While self-love is popular and widely encouraged, as humans we sometimes feel we hate ourselves. Musicians have also felt this, and in turn have written songs about self-loathing. Here are some popular songs about hating yourself.
1. “Numb” by Linkin Park
Song Year: 2003
“Numb” is a highly popular rock anthem that expresses the struggle of feeling completely emotionally disconnected.
The lyrics also express trying to be more like yourself but struggling because of self-esteem issues and the desire to be like another person.
2. “Creep” by Radiohead
Song Year: 1992
“Creep” is one of the most appreciated songs about self-loathing because of its emotionally vulnerable sound and lyrics.
It conveys feelings of self-doubt, social alienation, and feeling just weird and out of place. It’s an iconic song, perfect for seeking validation in your struggle toward social and self-acceptance.
3. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
Song Year: 2004
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” starts slow and melancholy, then picks up to a more energetic song, symbolic of a well-thought-out rock anthem.
This introspective hit has powerful lyrics that evoke a sense of aimlessness and isolation, even depicting the idea that you can feel so down you have to check your own vital signs to make sure you’re still breathing.
4. “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse
Song Year: 2006
Amy Winehouse’s iconic “You Know I’m No Good” is a soulful and blatant confession of self-destructive behavior and a self-loathing mindset.
Amy’s passionate, raw vocals and jazzy instrumentation create a captivating sound reflecting the chaotic nature of admitting you’re too toxic to be loved.
5. “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus
Song Year: 2000
The rebellious pop-punk anthem “Teenage Dirtbag” is the perfect song for capturing teenage angst and self-loathing.
It has a catchy, energetic sound and semi-screechy, self-pitying vocals convey adolescent insecurities.
6. “Last Resort” by Papa Roach
Song Year: 2009
The heavy-hitting drums and impressively quick guitar riffs make “Last Resort” an explosive rock anthem.
It confronts the dark depths of self-hatred, feeling like you’re suffocating and even contemplating desperate measures. The song’s goal is not to feel like you want to commit an irreversible act yourself but to feel a cathartic release in times of frustration and mental turmoil.
7. “Pain” by Three Days Grace
Song Year: 2006
“Pain” by Three Days Grace is another highly cathartic and expressive rock hit that delves into the suffering and anguish one might experience after a painful breakup.
Instead of denying this pain, the narrator accepts the feeling of self-loathing and decides that he prefers feeling pain to feeling nothing.
8. “Down With The Sickness” by Disturbed
Song Year: 1999
Disturbed’s “Down With The Sickness” is an aggressive, intense, and explicit metal track that fully embraces a darker mindset.
The first full line even admits that the narrator is drowning in his own self-loathing sea. It’s a helpful pump-up song for releasing your frustrations during intense workouts or when you want to embrace the chaos within.
However, it’s certainly not for the faint of heart (especially the second half).
9. “Lonely Together” by Avicii Featuring Rita Ora
Song Year: 2017
“Lonely Together” is a bittersweet and captivating dance-pop collab that explores the complexities of feeling trapped in a toxic relationship cycle – and hating yourself for it.
If you’ve ever felt like you long for connection and hate yourself when you go back to an ex cause you just can’t resist, you’ll resonate with this hit and can play it during late-night lonely drives.
10. “Lithium” by Evanescence
Song Year: 2007
Like many of Evanescence’s songs, “Lithium” is haunting and beautiful. This introspective rock ballad conveys the themes of inner turmoil and the desire to escape reality.
Amy Lee’s mesmerizing vocals and atmospheric instrumentals help capture the essence of self-loathing and the search for solace.
11. “Loser” by Beck
Song Year: 1993
“Loser” by Beck is an irreverent and quirky alternative rock track about embracing a sense of self-deprecating humor and outsider mentality, similar to “Teenage Dirtbag” mentioned earlier.
This song is ideal for people who’ve felt like underdogs or unlovable societal misfits, and it’s perfect for playing in moments when you just don’t care anymore and would embrace your inner “loser” with self-loathing.
12. “One Step Closer” by Linkin Park
Song Year: 2007
One of Linkin Park’s most explosive hits is “One Step Closer,” which perfectly encapsulates the feelings of angst, frustration, self-loathing, and internal battle.
The aggressive guitar riffs, intensely screaming vocals, and hard-hitting lyrics work together to channel the pent-up emotions of being on the edge of breaking down completely.
After hearing this song, you might be even angrier or feel a cathartic release allowing you to move forward.
13. “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2022
“Anti-Hero” is one of Swift’s key tracks from 2022’s Midnights album, and although it wasn’t the first time she’s made fun of herself or pointed out her flaws (e.g., Blank Space or Shake it Off), it’s certainly her most vulnerable and poignant.
In the song, she references feeling like a monster compared to everyone else, then follows that by pointing out her covert narcissism. The chorus, in which Swift introduces herself as “the problem,” became an instantly iconic lyric, as many people can resonate with feeling like this.
14. “Don’t Let Me Get Me” by P!NK
Song Year: 2001
“Don’t Let Me Get Me” by P!NK is an honest and fierce pop hit confronting self-doubt and personal insecurities head-on.
The song’s relatable lyrics and catchy melody help listeners explore internal struggles and the desire to break free from self-sabotage. P!NK sings about how she never wins anything, can’t keep her clothes clean, and fights a war against herself when she looks in the mirror.
15. “I Hate Myself For Loving You” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Song Year: 1988
“I Hate Myself For Loving You” is an intense, rebellious anthem that conveys conflicting emotions around love.
If you’ve ever felt like you can’t move on from someone who either doesn’t love you or isn’t good for you, you’ll resonate with this song. Either way can make you despise yourself.
