Life can often feel like a rollercoaster ride, filled with exhilarating highs and gut-wrenching lows. As a music lover, I find solace in the melodies and lyrics that echo the struggles we all face.
Whether it’s the weight of responsibilities, the ache of heartbreak, or the relentless pursuit of happiness, there’s a song out there that captures those feelings perfectly.
In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through tracks that resonate with our shared experiences of hardship.
Contents
- 1. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
- 2. “I Always Want to Die (Sometimes)” by The 1975
- 3. “Hard Out Here” by Lily Allen
- 4. “Hard Knocks” by Elvis Presley
- 5. “Hard Times” by James Taylor
- 6. “Life on Earth” by Snow Patrol
- 7. “Tore Down a la Rimbaud” by Van Morrison
- 8. “Where Have All the Good Times Gone?” by The Kinks
- 9. “Life Is a Pigsty” by Morrissey
- 10. “There Must Be More to Life Than This” by Queen
- 11. “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan
- 12. “Prime Time” by Don McLean
- 13. “Hard Day” by George Michael
- 14. “Up We Go” by Lights
- 15. “Hard Workin’ Man” by Brooks & Dunn
- 16. “Mad World” by Tears For Fears
- 17. “Hard Times” by Paramore
- 18. “Prisoners” by John Denver
- 19. “Truth to Power” by OneRepublic
- 20. “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” by The Beach Boys
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
“Sign of the Times” is a poignant pop-rock ballad by Harry Styles, released as his debut solo single in 2017. The song is characterized by its emotional depth and draws inspiration from 1970s rock music.
Lyrically, it addresses themes of grief and hardship, urging listeners to stop their crying and recognize the difficult times as a sign of the era.
The narrative is told from the perspective of a mother who, after giving birth, is informed that she only has a few minutes to live due to complications. This metaphorical scenario serves as a broader commentary on facing adversity and the inevitability of hard times.
The song’s message is one of resilience and hope, encouraging the listener to “go forth and conquer” despite life’s challenges.
2. “I Always Want to Die (Sometimes)” by The 1975
This track by The 1975, from their album A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (2018), delves into lead singer Matty Healy’s struggles with suicidal thoughts and depression.
Musically, it is an experimental Britpop power ballad with a rich, cinematic production that includes acoustic guitar, piano, and strings. The lyrics reflect a longing for a different life and a return to the past, capturing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Despite its somber themes, the song offers a message of hope, encouraging listeners to live by their own rules and find joy in life. The title itself mixes irony and honesty, indicating the fluctuating nature of suicidal thoughts.
3. “Hard Out Here” by Lily Allen
“Hard Out Here” is a satirical pop song by Lily Allen, released as the lead single from her 2014 album Sheezus. The song critiques the music industry’s misogyny and the objectification of women.
Through its lyrics, Allen addresses the double standards and societal pressures faced by women, such as body image and gender roles.
The song is both a feminist anthem and a commentary on the challenges women face in a male-dominated industry. It uses humor and sarcasm to highlight serious issues, making it a powerful statement on the difficulties of navigating life as a woman in the public eye.
4. “Hard Knocks” by Elvis Presley
“Hard Knocks” is a song by Elvis Presley from the 1964 film Roustabout.
The song’s lyrics reflect themes of struggle and perseverance, portraying a life marked by hardships and challenges. Presley sings about being born without privilege and having to endure a tough life filled with “hard knocks.”
The song captures the essence of resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing the need to be wary and prepared for life’s difficulties.
5. “Hard Times” by James Taylor
“Hard Times” by James Taylor is a soft rock song from his 1981 album Dad Loves His Work. The song reflects on the difficulties in Taylor’s personal life, particularly the impending breakup of his marriage to Carly Simon.
The lyrics describe the struggles of an “angry man” and a “hungry woman” trying to hold on to their relationship despite the pain they cause each other.
The song’s refrain, “We got to hold on,” captures the tension between wanting to persevere and the reality of their deteriorating marriage.
