20 Songs About Nothing

As someone who has spent countless hours pondering the nature of nothing, I can say with certainty that there is an art to singing about it. In a world obsessed with material possessions, achievements, and the constant pursuit of “something,” it takes true wisdom and insight to recognize the beauty and profundity in nothing.

These 20 songs capture the essence of nothing in all its forms – the nothing that exists between the notes, the nothing that fills the silence, and the nothing that resides in the depths of the human soul.

They remind us that sometimes, the most powerful statements are made without words, and that the greatest truths can be found in the spaces in between.

1. “Across the Universe” by The Beatles

“Across the Universe” is a song by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership. The song is known for its poetic and cosmic lyrics, which reflect themes of peace and transcendence. Lennon described the lyrics as some of the best he had ever written, noting that they were inspired by a moment of irritation that transformed into a cosmic meditation. The phrase “Jai guru deva om” is a Sanskrit mantra that means “glory to the shining remover of darkness,” which underscores the song’s spiritual undertones. The recurring line “Nothing’s gonna change my world” suggests a sense of acceptance and inner peace, despite the chaos of the universe.

2. “Sifting” by Nirvana

“Sifting” is a track from Nirvana’s debut album Bleach. The song features heavy, sludgy guitar riffs and cryptic lyrics typical of Kurt Cobain’s writing style. The lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on societal norms and the monotony of life, with lines like “Don’t have nothing for you” reflecting a sense of disillusionment and frustration. The song’s structure and sound are influenced by the Melvins, a band Cobain admired. “Sifting” captures the raw energy and angst that characterized Nirvana’s early work, with its repetitive and minimalist lyrical approach contributing to its theme of existential emptiness.

3. “Nothing” by Dusty Springfield

“Nothing Has Been Proved” by Dusty Springfield, written by the Pet Shop Boys, is a song about the Profumo Affair, a political scandal in 1963 Britain. The lyrics recount the events and individuals involved in the scandal, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence despite the uproar it caused. The song’s orchestral arrangement and Springfield’s emotive delivery highlight the dramatic nature of the story. While it deals with a specific historical event, the title and repeated theme of “nothing has been proved” suggest a broader commentary on the nature of truth and scandal.

4. “Piggy” by Nine Inch Nails

“Piggy” is a song by Nine Inch Nails from their album The Downward Spiral. Written by Trent Reznor, the song is characterized by its slow tempo and minimalist arrangement. The lyrics express themes of betrayal and disillusionment, with the repeated phrase “nothing can stop me now” conveying a sense of defiance and resignation. The song’s title and some lyrics are reportedly linked to Reznor’s feelings about a former bandmate’s departure. “Piggy” is notable for its live drumming, performed by Reznor himself, and its raw emotional intensity, reflecting the album’s overarching themes of personal and societal decay.

5. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor

“Nothing Compares 2 U” is a song originally written by Prince and famously covered by Sinéad O’Connor. Released in 1990, O’Connor’s version became a global hit, largely due to its emotional depth and her powerful vocal performance. The song explores themes of loss and longing, with lyrics that express the emptiness felt after a significant relationship ends. Although Prince never explicitly stated the song’s inspiration, it is often associated with personal loss, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings. The music video, featuring close-ups of O’Connor’s face as she sings, further amplifies the song’s emotional impact, culminating in a tearful climax that underscores its sincerity.

6. “All or Nothing” by Cher

“All or Nothing” is a song by Cher from her 1998 album Believe. The song’s lyrics deal with the theme of demanding full commitment in a relationship. The repeated line “Baby, it’s all or nothing” emphasizes the protagonist’s unwillingness to settle for anything less than complete dedication from their partner. The song captures the emotional intensity of wanting a partner to fully reciprocate feelings, highlighting the stakes involved in such a demand. Musically, it blends pop and dance elements, typical of Cher’s late-90s work, and was released as a single that achieved commercial success.

7. “For No One” by The Beatles

“For No One” is a song by The Beatles, written by Paul McCartney for their 1966 album Revolver. The song is a poignant reflection on the end of a romantic relationship, capturing the feelings of detachment and resignation that come with realizing a love has faded. Notable for its baroque pop style, it features a distinctive French horn solo by Alan Civil. McCartney wrote the song during a holiday in the Swiss Alps, inspired by an argument with his then-girlfriend, Jane Asher. Its lyrics convey a sense of inevitability and emotional distance, making it one of McCartney’s most mature compositions.

8. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica

“Nothing Else Matters” is a power ballad by Metallica, released in 1992 as part of their self-titled album, commonly known as The Black Album. Written by lead singer James Hetfield, the song was initially a personal piece about being away from loved ones while on tour. Its lyrics focus on themes of trust and prioritizing personal relationships over external pressures. Despite Hetfield’s initial reluctance to include it in Metallica’s repertoire, the song became one of their most popular tracks, celebrated for its emotional depth and departure from the band’s typical heavy metal sound. It emphasizes the significance of personal connections, encapsulated in the repeated mantra “nothing else matters”.

9. “Nothing” by Bruno Major

“Nothing” by Bruno Major is a song that captures the essence of finding contentment in simplicity and companionship. Released in 2019, the track is characterized by its stripped-down arrangement, featuring Major’s vocals, guitar, and a subtle drum machine. The lyrics describe a mundane yet intimate evening spent with a lover, highlighting how the presence of a loved one can transform ordinary moments into something special. Major emphasizes the beauty of doing “nothing” together, suggesting that love is found in shared, simple experiences rather than grand gestures.

