Top 10 Songs About PTSD

Song About PTSD

1. “Zombie” by The Cranberries – The singer of the band, Dolores O’Riordan, explained during interviews that the song spoke out about the fighting in Ireland that started in 1916. The war had lost meaning and killed innocents that had nothing to do with the fighting. The song was written hoping for peace between Ireland and England and that it would hopefully end the violence. The song’s lyrics talk about what a soldier suffering from PTSD may experience once home, as one primary symptom is sleep deprivation. “In your head/ in your head they are fighting/ with their tanks and their bombs/and their guns/ In your head, in your head, they are crying.”

5. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash – Johnny Cash’s masterpiece “Hurt” is actually a cover written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails,  and is probably the most depressing song ever about what seems to be Borderline Personality Disorder (probably with sociopathic tendencies).  It can also describe the feelings of having PTSD. When he recorded “Hurt,” he had already been given only 18 months to live by his doctors (he suffered from a rare degenerative disease and diabetes). Johnny Cash’s Hurt reflects depression on a deep level. Furthermore, Musical artist biographer Martin Huxley notes Hurt is a reference to self-harm and heroin addiction. 

6. “Whataya Want From Me” by P!Nk – The lyrics are probably some of the most relatable lyrics on this list. “Just don’t give up, I’m working it out, please don’t give in, I won’t let you down. It messed me up, Need a second to breathe, just keep coming around, whataya want from me?” This sums up a person with PTSD’s main conversation with those close to them. When battling PTSD, you’re struggling to keep yourself around. It would be best to have time to ‘breathe’ and heal.

9. “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” by Eminem – This song follows a similar trend of highlighting early adverse experiences and PTSD. The song deals with Eminem’s angst against his mother. In the first verse, Eminem highlights how he can’t keep his emotion in check and describes them as “the oceans exploding,” attributing it to his parents’ relationship, their “tempers flaring.” The chorus indicates that Eminem wishes to exorcise his emotional demons by voicing his angst in his lyrics. He uses the metaphor, “but tonight I’m cleaning out my closet,” to acknowledge that he would rather reveal his “skeletons” than allow them to eat away at him.

10. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child – This PTSD song is ideal for people looking to gain confidence in their decision to leave an abusive relationship. It’s the ultimate power song for victims to recognize that they’re strong and have made the right decision. The lyrics “Thought I would self-destruct, but I’m still here” are really powerful lyrics for people battling suicidal thoughts as they struggle with PTSD.

Country Songs About PTSD

Matt Kennon’s songs have hit home with many struggling with issues like suicide, post-traumatic stress, and bullying. The Atlanta native also has developed an anti-bullying program, which he has taken to 83 schools to reach over 150,000 students with a powerful anti-bullying message. Matt wants his music to speak the truth. That doesn’t mean he ever contemplated suicide like the young man he mentions in “The Call.”

Another country song about trauma and PTSD is Smile Again by Brooke Lambert. “Smile Again” shows remarkable strength and courage that while certain unspeakable moments can’t necessarily be erased, they don’t have to define or completely ruin you. After courageously telling fans on social media that she was drugged and raped after playing a solo gig, Lambert continued to chronicle details of the events and feelings following the traumatic experience.

Rock Songs About PTSD

You’re not alone if you live with PTSD and struggle with symptoms like flashbacks or insomnia. Here are a couple of songs you can relate to. It’s crucial to remember that you can connect to someone who can understand you as well. Try reaching out for help or if you have any questions about PTSD treatment options. Call us today at We Level Up.

“The Day I Tried to Live” by Soundgarden Requires decent headphones for a good experience, as there is a mixture of sounds and stereo usage that captures the feeling of punctuated disorientation that is life with panic attacks. While not directly about life with PTSD and panic, the lyrics express frustration and alienation that connects with how PTSD feels — particularly in the struggle to find self-acceptance in a hostile world.

“Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty is a song that screams everything about PTSD. The lyrics “I’m not ‘crazy…’ But someone with PTSD may feel like it… you may often look or act like it. “Talking to myself in my sleep” — usually begging some higher power to let you rest for one night of peace. One night to feel like you again.

Songs About PTSD Abuse

Trauma is complex, and so is its aftermath. And while music cannot “cure” post-traumatic stress disorder, music therapy has shown positive results in helping relieve PTSD symptoms. For some, a song — or loud sounds at all — can be triggering, but for many, empowering and relatable lyrics or calming (or even heart-pumping) melodies help get them through difficult periods with PTSD.

“Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift. This song isn’t a typical Taylor Swift song.  But if you’re currently suffering from PTSD for the first time, you might find this song about PTSD accurately taps into what emotions you’re feeling.

Songs About PTSD Trauma

“A Little Bit Stronger” by Sara Evans. A PTSD song about recovery is this Sara Evans song. The lyrics “But I brushed my teeth anyway, Got dressed through the mess and put a smile on my face I got a little bit stronger” are perfect for celebrating the little wins as you recover from PTSD. Even a little bit of self-care can help you recover from PTSD.

“Praying” by Kesha. This song about trauma is Kesha’s song about rape after she experienced it herself. This song is about the aftermath of rape when a person has begun to heal. The lyrics “No more monsters, I can breathe again” are especially relatable to those suffering trauma. 

Songs About PTSD War

A song about PTSD for people in the military is the song “Zombie” by the Cranberries. It can be triggering as it talks about war. The lyrics “in your head, they are fighting, with their tanks, and their bombs, and their bombs, and their guns, in your head, in your head, they are crying.” With images running through your head, fighting in a war and killing civilians can be particularly difficult.

The lyrics may play while you experience flashbacks. This song may make you feel worse if you’re struggling with flashbacks. But it may also feel relatable. If you listen to this song, try to listen to it with a therapist in the room or with a friend, as it can be difficult to listen to alone.

“Keep Breathing” by Ingrid Michaelson. Keep Breathing is a great example of a PTSD song for a war veteran. The lyrics “people are dying, I close my blinds” talk about how difficult it is to watch people die, but you’re forced to pretend it doesn’t affect you. The most powerful part of the song is when the lyrics “All we can do is keep breathing” are repeated.

In addition to PTSD Treatment, many people with disorders find it immensely helpful to share their experiences and feelings with others with similar experiences, like a peer support group and listening to songs about PTSD.

We Level Up FL provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. All work as a team, providing PTSD Treatment for successful recovery. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.