20 Songs About PTSD

Navigating life with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel like walking a tightrope between survival and despair. As someone who has experienced the shadows of trauma, I understand how the echoes of the past can linger, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. PTSD is often misunderstood, dismissed as a condition only affecting those who have faced combat or extreme violence, but its reach extends far beyond those boundaries. It can manifest in anyone who has endured significant trauma—be it from childhood abuse, accidents, or personal loss.

In this playlist about PTSD, I aim to explore the profound connection between music and healing. Songs have an incredible power to articulate feelings that are often too painful to express in words. They can serve as a lifeline, offering solace and understanding to those grappling with their own experiences of trauma. Each track on this list resonates with the complexities of PTSD, capturing the struggle to find hope amidst the darkness.

1. “ROCKSTAR” by DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch

“ROCKSTAR” is a hip-hop track that touches on themes of PTSD and violence. Released in April 2020, it became a chart-topping hit for DaBaby and Roddy Ricch. The song explores the rappers’ experiences with violence and its lasting psychological impact.

While not explicitly about PTSD, the lyrics allude to the trauma and hypervigilance that can result from living in dangerous environments. The song’s success and subsequent BLM remix brought attention to issues of police violence and systemic racism, which are often linked to trauma in marginalized communities.

2. “Popular Monster” by Falling In Reverse

This rock song is a raw exploration of mental health struggles, including PTSD. Released in 2019, “Popular Monster” delves into the internal battle between one’s public persona and private suffering.

The song uses the metaphor of a “popular monster” to describe the disconnect between how others perceive the narrator and their internal turmoil. It touches on themes of depression, rage, and the feeling of being misunderstood. The lyrics express frustration with ineffective treatments and the constant struggle to feel “okay”.

3. “Relentless” by Polo G

Polo G’s “Relentless” offers a powerful perspective on PTSD from the context of growing up in a violent urban environment. The song reflects on the trauma and survivor’s guilt experienced by those living in high-crime areas.

Through vivid lyrics, Polo G describes the lasting impact of witnessing violence and experiencing loss. He touches on themes of hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and the struggle to escape the mental and physical confines of a challenging environment.

4. “I Believe You” by FLETCHER

FLETCHER’s “I Believe You” takes a different approach, focusing on supporting survivors of sexual assault and the resulting trauma. While not explicitly about PTSD, the song addresses themes closely related to trauma and its aftermath.

The track emphasizes the importance of believing and supporting survivors. FLETCHER, known for her candid approach to difficult subjects, uses her platform to raise awareness about sexual assault and its lasting impact on survivors.

5. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” by Pharoahe Monch

This track is the title song from Pharoahe Monch’s 2014 album “PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”. The album serves as a conceptual continuation of his previous work, exploring themes of mental health, depression, and the struggles of an independent artist in the music industry.

Monch uses the song to delve into his personal experiences with depression and anxiety, drawing parallels between his struggles and those of war veterans. The lyrics touch on themes of emotional turmoil, isolation, and the difficulty of readjusting to normal life after traumatic experiences.

The song is part of a larger narrative within the album, which follows a veteran’s journey through combat, return home, relationship issues, drug addiction, and ultimately, a decision to keep living despite the challenges. Monch’s delivery is characteristically intricate, weaving complex rhyme schemes with deeply personal content.

6. “Zombie” by The Cranberries

“Zombie” is a protest song released in 1994 by the Irish rock band The Cranberries. While not explicitly about PTSD, the song deals with trauma and its lasting effects on individuals and society.

Written by lead singer Dolores O’Riordan, “Zombie” was inspired by the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington, England, which killed two young boys. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the cycle of violence during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The lyrics use the metaphor of a “zombie” to represent those trapped in cycles of violence, unable to break free from the past. O’Riordan’s raw, emotive vocals and the song’s aggressive guitar riffs effectively convey the anger and frustration at senseless violence.

While some critics initially viewed the song as politically naive, it has since been recognized as a visceral response to tragedy and a call for peace. The song’s enduring popularity has helped keep awareness of the Troubles’ impact alive.

7. “PTSD” by Pop Smoke

“PTSD” is a track from Pop Smoke’s 2019 mixtape “Meet the Woo”. The song provides a raw, unfiltered look at the rapper’s experiences with violence and trauma in his urban environment.

