Reading time: 17 minutes
The complex nature of narcissism has been a source of inspiration in music, with various artists exploring the theme through their songs.
So, we curated some outstanding tracks that talk about the world of narcissism, self-obsessed people, self-centered relationships, and narcissistic victimhood.
Each track offers its unique take on the theme, and you would like the insights in this thought-provoking playlist.
Just in passing, the three main traits typically associated with narcissism are grandiosity, lack of empathy, and constant need for appreciation.
You can listen to and follow this playlist at Songs About Narcissism and Narcissists on Spotify.
Songs On Narcissism And Narcissists
- “All Eyes on Me” by Tupac Shakur: Really, Tupac? Known for his profound lyrical depth, but this song just feels like a self-absorbed rant wrapped in the guise of introspection. Sure, it’s catchy, but beneath that, it’s just another narcissistic anthem masquerading as deep insight.
- “Applause” by Lady Gaga: ‘Applause’ is Lady Gaga’s thinly veiled ode to her own fame. Sure, it’s catchy and theatrical, but strip away the glitz, and it’s just another pop star singing about how much they love the spotlight. It’s less a critique of narcissism and more an unabashed celebration of it.
- “Attention” by Charlie Puth: This is basically three minutes of Charlie whining about not getting enough… well, attention. It’s packaged as a slick, groovy track, but at its core, it’s just a self-involved plea dressed up as a pop song.
- “Beautiful Disaster” by Kelly Clarkson: Kelly’s voice is undeniably powerful, but ‘Beautiful Disaster’ just seems like an over-dramatic portrayal of falling for the wrong guy. It’s more of a self-indulgent wallow than an empowering ballad.
- “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood: Sure, Carrie Underwood’s tale of revenge is empowering on the surface, but isn’t it just a glorified hissy fit set to music? It’s like she’s using the guise of a scorned lover to justify over-the-top retaliation.
- “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift might be trying to be self-aware with ‘Blank Space’, but it comes off more like she’s reveling in the drama-filled, narcissistic persona the media paints of her. It’s less satire and more a boastful acceptance of her tabloid image.
- “Brand New Me” by Alicia Keys: Alicia tries to sell us this narrative of transformation in ‘A Brand New Me’, but it feels more like a self-righteous declaration than a genuine journey of self-discovery. It’s like she’s patting herself on the back under the guise of empowerment.
- “Conceited” by Remy Ma: Here’s Remy Ma, turning arrogance into a song. ‘Conceited’ is less about empowerment and more about self-obsession. Sure, confidence is great, but this track crosses into plain vanity.
- “Control” by Halsey: Halsey’s ‘Control’ feels like it’s trying too hard to be edgy and deep. The struggle with inner demons is a compelling theme, but here it just comes off as self-absorbed melodrama.
- “Crash” by Gwen Stefani: Stefani’s ‘Crash’ is basically a flashy, upbeat track that doesn’t go beyond surface level. It’s like she’s trying to capture the excitement of a reckless relationship without any real depth or insight.
- “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley: ‘Crazy’ hit the charts as a catchy tune, but really, it’s just an overplayed track that glamorizes mental instability. The song feels like it’s more about seeking attention than expressing genuine emotion.
- “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: This blend of rock and psychedelic pop gives out a sense of desperate desire for someone to stay away. The lyrics allude to moving on from narcissistic victimhood to self-assertion and boundary-setting, with the repeated refrain of “Don’t come around here no more, Whatever you’re looking for.”
- “Egomaniac’s Kiss” by The Faint: ‘Egomaniac’s Kiss’ tries to be a sharp critique of narcissism, but it just ends up sounding like The Faint are the real egomaniacs here. It’s like they’re trying too hard to be edgy and just end up kissing their own reflections in the mirror.
- “Egotistic” by MAMAMOO: MAMAMOO’s ‘Egotistic’ is catchy, sure, but beneath its lively beats, it’s just a parade of self-obsession. The song feels like a celebration of vanity masquerading as female empowerment.
- “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus: Miley’s ‘Flowers’ seems to walk the line between self-love and self-obsession. It’s less about moving on from a toxic relationship and more about asserting (and even flaunting) one’s fierce independence.
- “Gaslighter” by The Chicks: ‘Gaslighter’ is an attempt to call out manipulative behavior, but it ends up feeling like a whiny and bitter rant. The Chicks might be aiming for empowerment, but it lands as a petty jab, losing the depth of the serious subject it tries to address.
- “Hard Feelings/Loveless” by Lorde: Lorde’s brooding about a failed relationship in ‘Hard Feelings/Loveless’ might be intended as emotional and deep, but it just sounds like a teenager’s melodramatic diary entry – more self-indulgent than genuinely reflective.
