Music can have all kinds of effects on us, and it is always considered therapeutic. When you listen to songs about toxic relationships, you can find the power you need to get out of one. Or, you might find the exact description of what you're feeling right now. When you relate to a song, you allow yourself to feel the pain and it gives you enough strength to let the relationship go.
We know that being in a toxic relationship is hard. That's why we put together a list of songs that talk about how difficult it is to end such a relationship, all the mixed feelings involved, and how harmful it can become.
Quit - Ariana Grande, Cashmere Cat
"Quit" is a song about not being able to let go. Despite what her friends and family are saying, she has no intent to stop seeing this guy. Her attraction to him seems physical at first, but then she reveals how the sound of his heartbeats has the power to silence every trace of reason in her. In the end, she knows she's going to regret it, but admits that she can't quit.
"We're heading deep inside lives a voice, a voice so quiet
But I can't hear that voice when your heart beats next to mine
I can't quit you, I can't quit you
I can't quit you, I can't quit you"
S.O.S. (Anything but Love) - Apocalyptica ft. Cristina Scabbia
The song "S.O.S." released by Apocalyptica, a symphonic metal band, is quite dark. It describes the point of view of a woman who is probably involved in an abusive relationship. She considers herself bound and trapped by this man's side, who is offering her "anything but love." Violence, mind games, and threats are also mentioned. She seems helpless.
"So go on infect me
Go on and scare me to death
Tell me I asked for it
Tell me I'll never forget
You could give me anything but love
Anything but love"
Rock Bottom - Hailee Steinfeld ft. DNCE
Hailee Steinfeld is an American actress and singer who understands the struggle of being in a toxic relationship. Her song "Rock Bottom" talks about an unhappy romantic relationship where both partners go from loving to hating each other. She thinks they both deserve it because they keep coming back. It is one of the best examples of toxic relationship songs.
"Oh, we're on the right side of rock bottom
And I hope that we keep falling
We're on the good side of bad karma
'Cause we keep on coming back for more"
Ex Factor - Lauryn Hill
American singer and songwriter Lauryn Hill shares an emotional love story in her song "Ex Factor." She craves for more love from her partner, only to hit a brick wall. When she wants to break up and move on, he pulls a manipulative move on her, threatening to hurt himself. It is one of the few songs about toxic relationships that mention emotional blackmail.
"No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin', It ain't workin' (It ain't workin')
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy, this is crazy"
Mad Love - JoJo
JoJo's point of view on love is a little discouraging. She believes that love can't be explained and admits that she can't think straight because of it. Even so, she somehow embraces the bad just to experience the good.
"You give me mad love
How far can we go? Nobody knows
You give me bad love
But I'll take what I get, I'm starvin' for it
Like I've never had love
You keep me insane and I'm not ashamed
Don't give a damn, love
I want you so bad, love
You give me mad love"
Love On The Brain - Rihanna
Rihanna's "Love on the Brain" is among the songs about being treated badly in a relationship. Although she knows what she's in for, she is too overwhelmed by her feelings in order to let go. Her efforts are in vain, but this doesn't stop her from loving him. The love she is experiencing is not only emotionally harmful, but also physically abusive.
"Oh, and baby I'm fist fighting with fire
Just to get close to you
Can we burn something, babe?
And I run for miles just to get a taste
Must be love on the brain"
Hard Feelings/Loveless - Lorde
Lorde's song "Hard Feelings/Loveless" is divided into two parts. At first, we witness the process of grieving. Next, New Zealand singer and songwriter Lorde writes a few words about the good times she has spent together with her lover only to come to the conclusion that we're a "loveless generation." It's one of the best songs about toxic relationships because it is focused on what's wrong about the way we see love these days. More specifically, we play mind games and try to distract ourselves from what's really important.
"Hard feelings
These are what they call hard feelings of love
When the sweet words and fevers all leave us right here in the cold, oh oh
Alone with the hard feelings of love
God, I wish I believed you when you told me this was my ho-o-ome"
Love The Way You Lie - Eminem ft. Rihanna
Eminem found the right words to talk about the ups and downs in a relationship and the way love blinds us. He gradually introduces us to a darker scenario when all the good feelings turn into bad ones. Promises are broken, lies are told, and violence also makes its way between the two lovers.
"High off of love drunk from my hate
It's like I'm huffing paint and I love her the more I suffer
I suffocate and right before I'm about to drown
She resuscitates me, she fucking hates me"
Summary
You are in a toxic relationship if you are feeling unvalued, unloved, unheard, and disrespected. But you are not alone. Use these songs to channel your inner strength and recognize your weaknesses before it's too late.