In the lyrics, Pop Smoke openly discusses his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, linking it to his experiences in street life. He references needing to “get high” to cope with his PTSD symptoms, illustrating the often destructive coping mechanisms employed by those dealing with trauma.

The song also touches on themes of hypervigilance and the constant state of alertness that comes with living in a dangerous environment. Pop Smoke’s delivery is characteristically gritty and intense, matching the heavy content of the lyrics.

8. “PTSD (Warrior Built)” by Tech N9ne ft. Jay Trilogy and Krizz Kaliko

This collaborative track was created as part of a project with the Warrior Built Foundation and Monster Energy, aimed at raising awareness about PTSD among military veterans.

Tech N9ne, known for his rapid-fire delivery and complex lyrics, uses the song to explore the impact of PTSD on soldiers and veterans. The track features Jay Trilogy, who won a competition to be featured on the song, adding a fresh perspective to the narrative.

The lyrics delve into the various manifestations of PTSD, including flashbacks, anxiety, and difficulty readjusting to civilian life. Tech N9ne draws parallels between the trauma experienced by soldiers and the violence he witnessed growing up in Kansas City, highlighting the universal nature of PTSD.

The accompanying music video further emphasizes the song’s message, featuring imagery related to military service and the struggles of returning veterans. This track serves not only as a powerful piece of music but also as an educational tool to increase understanding of PTSD among the general public.

9. “Numb” by Linkin Park

“Numb” is a powerful rock anthem released in 2003 as part of Linkin Park’s album “Meteora”. While not explicitly about PTSD, the song explores themes of emotional numbness, pressure, and the struggle to meet others’ expectations, which are often associated with trauma and mental health issues.

The lyrics express feelings of exhaustion and frustration with trying to conform to others’ expectations. Lines like “I’ve become so numb, I can’t feel you there” and “Every step that I take is another mistake to you” convey a sense of emotional disconnection and constant criticism that many people with PTSD experience.

Chester Bennington’s emotive vocals, combined with the band’s signature blend of rock and electronic elements, create a powerful sonic landscape that resonates with listeners. The song became an anthem for a generation struggling with mental health issues, offering a voice to those who felt misunderstood or pressured to be someone they’re not.

Following Chester Bennington’s tragic death in 2017, “Numb” took on new meaning for many fans, becoming a poignant reminder of the struggles with mental health that many face, including those in the public eye.

10. “PTSD” by Omen ft. Mereba, Deante’ Hitchcock, and St. Beauty

This collaborative track offers a nuanced exploration of PTSD from multiple perspectives. Omen, known for his introspective lyrics, leads the song with verses that delve into the daily struggles of living with trauma.

The featured artists each bring their unique voices to the track, creating a multifaceted narrative of PTSD experiences. Mereba’s soulful vocals add an emotional depth, while Deante’ Hitchcock’s rapid-fire delivery conveys the urgency and intensity of PTSD symptoms. St. Beauty’s contribution likely provides another layer of introspection to the song.

The lyrics likely touch on themes of hypervigilance, flashbacks, and the difficulty of maintaining relationships while dealing with PTSD. The collaborative nature of the song emphasizes that PTSD affects people from all walks of life and that healing often requires support from others.

11. “Expectations” by Wale ft. 6LACK

While not solely focused on PTSD, “Expectations” explores themes of mental health, pressure, and the impact of trauma on relationships. Wale, known for his introspective lyrics, likely uses this track to delve into the complexities of managing others’ expectations while dealing with personal struggles.

6LACK’s feature adds another layer to the song, potentially offering a contrasting perspective or reinforcing the main themes. The collaboration between these two artists, both known for their emotional honesty, creates a powerful exploration of mental health in the context of the music industry and personal relationships.

The song probably touches on the pressure to maintain a certain image, the difficulty of opening up about mental health struggles, and the impact of past traumas on current relationships. These themes resonate with many people dealing with PTSD, even if the song doesn’t explicitly name the condition.

12. “‘Til It Happens To You” by Lady Gaga

This powerful ballad was written by Lady Gaga and Diane Warren for the 2015 documentary “The Hunting Ground,” which addresses the issue of sexual assault on college campuses. While not specifically about PTSD, the song deals with trauma and its aftermath, which are closely linked to PTSD.

Lady Gaga, a sexual assault survivor herself, delivers an emotionally charged performance that conveys the pain, isolation, and frustration that many trauma survivors experience. The lyrics challenge the notion that someone can truly understand trauma without experiencing it, with lines like “Till it happens to you, you don’t know how it feels.”