- “Heartless” by Kanye West: Kanye’s ‘Heartless’ feels less like a heartbreak anthem and more like a self-pity party. It’s as if he’s less concerned about the loss of love and more about how it affects his image.
- “Hey You” by Pink Floyd: While ‘Hey You’ is a classic, it sometimes comes off as Pink Floyd being a little too self-absorbed in their own psychedelic world. It’s like an introspective journey that forgot to invite the listener along.
- “Holier Than Thou” by Metallica: Metallica’s ‘Holier Than Thou’ tries to critique self-righteousness, but the irony is that it comes off as preachy itself. It’s like listening to someone brag about how humble they are (humblebragging).
- “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK: BLACKPINK’s ‘How You Like That’ is an infectious track, but strip away the catchy production, and it’s basically just a flashy, self-centered brag. It’s less about empowerment and more about flaunting.
- “I Am” by Jorja Smith: Jorja Smith’s ‘I Am’ tries to be a deep, introspective piece, but it ends up sounding a bit self-righteous. It’s as if she’s lecturing rather than sharing, losing the personal connection with the audience.
- “I Am a God” by Kanye West: Kanye’s ‘I Am a God’ is so over-the-top in its self-aggrandizement, it’s hard to take seriously. It feels like he’s less of a musical genius here and more of a self-appointed deity in a Kanye-centric universe.
- “I Don’t Care” by Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber: This collaboration between Sheeran and Bieber seems like a half-hearted attempt at nonchalance. ‘I Don’t Care’ comes across as trying to play it cool while secretly craving the very attention they claim to dismiss.
- “I Don’t Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw: DeGraw’s ‘I Don’t Want to Be’ is an anthem of defiance that ironically feels a bit conformist. It’s like he’s trying to convince himself more than anyone else, in a song that feels more self-assuring than genuinely rebellious.
- “I Don’t Care Anymore” by Phil Collins: Phil Collins sings about letting go of a toxic relationship in ‘I Don’t Care Anymore’, but the song drips with so much spite, it feels like he actually cares quite a bit. It’s more a petulant declaration than a genuine expression of liberation.
- “I Love Kanye” by Kanye West: Kanye’s ‘I Love Kanye’ seems like an attempt at self-parody, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that it’s just another layer of his ego talking. It’s Kanye loving Kanye about loving Kanye – a narcissistic inception.
- “I Love Myself” by The Wannadies: ‘I Love Myself’ tries to be a quirky anthem of self-appreciation, but it’s so over the top that it comes across as a narcissist’s theme song. It’s like The Wannadies are confusing loving oneself with being in love with oneself.
- “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick: This song’s desperate plea for attention is less about romance and more about a deep-seated need for validation. ‘I Want You to Want Me’ feels like a narcissist’s cry for adoration, wrapped up in a catchy pop-rock package.
- “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred: Sure, it’s meant to be a humorous take on vanity, but ‘I’m Too Sexy’ comes off as a self-obsessed anthem masquerading as a joke. It’s like Right Said Fred are celebrating narcissism under the guise of poking fun at it.
- “If I Wanted To” by Melissa Etheridge: While aiming to be an empowering song about standing up to a narcissistic partner, ‘If I Wanted To’ sounds more like Etheridge patting herself on the back for being strong. It’s less about the relationship dynamics and more about self-congratulation.
- “I Love Me” by Demi Lovato: Demi’s ‘I Love Me’ seems like it’s trying to be a self-love anthem, but it ends up sounding more like a bragging session. It’s as if the song is less about genuine self-acceptance and more about showing off under the guise of confidence.
- “I’m in Love with Myself” by David Guetta feat. Chris Willis: This track takes narcissism to a new level. Guetta and Willis make self-admiration sound like the ultimate goal, turning the song into an unapologetic self-worship fest rather than a dance hit.
- “Know Your Enemy” by Green Day: ‘Know Your Enemy’ feels like Green Day’s attempt at political commentary but comes off more like a vague rant. It’s like they’re shouting at a mirror, making noise without much substance or direction.
- “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift: Taylor’s attempt at playing the villain in ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ ends up feeling more petulant than powerful. It’s like she’s more interested in settling scores than creating a genuinely impactful song.
- “Lost in Japan” by Shawn Mendes: Shawn’s ‘Lost in Japan’ is catchy, sure, but it’s essentially just a fluffy, self-centered serenade. It’s like a travel brochure with Mendes’ face on every page, more about his whims than a romantic gesture.