10. “Nothing Really Matters” by Madonna

Madonna’s “Nothing Really Matters,” from her 1998 album Ray of Light, is a song about the realization that love is the most important aspect of life. Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Lourdes, the lyrics reflect a shift from self-centeredness to a focus on unconditional love and connection. Musically, the track blends elements of electronic dance music with ambient and techno influences. The song’s message is about moving beyond past mistakes and embracing the transformative power of love, encapsulated in the chorus, “Nothing really matters, love is all we need”.

11. “You Shadow” by Sharon Van Etten

“You Shadow” by Sharon Van Etten, from her 2019 album Remind Me Tomorrow, explores the dynamics of relationships where one person tries too hard to emulate or please another. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration with someone who lacks authenticity, depicted through lines like “You ain’t nothing, you never won.” Despite this, the song offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that change is possible through genuine kindness and openness. The track’s sound is characterized by its atmospheric production, blending rock and electronic elements.

12. “Nothing Without You” by The Weeknd

“Nothing Without You” is a track from The Weeknd’s 2016 album Starboy. The song delves into themes of dependency and the feeling of emptiness without a significant other. The Weeknd’s lyrics express a deep emotional reliance on his partner, acknowledging that life feels incomplete without their presence. The song combines R&B and pop influences, showcasing The Weeknd’s signature style of blending introspective lyrics with catchy melodies. The track underscores the importance of love and connection in giving life meaning.

13. “Nothing Is Real But the Girl” by Blondie

“Nothing Is Real But the Girl” is a song by Blondie from their 1999 album No Exit. Written by keyboardist Jimmy Destri, the song was inspired by his daughter and reflects a sense of personal connection and reality amidst life’s chaos. The lyrics convey a message of finding solace and truth in a relationship, where everything else seems uncertain or unreal. The song’s narrative was originally in the third person but was later changed to the first person for its single release, focusing more on Debbie Harry’s perspective. Musically, it combines Blondie’s signature new wave style with contemporary elements, making it a standout track from their comeback album.

14. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding

“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a classic soul song by Otis Redding, released posthumously in 1968. The song was co-written with guitarist Steve Cropper and was inspired by Redding’s experiences while relaxing on a houseboat in Sausalito, California. The lyrics reflect themes of introspection, solitude, and the search for peace amidst life’s challenges. Lines like “Looks like nothing’s gonna change, everything still remains the same” capture a sense of resignation and acceptance. The song’s laid-back vibe and poignant lyrics resonated with listeners, making it an anthem for those experiencing emotional turmoil. It became Redding’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying his legacy as a soul music icon.

15. “Nothin’ At All” by Heart

“Nothin’ At All” is a song by Heart from their self-titled 1985 album. Written by Mark Mueller, the song describes the unexpected and intense emotions that arise when falling in love. The lyrics depict the narrator’s transformation from feeling empty and disconnected to experiencing profound love and connection. The phrase “nothin’ at all” is used to describe how effortlessly the relationship falls into place and the ease with which love develops. Musically, the song embraces power pop and new wave styles, featuring energetic guitar riffs and Ann Wilson’s dynamic vocals. It was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

16. “Nothing to Say” by Soundgarden

“Nothing to Say” is a track by Soundgarden, known for its heavy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics. The song explores themes of frustration and the futility of communication in certain situations. The lyrics suggest that sometimes it’s better to remain silent than to speak words that might be misunderstood or cause harm. This theme of silence as a form of expression reflects the band’s grunge roots and their focus on raw, emotional content. The song’s powerful instrumentation and Chris Cornell’s distinctive vocals make it a quintessential Soundgarden track, capturing the essence of the Seattle grunge scene.

17. “Swept Away” by Diana Ross

“Swept Away” by Diana Ross is a track from her 1984 album of the same name. Written by Daryl Hall and Sara Allen, the song describes the intense emotions of being overwhelmed by love, only to discover betrayal. The lyrics narrate a story of passion turning into disillusionment when the protagonist finds her lover cheating. The song’s production, featuring a mix of rock, pop, and dance elements, complements Ross’s powerful vocal delivery. The track was a commercial success, particularly in dance clubs, where it reached number one on the Billboard Dance/Disco chart. The music video further dramatizes the story, showing Ross confronting her unfaithful lover in a visually striking narrative.

18. “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits

“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits is a song from their 1985 album Brothers in Arms. Written by Mark Knopfler and Sting, the song satirizes the music industry and the concept of rock stardom. The lyrics are narrated from the perspective of working-class men who express envy and disdain for rock stars who seem to earn money effortlessly. The song’s iconic guitar riff and use of early computer-generated animation in its music video contributed to its popularity. It became one of Dire Straits’ biggest hits, topping the charts in several countries and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

19. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin is a distinctive a cappella track released in 1988. The song’s lyrics offer a simple, uplifting message encouraging listeners to let go of their worries and embrace happiness. McFerrin’s use of vocal overdubbing creates a rich, layered sound without any instrumental accompaniment. The song became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning several Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. Its catchy melody and positive message have made it an enduring anthem for positivity and stress relief.

20. “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” by Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus

“Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” is a collaboration between Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus, released in 2018 as the lead single from Ronson’s album Late Night Feelings. The song blends country and pop elements, with lyrics that explore themes of heartbreak and emotional turmoil. The track reflects on personal and societal issues, using heartbreak as a metaphor for broader struggles. The music video, filmed in Kyiv, Ukraine, features scenes of chaos and societal critique, enhancing the song’s message. The collaboration was well-received, charting highly in several countries and showcasing both artists’ ability to blend emotional depth with catchy production.

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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.