20 Songs About Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of life that we all encounter in various forms, whether it’s due to work pressures, personal challenges, or the relentless pace of modern living. As someone who has experienced stress firsthand, I know how overwhelming it can feel when the weight of the world seems to rest on your shoulders. Music has always been my refuge during these times, offering solace and understanding when words fail.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of 20 songs that capture the essence of stress, each resonating with the emotions and struggles that accompany it. These songs not only reflect the tension and anxiety we often face but also provide a sense of connection and relief, reminding us that we’re not alone in our experiences. 

1. “Stressed Out” by Rex Orange County

“Stressed Out” by Rex Orange County delves into the emotional turmoil caused by insincere friendships and societal pressures. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of betrayal and the realization that some people in our lives may not have our best interests at heart. The opening lines, “They wanna take what’s yours / They wanna go for dinner on your name,” suggest a sense of exploitation, where others seek to benefit from the protagonist’s success without genuine care or support. The chorus, “They wanna see me stressed out every day, I know it / They wanna lie and still be friends,” highlights the toxic nature of these relationships, emphasizing the loneliness and disappointment that come with recognizing superficial connections. The song serves as a poignant reflection on the challenges of navigating relationships and the emotional toll of discovering who truly cares.

2. “Comethru” by Jeremy Zucker

“Comethru” by Jeremy Zucker captures the feeling of isolation and the need for companionship during a period of transition. Written while Zucker was living in his parents’ basement after college, the song reflects his feelings of loneliness and his desire for someone to lift his spirits. The lyrics, “I might lose my mind waking when the sun’s down,” and “Can you come through?” express his struggle with a reversed sleep schedule and the emotional exhaustion from balancing work and social life. The song underscores the importance of having a support system and the complex emotions of feeling out of place in one’s hometown.

3. “Lonely” by Justin Bieber

“Lonely” by Justin Bieber, co-written with Benny Blanco and Finneas, explores the profound sense of isolation that comes with fame. The lyrics reveal Bieber’s struggles with growing up in the public eye, sacrificing privacy and adolescence for success. Lines like “What if you had it all but nobody to call?” and “Everybody knows my past now, like my house was always made of glass,” highlight the loneliness and scrutiny he faced. The song’s vulnerability and raw emotion are amplified by Bieber’s personal reflections on his journey, making it a powerful commentary on the often unseen emotional toll of celebrity life.

4. “Basket Case” by Green Day

“Basket Case” by Green Day is a punk rock anthem that addresses lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong’s struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. The song’s lyrics, “Sometimes I give myself the creeps, sometimes my mind plays tricks on me,” capture the feeling of losing control and the fear of going crazy. Armstrong wrote the song before he was diagnosed with a panic disorder, using it as a way to make sense of his experiences. The song’s energetic tempo and catchy melody contrast with its heavy subject matter, making it both a cathartic release and a relatable expression of mental health struggles.

5. “Help, I’m Alive” by Metric

“Help, I’m Alive” by Metric is a song that encapsulates the anxiety and fear of vulnerability. Written by Emily Haines during a soul-searching trip to Buenos Aires, the song was originally a ballad but transformed into an indie rock anthem with a faster tempo. The lyrics, “I tremble, they’re gonna eat me alive,” reflect Haines’ personal struggles with anxiety and the pressure to succeed. The song’s pounding kick drum and haunting melody amplify the sense of urgency and desperation. It became a breakout hit for Metric, resonating with listeners who have faced similar emotional battles.

6. “All The Kids Are Depressed” by Jeremy Zucker

“All The Kids Are Depressed” by Jeremy Zucker addresses the widespread issue of depression among youth. The song’s calm tone contrasts with its heavy subject matter, creating a poignant reflection on mental health. Zucker’s lyrics, “All the kids are depressed, nothing ever makes sense,” capture the pervasive sense of hopelessness and confusion felt by many young people. The song was inspired by Zucker’s observations of his friends’ struggles with depression and his desire to bring more awareness to mental health issues. The accompanying music video features real stories from people battling depression, adding a layer of authenticity and empathy to the song.

7. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus is an inspirational anthem about perseverance and resilience. Featured in Hannah Montana: The Movie, the song emphasizes the importance of the journey over the destination. Lyrics like “There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move” highlight the continuous challenges one faces in life. The song encourages listeners to keep pushing forward despite obstacles and setbacks. Its universal message of hope and determination has made it a timeless motivational piece, resonating with audiences of all ages.

8. “Train Wreck” by James Arthur

“Train Wreck” by James Arthur is a deeply emotional song that explores themes of pain, loneliness, and the desire for redemption. The lyrics, “Unbreak the broken, unsay these spoken words, find hope in the hopeless,” convey a powerful plea for help and recovery. Arthur’s raw and expressive vocals, accompanied by piano and guitar, create a haunting atmosphere that mirrors the song’s somber tone. “Train Wreck” is a reflection on hitting rock bottom and the struggle to find a way out, making it a relatable and moving piece for anyone who has faced significant personal challenges.

9. “Sick Boy” by The Chainsmokers

“Sick Boy” by The Chainsmokers is a dark, introspective track that deals with themes of self-identity and the pressures of social media. The song reflects on the anxiety and self-doubt that arise from living in a world where one’s worth is often measured by social media metrics. Lyrics such as “Make no mistake, I live in a prison / That I built myself, it is my religion” highlight the self-imposed pressures and the struggle to maintain authenticity in a curated online world. The song marks a departure from the duo’s earlier, more romantic pop flair, embracing a darker tone both lyrically and musically.

