As someone who’s experienced the twists and turns of life, I’ve come to understand that karma isn’t just a mystical concept – it’s a force that shapes our experiences in ways both subtle and profound. Throughout my journey, I’ve found solace, wisdom, and sometimes even a bit of schadenfreude in songs that explore this universal theme.
Music has a unique way of capturing the essence of karma, whether it’s through tales of sweet revenge, reflections on personal growth, or musings on life’s cyclical nature.
Here, I’ve compiled 12 songs that not only resonate with the concept of karma but also showcase how artists across various genres have grappled with this age-old idea.
Contents
- 1. “Outrunning Karma” by Alec Benjamin
- 2. “Happy Karma Christmas” by Sufjan Stevens
- 3. “Karma Police” by Radiohead
- 4. “You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals
- 5. “Instant Karma” by John Lennon
- 6. “Karma” by Alicia Keys
- 7. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift
- 8. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
- 9. “What Goes Around… Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake
- 10. “Past Lives” by Ke$ha
- 11. “Only A Matter Of Time” by Joshua Bassett
- 12. “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Outrunning Karma” by Alec Benjamin
“Outrunning Karma” by Alec Benjamin is a haunting track that tells the story of a charming yet morally corrupt individual who tries to escape the consequences of his actions. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a modern desperado who is constantly on the run, knowing that karma will eventually catch up to him.
The song uses metaphorical imagery, such as “all the bugs and their larva follow him out to Colorado,” to illustrate the inevitability of facing one’s past. The chorus emphasizes the futility of his attempts to escape, stating, “Karma is always gonna chase him for his lies” and “there’s really no escape until he dies” . The song’s melancholic tone and reflective lyrics highlight the theme of inescapable retribution.
2. “Happy Karma Christmas” by Sufjan Stevens
“Happy Karma Christmas” by Sufjan Stevens is a unique blend of holiday cheer and introspective reflection. Released in 2012, the song delves into themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the complexities of relationships during the festive season.
The lyrics pose questions about whether it would have been better to forget someone or to confront unresolved feelings. The chorus, “And I wish you a happy karma Christmas,” juxtaposes the traditional holiday greeting with the concept of karma, suggesting a hope for positive outcomes and resolutions despite past grievances . The song’s gentle melody and thoughtful lyrics create a contemplative atmosphere, making it a distinctive addition to both holiday music and songs about karma.
3. “Karma Police” by Radiohead
“Karma Police” by Radiohead is a standout track from their 1997 album OK Computer. The song explores themes of retribution and existential crisis through its metaphoric lyrics and atmospheric sound. The “karma police” in the song serves as a metaphor for cosmic justice, targeting those who have wronged others. The lyrics, such as “Karma police, arrest this man, he talks in maths, he buzzes like a fridge,” use surreal imagery to describe individuals who are alienating and disconnected from the world.
The chorus, “This is what you’ll get when you mess with us,” acts as a solemn warning about the consequences of immoral actions.
The song’s haunting melody and Thom Yorke’s strained vocals add to its introspective and ominous tone, making it a profound commentary on the concept of karma and moral accountability.
4. “You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals
“You Get What You Give” by The New Radicals is an upbeat, anthemic track that became the band’s signature song after its release in 1998. The song encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and pursue their dreams despite societal pressures and challenges. The lyrics, “You’ve got the music in you, don’t let go,” serve as a motivational mantra, emphasizing the importance of resilience and authenticity.
The song also includes a critique of the music industry and other societal issues, with lines like “Health insurance, rip-off lying, FDA, big bankers buying.”
Despite its critical undertones, the song maintains an optimistic and rebellious spirit, suggesting that those who stay true to their values will ultimately be rewarded. The song’s infectious energy and positive message have made it a timeless anthem for empowerment and self-belief .
5. “Instant Karma” by John Lennon
“Instant Karma” by John Lennon is a powerful anthem that emphasizes the immediate consequences of one’s actions. Released in 1970, the song was one of the first solo singles by Lennon after the breakup of The Beatles.
The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and inevitability, with lines like “Instant Karma’s gonna get you, gonna knock you right on the head.” The song suggests that karma is not a distant, abstract concept but something that can manifest instantaneously. Lennon’s vocals are impassioned, and the production, featuring Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound,” adds to the song’s intensity.
The chorus, “We all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun,” serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all actions and their consequences.
6. “Karma” by Alicia Keys
“Karma” by Alicia Keys, from her 2003 album The Diary of Alicia Keys, is a soulful track that explores the theme of karmic retribution in the context of a romantic relationship.
The song’s lyrics describe a lover who takes the protagonist for granted, only to face the consequences when she moves on.
