Loneliness is a universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Whether you’re feeling isolated, misunderstood, or just need a good cry, music can be a powerful way to cope with your feelings.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 30 songs about loneliness that will make you feel less alone. From classic rock to pop to indie, these songs capture the essence of what it means to be lonely and how to overcome it.
1. Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles
This iconic song by The Beatles tells the story of Eleanor Rigby, a lonely woman who lives in a church and wears a face that she keeps in a jar by the door. The song also features Father McKenzie, a priest who writes sermons that no one hears and buries Eleanor when she dies. The song asks the haunting question, “All the lonely people, where do they all belong?”
2. View From The Moon by angelbaby feat. Stolar
This indie-pop song by angelbaby and Stolar is about feeling lonely and isolated in a big city. The singer compares himself to an astronaut who is floating in space, far away from home and everyone he loves. He sings, “I don’t wanna come back down / Screaming but it makes no sound / Spinning in your orbit now / I don’t wanna come back down.” The song’s sound is a blend of warm synths, lo-fi drums, and atmospheric vocals that create a dreamy and haunting mood. The song was released on April 21, 2023, and has gained popularity on YouTube and Spotify. The song also has a lyric video and a collection of NFTs on OpenSea.
3. Die For You by Joji
This indie-pop song by Joji is about coping with a breakup and still loving someone who has moved on. The singer expresses his pain and regret and wishes his ex the best, even though it hurts him. He sings: “I heard that you’re happy without me / And I hope it’s true / It kills me a little, that’s okay / ‘Cause I’d die for you / You know I’d still die for you.” The song’s sound is a mix of soft piano, electric guitar, and smooth vocals that create a melancholic and nostalgic mood. The song was released on November 3, 2022, as the third track of Joji’s third studio album SMITHEREENS. The song also has a music video that features Joji walking alone in a dark and empty city.
4. Soso by Omah Lay
This afro-pop song by Omah Lay is about his struggles with pain and loneliness and his hope for a muse who can take his pain away. The singer reveals his vulnerability and desperation and sings, “Soso take my pain away / Soso take my pain away / Soso take my pain away / Soso take my pain away.” The song’s sound is a fusion of catchy beats, smooth vocals, and African influences that create a groovy and emotional vibe. The song was released on April 30, 2023, as the third track of Omah Lay’s debut album, Boy Alone. The song also has a music video that features Omah Lay walking alone in a dark and empty city.
5. Calico (Lonely Love) by Katie Boeck
This folk-pop song by Katie Boeck is about feeling lonely and disconnected in a hyperconnected world. The singer expresses her frustration and sadness and sings, “Too many modes of connection / Too many ways to break the radio silence.” The song’s sound is a combination of acoustic guitar, piano, and harmonies that create a soothing and melancholic mood. The song was released on March 31, 2023, as the ninth track of Katie Boeck’s debut album Calico. The song also has a lyric video that features Katie Boeck singing in front of a colourful backdrop.
6. Darkness by Romy Dya
This soul-pop song by Romy Dya is about finding light in the darkness and healing from the wounds of the past. The singer shares her personal journey of transformation and growth and sings, “In the darkness, I found a light / Shining deep within my soul.” The song’s sound is a blend of soothing piano, ethereal vocals, and ambient sounds that create a haunting and captivating mood. The song was released on March 24, 2023, as the first track of Romy Dya’s debut EP, Transformation. The song also has a music video that features Romy Dya singing in front of a dark and stormy backdrop.
7. With You by LINNEY X MORGIN MADISON
This electronic-pop song by LINNEY and MORGIN MADISON is about feeling supported and inspired by someone who loves you. The singer expresses her gratitude and affection for her partner and sings, “You’re the reason I’m alive / You’re the reason I can fly / You’re the reason I can do anything / With you.” The song’s sound is a combination of LINNEY’s angelic vocals, MORGIN MADISON’s atmospheric production, and catchy synth hooks that create a euphoric and anthemic mood. The song was released on March 5, 2023, by Helix Records. The song also has a visualizer video that features LINNEY and MORGIN MADISON in front of a colourful backdrop.
8. Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye feat. Kimbra
This hit song by Gotye and Kimbra is about a bitter breakup that leaves both parties feeling lonely and resentful. The song alternates between the perspectives of the ex-lovers, who accuse each other of being cold, dishonest, and indifferent. The song’s catchy chorus reflects their sense of alienation: “Now you’re just somebody that I used to know.”
9. Lonely by Akon
This pop song by Akon is about regretting losing a girl who was everything to him. The singer blames himself for mistreating her and wishes he could turn back time and make things right. He laments his loneliness and how he has no one to call his own. The song features a sample of Bobby Vinton’s “Mr. Lonely”, which adds to the nostalgic mood.
10. Shameless by Nicole Ariana
This pop song by Nicole Ariana is about letting go of a toxic relationship and finding strength in yourself. The singer reflects on her past love and how it left her cold and empty and sings, “Kissing you is cold / I am hot to hold / You don’t know me at all.” The song’s sound is a mix of piano, guitar, and drums that create a dynamic and emotional mood. The song was released on March 5, 2023, as the first track of Nicole Ariana’s debut album, Crybaby. The song also has a music video that features Nicole Ariana and Cory Urquhart as ex-lovers who are haunted by their memories.
