Fear. Love it, hate it, or feel indifferently; we all experience it at some point in our lives.
If you want to capture that feeling, here are the best songs about fear and being scared.
“Fear” by Sade
Song Year: 1985
“Fear” is the ninth song on Sade’s second album, Promises. This song perfectly captures the fear of a woman unsure if her lover will return home tonight. She sits in anticipation every evening, wondering if her lover, a matador, survived the day.
As Sade sings the lyrics expressing this fear, you can hear the anguish in her voice. Even as she waits for her lover every day, the woman wonders if she can control her fears as all she feels is blue.
“Fear the Future” by St. Vincent
Song Year: 2017
“Fear of the Future” is a great song that many people in relationships can relate to. The song’s message gets encapsulated in the chorus, where St. Vincent anxiously waits for a response that could make or break this relationship. In this tense moment, she fears the future because she knows nothing good will come from it.
“Never Scared” by Bone Crusher
Song Year: 2003
In a completely different change of pace, let’s talk about Bone Crusher’s “Never Scared.” When compared to the previous songs, this song adopts a different strategy. This song departs from the depressing tonality of giving in to fears and livens things up a bit.
Although a bit aggressive, Bone Crusher expresses how he isn’t scared as he gets kicked outside a club. Looking past the rough exterior of the track, “Never Scared” is surprisingly empowering and might help you face your fears—but hopefully not in Bone Crusher’s manner.
“Scared of Beautiful” by Brandy
Song Year: 2012
When Brandy, a Grammy-winning singer, heard Frank Ocean’s “Scared of Beautiful,” she knew she had to sing it too. The song represents being scared to be great and having this weight on your shoulder as you try to be the best version of yourself.
This message spoke to Brandy after going through similar circumstances. Her original version is exceptional, and her lovely voice does the original song justice.
“FEAR.” by Kendrick Lamar
Song Year: 2017
One of the best lyrically dense songs on this list is “FEAR.” by Kendrick Lamar. Each verse showcases three different perspectives on fear from ages seven, 17, and 27.
The first verse shows fear emanating from Kendrick’s strict mother when he was seven. In the following verse, Kendrick describes his teenage worries and how they make life feel like a ticking time bomb.
The third verse features the Kendrick Lamar we are all accustomed to, but it also reveals a side of him we were unaware of as he struggles with the fear of losing everything he has accomplished.
“Fear” by X Ambassadors
Song Year: 2015
The following song, also titled “Fear,” explores two different sides of fear. It’s one for the underdogs that have been oppressed and are finally rebelling, while the others become afraid of this newfound will to prove the doubters wrong. This song approaches the subject of fear differently while promoting self-confidence.
“Fearmonger” by Saba
Song Year: 2022
“Fearmonger” is one of the most powerful and unique songs on this list. It depicts the artist’s life up to this point and how he grew from a starving child to a prosperous artist with several benefits.
Saba constantly worries about the worst-case scenarios. What if he loses all of his followers and—like Kendrick Lamar in “FEAR”—loses all of his money? These thoughts haunt him, and it feels like an ongoing cycle that brings him back to his past.
“Save Myself” by Ed Sheeran
Song Year: 2017
“Save Myself” is a relatable song for anybody who loves to help people but can’t seem to help themselves. Too much kindness can be detrimental, as Ed illustrates in this song. He demonstrates that despite all the care you give to others, those same people most likely won’t do the same for you.
Even though this song sounds depressing, it’s ultimately an uplifting tune that shows that you should never be afraid to focus on yourself.
“Doubt” by twenty one pilots
Song Year: 2015
The hypnotic song “Doubt” by twenty one pilots is about the insecurities of Tyler, the lead singer. He uses this song to lay out his fears because he doubts himself and his faith in God. The opening line even mentions how he is afraid of his image and his immaturity.
He becomes anxious as a result of this fear and worries that it might result in his untimely death. He is also expressing doubt about his belief in God and seeks to spark that belief once more, but it is challenging.
“No More Teardrops” by Vic Mensa
Song Year: 2020
This is a powerful song released during the height of the protests during the pandemic in 2020. Vic Mensa speaks about the ongoing suffering endured by Black people in the US, including unjust arrests, deaths, and harassment.
This song’s message of empowerment is intended for people tired of crying out their fears. This song is for those who want to speak out against the injustice they experience and take action.
“Only Fear of Death” by 2Pac
Song Year: 1997
In this song, 2Pac overcomes his fears of death, which we all face daily. At first, he shows his constant paranoia as he becomes afraid he is close to the death he believes is due. However, by the song’s end, 2Pac has overcome his paranoia and found resolve in not being afraid to die.
“Paranoia” by Chance the Rapper
Song Year: 2013
Speaking of paranoia, Chance the Rapper focuses on this state of mind in the project that put him on the map, Acid Rap. “Paranoia” is a heartfelt and relatable song for many Chicagoans and people who have grown up in similar conditions. They live in constant fear of being victims of gun violence due to simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Because of the numerous senseless deaths caused by this lifestyle, one must carry protection to avoid losing another innocent life. That makes this situation even more real as the paranoia increases.
“Pretty Little Fears” by 6lack
Song Year: 2018
In this track, 6LACK wants his significant other to tell about her past, her secrets, and her “Pretty Little Fears.” He wants honesty and transparency. Ironically, it can be difficult to do this because of all the fears. But it demonstrates how difficult it is to be authentic even when you’re in a relationship with someone you seem to want to live out your days with.