10. “Sad Forever” by Lauv

“Sad Forever” by Lauv is a candid exploration of the artist’s own struggles with mental health, particularly depression and anxiety. Written during a difficult period in Lauv’s life, the song’s lyrics, “I don’t wanna be sad forever, I don’t wanna be sad no more,” express a longing for relief and a desire for happiness. The track was released with the intention of raising awareness about mental health issues and encouraging others to seek help. Lauv’s vulnerability and honesty in the song resonate deeply with listeners who may be experiencing similar feelings.

11. “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter

“Bad Day” by Daniel Powter is a universally relatable song about experiencing a rough day. The lyrics, “You had a bad day, you’re taking one down / You sing a sad song just to turn it around,” capture the frustration and disappointment of a day when nothing seems to go right. Despite its melancholic theme, the song carries an underlying message of resilience and hope, suggesting that bad days are temporary and better times are ahead. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it an enduring anthem for anyone going through tough times.

12. “Brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo

“Brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo is a raw and energetic track that delves into the pressures and anxieties of teenage life. The song’s lyrics, “And I’m so sick of seventeen / Where’s my fucking teenage dream?” reflect Rodrigo’s frustration with societal expectations and the stress of trying to live up to them. The punk-inspired sound and candid lyrics resonate with young listeners who feel overwhelmed by the demands of growing up. “Brutal” captures the angst and confusion of adolescence, making it a powerful addition to a playlist about stress.

13. “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots

“Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots is a poignant reflection on the pressures of adulthood and the longing for simpler times. The song, written by Tyler Joseph, captures the anxiety and stress of growing up and facing responsibilities. The lyrics, “Wish we could turn back time, to the good old days / When our momma sang us to sleep but now we’re stressed out,” express a nostalgic yearning for childhood innocence and the overwhelming nature of adult life. The song’s blend of alternative hip-hop and indie pop, along with its relatable themes, has resonated with a wide audience, making it a significant anthem for those feeling the weight of modern life.

14. “Bored” by Billie Eilish

“Bored” by Billie Eilish explores the emotional exhaustion that comes from a stagnant and unfulfilling relationship. The song’s lyrics, “I’m not afraid anymore / What makes you sure you’re all I need?” convey a sense of frustration and the realization that the relationship is causing more harm than good. The minimalist production, featuring Eilish’s haunting vocals over a subdued beat, enhances the feeling of ennui and discontent. “Bored” was featured on the soundtrack of the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, further amplifying its themes of mental health and emotional struggle.

15. “Help!” by The Beatles

“Help!” by The Beatles is a classic cry for assistance and support, written by John Lennon during a period of personal turmoil. Released in 1965, the song reflects Lennon’s feelings of vulnerability and the pressures of sudden fame. Lyrics like “Help me if you can, I’m feeling down / And I do appreciate you being ’round” reveal a deep sense of needing support and reassurance. Despite its upbeat tempo, the song’s underlying message is one of desperation and a plea for help. “Help!” became the title track for both an album and a film, cementing its place in pop culture history.

16. “Breathin” by Ariana Grande

“Breathin” by Ariana Grande addresses the singer’s struggles with anxiety and the importance of finding ways to cope. The song’s lyrics, “Just keep breathin’ and breathin’ and breathin’ and breathin’,” emphasize the necessity of taking things one step at a time and focusing on the present moment. The track, which features a blend of pop and R&B elements, was inspired by Grande’s own experiences with anxiety following traumatic events in her life. “Breathin” serves as a reminder to listeners that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that finding simple ways to manage stress can be incredibly powerful.

17. “As It Was” by Harry Styles

“As It Was” by Harry Styles is a reflective song that delves into themes of change, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics, “You know it’s not the same as it was,” capture a sense of longing for the past and the inevitable transformation that comes with life experiences. The song contrasts upbeat ’80s-inspired synths with melancholic lyrics, creating a poignant juxtaposition. Styles has explained that the song was influenced by his experiences during the pandemic, which forced him to slow down and reassess his life beyond his career as a musician. The lyrics also touch on personal aspects of Styles’ life, including references to his family and relationships, adding depth to the song’s exploration of stress and change.

18. “My Stress” by NF

“My Stress” by NF is an introspective track that delves into the artist’s personal struggles with anxiety and the pressures of fame. The song’s lyrics, “I just want relief from my stress,” highlight NF’s desire to escape the overwhelming negativity and expectations that come with his career. He candidly discusses the duality of his relationship with stress, acknowledging both its detrimental impact on his mental health and its role as a driving force in his life. Themes of isolation, superficial relationships, and existential questioning are prevalent throughout the song, making it a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional toll of living under constant pressure.

19. “Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty

“Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty addresses the feelings of isolation and anxiety that accompany social anxiety. Written by lead singer Rob Thomas, the song reflects his personal experiences with panic attacks and the struggle to feel comfortable in his own skin. The lyrics, “I’m not crazy, I’m just a little unwell,” convey a sense of vulnerability and the difficulty of dealing with mental health issues in a world that often misunderstands them. The song’s relatable themes and catchy melody have made it a lasting anthem for those grappling with similar feelings of anxiety and social discomfort.

20. “The Lakes” by Taylor Swift

“The Lakes” by Taylor Swift is a song about escapism and the desire to find solace in nature. Inspired by the Lake District and the Romantic poets who found refuge there, the song explores themes of isolation, reflection, and the healing power of nature. The lyrics, “Take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die,” express a longing to escape the pressures and expectations of modern life. Swift’s poetic imagery and references to historical figures like William Wordsworth add depth to the song, making it a meditation on finding peace and reclaiming one’s sense of self amidst the chaos of the world.

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

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.