Songs About Abusive Relationships

Updated April 1, 2024

Thinking about Songs About Abusive Relationships, there are many singers who have written about this topic. We put together 24 of the top ones.

Love The Way You Lie by Eminem

From the album, Recovery, released on June 18, 2010

The song is about a couple in a toxic relationship who are constantly fighting and making up. The production features a minimalistic piano melody and a heavy bassline. Eminem's rap is delivered in a fast, aggressive style. The chorus is sung by Rihanna, who delivers an emotive performance.

Wish You Were Sober by Conan Gray

From the album, Kid Krow, released on March 20, 2020

"Wish You Were Sober" is a song by American singer-songwriter Conan Gray. It was released on May 3, 2019, as the lead single from his upcoming debut album, Kid Krow. The song was written by Gray, Sam Fischer, and Ross Golan, and produced by Fischer. The song is about a relationship that ended because of the other person's alcoholism. Gray has said that the song is "100 percent autobiographical", and that it is about his first love. The song's music video was released on the same day as the single, and was directed by Gray himself.

Take Me to Church by Hozier

From the album, Hozier (Expanded Edition), released on September 19, 2014

"Take Me to Church" is a song by Irish singer-songwriter Hozier, released as a single in 2013. The song has been described as a "gospel-blues anthem" with "a driving rhythm" and "stirring guitars". The lyrics address loss of faith and Christian hypocrisy. The song was produced by Rob Kirwan and Hozier. It was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. The song's music video, directed by Brendan Canty and Conal Thomson of Feel Good Lost, depicts a same-sex couple in a passionate embrace, intercut with shots of protests and police brutality.

Rät by Penelope Scott

From the album, Public Void, released on September 25, 2020

The song "Rät" by Penelope Scott is a haunting and ethereal ballad with a feeling of loss and nostalgia. The lyrics are written inScottish Gaelic and tell the story of a woman who is reminiscing about a lost love. The production is sparse and atmospheric, with Scott's delicate vocals floating over a bed of synth pads and eerie sound effects.

Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey

From the album, Ultraviolence (Deluxe), released on January 1, 2014

"Ultraviolence" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey from her third studio album, Ultraviolence (2014). The dreamy, melancholic track is composed of a moody production blending hazy guitars, a catchy beat and an ethereal vocal performance by Del Rey. The lyrics tell the story of the singer in a destructive and passionate relationship, trying to decide whether to continue with it or not. The track was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and co-produced by Rob Schnapf. It was released as the lead single from the album on June 4, 2014. It received generally positive reviews from music critics and peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Del Rey's most successful single to date.

Tag, You're It by Melanie Martinez

From the album, Cry Baby (Deluxe Edition), released on August 14, 2015

"Tag, You're It" is a song by American singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez. It was released as the lead single from her debut album, Cry Baby, on July 10, 2015. The song is a dark pop and electropop track, and was written and produced by Melanie Martinez and Michael Keenan. The song is about Martinez feeling like a game, being treated as something disposable, and being used as a toy. The theme of the song is further conveyed by the lyric "you've just been tagged by me, and now you're it". The song received critical acclaim and charted in several countries.

Wicked Games by Kiana Ledé

From the album, Selfless, released on July 13, 2018

"Wicked Games" is a single by American singer-songwriter Kiana Ledé featuring additional vocals from American rapper Offset. It was released on May 15, 2020 by Republic Records as the lead single from Ledé's highly anticipated debut studio album KIKI. The song is an R&B ballad with an acoustic production. It is written by Ledé, Offset, Beau Collard and produced by Beau Collard. The song features electric guitar and a hip-hop beat. It talks about a forbidden love and the risks associated with it. It is an emotional song with a message of being unapologetically yourself.

Sex with a Ghost by Teddy Hyde

From the album, Sock-Footed, released on April 2, 2018

"Sex with a Ghost" is a song by Teddy Hyde and produced by Man of the Hour. The song is a synth-pop track with a nostalgic feeling and an upbeat tempo. The lyrics tell the story of a romantic relationship between a ghost and a human, and the various ups and downs they experience. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with the line “Can you love a ghost, can you love a ghost?” The song was released on February 8, 2020, as part of Teddy Hyde's debut EP, The Ghost in Me.