33 Songs About Failure
Failure is an inevitable part of life, so it’s no wonder it’s a common theme in music. From struggling to find your place in the world, to being unable to find love, here are the best songs about failure ever.
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“In The End” by Linkin Park
Song Year: 2001
“In The End” remains one of Linkin Park’s most iconic hits decades after its release. While the song’s lyrics allude to a man failing to start a relationship with a woman, you can relate them to any scenario. The narrator feels empty inside but accepts how this failure can help him learn from his mistakes.
The dynamic piano that opens and closes the piece and accompanying rap verses by Mike Shinoda solidify its catchiness.
“Dammit” by Blink-182
Song Year: 1997
Blink-182 is one of the most influential 90s rock bands, and one of their best-known hits is “Dammit,” featured on their platinum album Dude Ranch.This song tells the tale of a young man who recently went through a breakup. He feels his world’s falling apart, but he accepts that failure is a part of growing up.
The song’s fast tempo and guitar instrumentation give it an iconic late 1990s sound that old and new Blink-182 fans can enjoy.
“Failure” by Breaking Benjamin
Song Year: 2015
Breaking Benjamin’s “Failure” is a rock track featured on their chart-topping album Dark Before Dawn. It incorporates hard rock and metal elements to give the song a rough, loud sound.
The song’s lyrics depict the narrator struggling to accept failure. The world continues to move on, regardless of how often he fails, which the narrator eventually does.
The lyrics use light imagery to emphasize the lingering hope that encourages people to overcome their failures, no matter how often they encounter them.
“Failing In Love” by Mary J. Blige
Song Year: 2022
Featured on Mary J. Blige’s Grammy-nominated album Good Morning Gorgeous, “Failing In Love” tells the story of a woman in a romantic relationship that’s falling apart. She can’t let go of her failures, letting them linger in her mind while wondering what she’s doing wrong.
Blige’s soulful, harmonizing vocals help give this track a unique identity that resonates with any listener who experiences failure when finding or experiencing love.
“I Fought the Law” by The Clash
Song Year: 1979
The Clash’s punk-rock rendition of “I Fought the Law” tells the tale of a man who attempted to rob a bank. The price of his failure lands him in jail, away from the girl he loves. The song has catchy, repetitive lyrics and dynamic guitar riffs incorporating the band’s signature sound.
This song’s message encourages listeners to stay out of unlawful trouble, reiterating that a life of crime leads to failure.
“Worthless” by Eli
Song Year: 2018
One song that many can relate to whenever they feel like a failure is Eli’s “Worthless.” The lyrics describe the narrator feeling lost because he doesn’t know his place in the world, envious of the people who have successful lives while his friendships fail. He wonders if his life has any meaning and if his existence matters.
Despite being a slow, sad song, its piano accompaniment and R&B-inspired beats enhance the piece. It’s the type of song worth listening to during a cold, rainy night.
“I Don’t Belong Here” by I Prevail
Song Year: 2019
Initially featured on rock band I Prevail’s Grammy-nominated album Trauma, “I Don’t Belong Here,” is a slow, emotional song with a pop-inspired sound. In this song, the narrator feels like an outsider, wondering how his life has fallen apart because of failures out of his control. This song might resonate with anyone who doesn’t know what to do after giving up.
“Failure’s Not Flattering” by New Found Glory
Song Year: 2004
Another one of the best songs about failure is New Found Glory’s pop-punk hit “Failure’s Not Flattering.” It was a featured track on the band’s album Catalyst, which peaked at the third spot on the Billboard 200 Chart.
This song’s about a person prone to making mistakes and failing. The narrator and his friends want this person to learn from their mistakes, giving the song a unique perspective about someone pointing out someone else’s flaws. The upbeat guitar and drum accompaniment enhance the song’s early-2000s vibe.
“Lonesome Loser” by Little River Band
Song Year: 1979
Are you looking for songs from the 20th century? Little River Band's “Lonesome Loser” is an old-school, soft rock single full of energy and outstanding harmonizing vocals. The song tells the tale of a man who keeps trying at life, despite his failures. The lyrics reference the man’s gambling habits and unsuccessful love search.
This song was the band’s third top-ten single, ranking sixth on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart. Its energetic guitar accompaniment and bassline add extra character to this classic hit.
“Surrender to Failure” by Korn
Song Year: 2019
When tragedy strikes, we often blame ourselves for failing to do something to prevent it. Korn’s frontman Johnathan Davis wrote “Surrender to Failure” after losing his wife to an overdose. The lyrics emphasize his internal turmoil about how he failed her when she needed him, wishing to turn back time.
The song’s slower pace and Davis’ vocals near the end emphasize his grief. It was featured on the album The Nothing, which topped several weekly music charts in the United States.
“Failure By Design” by Brand New
Song Year: 2001
Do you like pop-punk music? Brand New’s “Failure By Design,” featured on their debut studio album Your Favorite Weapon, is a catchy song perfect for any playlist. The song’s lyrics reflect the effects of burnout when recording music and wasting time without getting anything done.
The narrator states he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, calling himself a failure as one day becomes the next. The group initially wrote this song as an apology to their record producer.
