13 Songs About Nightmares And Bad Dreams

Nightmares and bad dreams have a way of creeping into our lives when we least expect them, often leaving us shaken and restless. As someone who has experienced the chilling grip of a nightmare, I know all too well the impact these vivid, unsettling dreams can have on our waking hours. They can be a reflection of our fears, anxieties, and even unresolved issues, manifesting in ways that can feel all too real.

Here, I invite you to explore a curated list of 13 songs that delve into the haunting themes of nightmares and bad dreams. Each track captures the essence of those dark, twisted journeys we sometimes find ourselves on during the night.

1. “All Nightmare Long” by Metallica

“All Nightmare Long” is a track from Metallica’s 2008 album Death Magnetic. The song delves into themes of fear, dread, and the haunting nature of nightmares. With its aggressive riffs and dark lyrics, it captures the essence of being trapped in a relentless nightmare. The song’s narrative describes an unstoppable force that hunts and torments, symbolizing the inescapable nature of bad dreams. The lyrics, combined with the intense musical composition, create a chilling atmosphere that resonates with the theme of nightmares.

2. “The Great American Nightmare” by Rob Zombie

“The Great American Nightmare” is a collaboration between Rob Zombie and Howard Stern, featured on the soundtrack of Stern’s 1997 film Private Parts. The song is a high-energy, industrial metal track that blends Zombie’s signature horror-themed lyrics with a critique of American pop culture. The lyrics describe a surreal and grotesque vision of the American dream turned into a nightmare, filled with imagery that evokes fear and discomfort. The song’s intense, chaotic sound complements its nightmarish theme, making it a fitting addition to a playlist about bad dreams.

3. “Like a Nightmare” by Motörhead

“Like a Nightmare” is a B-side track from Motörhead’s 1979 single No Class, and it also appears on the expanded edition of their album Overkill. The song features Lemmy Kilmister’s distinctive gravelly vocals and the band’s signature heavy metal sound. The lyrics describe a relationship that feels like a nightmare, filled with intense emotions and unsettling imagery. Lines like “It’s an infection, it’s a disease, but no reflection, it’s gonna make your blood freeze” convey the sense of dread and horror associated with nightmares. The song’s relentless pace and dark tone make it a quintessential Motörhead track that fits well within the theme of nightmares.

4. “3 A.M.” by Eminem

“3 A.M.” is a track from Eminem’s 2009 album Relapse. The song is a dark, horrorcore rap that delves into the mind of a serial killer, reflecting Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady. The lyrics depict a gruesome and violent narrative, filled with graphic descriptions of murder and madness. The song’s title refers to the time often associated with the “witching hour,” a period believed to be when supernatural events occur. Eminem’s intense delivery and the eerie production create a nightmarish atmosphere, making “3 A.M.” a chilling exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche and a fitting addition to a playlist about nightmares and bad dreams.

5. “Nightmare” by Avenged Sevenfold

“Nightmare” by Avenged Sevenfold is the lead single from their 2010 album Nightmare. The song explores the theme of eternal damnation and the consequences of one’s actions. It tells the story of an individual who has committed heinous deeds during their life and is now condemned to hell, where they are tormented endlessly. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of a resident of hell, mocking the protagonist for their fate and highlighting that their suffering is a result of their own choices. The song’s intense heavy metal instrumentation and dark, haunting lyrics create a vivid depiction of a nightmarish existence. The accompanying music video, directed by Wayne Isham, further emphasizes the theme by depicting scenes of mental insanity and torment within a hospital setting.

6. “Dream Evil” by Dio

“Dream Evil” is the title track from Dio’s 1987 album Dream Evil. The song delves into the darker side of dreams, portraying them as a realm where evil can manifest and haunt the dreamer. The lyrics describe a nightmarish landscape filled with sinister imagery, where dreams become a battleground between good and evil. Ronnie James Dio’s powerful vocals and the band’s heavy metal sound amplify the sense of dread and foreboding. The song suggests that nightmares are not just figments of imagination but can have a tangible, malevolent presence that affects the dreamer. The track is a classic example of Dio’s ability to blend fantasy and horror elements into his music, making it a fitting addition to a playlist about nightmares and bad dreams.