- “Me, Myself & Hyde” by Ice Nine Kills: This track feels like it’s trying too hard to be dark and edgy. Ice Nine Kills end up sounding more like they’re playing dress-up in their own twisted fantasy rather than delivering a powerful musical narrative.
- “Me, Myself and I” by G-Eazy & Bebe Rexha: This song is an anthem of self-centeredness masquerading as independence. G-Eazy and Rexha make being alone sound like the ultimate virtue, but it comes off as a bit too self-congratulatory.
- “Mr. Self Destruct” by Nine Inch Nails: NIN’s ‘Mr. Self Destruct’ is an industrial barrage that feels more like a chaotic internal monologue. It’s as if Trent Reznor is less about self-exploration and more about self-indulgence in his own darkness.
- “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri: ‘Jar of Hearts’ might be a hit ballad about escaping emotional manipulation, but it sometimes feels like Perri is more focused on playing the victim than delivering a song about genuine healing or empowerment.
- “Linger” by The Cranberries: While ‘Linger’ is beautifully melancholic, it borders on glorifying the pain of being with someone self-centered. It’s like The Cranberries are mistaking enduring emotional neglect for romantic longing.
- “Love The Way You Lie” by Eminem: This song’s portrayal of a toxic relationship is intense, sure, but it sometimes feels like Eminem and Rihanna are sensationalizing the drama rather than critiquing the abuse and narcissism.
- “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber: Bieber’s ‘Love Yourself’ comes off as less of a dignified farewell and more of a passive-aggressive jab at a former lover. It’s like a break-up note wrapped in a pretense of self-care.
- “Me, Myself, and I” by De la Soul: This track tries to be a witty take on egotism, but ends up sounding like De la Soul is just as self-absorbed as the behaviors they’re supposedly mocking. It’s self-centeredness disguised as satire.
- “Mean” by Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift’s ‘Mean’ might have won a Grammy, but it sometimes feels like a self-pitying rant rather than a triumphant overcoming of bullying. It’s like she’s more interested in getting back at the bully than in the bigger picture of resilience.
- “Mirror” by Justin Timberlake: ‘Mirror’ is an introspective piece, but Timberlake’s constant self-referencing can come off as narcissistic rather than reflective. It’s like a musical selfie, focusing more on his own image than the supposed deeper message.
- “My Way” by Frank Sinatra: Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ is undoubtedly iconic, but the song’s self-congratulatory tone makes it sound more like a narcissist’s anthem than an inspiring tale of individualism and personal achievement.
- “Narcissist” by Baby Queen: ‘Narcissist’ attempts to explore the nuances of dating someone self-absorbed, but sometimes it feels like Baby Queen is just as fixated on the drama as the titular narcissist. It’s a song that ironically mirrors the trait it aims to criticize.
- “Narcissist” by The 1975: The 1975’s ‘Narcissist’ tries to critique self-obsession but ends up sounding like a diary entry from someone who’s a little too in love with their own reflections. It’s less of a song and more of a selfie set to music.
- “Narcissistic Cannibal” by Korn feat. Skrillex and Kill The Noise: The title says it all – it’s a raw exploration of the destructive nature of narcissistic behavior.
- “Narcissistic Heart” by Stone Temple Pilots: STP’s ‘Narcissistic Heart’ comes across as an uninspired take on egoism. It’s like they’re going through the motions of criticizing narcissism without really delving into its complexities.
- “Narcissus” by Alanis Morissette: Alanis attempts to dissect a narcissistic personality in ‘Narcissus’, but it feels more like an angry rant than a thoughtful critique. It’s as if she’s venting more about a personal grudge than exploring the broader theme of narcissism.
- “No Scrubs” by TLC: ‘No Scrubs’ comes off as a bit too dismissive and superior, almost like TLC is enjoying putting down others a bit too much. It’s empowerment with a hint of narcissism.
- “Psycho” by Post Malone ft. Ty Dolla $ign: This song’s portrayal of a toxic relationship feels more self-involved than insightful. Post Malone seems to be more fascinated with the ‘psycho’ image than delving into the actual dynamics of such relationships.
- “Savior” by Rise Against: ‘Savior’ tries to tackle the complexity of a failed relationship but ends up sounding like a self-righteous lament. It’s more about the band’s own moral high ground than the actual pain of separation.
- “Self Care” by Mac Miller: While intended as introspective, ‘Self Care’ ironically borders on self-absorption. It’s like Mac Miller is using self-reflection as a tool for self-indulgence rather than actual self-improvement.
- “Selfish” by Madison Beer: Madison Beer’s ‘Selfish’ feels less like a heartbroken ballad and more like a self-centered complaint. The song dwells so much on her own feelings, it almost forgets to be empathetic.