The chorus, “What goes around comes around, what goes up must come down,” encapsulates the essence of karma, emphasizing that actions have repercussions. Keys’ powerful vocals and the song’s dynamic arrangement, featuring a blend of classical piano and contemporary R&B beats, create a compelling narrative about the inevitability of karmic justice.
7. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift
“Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift is a pop anthem about betrayal and the fallout of a once-strong friendship. Released in 2015 as part of her album 1989, the song is widely believed to be about Swift’s feud with fellow pop star Katy Perry, though Swift has stated it addresses the pain of losing a friendship.
The lyrics, “Cause baby, now we got bad blood, you know it used to be mad love,” reflect the transformation of a close relationship into one marked by animosity and distrust. The song’s production, featuring a collaboration with producer Max Martin, includes a driving beat and catchy hooks, making it both a commercial success and a staple in Swift’s discography. The accompanying music video, filled with high-profile cameos and dramatic visuals, further underscores the song’s themes of conflict and retribution.
8. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood is a country-pop crossover hit that tells the story of a woman taking revenge on her unfaithful partner. Released in 2006 from her debut album Some Hearts, the song’s lyrics vividly describe the protagonist vandalizing her partner’s car as a form of retribution. Lines like “I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive” and “Maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats” highlight the theme of karmic justice.
The song’s narrative is both empowering and cautionary, suggesting that actions have consequences. Underwood’s powerful vocal performance and the song’s catchy melody contributed to its widespread success, making it a defining track in her career.
9. “What Goes Around… Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake
Released in 2006 as part of Timberlake’s album FutureSex/LoveSounds, this song is a powerful exploration of karmic justice in relationships. The track, produced by Timbaland and Danja, features a distinctive psychedelic pop and sophisti-pop sound. At over 7 minutes long, it includes a two-minute interlude titled “Comes Around”.
Lyrically, the song deals with themes of betrayal and forgiveness. While Timberlake claimed it was inspired by a friend’s experience, many interpreted it as a sequel to his earlier hit “Cry Me a River,” potentially referencing his past relationship with Britney Spears. The chorus, “What goes around, goes around, goes around, comes all the way back around,” emphasizes the cyclical nature of karma.
The song’s production is notable for its use of Turkish instruments like the bağlama and oud, adding a unique flavor to its sound. It became Timberlake’s third consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
10. “Past Lives” by Ke$ha
This introspective love song from Ke$ha’s 2012 album Warrior takes a philosophical approach to karma and reincarnation. The track features a minimalist guitar beat that complements Ke$ha’s vocals as she explores the concept of eternal love across multiple lifetimes.
The lyrics paint vivid imagery of lovers reuniting throughout history: “We were lovers in a past life / I can see it in your green eyes.” Ke$ha references various historical periods, from prehistoric times (“We were nothing more than stardust”) to ancient civilizations (“I built the pyramids for you, babe / Just to see your face”).
The chorus, “Time after time / I’ll make you mine,” reinforces the idea of an enduring connection that transcends individual lifetimes. This song showcases a more reflective side of Ke$ha, diverging from her party-anthem image and delving into deeper themes of love and spirituality.
11. “Only A Matter Of Time” by Joshua Bassett
Released in 2021, this piano-driven ballad by Joshua Bassett addresses the concept of karma in the context of personal vindication. While not explicitly about karma, the song’s themes align closely with the idea of eventual justice.
The lyrics express confidence that truth will prevail: “Time to tell the world that you’ve been lying on my name / Doing what you wanna think you’re gonna get away / While you’re throwing me under the bus, it’s only a matter of time.” Bassett’s powerful vocals and the song’s emotional piano melody contribute to its impact.
Many speculated that the song was written in response to the public drama surrounding Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter. However, Bassett stated that he wrote the song in the summer of 2020, before the alleged drama began, emphasizing its message about standing up for oneself in the face of falsehoods.
12. “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club
This iconic 1983 hit by Culture Club became one of the best-selling singles of the 1980s and remains a defining song of the era. The track’s upbeat melody, memorable harmonica riff, and Boy George’s distinctive vocals contributed to its widespread appeal.
Despite its catchy tune, the song’s lyrics carry deeper meanings. Boy George explained that “Karma Chameleon” is about the fear of alienation and the consequences of not being true to oneself. The chorus, “Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon / You come and go, you come and go,” metaphorically represents the changing nature of people and relationships.
The song also contains coded messages about Boy George’s secret relationship with Culture Club’s drummer, Jon Moss, adding another layer of complexity to its lyrics. The vibrant imagery in lines like “Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dreams / Red, gold, and green” contributes to the song’s dreamlike quality.
“Karma Chameleon” topped charts worldwide and helped establish Culture Club as one of the most successful bands of the 1980s. Its enduring popularity makes it a staple in any playlist about karma.
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 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.