the protagonist senses that their partner is concealing their true feelings.

The song’s melodic rock sound, combined with Steve Perry’s emotive vocal delivery, underscores the emotional tension and longing for transparency. This track reflects Journey’s signature style during the late 1970s, characterized by powerful vocals and a blend of rock and melodic elements.

14. “Hide Your Love” by The Rolling Stones

“Hide Your Love” is a blues-infused track from The Rolling Stones’ 1973 album Goat’s Head Soup. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song captures the emotional complexity of a relationship where one partner is reluctant to express their love due to past disappointments and personal struggles.

The lyrics depict a man who is aware of his partner’s hesitation to show affection, possibly due to his own issues with drinking and melancholy.

The song’s raw, bluesy piano-driven sound complements its introspective and somewhat somber narrative, showcasing the Stones’ ability to blend personal storytelling with their classic rock and blues influences.

15. “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” by The Beatles

“You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” is a song from The Beatles’ 1965 album Help!. Written by John Lennon, the song reflects the influence of Bob Dylan on Lennon’s songwriting, featuring an acoustic, folk-inspired sound.

The lyrics convey a sense of isolation and the need to conceal one’s true feelings, possibly inspired by personal experiences or societal pressures. It has been suggested that the song was written with The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein in mind, reflecting the challenges of hiding one’s identity and emotions.

The track is notable for its use of a session musician, Johnnie Scott, who played the flute, adding a distinctive texture to the song’s melancholic vibe.

16. “End Love” by OK Go

“End Love” is the eighth track from OK Go’s third studio album, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. The song addresses themes of change and the inevitability of endings in relationships. Its lyrics explore the emotional complexity of parting ways and the internal struggle of moving on.

Musically, “End Love” features a blend of indie rock and electronic elements, characteristic of OK Go’s experimental style. The song’s dynamic arrangement and reflective lyrics create a sense of both urgency and contemplation, capturing the bittersweet nature of love’s end.

17. “Demons” by Imagine Dragons

“Demons” by Imagine Dragons is a song that delves into the internal struggles and hidden aspects of one’s personality. The lyrics express the narrator’s desire to protect loved ones from their darker side, acknowledging that everyone has flaws and secrets they try to hide.

The song explores themes of vulnerability and self-awareness, highlighting the difficulty of concealing one’s inner demons from those they care about. The line “It’s where my demons hide” emphasizes the idea that these hidden struggles are an intrinsic part of the narrator’s identity.

Musically, the song combines pop rock elements with a haunting melody, reinforcing the emotional depth of the lyrics.

18. “Escape” by Enrique Iglesias

“Escape” by Enrique Iglesias is a pop song that explores the theme of love as a refuge from the pressures and challenges of life. The lyrics suggest a desire to escape with a loved one to a place where they can be free from judgment and societal expectations.

The song conveys a sense of urgency and longing, emphasizing the idea that love can provide a sanctuary where one can be their true self without hiding.

With its catchy melody and romantic undertones, “Escape” became one of Iglesias’s most popular hits, resonating with listeners who seek emotional refuge in their relationships.

19. “Backstreets” by Bruce Springsteen

“Backstreets” by Bruce Springsteen is a song from his 1975 album Born to Run. It tells the story of a deep friendship or romantic relationship that is marked by betrayal and hidden emotions.

The lyrics describe the pain of lost innocence and the struggle to reconcile with past deceptions. The imagery of “hiding on the backstreets” symbolizes the secretive and often painful aspects of the relationship, where true feelings are concealed beneath a veneer of bravado.

The song’s powerful instrumentation and Springsteen’s emotive delivery capture the intensity and complexity of these hidden emotions, making it a poignant exploration of love and loss.

20. “Too Much Love To Hide” by Crosby, Stills & Nash

“Too Much Love To Hide” by Crosby, Stills & Nash is a song that addresses the conflict between expressing one’s feelings and the fear of vulnerability.

The lyrics suggest that despite having an abundance of love, the fear of rejection or misunderstanding can lead to hiding one’s true emotions. The song emphasizes the importance of overcoming these fears to achieve genuine connection and fulfillment.

With its harmonious vocals and melodic arrangement, “Too Much Love To Hide” reflects the band’s signature style, blending introspective lyrics with rich musical textures.

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