45 Best Songs About Giving Up

If you're thinking of giving up because life isn't working out for you or unfortunate events have occurred, the songs featured in this list will hopefully help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Some will be relatable. Some won’t have a happy ending. But it’s our hope that they’ll help you better come to terms with whatever’s making you feel like quitting, and help you find a way to turn things around.

Here are the best songs about giving up.

1. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes

Song Year: 2018

“In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes describes how we often feel when things aren't working out as expected. Shawn sings about feeling like the walls are caving in. He sings about taking one drink to feel better and forget the difficulties one faces.

Shawn even questions whether things get better. He notes that no medicine is strong enough to silence his emotions. Admittedly, this is what most people experience when thinking of giving up. Things can seem pretty dark when you feel like you can't get help from the people around you.

However, the best thing you can do is to have hope for a better tomorrow.

2. “Gave Up” by Nine Inch Nails

Song Year: 1992

Nine Inch Nails is a rock band that was formed in 1988. The band sings about giving up and the feelings people experience when life turns upside down. The track's lyrics provide an excellent description of how one hates themselves when things aren't going their way.

It's quite clear the band sings about a bad breakup. The lead sings, saying someone smashed what they truly believed in into pieces. He also adds that he doesn't know what to do. If you're a rock fan, this track will bring some memories to ponder.

3. “Dear Agony” by Breaking Benjamin

Song Year: 2009

If you think of giving up and feel you need encouragement, this track is for you. Breaking Benjamin sings about fighting until the end. Even when the lights go about, the best thing you can do for yourself is not to give up.

This track is quite encouraging as it talks about finding the enemy within. Usually, our thoughts can leave us feeling like there's no hope for a better future. But if you can find peace within, everything will work out for the best.

4. “I Can't Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt

Song Year: 1991

Thinking about giving up on love? Bonnie Raitt delivered a great piece with her song, “I Can't Make You Love Me.”

The track is about letting go, as you can't force someone to love you. You've often heard that love is a two-way street.

It's all about give and take. You can give your best in a relationship but can't force someone to love you. This song by Bonnie can encourage you to give love your best shot and lower your expectations.

5. “Worthless” by Eli

Song Year: 2019

“Worthless” by Eli is a powerful track that will leave you wondering why all the bad things might happen in your life.

He sings about feeling worthless and always driving his life to the ruins. Eli sings, wondering why he keeps getting it wrong. Despite his efforts, nothing will ever be okay in his life.

Eli ends the track with a powerful message that you shouldn't give up. While you might be questioning yourself why you exist, it's important to remember that someone out there needs you. So, don't give up; you got to stay strong.

6. “Say Something” by A Great Big World feat Christina Aguilera

Song Year: 2014

“Say Something” by A Great Big World feat Christina Aguilera was released when Chad King and Ian Axel struggled. The irony in this track is that it's about giving up on someone despite your love for them.

One painful thing about love and relationships is that sometimes love isn't enough. You might love someone, but they can't love you equally.

The lyrics of this track will leave you in tears, especially if you're feeling like giving up on someone you care about.

7. “I Feel Like Dying” by Lil Wayne

Song Year: 2017

Lil Wayne rose to stardom with the track “Fireman” in 2005. He released “I Feel Like Dying” in 2017, a song about depression.

The track talks about feeling like dying once drugs are done. Most people run to alcohol and drugs when depressed. However, when the drugs subside, reality strikes, leaving many feeling like they've lost it.

8. “Lost” by Ivan B

Song Year: 2017

Love is beautiful, especially when the other person makes your world go around. This song is about trying to be the best version of yourself for the person you care about.

Ivan B sings, saying he feels like giving up because his partner is slipping away. He regrets pushing her away, and now he feels like he needs her to feel good again.

If you're going through a rough time with your partner, dedicate this track to them to rekindle the feelings you once had for each other.

9. “I'm Not Okay” by Citizen Soldier

Song Year: 2020

It's always hard to say you're not okay. The truth is that people always shy away from their darkest emotions.

Citizen Soldier sings about not feeling okay; the worst thing is that expressing his feelings is not easy. When life seems unbearable, it can be challenging to say what's happening inside your mind. Citizen Soldier sings about this as he feels no one understands his feelings.

The song also talks about the monsters in his head, which indicates how our thoughts can influence our feelings. The best thing you can do to ensure you deal with negative emotions is to get out of your head. Quit overthinking and take responsibility for your life.

10. “Lost” by Linkin Park

Song Year: 2023

Linkin Park is a famous rock that became famous in the 2000s with their album Hybrid Theory. The song “Lost” is about a scar one cannot repair.

Linkin Park sings about feeling trapped in yesterday. They sing about feeling lost in their emotions and living in confusion. Understanding why life pushes us in a specific direction, can be challenging, which is what this track is all about.

11. “Nothing Left To Say” by Imagine Dragons

Song Year: 2012

“Nothing Left To Say” is a track that will inspire you to think positively even if you're thinking of giving up. Imagine Dragons mostly sing about falling but keep pushing on and on.

When you feel like there's nothing more you can do to rescue yourself, you only need to give life another push. You can learn the power of taking each step at a time from this track.

12. “Someone Like You” by Adele

Song Year: 2011

Sometimes you just need to let go, especially when love hurts. Adele released this massive hit in 2011, when her career peaked.

She sings emotionally, thinking about her bitter-sweet memories with her ex-lover. The track is about giving up on love and moving on. You don't have to cling to something that won't work when a relationship fails.