The song’s easygoing R&B feel is enhanced by the backing vocals of David Lasley and Arnold McCuller.
6. “Life on Earth” by Snow Patrol
“Life on Earth” by Snow Patrol is a reflective song that explores the human experience and the complexities of life.
The song opens with vivid imagery of new beginnings, such as the first snow and first dance, symbolizing purity and excitement. It contrasts these moments with the challenges of life, emphasizing that despite the hardships, life is a shared experience.
The lyrics convey a sense of frustration with the line “Shouldn’t need to be so fucking hard,” yet they also highlight resilience and acceptance.
The song encourages listeners to embrace life’s journey, despite its difficulties, and find solace in the shared human experience.
7. “Tore Down a la Rimbaud” by Van Morrison
“Tore Down a la Rimbaud” by Van Morrison, from his 1985 album A Sense of Wonder, is inspired by the French poet Arthur Rimbaud.
The song reflects Morrison’s own struggles with writer’s block and his eventual return to songwriting. The title references Rimbaud, who famously quit writing at a young age, paralleling Morrison’s own period of creative inactivity.
The song’s lyrics and composition capture the theme of overcoming creative and personal obstacles, with Morrison drawing inspiration from Rimbaud’s story to reignite his own artistic passion.
8. “Where Have All the Good Times Gone?” by The Kinks
“Where Have All the Good Times Gone?” by The Kinks is a nostalgic song written by Ray Davies and released as the B-side to “Till the End of the Day” in 1965.
The song reflects on the loss of the carefree days of youth, inspired by the conversations of older people reminiscing about the past. It captures a sense of despair and longing for better times, with a “raunchy, shufflin’ emotional tale” as described by Cash Box.
The song has gained classic status over the years and has been covered by several artists, including Van Halen and David Bowie.
9. “Life Is a Pigsty” by Morrissey
“Life Is a Pigsty” is a track from Morrissey’s 2006 album Ringleader of the Tormentors.
The song is characterized by its heavy, atmospheric sound and brooding lyrics. It explores themes of loneliness, despair, and the inherent difficulties of life.
Morrissey uses the metaphor of a “pigsty” to describe the chaotic and messy nature of existence, suggesting that life is filled with unavoidable suffering and emotional turmoil.
The song’s somber tone and introspective lyrics reflect Morrissey’s signature style of addressing complex emotional landscapes.
10. “There Must Be More to Life Than This” by Queen
Originally recorded by Freddie Mercury for his 1985 solo album Mr. Bad Guy, “There Must Be More to Life Than This” was later released as a duet with Michael Jackson on Queen’s compilation album Queen Forever in 2014.
The song expresses a deep yearning for a more meaningful existence, questioning the superficial nature of life and the lack of fulfillment in the world.
The collaboration between Mercury and Jackson adds a poignant layer to the song, as both artists were known for their introspective and socially conscious work.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing for peace and understanding in a world fraught with conflict and superficiality.
11. “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan
“A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” is a seminal folk song by Bob Dylan, released on his 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. The song is renowned for its vivid and symbolist imagery, addressing themes of suffering, pollution, and warfare. Dylan’s lyrics are structured in a question-and-answer format, inspired by the traditional British ballad “Lord Randall.”
The song reflects the turbulent socio-political climate of the early 1960s, with references to environmental destruction and human suffering.
Despite its bleak themes, the song is a powerful call to awareness and action, urging listeners to confront the harsh realities of the world.
12. “Prime Time” by Don McLean
“Prime Time” is the title track from Don McLean’s 1977 album. The song features a rock ‘n’ roll style with a honky-tonk flavor and delivers strong social commentary.
It critiques the superficiality and pressures of modern life, reflecting on the challenges individuals face in a consumer-driven society.
McLean’s lyrics often highlight the ironies and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of success and happiness, making “Prime Time” a reflective piece on the difficulties of navigating life’s demands and expectations.
