Songs about Suicide and Suicide Prevention

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64 Songs About Suicide and Suicide Prevention
The Best Country Songs About Suicide
7 Powerful Country Songs About Suicide or Feeling Suicidal

My Top Six
4:06
3:59
3:51
4:51
3:25
Just call - Bill Withers
How Do You Get That Lonely - Blaine Larsen
The Call - Matt Kennon
Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss
Alyssa Lies - Jason Michael Carroll's
Drink A Beer - Luke Bryan

 

Trigger Warning

The content displayed on this web page may be sensitive to some viewers. Viewing is not advised if you may become easily triggered.

64 Songs About Suicide and Suicide Prevention


Life Does Get Better If You Can Hang On

I was 15 years old when a male friend drove his truck out to the middle of nowhere one night and didn't come back. He died by suicide, and a part of me went with him. Death by suicide runs deep in my family, across generations. I hated that it touched my friends, too.

Sadly, while the rest of his peers graduated, went off to college or the military, or found work in local factories, my friend missed out. The rest of his peers became adults and met the love(s) of their small town lives. They married, had children, and some of them divorced (in various orders, but that's okay).

They ventured to far flung locations to pursue careers that some of them would never have imagined as teenagers. He missed those adventures as well. He will always be frozen in time as a high school sophomore in the sad land of "What if?"

If you're struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, stop and seek help now. While it may feel like you're out of options, if you can just hang on, life does get better. If you don't have someone you can talk to, reach out to one of the crisis intervention resources listed in this article.

If you've experienced the loss by suicide of someone you care for and want to raise prevention awareness, we are kindred souls. This playlist consists of pop, rock, country, metal, and R&B songs that do not glorify suicide but rather seek to prevent self-harm and remind people that suicide permanently impacts many lives.
Source: spinditty.com/playlists/Songs-About-Suicide-and-Suicide-Prevention

1. "Lullaby" by Nickelback

3:44

Sung from the perspective of someone who has been there, the narrator in this 2012 rock song expresses the urgency of turning away from the ledge of suicide. He tells his friend that they are not alone and expresses faith in their decision-making, even at the last moment.

Please let me take you
Put of the darkness and into the light
'Cause I have faith in you
That you're gonna make it through another night.
Stop thinking about the easy way out
There's no need to go and blow the candle out
Because you're not done.
You're far too young
And the best is yet to come.

Are you feeling suicidal
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "SOS" to 741741 to connect with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's free.

2. "How To Save a Life" by The Fray

4:27

This 2005 was inspired by the lead singer's work with troubled teens. The song describes an example of how to listen non-defensively and provide the necessary support to someone who feels they are all out of options.

3. "Why" by Rascal Flatts

5:02

In this touching 2009 country song, the grieving narrator struggles to make sense of a 17-year-old friend's suicide. He wonders

  • why he didn't see it coming
  • if there was something he could have done to prevent the death, and
  • what could possibly explain walking away "in the middle of a song."

4. "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

5:37

This 1992 song was written with a teenage audience in mind, although its lyrics speak directly to anyone who is suffering. It tries to impress upon those who are depressed and contemplating suicide that they are not alone. Everyone hurts. Take comfort in your friends and hang on.

Are you feeling suicidal
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "SOS" to 741741 to connect with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's free.

5. "Goodbye (I'm Sorry)" by Jamestown Story

4:44

The narrator in this 2007 song indicates that time has run out on him, and he is ready to leave this world behind. He has experienced abuse, an untreated emotional disorder, and deep feelings of worthlessness. With regret, he is saying goodbye.

Towards the end of the song, there is a sudden cut to brief spoken facts about suicide, plus a phone number for the National Hopeline Network (1.800.784.2433). Unfortunately, a 2011 version of the song omits this important information.

6. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day

4:47

Sung from the perspective of a depressed and lonely person, this 2004 song is about feeling isolated by one's personal problems. The narrator walks a boulevard of broken dreams, accompanied only by his shadow.

However, he offers that "sometimes I wish someone out there will find me." People who are suicidal often signal their intent to others.

7. "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor

3:27

This classic 1970 song is one of Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It references the death by suicide of James Taylor's childhood friend, Suzanne Schnerr, as well as his struggle with drug addiction and depression and his reflections on fame.

Taylor's lingering sense of loss is reflected in the song's famous refrain:

I've seen fire and I've seen rain.
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end.
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again.

Are you feeling suicidal
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "SOS" to 741741 to connect with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's free.