The song addresses the dismissive attitudes often faced by survivors, the struggle to heal, and the importance of empathy and support. It became an anthem for survivors of sexual assault and helped raise awareness about the long-lasting impact of trauma.

“‘Til It Happens To You” received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award and a Grammy. Its impact extended beyond the music industry, sparking important conversations about sexual assault and its aftermath, including PTSD.

13. “I Wish You Would” by DJ Khaled ft. Kanye West and Rick Ross

While “I Wish You Would” is not explicitly about PTSD, it touches on themes of struggle and perseverance that can resonate with those dealing with trauma. The song was released in 2012 as part of DJ Khaled’s album “Kiss the Ring”.

The track features powerful verses from Kanye West and Rick Ross, known for their introspective and often emotionally charged lyrics. The song’s intense production by Hit-Boy creates a sonic landscape that mirrors the urgency and intensity often associated with PTSD symptoms.

The music video, directed by Hype Williams, adds a visual dimension to the song’s themes. Shot in the same location as Kanye West’s “Cold” video, it features cameos from other artists in the hip-hop community, potentially symbolizing the importance of support systems in dealing with mental health issues.

While not directly addressing PTSD, the song’s themes of overcoming obstacles and pushing through difficult times can be seen as metaphorically relevant to the struggles faced by those dealing with trauma.

14. “PTSD” by YX

YX’s “PTSD” offers a raw and introspective look at living with post-traumatic stress disorder. The song directly addresses the daily struggles of managing PTSD symptoms and the impact on mental health.

The lyrics are deeply personal and vulnerable, with lines like “I’ve got issues with my mind / I get triggered all the time / I tell everyone that I’m fine” highlighting the internal struggle and the tendency to hide one’s pain from others.

YX also touches on the use of medication to manage symptoms: “Doctors give me all these pills / Just to keep my mental still / But it only fogs up my mind.” This reflects the complex relationship many people with PTSD have with treatment options.

The chorus, “So will you pray till / Something’s different in me / Cuz I’ve been dealin’ with my PTSD,” expresses a desire for healing and change, while acknowledging the ongoing nature of living with PTSD.

This song serves as a powerful voice for those experiencing PTSD, offering validation of their struggles and potentially helping listeners feel less alone in their experiences.

15. “Battle Scars” by Guy Sebastian ft. Lupe Fiasco

“Battle Scars” is a poignant exploration of emotional trauma and its lasting impact. Released in 2012, the song is a collaboration between Australian singer Guy Sebastian and American rapper Lupe Fiasco.

The song’s lyrics delve into the “scars” left by hurtful experiences and broken relationships. Sebastian explained that the song is about personal battle scars, which can vary for each individual – from hurtful words to relationship trauma.

Lupe Fiasco’s contribution adds depth to the song, particularly with the phrase “Hope the wound heals but it never does, that’s cause you’re at war with love,” which became a central hook in the track.

The music video further reinforces the song’s themes, showing individuals holding up signs with words like “abandoned,” “abused,” and “bullied,” before tearing them up to symbolize moving on from their pain.

While not specifically about PTSD, “Battle Scars” resonates with many of the emotional struggles associated with trauma, making it relatable for those dealing with PTSD and other forms of emotional distress.

16. “ASMR” by 21 Savage

“ASMR” by 21 Savage offers a raw and personal account of trauma and its aftermath. The song, while not entirely focused on PTSD, touches on experiences that can lead to post-traumatic stress.

In the track, 21 Savage recounts traumatic events from his life, including being shot on his 21st birthday and losing his closest friend. He directly references PTSD in the lyrics: “PTSD like I came from Iraq (on God)”.

The song’s title, “ASMR,” typically refers to “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response,” but in this context, it might be interpreted as a play on words, possibly referring to the heightened sensory awareness often associated with PTSD.

21 Savage’s honest and vivid storytelling in “ASMR” sheds light on the ongoing mental health struggles that can result from experiencing violence and loss. The track serves as a reminder that even those who appear tough on the outside may be battling internal demons.

By sharing his experiences so openly, 21 Savage contributes to the broader conversation about mental health in hip-hop and helps to destigmatize discussions about PTSD and trauma.

17. “Mother I Sober” by Kendrick Lamar ft. Beth Gibbons

“Mother I Sober” is a powerful and deeply personal track from Kendrick Lamar’s album “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers”. This song is a raw exploration of intergenerational trauma, sexual abuse, and the journey towards healing.