13. “Hard Day” by George Michael
“Hard Day” is a track from George Michael’s debut solo album, Faith, released in 1987. The song is a dance-pop track that delves into themes of obsession and romantic frustration.
Lyrically, it addresses the emotional turmoil of a man who is infatuated with a woman. Michael uses a vocal effect to alter his voice in the final verse, creating a dialogue with the object of his obsession.
The song captures the intensity of unrequited love and the emotional challenges that come with it, reflecting the broader theme of life’s difficulties through the lens of personal relationships.
14. “Up We Go” by Lights
“Up We Go” is an upbeat pop anthem by Canadian artist Lights, from her 2014 album Little Machines. The song conveys a message of resilience and optimism in the face of adversity.
It emphasizes the idea of rising above life’s challenges and pushing forward despite setbacks. The lyrics encourage listeners to keep moving upward, suggesting that even when life gets tough, there is always hope for improvement.
The energetic and uplifting nature of the song makes it a motivational anthem for overcoming life’s hardships.
15. “Hard Workin’ Man” by Brooks & Dunn
“Hard Workin’ Man” is a country song by Brooks & Dunn, released in 1993 as the title track of their album.
The song celebrates the life of a hardworking individual who faces daily struggles but takes pride in his labor. It highlights the challenges of balancing work and personal life, portraying the perseverance and dedication required to make ends meet.
The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the grind of working hard to achieve their goals, capturing the essence of resilience in the face of life’s demands.
16. “Mad World” by Tears For Fears
“Mad World” is a song by British band Tears for Fears, released in 1982 as part of their debut album The Hurting.
The song is known for its haunting lyrics and melancholic tone, exploring themes of existential despair and the absurdity of everyday life.
The lyrics describe a world filled with worn-out faces and monotonous routines, capturing a sense of alienation and disillusionment. The line “the dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had” suggests a release from the pressures of reality.
The song’s dark and introspective nature has made it a timeless reflection on the struggles of modern life.
17. “Hard Times” by Paramore
“Hard Times” is a song by Paramore from their 2017 album After Laughter. The track marks a departure from the band’s earlier pop-punk sound, embracing a more upbeat, new wave style.
Despite its lively and colorful sound, the song’s lyrics delve into themes of personal struggle and resilience. It addresses the difficulties of navigating life’s challenges, with lead singer Hayley Williams expressing feelings of being overwhelmed and lost.
The juxtaposition of upbeat music with introspective lyrics highlights the contrast between outward appearances and internal struggles, making it a relatable anthem for those facing hard times.
18. “Prisoners” by John Denver
“Prisoners” is a song by John Denver from his 1972 album Rocky Mountain High. The song reflects on the hardships faced by prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, using their experiences as a metaphor for broader themes of loneliness and isolation.
The lyrics paint a picture of a difficult life, where individuals feel trapped by their circumstances and long for freedom and connection.
Denver’s gentle and earnest vocal delivery adds a layer of empathy to the song, making it a poignant reflection on the emotional struggles faced by those in captivity and beyond.
19. “Truth to Power” by OneRepublic
“Truth to Power” by OneRepublic was released in 2017 as part of the soundtrack for the documentary An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. The song is written from the perspective of Mother Earth, addressing humanity and urging action against climate change.
The lyrics emphasize the power of truth and the need for awareness and responsibility in the face of environmental challenges. By personifying Earth, the song highlights the urgency of addressing the planet’s suffering and the collective responsibility to enact change.
The song’s message is one of empowerment, encouraging listeners to recognize their role in shaping the future.
20. “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” by The Beach Boys
“I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” is a song by The Beach Boys from their 1966 album Pet Sounds. Written by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, the song explores feelings of disillusionment and alienation.
The lyrics describe a person who struggles to fit into society and feels out of place in the world. Musically, the song is notable for its innovative use of the Electro-Theremin and layered vocal harmonies.
The introspective nature of the lyrics reflects Wilson’s own sense of being ahead of his time and the emotional challenges that come with feeling misunderstood.
The song remains a poignant exploration of the search for belonging and identity.
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.