8. "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" by Billy Joel

5:08

Billy Joel once attempted suicide, and he wrote this upbeat 1985 song for a teenage audience to remind them that it's okay to make mistakes. Between accidents, heartbreaks, and bad choices that leave you with a bad reputation — hey, life happens — you may feel like giving up, but stick it out.

The narrator promises that brighter times are ahead:

Don't forget your second wind
Sooner or later you'll feel that momentum kick in.

9. "Stay Alive" by Smile Empty Soul

3:25

Alternative rock offers up this soothing 2009 song that provides reassurance to anyone feeling stuck, like they're out of options. Even if you feel misunderstood, lied to, and like nothing is going right, stay alive. Even if you feel nothing is right in your head or you're in too deep, stay alive. Better days are ahead.

10. "The Last Night" by Skillet

3:31

One friend approaches another in this 2006 Christian rock song, intending to issue a final farewell. However, the friend senses the lie and promises to be their lifeline: "I won't let you say goodbye. I'll be your reason why."

11. "One Last Breath" by Creed

3:59

At first, this 2001 song's protagonist believes he's found the unfortunate road to nowhere and is in grave danger of falling. He is down to one last breath, struggling to survive. Then he finds the road to somewhere, reflects on his mistakes, and comes to believe that there is something left for him in this world.

12. "How Do You Get That Lonely" by Blaine Larsen

3:59

This 2005 song asks the question that many people ask, in disbelief. How do you get that lonely, feel that empty, hurt that bad that death seems like the only option?

How do you get that lonely
And nobody knows?

The protagonist is without blame and just doesn't understand. (If one has never experienced depression, this may be very hard to comprehend.)

Are you feeling suicidal
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "SOS" to 741741 to connect with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's free.

Printed underneath a sports story in the local newspaper was an article about an 18-year-old who died by suicide. It didn't even make the front page, but it would change the lives of his family, friends, and others forever.

13. "That Year" by Brandi Carlisle

3:34

The narrator in this song from 2009 lost a classmate to suicide. As a traumatized survivor of suicide loss, she couldn't say his name for 10 years, but is now finally coming to terms with what happened:

You were lonesome and blue eyed
And so special to us
You should have taken a long break
Instead of a long drop from a high place.

14. "Never Too Late" by Three Days Grace

3:20

A man is desperately trying to convince someone he cares about that it's never too late to decide that you want to live rather than die. He explains that the world will never be what you expected. The song was released in 2006.

15. "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind

4:31

Step away from the ledge. That's what the narrator in this 1997 song tells his suicidal friend on the bridge. He validates that there may be difficult life challenges that seem monumental. Then he encourages him to face those demons down rather than trying to escape them this way.

16. "Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss

6:43

This haunting 2003 country song illustrates that alcoholism plays a role in one-third of all completed suicides.

After a woman broke her lover's heart, he spent the rest of his life wrapped around a whiskey bottle, trying to forget. Eventually, however, they found him dead with a suicide note nearby. Guilt consumed her, and she also became an alcoholic who died in a similar manner. One broken relationship, two tragedies.

Are you feeling suicidal
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "SOS" to 741741 to connect with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's free.

17. "Hold On" by Wilson Philips

3:40

This empowering song from 1990 provides hope and encouragement for people who feel distressed, unhappy, and stepped upon by others. It promises that change is indeed possible if you can simply make it through the short-term circumstances of today:

Don't you know things can change
Things'll go your way
If you hold on for one more day
Can you hold on for one more day?

18. "By the Grace of God" by Katy Perry

4:21

In this emotional 2013 song, a protagonist experienced a heartbreak and found herself being blamed for the unraveled relationship. Feeling defeated, she lay on the bathroom floor in tears. With determination and the help of her sister, she decided to stay alive:

By the grace of God
There was no other way
I picked myself back up
I knew I had to stay
I put one foot in front of the other
And I looked in the mirror
And decided to stay
Wasn't gonna let love take me out that way.

19. "Hey Stoopid" by Alice Cooper

4:46

Yep, seriously. You wouldn't expect this 1991 song from "The Godfather of Shock Rock." The song addresses the person who might be considering ending their life by telling them in no-nonsense terms that it's a terrible idea and they're not alone.

Are you feeling suicidal
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Text "SOS" to 741741 to connect with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's free.

20. "Save Me" by Shinedown

3:32

In this 2005 hard rock song, a substance-addicted narrator living on the streets has reached his rock bottom. Now desperate to preserve his life rather than destroy it, he pleads, "Somebody save me. Please don't erase me."

