27 Songs About Fear and Being Scared

“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

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

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.