16. “I’m Not Okay” by My Chemical Romance
Song Year: 2004
“I’m Not Okay” is one of My Chemical Romance’s most passionate songs, and that’s saying a lot for this emotive band.
This song channels raw, uncut emotions through anguished, scratchy vocals and powerful drumming and guitar. It depicts feeling lost, broken, misunderstood, and simply not okay with yourself.
17. “Hate Me” by Blue October
Song Year: 2006
The song “Hate Me” by Blue October describes how the best thing to happen for the ones he loves is for them to start hating him because he’s no good. That way, they can move on to people more worthy of their love.
If you’ve ever felt like a hazard to others and down on yourself because of that feeling, you’ll find solidarity in this song.
18. “Self-Esteem” by The Offspring
Song Year: 1994
“Self-Esteem” is about having such low (or, rather, zero) self-esteem that you let a girl walk all over you, cheat on you, and ultimately break you down – then still keep getting back with her even if you know you shouldn’t.
Hating yourself can cause destructive patterns in your relationship, and this song depicts this head-on, making it perfect for moments when you want to address your own negative self-perception.
19. “All Falls Down” by Kanye West
Song Year: 2004
Kanye West is known for being conceited and cocky, but one of his earliest hits, “All Falls Down,” touches on how he (and many of us) buy things and do things because we want validation from others. In this way, we’re all really self-conscious.
When you’re self-conscious and self-loathing, you tend to act in ways that aren’t aligned with your authentic self, and it “All Falls Down” from there. He even raps about how American culture has made black people hate themselves and, instead, thirst for wealth.
20. “Hate Myself” by NF
Song Year: 2019
“Hate Myself” by NF is a deep, introspective, and emotionally-charged hip-hop track that addresses struggling with self-acceptance and the desire to break free from self-destructive habits.
If you need to confront your own internal demons and listen to music that makes you feel understood in your pain and self-loathing, “Hate Myself” is a good option.
21. “Breaking Down” by I Prevail
Song Year: 2019
Depression can feel like it’s taking over your life, and that’s what the song “Breaking Down” depicts so well.
In the song, the band I Prevail highlights the everyday struggle of depression and despair with soaring vocals, vulnerable lyrics, and intense instrumentalization. It captures the feeling of hating yourself so much that you feel like you’re on the verge of collapse.
22. “Soundtrack To My Life” by Kid Cudi
Song Year: 2009
Kid Cudi shares his insecurities and hidden issues in the introspective, highly emotional hip-hop number “Soundtrack To MY Life.”
He raps in a way that paints a picture of his struggles with depression, self-doubt, paranoia, and the search for meaning. It doesn’t necessarily mean he hates himself, but it’s definitely a track to play when you’re in a contemplative and self-loathing mode.
23. “Worthless” by Eli
Song Year: 2018
It sucks to feel worthless, and this melancholic ballad by Eli vividly illustrates feeling devoid of value.
Eli’s soulful vocals and poignant lyrics in “Worthless” convey the idea of being completely inadequate, making it suitable for moments when you want to process your own feelings of worthlessness through a cathartic and artistic outlet.
24. “White Mercedes” by Charli XCX
Song Year: 2019
“White Mercedes” may sound like another catchy, dreamy, upbeat pop hit, but in the song, Charli XCX tells the story of a girl turning to alcohol, drugs, and other substances to deal with the issues she has about herself.
The narrator is speaking to someone she cares about and describes how she doesn’t feel good enough or deserving enough to be with this person.
25. “On the Other Side” by The Strokes
Song Year: 2005
“On the Other Side” is a song by The Strokes about the desire to escape from the mundane realities of life and find a more profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The song also describes hating everyone, including yourself, perhaps due to this mundane existence. The distinctive vocals and signature guitar riffs help create a reflective sound that invites listeners to question their existence and ponder “the other side.”
26. “Hate Myself” by Tate McCrae
Song Year: 2022
Tate McCrae was first known as a dancer from the hit competition show “So You Think You Can Dance” but has since proven to be a talented, emotive singer.
In “Hate Myself,” she vividly illustrates the ending of a relationship and takes full responsibility for her harsh behavior. She acknowledges pushing someone away and expresses that while she knows this person probably hates her now, she hates herself even more.
27. “Little Girl” by Faith Marie
Song Year: 2016
“Little Girl” by Faith Marie is a heartfelt, poignant song that addresses the struggles of dealing with anxieties, fears, and depression.
Faith mentions waking up each day feeling like death in the song and alludes to her body being a prison. It’s called “Little Girl” because she reflects on some of the things she was told as a little girl, which have now become crippling, limiting beliefs.
However, the song takes a more positive turn by the end, encouraging listeners to find their own way, share their voices, and not always do what they’re told.
28. “I Hate Myself and I Want to Die” by Nirvana
Song Year: 2004
“I Hate Myself and I Want to Die” is probably the most explicit song about self-hatred. It’s a dark, introspective grunge hit that’s raw and heavy, conveying feelings of complete hopelessness.
It also highlights mental health struggles and a desire to end suffering. It may be a cathartic outlet for some, but know that if you resonate with this level of distress, you can seek support from loved ones or mental health professionals.
29. “Worth” by Kid Cudi
Song Year: 2015
“Worth” by Kid Cudi is essentially the truism “you can’t love someone until you love yourself” in a song.
The song describes a love situation in which both parties hate themselves. They’re working on loving themselves more and knowing their worth to be happy together.
Top Songs About Hating Yourself, Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for songs about self-loathing, this list of songs about hating yourself should do the trick.
Music is just art and expression, so even though you might feel sad or self-hating, you don’t need to act on any of these thoughts or feelings (regardless of some of these lyrics).
Also, there are resources to support you, such as loved ones, therapists, support groups, and more.