11. YU-UTSU NA MICHI (MELANCHOLY ROADS) by Sarina
This alt-pop song by Sarina is about chasing your dreams and overcoming your fears and loneliness. The singer sings in both Japanese and English, and sings, “It’s these melancholy roads, know where to go / These long and lonesome roads / I’m scared but still / I’ll keep on walking.” The song’s sound is a fusion of ethereal soundscapes, guitar-driven choruses, and anime and gaming-inspired elements that create a captivating and emotional vibe. The song was released on January 29, 2023, as the first single from Sarina’s upcoming album. The song also has a music video that features Sarina as an astronaut who explores a dark and empty city.
12. LONELY ASS BITCH by Ally Ahern
This pop song by Ally Ahern is about being unapologetic and confident in yourself, even if others judge you or try to bring you down. The singer sings in a sarcastic and sassy tone and sings, “I’m a lonely ass bitch / And I don’t give a shit / I’m a lonely ass bitch / And I’m proud of it.” The song’s sound is a mix of upbeat drums, electric guitar, and catchy vocals that create a fun and rebellious mood. The song was released on August 20, 2022, as the second single from Ally Ahern’s upcoming album. The song also has a lyric video and a music video that feature Ally Ahern in various outfits and scenarios that showcase her personality.
13. Dancing On My Own by Robyn
This dance-pop song by Robyn is about watching the person you love dance with someone else on the dance floor. The singer tries to act cool and pretend she doesn’t care, but she can’t help feeling lonely and heartbroken. She sings, “I’m in the corner, watching you kiss her / I’m right over here, why can’t you see me? / I’m giving it my all, but I’m not the girl you’re taking home / I keep dancing on my own.”
14. Lonely Boy by The Black Keys
This rock song by The Black Keys is about a lonely boy who can’t find love or happiness. He feels rejected and abandoned by everyone he meets, and he wonders if there’s something wrong with him. He sings, “I got a love that keeps me waiting / I’m a lonely boy / I’m a lonely boy / Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting.“
15. Don’t Speak by No Doubt
This pop-rock song by No Doubt is about a couple who are drifting apart and can’t communicate anymore. The singer knows that their relationship is over, but she doesn’t want to hear it from her partner. She begs him not to speak and ruin their memories. She sings, “Don’t speak / I know what you’re thinking / And I don’t need your reasons / Don’t tell me ’cause it hurts.”
16. Jocelyn Flores by XXXTENTACION
This rap song by XXXTENTACION is a tribute to his friend Jocelyn Flores, who suffered from depression and committed suicide in May 2017. The singer expresses his grief and guilt and sings, “I’m in pain, wanna put ten shots in my brain / I’ve been trippin’ ’bout some things, can’t change / Suicidal, same time I’m tame.” The song’s sound is a mix of lo-fi beats, sampled vocals from Shiloh Dynasty’s “I Know You So Well“, and XXXTENTACION’s raw and emotional delivery that create a dark and sombre mood. The song was released on August 25, 2017, as the second single of XXXTENTACION’s debut album, 17. The song also has an audio video that features a picture of Jocelyn Flores.
17. Alien by Eli Gosling
This R&B song by Eli Gosling is about feeling lonely and alienated in a big and crazy world. The singer sings in a soothing and soulful tone and sings: “I’m an alien / I’m an alien / I’m an alien / I’m an alien / I’m an alien / I’m an alien / I’m an alien / I’m an alien.” The song’s sound is a mix of rudimentary production, warped electronic sensibilities, and electro-pop soundscapes that create a pensive and haunting mood. The song was released on July 2, 2021, as the lead single of Eli Gosling’s upcoming album. The song also has a music video that features Eli Gosling as an astronaut who explores a dark and empty city.
18. Lonely Day by System Of A Down
This metal song by System Of A Down is about having the worst day ever and feeling utterly alone. The singer describes his loneliness as a curse that he can’t escape, and he wishes he could find someone to share his pain with. He sings, “Such a lonely day / And it’s mine / The most loneliest day of my life / Such a lonely day / Should be banned / It’s a day that I can’t stand.”
19. Lonely by Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco
This pop song by Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco is about the singer’s struggles with fame and loneliness. He reflects on how he felt isolated and misunderstood as a child star, and how he made mistakes that he regrets. He sings, “Everybody knows my name now / But something ’bout it still feels strange / Like looking in a mirror, trying to steady yourself / And seeing somebody else / And everything is not the same now / It feels like all our lives have changed / Maybe when I’m older, it’ll all calm down / But it’s killing me now.”
20. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
This power ballad by Whitney Houston is one of the most famous songs about love and loss. The singer expresses her gratitude and affection for her former lover, but she knows that they have to part ways for their own good. She sings, “And I will always love you / I will always love you / You, my darling you / Bittersweet memories / That is all I’m taking with me / So goodbye, please don’t cry / We both know I’m not what you, you need.”
