33 Songs About Failure
Contents
“El Niño Considers His Failures” by Spanish Love Songs
Song Year: 2018
The lyrics behind “El Niño Considers His Failures” tells the tale of a young man who hasn’t found success after his teenage years. The narrator states he’s had trouble finding love, becoming depressed and overweight over time. He wonders if he can overcome these obstacles or continue wallowing in self-pity.
Despite highlighting topics of failure and questioning your place in the world, this single from Spanish Love Songs’ album Schmaltz has an upbeat tempo that gets any music lover banging their head to its rhythm.
“Failures” by Eva Under Fire
Song Year: 2015
Eva Under Fire’s heartfelt ballad “Failures” takes the perspective of a woman who has encountered many failures and mistakes. Her memories are proof of her failures, but she ultimately tries to move forward, giving the song a glimmer of hope that inspires others to reevaluate themselves whenever their failures bring them down.
Amanda Lyberg’s vocals and the acoustic guitar instrumentation give the song a subdued yet intimate vibe.
“The Burden of Our Failures” by Ingested
Song Year: 2020
Ingested’s “The Burden of Our Failures” encapsulates the despair and hopelessness many people experience when failure enters their lives. The speaker’s failures have significantly impacted their well-being, making him feel trapped and unable to learn from the mistakes of his failures.
Like many death metal songs, this single has harsh vocals and an intense instrumental backing track. The next time you want to vent about your failures, consider playing this song at home.
“Failing on Purpose” by Arrows In Action
Song Year: 2020
The one thing many people fear is watching their relationships fail. Arrows In Action's “Failing On Purpose” takes the perspective of a man worried about screwing up his relationship with someone he cares about. He doesn’t know which actions will benefit him and which ones he’ll regret, adding a layer of dimension to the lyrics.
Despite being a recent song, the way its vocals and guitar accompaniment blend together makes it sound like an early-2000s hit.
“I Feel Like A Failure” by Shy Kids
Song Year: 2018
Despite its addictive indie pop beats, Shy Kids’ “I Feel Like A Failure” has themes of burnout and emptiness resulting from failure. The lyrics incorporate imagery of being tied down in different scenarios with the same expected failures, from building relationships to finding the perfect job. The song’s harmonizing vocals represent the endless loop of failure many struggle to escape.
“I See Failure” by Antarctigo Vespucci
Song Year: 2015
Antarctigo Vespucci isn’t a rock band many people know about, but this hit from their debut album, Leavin’ La Vida Loca, is one of the most energizing songs you should consider listening to during your free time.
In this song, the man believes his life is destined for failure, asking his love what she sees when she looks at him. His love’s presence symbolizes the hope that contrasts with his self-doubt.
“Failing Is Not Just For Failures” by Listener
Song Year: 2010
“Failing Is Not For Failures” by Listener is one of the top songs about failure that empowers people dealing with failure and helps them move forward. The song’s narrator remembers his old friend's words before his death, stating that everyone isn’t immune to failure and those who fail have more experience than those blessed with luck.
The song incorporates a spoken-word style perfectly executed by vocalist Dan Smith’s performance, making the piece stand out from other rock songs.
“Failure Isn’t Forever” by Nickel Creek
Song Year: 2023
Not all failure-themed songs have a depressing tone. Nickel Creek‘s “Failure Isn't Forever” is a song with a straightforward yet inspirational message about using failure to improve yourself. Failure won’t last unless you give up, reiterating that you must take control of your life’s direction, no matter how bad things seem.
The bluegrass song’s guitar, mandolin, and violin accompaniment enhance its soft, acoustic nature. It was a featured track on Nickel Creek’s album Celebrants, which topped Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums Chart.
“The Elevator Song” by Tie-Rex
Song Year: 2018
Failure can make our lives feel out of control. Tie-Rex’s “The Elevator Song” is about a man who believes his failures bring down himself and others. He feels pressured whenever trying to accomplish his long-term and short-term goals. The song has a catchy guitar hook that pleases any music lover’s ears.
“Romantic Failure” by Hinterwood
Song Year: 2020
Indie rock band Hinterwood’s “Romantic Failure” has an upbeat tone that contrasts significantly with many of the songs on this list. This song’s about a woman admitting she’s a failure when seeking love, asking potential lovers to tell her about her flaws that she should change before prematurely ending their relationship.
This song resonates with anyone who hasn’t been successful in finding love, making it a great song to add to listen to wherever you go.
“FAILURE GIRL” by Karikibear
Song Year: 2015
Note: This song is not in English. Despite its upbeat, electronic sound, “FAILURE GIRL” is a tune with a relatable, serious theme. This song takes the perspective of a girl looking for love and appreciation. Everyone she knows considers her a failure and a loser, damaging her self-esteem. She’s lost count of how many mistakes she’s made, emphasizing her infinite life of suffering.
Top Songs About Failure, Final Thoughts
Although many songs about failure take a negative perspective, they inspire others to reevaluate themselves and move forward. Some people might have trouble overcoming failure, but it isn’t impossible. Regardless of what music genres you love, you’re bound to find a song that resonates with you if you feel like life is against you.