The track opens with a sparse arrangement of piano and a soft drum beat, setting a somber tone. Lamar’s lyrics are intensely vulnerable, as he delves into his childhood experiences and family history. He recounts a false accusation of sexual abuse against his cousin, which triggered his mother’s own history of sexual trauma.

Throughout the song, Lamar explores themes of masculinity, sexuality, and the impact of unresolved trauma on relationships. He candidly discusses using sex as an unhealthy coping mechanism and its effect on his relationship with his fiancée.

The chorus, sung by Beth Gibbons of Portishead, adds an ethereal quality to the track, emphasizing its emotional weight. Lamar’s delivery is notably restrained, allowing the gravity of his words to take center stage.

In the song’s powerful conclusion, Lamar speaks of breaking the cycle of trauma and finding liberation through forgiveness and self-acceptance. This track is widely regarded as one of Kendrick Lamar’s most profound and impactful works, opening up crucial conversations about trauma and healing in the Black community.

18. “PTSD” by G Herbo ft. Chance The Rapper, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert

“PTSD” is the title track from G Herbo’s album of the same name, featuring collaborations with Chance The Rapper, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert. The song directly addresses the impact of trauma and violence on mental health, particularly in urban environments.

The track opens with a haunting chorus by Juice WRLD, setting a tone of vulnerability and pain: “I turn the news on, when I smell death in the air / I prove you wrong, I made it out of here”. This posthumous feature adds a layer of poignancy to the song, given Juice WRLD’s own struggles with mental health.

G Herbo’s verses reflect on his experiences of losing friends to violence and the lasting impact of these traumas. Chance The Rapper contributes a verse detailing his own encounters with shootings and loss, while Lil Uzi Vert touches on the paranoia that results from living with PTSD.

The production, handled by D.A. Got That Dope, features an “eerie” guitar-driven instrumental with “bubbly drums”, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the emotional weight of the lyrics.

“PTSD” received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of trauma and mental health issues in hip-hop. It peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming G Herbo’s highest-charting song.

19. “Jocelyn Flores” by XXXTENTACION

“Jocelyn Flores” is a deeply emotional track from XXXTENTACION’s album “17”. The song is named after a friend of the artist who died by suicide, and it explores themes of depression, loss, and survivor’s guilt.

The track features a melancholic guitar sample and minimalist production, allowing XXXTENTACION’s raw, vulnerable vocals to take center stage. The lyrics delve into the artist’s own struggles with mental health and his feelings of responsibility for Jocelyn’s death.

XXXTENTACION’s delivery alternates between singing and rapping, conveying a range of emotions from anger to despair. The chorus, “I’m in pain, wanna put ten shots in my brain / I’ve been trippin’ ’bout some things, can’t change,” is a stark expression of suicidal ideation and helplessness.

“Jocelyn Flores” became one of XXXTENTACION’s most popular and critically acclaimed songs. It sparked important conversations about mental health among his young fanbase and in the broader hip-hop community. The track’s impact was amplified following XXXTENTACION’s own tragic death in 2018, with many fans finding solace and connection in its honest portrayal of mental health struggles.

20. “Safe & Sound” by Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars

While not explicitly about PTSD, “Safe & Sound” deals with themes of trauma, protection, and finding safety in a dangerous world. The song was written for “The Hunger Games” soundtrack, reflecting the experiences of the film’s protagonist, Katniss Everdeen.

The track is an indie folk ballad with a spare arrangement that evokes Americana and Appalachian music. Swift’s high-pitched vibrato is complemented by the Civil Wars’ harmonies, creating a haunting and ethereal atmosphere.

The lyrics are from the perspective of a protective figure, possibly Katniss, comforting a loved one: “Just close your eyes / The sun is going down / You’ll be alright / No one can hurt you now”. This reflects Katniss’s role as a protector in the story, particularly to her younger sister.

Despite its soothing tone, the song has an underlying sense of danger and uncertainty. The line “Hold on to this lullaby even when the music’s gone” suggests that the comfort offered is temporary, reflecting the ongoing threats in the world of “The Hunger Games”.

“Safe & Sound” received critical acclaim for its evocative lyrics and atmospheric production. It won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media and helped establish Swift’s versatility as an artist beyond her country-pop roots.

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.