45 Best Songs About Giving Up

13. “Remind Me to Forget” by Kygo feat Miguel

Song Year: 2017

Healing from a bad breakup? “Remind Me To Forget” by Kygo and Miguel will cheer you up to forget about your past.

The duo sings about the scars left in their hearts after breaking up with their ex. Despite hurting to the core, the song is quite encouraging as they sing about remembering to forget the bad things that happened in a previous relationship.

14. “Should I Give It All Up” by James Blunt

Song Year: 2019

Behind the smiles on people's faces, the sad reality is that most feel like giving up. James Blunt sings about giving up and expecting his lover to hold his hand. He sings, saying he feels so lonely. He mentions that it's getting dark, and he's losing grip.

The best thing about this track is that it gives you hope in love. Despite the challenges you might be going through, all you need is a helping hand to get you out of the dark place. Nothing should stop you from going all in if you believe in love.

15. “I'm Not Okay” by Deadfish

Song Year: 2020

“I'm Not Okay” by Deadfish reiterates the strong message about hiding emotions. When going through a rough patch, most people hide their feelings, and everyone around them thinks they're okay. The worst thing that happens is that one feels they are all alone, trapped in their head.

Based on the lyrics of this track, it's the worst experience anyone should go through. Deadfish sings about seeing a happy ending, perhaps indicating the gleam of hope one should have despite going through a difficult time.

A key take-home message from this track is that we should accept the reality of things and seek help from the people we love.

16. “You Don't Know” by Katelyn Tarver

Song Year: 2017

We all have that one friend that keeps telling us to stay motivated even when things seem gloomy. At some point, you may have heard them say, “Just be patient,” or “Everything will be okay.”

While they might have good intentions for us, Katelyn Tarver says in her song that sometimes it's good to sink in sorrow.

She sings, urging the people around her to let her be. She thinks about giving up and doesn't want anyone to help her. When taken from a positive perspective, one can learn an important lesson through the challenging experience.

17. “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry

Song Year: 2010

The Band Perry sings about the sharp knife of living a short life. The track's title hints at what this song is about. Well, the song centers around dying young.

Kimberly Perry mentions her requests in this track in case she dies young. She sings, saying while her life might be shortlived, she's happy she lived long.

The sad reality in this song is that Perry also talks about how people are always interested in one's life after they die. No one cares about you when you're alive; they only care when you're gone.

18. “Mad World” by Gary Jules

Song Year: 2001

Gary Jules delivers a powerful message in the track “Mad World” as he sings about the brutal reality of life. He has suicidal thoughts when he thinks about the life he's forced to go through. People are always going in circles.

It's the rat race we have often heard about. Gary even laments that it's a mad world where we just exist without ever appreciating the value of life.

19. “You're Only Human (Second Wind)” by Billy Joel

Song Year: 1985

This classic rock hit song will lift your spirits if you consider giving up. Billy Joel sends an encouraging message, saying everything will be alright.

He acknowledges that we live in a world of pain. Billy adds that we should welcome the curveballs this world throws at us. We're human, and making mistakes is part of our nature. The point is that we should always remember that life is about navigating through hardships.

From this perspective, we can develop a positive outlook toward challenges.

20. “Save Me” by Nicki Minaj

Song Year: 2010

When relationships turn sour, everybody feels like giving up. Usually, one of the parties tries to save the other, but if things fail to work out, it's easy to let go. This is the feeling Nicki Minaj sings about in the song “Save Me.”

She knows it's her fault that the relationship didn't turn out as expected, and she hopes her lover will save her again. Nicki Minaj also admits that while she might have achieved her career goals, it's lonely at the top.

She has all the riches, but she's not happy. The message is that money doesn't bring us happiness, but love does.

21. “Cry” by Alexx Calise

Song Year: 2010

In her song “Cry,” Alexx Calise sings about the sad feeling experienced when one thinks about giving up. Sometimes life happens, and the only thing you can think about is to cry.

Challenges are part of life, but the truth is that the hardships can be unbearable.

Calise sings, saying she even forgot what it feels like to be okay. Most people can resonate with this feeling, mainly when bad events occur quickly.

22. “Giving Up” by Ingrid Michaelson

Song Year: 2008

Ingrid Michaelson sings about the “greener grasses” lovers often think about in a relationship. Most people expect the best to happen, even during difficult times.

Positivity is always about seeing the glass half full. But Ingrid Michaelson sings, saying she's giving up on all these promises. She talks about giving up her expectations.

23. “Living Is a Problem Because Everything Dies” by Biffy Clyro

Song Year: 2007

Biffy Clyro sings about death and dying. According to the lyrics, he questions his time to die. When everyone around him dies, he wonders when his time will come. He adds that he doesn't want to waste time because we don't have time in this precious life.

There are many ways to interpret this song, as it can also mean the hope one has in love. Biffy Clyro sings, wishing the love of his life would not waste any time with him.

24. “Anyone” by Demi Lovato

Song Year: 2021

“Anyone” by Demi Lovato sounds like a lonely song about a girl feeling alone. She sings that she tried talking to the piano and the stars and even feels stupid listening to herself. She calls for help from anyone.

Demi Lovato asks whether anyone could talk to her. Despite seeking the world's attention, she says she cried too many times because she didn't get the attention she craved. This track is an important reminder that the world can sometimes be cruel.