7. “Bad Dreams (Stripped)” by Faouzia

“Bad Dreams (Stripped)” by Faouzia is a haunting ballad that explores the theme of recurring nightmares and the anxiety they bring. The stripped-down version of the song features minimal instrumentation, allowing Faouzia’s emotive vocals to take center stage. The lyrics describe the experience of being plagued by dark dreams that feel all too real, with lines like “I’m tired but I can’t sleep ’cause they’re waiting for me” and “These bad dreams are more than true, and they’ll get you”. The song captures the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of fear and unease, where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics make “Bad Dreams (Stripped)” a powerful reflection on the impact of nightmares on one’s mental state.

8. “Nightmare” by Hollywood Undead

“Nightmare” by Hollywood Undead is a track from their 2020 album New Empire, Vol. 1. The song delves into themes of inner turmoil, fear, and the haunting nature of personal demons. The lyrics describe a relentless struggle with one’s darker thoughts and the feeling of being trapped in a nightmarish reality. The band’s signature blend of rap-rock and metal elements creates an intense and foreboding atmosphere, perfectly capturing the essence of a nightmare. The music video further emphasizes these themes, featuring dark, surreal imagery that aligns with the song’s haunting lyrics and tone.

9. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica

“Enter Sandman” by Metallica is one of the band’s most iconic songs, featured on their 1991 self-titled album, commonly known as The Black Album. The song is a dark, twisted take on a lullaby, exploring themes of childhood fears and nightmares. The lyrics, written by James Hetfield, describe a child’s fear of the night and the mythical Sandman who brings sleep but also nightmares. The song’s heavy, repetitive riff and haunting lyrics create a sense of impending dread. The music video complements the song with eerie visuals of a child experiencing nightmarish visions. “Enter Sandman” became a massive hit, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Metallica’s transition from thrash metal to a more mainstream rock sound.

10. “Welcome to My Nightmare” by Alice Cooper

“Welcome to My Nightmare” is the title track from Alice Cooper’s 1975 concept album of the same name. The album takes listeners on a journey through the nightmares of a child named Steven. The song itself sets the stage for this journey, with Cooper’s theatrical vocals and eerie, gothic rock instrumentation creating a haunting atmosphere. The lyrics invite the listener into a world of surreal and terrifying dreams, filled with creepy characters and unsettling scenarios. The album was highly influential, inspiring a TV special, a concert film, and a sequel album. “Welcome to My Nightmare” is a quintessential example of Alice Cooper’s ability to blend rock music with horror-themed storytelling.

11. “Monsters Under the Bed” by Eugene McGuinness

“Monsters Under the Bed” by Eugene McGuinness is a song from his 2007 self-titled album. The track explores the theme of childhood fears and the metaphorical “monsters” that can haunt us into adulthood. Lyrically, the song reflects on the anxieties and worries that keep people awake at night, drawing a parallel to the innocent fear of monsters under the bed that children often experience. The song opens with an eerie silence, setting the tone for its introspective and slightly whimsical narrative. McGuinness uses this childhood fear as a metaphor for the adult tendency to worry about problems that might not be as significant in the grand scheme of things. The neo-psychedelic and melodic sound of the track adds a quirky yet haunting quality, making it a fitting addition to a playlist centered around nightmares and bad dreams.

12. “American Bad Dream” by Kane Brown

“American Bad Dream” by Kane Brown is a track from his 2018 album Experiment. The song addresses the dark and unsettling reality of contemporary America, particularly focusing on the public health crisis of gun violence and the pervasive fear it instills in society. Brown contrasts the carefree days of his youth with the current state of fear and anxiety faced by young people today, especially in the context of school shootings. The lyrics paint a grim picture of the “American Dream” turned into a nightmare, questioning whether the disturbing events are a surreal dream or harsh reality. The moody, mid-tempo track uses potent lyrics to spark a conversation about these critical issues, making it a poignant and thought-provoking addition to a playlist about nightmares and bad dreams.

13. “Last Night I Had a Dream” by Randy Newman

“Last Night I Had a Dream” by Randy Newman is a song from his 1972 album Sail Away. The track describes a disjointed and surreal nightmare, capturing the fragmented and often nonsensical nature of dreams. The lyrics recount a dream filled with bizarre and frightening imagery, including vampires and ghosts, with the most unsettling element being a familiar person who appears in the dream. Newman’s storytelling highlights the intense emotions that can accompany such dreams, even if they seem ridiculous upon waking. The slow, brooding melody complements the eerie and unsettling narrative, making “Last Night I Had a Dream” a fitting addition to a playlist focused on nightmares and bad dreams.

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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.