This song is one of the most unique tracks on this list. It doesn’t concentrate on facing fears, overcoming them, or anything like that. It is a love story where one wants to understand their partner through their past and their fears
“What, Me Worry?” by Portugal. The Man
Song Year: 2022
The song “What, Me Worry” is about running from your problems, sadness, and fears. The song illustrates this sentiment by describing how, even in a burning house, the narrator is as happy as a clown. Although clowns get perceived as being happy on the outside, they are actually sad and depressed on the inside.
The purpose of this facade is to ease others’ concerns as they carry the weight of the world alone. This song’s tonality perfectly fits the overall theme. The beat is lively, and the chorus is catchy, but when you listen to the lyrics, it’s the opposite.
“Runnin’” by Blood Orange
Song Year: 2018
In this song, we learn about one person’s struggles as they contend with demons, wander aimlessly, and generally find themselves in a dark place. At first, they try to hide from their fears, but by the song’s end, they get advised to face them head-on.
They are given encouraging words to help them know they can keep moving forward. The instrumentation of the song changes as well, becoming more hopeful.
“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YvAYIJSSZY
Song Year: 1984
“Somebody’s Watching Me” is a well-liked track that peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 100 and features Michael Jackson singing the chorus. Barry Gordy’s son wrote this song in search of a chart-topping hit, and it came true.
This song is about a paranoid person who feels like someone is out to get them. They can’t go about their daily activities without feeling like they’re being watched.
“Scared To Live” by The Weeknd
Song Year: 2020
This song is about a tragic breakup that caused his lover to question whether they would ever be able to find love. Usually, when a relationship ends, you feel alone and unsure of how to move on. It was particularly terrible in this case because the lover felt lonely in the relationship, to begin with.
However, the artist preaches how they shouldn’t be scared to live. Set aside those fears of what the future could be and live your life. There is more out there; they could find something better and find the happiness they deserve.
“Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
Song Year: 1970
“Paranoid” is regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time. This song centers around depression before it was acceptable or even considered to be a real thing. The artist is not in the best mental state, to say the least.
He feels that finding love is impossible because he is dealing with more issues than before as a result of a failed relationship. Additionally, he worries that he will go insane because of this and won’t be able to enjoy life.
“Ready to Die” by EARTHGANG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_J1VBssh1I
Song Year: 2019
This song’s opening verse dispels fears and speaks of how they have become numb to everything. This outlook is the result of growing up in a violent environment filled with constant suffering.
This duo questions their very existence in this track, wondering fatalistically about the purpose of life. That is the song’s recurring theme, and the music video adds powerful elements to this theme, making the music and the video a perfect fit.
“Mr. FEAR” by Siames
Song Year: 2016
This song effectively illustrates how fear takes over people’s lives. This song personifies fear and makes it the only thing that occupies the mind. This “Mr. Fear” is someone or something that you can’t get rid of. Fear will never go away because it thrives on your insecurities. However, the music takes a completely different approach to the story of Mr. Fear.
“Outta My Way” by Chuck Indigo
Song Year: 2020
When feeling self-conscious and experiencing setbacks, “Outta My Way” is a very uplifting song that anyone can use as inspiration. In this song, Chuck Indigo expresses various emotions, including fear, helplessness, and confusion.
But he refuses to let that occupy his mind and wallow in defeat. Instead, he is determined to push forward, even when everyone else refuses to help him.
“Gone” by Charli XCX
Song Year: 2019
This track addresses Charli XCX’s fear of being judged by others. This situation affects many people, and despite being surrounded by others, they still feel alone. This song is dedicated to everyone experiencing a similar problem and wishing to be set free from the chains of loneliness.
“Fear Not of Man” by Yasiin Bey
Song Year: 1999
The majority of the song is not traditional rap music; instead, it is like a poem in a Gil-Scott Heron-esque style. Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, covers a lot of ground in this song, but his main point is that we shouldn’t be afraid of men because they have no control over us and are only mortals.
Fear is a tool that people use to their advantage, but if you fear God, you won’t need to worry about anyone else.
“Terrified” by Childish Gambino
Song Year: 2016
The song “Terrified” is outstanding sonically, as well as in how it draws the listener in with its theme. Childish Gambino expresses his apprehension about falling in love and having a child. It is a new direction for him and comes with a level of responsibility that can be frightening. But he can’t hide from it and must embrace his new role in life.
“Breathe Me” by Sia
Song Year: 2004
One of the sadder songs on this list is “Breathe Me.” The solemn tone conveys the artist’s uneasiness. Sia expresses her sorrow about losing herself and fearing her own thoughts. On the night of writing this song, Sia even attempted suicide by taking 22 Valium and downing a bottle of vodka. She asks a friend to lend a hand at the song’s conclusion.
“Fear” by Drake
Song Year: 2009
Drake is one of the most popular artists of this generation, and this is one of the tracks that helped put him on the map. In his song “Fear,” Drake expresses his frustration with how his recent success will impact his relationships with his close friends and family. He is wary of the future because this fame has already caused shockwaves in his family.
“Not Afraid” by Eminem
Song Year: 2010
We couldn’t have a list of fears and not mention one of the most inspirational songs about overcoming them. This stirring and iconic song puts Eminem’s raw emotion on display as he discusses his setbacks and triumphs. He uses these setbacks as motivation for others to conquer their own challenges.
Top Songs About Fear, Final Thoughts
Every song on this list shows a new side of fear. They convey how fear can truly cripple a person, but also how, through perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle and be the best version of yourself. Even if these songs aren’t your style, you can still learn plenty from them.