21. Creep by Radiohead
This alternative rock song by Radiohead is about feeling insecure and unworthy of love. The singer has a crush on someone who is out of his league, and he hates himself for being a creep and a weirdo. He sings, “But I’m a creep / I’m a weirdo / What the hell am I doing here? / I don’t belong here.”
22. Hurt by Nine Inch Nails
This industrial rock song by Nine Inch Nails is about self-loathing and addiction. The singer describes how he hurts himself to cope with his pain and loneliness, and how he pushes away everyone who cares about him. He sings, “I hurt myself today / To see if I still feel / I focus on the pain / The only thing that’s real / The needle tears a hole / The old familiar sting / Try to kill it all away / But I remember everything.”
23. Hello by Lionel Richie
This pop song by Lionel Richie is about longing for someone who doesn’t notice you. The singer is in love with a woman who he sees every day, but he can’t find the courage to talk to her. He sings, “Hello, is it me you’re looking for? / I can see it in your eyes / I can see it in your smile / You’re all I’ve ever wanted / And my arms are open wide.”
24. Mad World by Tears For Fears
This new wave song by Tears For Fears is about feeling disconnected and depressed in a world that doesn’t make sense. The singer observes the people around him who seem to be living in a mad world, where nothing matters and no one cares. He sings, “All around me are familiar faces / Worn out places, worn out faces / Bright and early for their daily races / Going nowhere, going nowhere / Their tears are filling up their glasses / No expression, no expression / Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow / No tomorrow, no tomorrow.“
25. Where Is My Mind? by Pixies
This alternative rock song by Pixies is about questioning one’s sanity and reality. The singer sings in a surreal and whimsical tone and sings, “With your feet on the air and your head on the ground / Try this trick and spin it, yeah / Your head will collapse / But there’s nothing in it / And you’ll ask yourself / Where is my mind?” The song’s sound is a mix of lo-fi beats, sampled vocals from Shiloh Dynasty’s “I Know You So Well”, and XXXTENTACION’s raw and emotional delivery that create a dark and somber mood. The song was released on March 21, 1988, as the seventh track of Pixies’ debut album Surfer Rosa. The song also has an official lyric video that features a picture of a monkey.
26. All By Myself by Celine Dion
This pop ballad by Celine Dion is about feeling lonely and longing for someone to love. The singer remembers how she used to be happy and independent, but now she feels sad and isolated. She sings, “All by myself / Don’t want to be all by myself anymore / All by myself / Don’t want to live all by myself anymore.”
27. Lonely Together by Avicii feat. Rita Ora
This EDM song by Avicii and Rita Ora is about finding comfort in each other’s loneliness. The singers are both unhappy in their lives, but they decide to spend one night together and pretend that they’re in love. They sing, “I might hate myself tomorrow but I’m on my way tonight / At the bottom of the bottle, you’re the poison in the wine / And I know I can’t change you and I won’t change / I might hate myself tomorrow but I’m on my way tonight / Let’s be lonely together.”
28. Colorblind by Counting Crows
This pop-rock song by Counting Crows is about feeling numb and detached from the world. The singer sings in a melancholic and vulnerable tone and sings: “I am colorblind / Coffee black and egg white / Pull me out from inside / I am ready, I am ready, I am ready / I am fine.” The song’s sound is a mix of piano, guitar, and drums that create a soft and emotional mood. The song was released in 1999 as the fourth track on Counting Crows’ third album, This Desert Life. The song also has an audio video that features a picture of a coffee cup.
29. Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
This soul song by Bill Withers is about missing someone who has left and feeling hopeless and depressed. The singer sings in a simple and heartfelt tone and sings, “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone / It’s not warm when she’s away / Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone / And she’s always gone too long / Anytime she goes away.” The song’s sound is a mix of acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and strings that create a smooth and sad mood. The song was released in July 1971 as the second single from Bill Withers’ debut album, Just As I Am.
30. Solitude by Billie Holiday
A jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington that captures the feeling of being haunted by memories of a lost love. The lyrics include, “In my solitude you haunt me / With reveries of days gone by / In my solitude you taunt me / With memories that never die“. The song was recorded by Billie Holiday in 1941 and released on the album Billie Holiday Sings in 1952.
Loneliness is a universal human emotion that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. It can be caused by many factors, such as loss, isolation, rejection, depression, or anxiety. But loneliness can also be a source of inspiration, creativity, and connection. Many artists have expressed their feelings of loneliness through music and have touched the hearts of millions of listeners who can relate to their experiences.
Music can be a powerful way to cope with loneliness, as it can provide comfort, catharsis, and hope. Whether you need a song to cry to, a song to dance to, or a song to sing along to, there is a song for every mood and situation.
We hope that this list of 30 songs about loneliness has helped you feel less alone and more understood. Remember that you are not the only one who feels lonely and that there are people who care about you and want to help you. If you are struggling with loneliness, please reach out to someone you trust or seek professional help if needed. You are not alone, and you are worthy of love and happiness.