All 64 Songs About Suicide and Suicide Prevention

Song
Artist
Year Released

1

Lullaby

Nickelback

2012

2

How To Save a Life

The Fray

2005

3

Why

Rascal Flatts

2009

4

Everybody Hurts

R.E.M.

1992

5

Goodbye (I'm Sorry)

Jamestown Story

2007

6

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Green Day

2007

7

Fire and Rain

James Taylor

2004

8

You're Only Human (Second Wind)

Billy Joel

1985

9

Stay Alive

Smile Empty Soul

2009

10

The Last Night

Skillet

2008

11

One Last Breath

Creed

2001

12

How Do You Get That Lonely

Blaine Larsen

2005

13

That Year

Brandi Carlisle

2009

14

Never Too Late

Three Days Grace

2006

15

Jumper

Third Eye Blind

1997

16

Whiskey Lullaby

Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss

2003

17

Hold On

Wilson Philips

1990

18

By the Grace of God

Katy Perry

2013

19

Hey Stoopid

Alice Cooper

1991

20

Save Me

Shinedown

2005

21

Don't Give Up

Peter Gabriel (featuring Kate Bush)

1986

22

Make It Stop (September's Children)

Rise Against

2011

23

On a Bus to St. Cloud

Trisha Yearwood

1995

24

Rise Above This

Seether

2008

25

A Day Without Me

U2

1980

26

Bad Luck

Social Distortion

1992

27

Stole

Kelly Rowland

2002

28

Haunted

Kelly Clarkson

2007

29

With a Broken Wing

Martina McBride

1997

30

Don't Let Me Get Me

Pink

2002

31

She's Falling Apart

Lisa Loeb

2002

32

Take One Breath

The Spill Canvas

2014

33

Zero

Hawk Nelson

2006

34

Shine

Vanessa Amorosi

2000

35

F*ckin' Perfect

Pink

2010

36

The Outsider

A Perfect Circle

2003

37

Joining You

Alanis Morrisette

1998

38

Stand In the Rain

Superchick

2006

39

Welcome to My Life

Simple Plan

2004

40

Wonderful Life

Hurts

2010

41

In a New York Minute

Don Henley

1990

42

Hold On

Good Charlotte

2003

43

Save You

Kelly Clarkson

2009

44

Suicide Alley

Shawn Colvin

1996

45

Sweet Old World

Lucinda Williams

1992

46

The Pass

Rush

1989

47

Don't Close Your Eyes

Kix

1988

48

Reason To Live

KISS

1987

49

Answer

Sarah McLachlan

2004

50

The Last Letter

Michael W. Smith

1985

51

The Light

Disturbed

2015

52

1-800-273-8255

Logic (featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid)

2017

53

Move Along

The All-American Rejects

2005

54

Truce

Twenty One Pilots

2012

55

Friend, Please

Twenty One Pilots

2009

56

No Giving Up

Crossfade

2004

57

Out of Control

Oingo Boingo

1990

58

Staying Alive

Cursive

2003

59

Life Left To Go

SafetySuit

2008

60

Rise Above This

Seether

2007

61

You’re Not Alone

Saosin

2006

62

Missing You

All Time Low

2015

63

Come Out Fighting

Pennywise

1991

64

The Great Escape

Pink

2012

Source: spinditty.com/playlists/Songs-About-Suicide-and-Suicide-Prevention

I drove her out of my mind

Johnny Cash

1991

For My Broken Heart

Rebas McEntire

The Best Country Songs About Suicide


What are the best country songs about suicide? This list includes great country songs such as “Whiskey Lullaby,” “How Do You Get That Lonely”,” “Why” and “The Call.” Dealing with life's us and downs can be a difficult thing to bare. Whether its a personal conflict or you know of someone who's having a difficult situation there are many songs that also deal with this difficult subject. Often these songs can be uplifting, they can help us understand, and sometimes they can just make us sadder. Regardless of the type of approach they take to the subject of suicide, the best of these songs are on this list.

Songs have the ability to make us feel. We often feel an emotional connection to songs, particularly country songs. The southern and country way of life has a long history dealing with life's hardships and tragedies. The best country songs tat deal with sucide are often the most moving of these songs because they tell a familiar and relatable story since we all deal with life's ups and downs. No one these songs are meant to portray a way out, they are simply songs that people write as they deal with their own personal experiences.

These best country songs that deal with suicide are extremely emotional. They are heartbreaking and often make us cry.