- “Sick, Sick, Sick” by Queens of the Stone Age: This track is an attempt at edgy rock but comes off as trying too hard. It’s like QOTSA is more in love with the idea of being ‘sick’ and ‘twisted’ than making a song that genuinely resonates.
- “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye feat. Kimbra: A catchy tune, but the song’s narrative feels more like two narcissists bickering than a heartfelt breakup song. It’s a musical he-said-she-said with a self-absorbed twist.
- “Sober” by P!nk: ‘Sober’ attempts to explore the darker sides of partying, but it sounds more like P!nk is glorifying the reckless lifestyle while pretending to critique it. It’s like a party anthem in disguise.
- “Tears Dry On Their Own” by Amy Winehouse: Amy’s raw talent is undeniable, but this track feels like a self-pitying reflection on lost love, with a hint of blaming the other for not being as hurt. It’s Winehouse at her most melodramatic.
- “The Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson: Manson’s critique of societal standards in ‘The Beautiful People’ often feels overshadowed by his own fascination with being unconventional. It’s less about society’s issues and more about his own ego.
- “The Man” by Taylor Swift: Taylor tries to tackle gender stereotypes in ‘The Man’, but it ends up feeling like a self-congratulatory pat on the back. It’s less a feminist anthem and more a Swift-centric worldview.
- “The Mirror” by Dream Theater: Dream Theater’s ‘The Mirror’ tries to delve into personal struggles but ends up feeling overly complex and self-indulgent. The song is less a reflection and more a convoluted introspection.
- “Too Good at Goodbyes” by Sam Smith: Sam Smith’s ‘Too Good at Goodbyes’ feels less like a soulful heartbreak song and more like a self-centered mope about being left. It’s like he’s enjoying the sadness a bit too much.
- “What’s My Name” by Rihanna feat. Drake: This track, while catchy, comes off as a superficial flaunt of fame and desirability. Rihanna and Drake seem more focused on their egos than creating a song with depth.
- “When I’m Gone” by Eminem: Eminem’s introspection in ‘When I’m Gone’ often feels overshadowed by his own self-pity. It’s less about family and more about his own struggles with fame.
- “Who Do You Love?” by YG feat. Drake: This song’s braggadocio feels less like genuine confidence and more like an overcompensation. YG and Drake come across as trying to one-up each other in narcissism.
- “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore: Lesley Gore’s feminist anthem sometimes sounds less like an empowerment song and more like a teenager’s rebellious phase. It’s empowerment with a side of eye-roll.
- “Rap God” by Eminem: Eminem’s ‘Rap God’ is a showcase of lyrical skill, but it’s hard to ignore the blatant self-idolization. It’s more of a self-celebration under the guise of showcasing talent than a genuine display of artistic prowess.
- “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele: While Adele’s voice is undeniably powerful, ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ feels like it dramatizes the pain of loving someone narcissistic a bit too much. It’s like an emotional spectacle rather than a heartfelt expression of relationship turmoil.
- “Take a Bow” by Rihanna: Rihanna’s ‘Take a Bow’ is a sleek takedown of a deceitful lover, but it sometimes comes off more like a victory lap in the game of one-upmanship than a genuine reflection on a toxic relationship.
- “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell: This song’s portrayal of an obsessive relationship borders on glamorizing the very toxicity it’s meant to criticize. It’s as if Soft Cell finds the suffocating nature of narcissistic behavior more intriguing than alarming.
- “Toxic” by Britney Spears: ‘Toxic’ is undoubtedly catchy, but its depiction of a harmful relationship feels more like a danceable drama than a serious take on the dangers of narcissistic partners. It’s like Britney is more enthralled by the toxicity than wary of it.
- “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore: Lesley Gore’s empowerment anthem is iconic, but sometimes it feels like it’s less about standing up to a controlling partner and more about flaunting her own defiance. It’s independence with a slightly self-congratulatory tone.
- “You Should Be Sad” by Halsey: Halsey’s ‘You Should Be Sad’ tries to be a reflective piece on a failed relationship, but it ends up sounding more like an exercise in self-righteous finger-pointing. It’s like she’s more interested in blaming than understanding.
- “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon: This classic hit is often cited as the quintessential song about narcissism. It speaks to the egocentric nature of a former lover, famously leaving listeners speculating about the identity of the subject.
Check out this playlist: Songs About Narcissism and Narcissists on Spotify.
This diverse collection of songs provides a window into the various facets of narcissism, from the perspective of both the narcissist and those affected by their behavior.
√ Also Read: How To Make A Narcissist Jealous & Envious, For Sure?
√ Please spread the word if you found this helpful.
• Our Story!