27 Songs About Hating Yourself & Self-Loathing

While self-love is popular and widely encouraged, as humans we sometimes feel we hate ourselves. Musicians have also felt this, and in turn have written songs about self-loathing. Here are some popular songs about hating yourself.

1. “Numb” by Linkin Park

Song Year: 2003

“Numb” is a highly popular rock anthem that expresses the struggle of feeling completely emotionally disconnected.

The lyrics also express trying to be more like yourself but struggling because of self-esteem issues and the desire to be like another person.

2. “Creep” by Radiohead

Song Year: 1992

“Creep” is one of the most appreciated songs about self-loathing because of its emotionally vulnerable sound and lyrics.

It conveys feelings of self-doubt, social alienation, and feeling just weird and out of place. It's an iconic song, perfect for seeking validation in your struggle toward social and self-acceptance.

3. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

Song Year: 2004

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” starts slow and melancholy, then picks up to a more energetic song, symbolic of a well-thought-out rock anthem.

This introspective hit has powerful lyrics that evoke a sense of aimlessness and isolation, even depicting the idea that you can feel so down you have to check your own vital signs to make sure you're still breathing.

4. “You Know I'm No Good” by Amy Winehouse

Song Year: 2006

Amy Winehouse's iconic “You Know I'm No Good” is a soulful and blatant confession of self-destructive behavior and a self-loathing mindset.

Amy's passionate, raw vocals and jazzy instrumentation create a captivating sound reflecting the chaotic nature of admitting you're too toxic to be loved.

5. “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus

Song Year: 2000

The rebellious pop-punk anthem “Teenage Dirtbag” is the perfect song for capturing teenage angst and self-loathing.

It has a catchy, energetic sound and semi-screechy, self-pitying vocals convey adolescent insecurities.

6. “Last Resort” by Papa Roach

Song Year: 2009

The heavy-hitting drums and impressively quick guitar riffs make “Last Resort” an explosive rock anthem.

It confronts the dark depths of self-hatred, feeling like you're suffocating and even contemplating desperate measures. The song's goal is not to feel like you want to commit an irreversible act yourself but to feel a cathartic release in times of frustration and mental turmoil.

7. “Pain” by Three Days Grace

Song Year: 2006

“Pain” by Three Days Grace is another highly cathartic and expressive rock hit that delves into the suffering and anguish one might experience after a painful breakup.

Instead of denying this pain, the narrator accepts the feeling of self-loathing and decides that he prefers feeling pain to feeling nothing.

8. “Down With The Sickness” by Disturbed

Song Year: 1999

Disturbed's “Down With The Sickness” is an aggressive, intense, and explicit metal track that fully embraces a darker mindset.

The first full line even admits that the narrator is drowning in his own self-loathing sea. It's a helpful pump-up song for releasing your frustrations during intense workouts or when you want to embrace the chaos within.

However, it's certainly not for the faint of heart (especially the second half).

9. “Lonely Together” by Avicii Featuring Rita Ora

Song Year: 2017

“Lonely Together” is a bittersweet and captivating dance-pop collab that explores the complexities of feeling trapped in a toxic relationship cycle – and hating yourself for it.

If you've ever felt like you long for connection and hate yourself when you go back to an ex cause you just can't resist, you'll resonate with this hit and can play it during late-night lonely drives.

10. “Lithium” by Evanescence

Song Year: 2007

Like many of Evanescence's songs, “Lithium” is haunting and beautiful. This introspective rock ballad conveys the themes of inner turmoil and the desire to escape reality.

Amy Lee's mesmerizing vocals and atmospheric instrumentals help capture the essence of self-loathing and the search for solace.