These are songs from top country artists, both modern and classic, such as Rascal Flatts, Dolly Parton,Bobbie Gentry, and Garth Brooks. Vote up the greatest country songs about suicide if it isn't already on the list.
Source: www.ranker.com/list/best-country-songs-about-suicide/ranker-music

The Best Country Songs About Suicide

Song
Artist
About

1

Whiskey Lullaby

Brad Paisley, Aliso Krauss

drinking yourself to death

2

How do you get that lonely

Blaine Larsen

reading about a suicide and wondering how people come to that decision

3

Why

Rascal Flatts

used for suicide prevention campaigns

4

The Call

how a phone call can prevent suicide

5

Hurt

Johnny Cash

hurtin oneself to feel the pain and feel alive

6

Moments

wanting to commit suicide and realizing life isn't as bad as you thought

7

Kill Myself

hurting everyone and finding the only way to stop it is suicide

8

This Ain't Nothin'

Craig Morgan

perspective even when the worst things in life happen to you.

9

Independence Day

Martina McBride

woman who committed murder/suicide due to domestic violence while her daughter attends a 4th of July parade.

10

The beaches of Cheyenne

Garth Brooks

committing suicide over losing a loved one.

11

Finger on the Trigger

contemplating suicide

12

One Day You Will

finding a reason to live rather than taking your life

13

Don't close your eyes

Keith Whitley

not wanting to let go

14

Never to Late

how no one understands.

15

Ode to Billie Joe

Bobbie Gentry

two Mississippi lovers who secret eventually leads to one's suicide

16

Goodbye.

an apology for suicide.

17

Big, Bad John

man who sacrifices his own life to save others.

18

Farewell Party.

how friends will react to your death.

19

Haunted

missing someone who's committed suicide.

20

What's This Life For

talking someone out of suicide

21

On a Bus to St. Cloud

chasing after someone's ghost after they've gone.

22

Loser (album version) 

a loser who chooses to end it all

23

I'll think of something

Mark Chesnutt

turning to pills and suicide after a lover leaves you

24

I drove her out of my mind

the memory of a lost lover driving someone to death

25

Last Last Time

regrets

26

Kiss the World Goodbye

a hypathetical suicide note.

27

The Last Letter

how we all see times of desperation.

28

I need a Miracle

29

A Song For

Townes Van Zandt

30

The Bridge

standing on a bridge and contemplating ending it all

31

That Year

committing suicide to try and make a situation better

32

Wings of Angels

those of us

33

I've Done Enough Dying Today

34

A Smile on Mt Face

sad song about suicide

35

Fire Away

36

One Dyin' and a Buryi

how to forget all your troubles for good.

37

Country Death Song

Violent Femmes

death and suicide

38

Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself.

saying goodbye

39

Turning the Gun on Myself

wanting to end it all even when you're supposed to have it all.

40

Goin' Down in Style

hedonistic song about dying of excesses in Mexico

41

Endless Sleep

teenage suicide.

42

Sweet Old World

Lucinda Williams

realizing how much someone's worth when it's too late.

43

Hill Above the City

Hill Above the City

44

Kiss the Children

Gram Parsons

realizing your worth and wanting to end it all

45

Chiseled in Stone

Vern Gosdin

46

Heaven, Hell or Houston

a man trying to figure out what to do with himself.

47

Barclay James Harvest Suicide

sad song about suicide

48

Patches.

song about teenage suicide

49

Let's Not Shit Ourselves

look back at the sad and pathetic moments in life that reduce us to nothing

50

Suicide Blues

Taking your life after a woman has done you wrong.

Source: Listen to each song at www.ranker.com/list/best-country-songs-about-suicide/ranker-music

7 Powerful Country Songs About Suicide or Feeling Suicidal


There aren’t many country songs about committing suicide, but the 7 songs on this list are certainly worth listening to. It’s hard to not know someone who has been affected by suicide in one way or another, which is why country artists like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts have written country songs about suicide. Although these country songs are about someone killing themselves or wanting to kill themselves, a few have a positive message.

7 Powerful Country Songs About Suicide or Feeling Suicidal
Song
Artist

Whiskey Lullaby

Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss

The Call

Matt Kennon

How do you get that lonely

Blaine Larsen

Why

Rascal Flatts

Moments (homeless/bridge)

Emerson Drive

One Day You Will

Lady Antebellum

Finger on the Trigger

Blue Edmondson

Souce:  www.fullredneck.com/best-country-songs-about-suicide/6/

 
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