Steve PMHSongs about narcissism have been a popular topic in music for decades.
Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration.
Many musicians have explored this theme in their lyrics, either as a reflection of their own experiences or as a commentary on society.
Overall, songs about narcissism can provide insight into the human psyche and the ways in which we relate to ourselves and others.
Whether they are empowering anthems or cautionary tales, these songs offer a unique perspective on the complexities of human behavior.
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
Carly Simon’s hit song “You’re So Vain” is a classic example of a song about narcissism.
The song was released in 1972 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The lyrics of the song describe a man who is obsessed with his own appearance and thinks that everyone is talking about him.
The chorus of the song famously repeats the line “You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you.”
The song’s lyrics are simple yet effective in conveying the message of narcissism.
The repetition of the chorus drives home the point that the subject of the song is completely self-absorbed and thinks that everything revolves around him.
In addition to the lyrics, the music of “You’re So Vain” also adds to the overall feeling of the song.
The catchy melody and upbeat tempo create a sense of irony, as the subject of the song is anything but lighthearted.
Overall, “You’re So Vain” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the essence of narcissism.
The song’s simple yet effective lyrics and catchy melody make it a memorable addition to any playlist.
Narcissist – No Rome feat. The 1975
“Narcissist” is a song by No Rome featuring The 1975, released in 2018. The song is about a narcissistic person who is obsessed with themselves and their image.
The lyrics describe the person’s self-absorption and their need for attention and validation.
The chorus of the song repeats the line “I don’t wanna be your narcissist,” which can be interpreted as the person realizing their own narcissistic tendencies and not wanting to continue down that path.
The song also touches on the idea of how social media can contribute to narcissistic behavior and the pressure to present a perfect image to the world.
The production of the song features a dreamy, electronic sound with hints of guitar and drums.
The vocals of No Rome and The 1975’s Matty Healy blend together seamlessly, creating a hypnotic and captivating effect.
Overall, “Narcissist” is a thought-provoking and introspective song that delves into the complex topic of narcissism in a unique and creative way.
Narcissistic Cannibal – Korn feat. Skrillex and Kill the Noise
“Narcissistic Cannibal” is a song by American nu metal band Korn, featuring electronic music producers Skrillex and Kill the Noise.
The song was released in 2011 as part of Korn’s tenth studio album, “The Path of Totality.”
The song’s lyrics focus on the destructive nature of narcissism and the impact it can have on relationships.
The chorus repeats the phrase “I can’t believe I’m letting you resurrect me,” suggesting that the narcissistic person is using their partner for their own gain and not truly invested in the relationship.
Musically, the song blends Korn’s heavy metal sound with Skrillex’s signature dubstep drops.
The result is a high-energy track that perfectly captures the chaotic and unpredictable nature of narcissism.
Overall, “Narcissistic Cannibal” is a powerful song that sheds light on the damaging effects of narcissism in relationships.
Its unique blend of metal and electronic music makes it a standout track in Korn’s discography and a must-listen for fans of both genres.
Ego – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Ego” is a song about self-confidence and self-love, but it also touches on the theme of narcissism.
The lyrics describe a person who is fully aware of their own beauty and power, and who is not afraid to show it off.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “I got a big ego, such a huge ego”, emphasizing the idea that this person’s ego is larger than life.
The lyrics also mention how this person is “too big, too strong, too fast”, suggesting that they believe themselves to be superior to others.
Despite the focus on ego, the song also has a playful tone. The lyrics describe how this person can “walk like this ’cause I can back it up”, and how they “talk like this ’cause I can back it up”.
This confidence is infectious, and the song encourages listeners to embrace their own egos and feel good about themselves.
Overall, “Ego” is a catchy and upbeat song that celebrates self-love and confidence.
While it touches on the theme of narcissism, it does so in a lighthearted way that encourages listeners to feel good about themselves.
Me, Myself and I – G-Eazy x Bebe Rexha
“Me, Myself and I” is a song by American rapper G-Eazy featuring singer Bebe Rexha.
The song was released in 2015 and is known for its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics about narcissism.
The song begins with G-Eazy rapping about his rise to fame and how he’s changed as a person.
He acknowledges that he’s become more self-centered and admits that he’s lost some friends along the way.
The chorus, sung by Bebe Rexha, reinforces the theme of self-love and narcissism, with lyrics like “Oh, it’s just me, myself and I / Solo ride until I die.”
Throughout the song, G-Eazy reflects on his past relationships and how his narcissism has affected them.
He admits that he’s been selfish and has hurt people, but he also defends his behavior, saying that he’s just looking out for himself.
The song’s music video features G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha performing in a dimly-lit club, surrounded by flashing lights and smoke.
The video is a visual representation of the song’s themes of self-obsession and isolation.
Overall, “Me, Myself and I” is a catchy and relatable song that speaks to the narcissistic tendencies that many people experience.
Its honest lyrics and upbeat melody make it a popular choice for fans of both rap and pop music.
Obsessed – Mariah Carey
“Obsessed” is a song by American singer Mariah Carey.
It was released in 2009 and is known for its catchy beat and lyrics about a person who is obsessed with themselves.
The song is often associated with narcissism due to its theme.
The lyrics of “Obsessed” describe a person who is obsessed with themselves and believes that everyone else is also obsessed with them.
The song is believed to be a response to rapper Eminem’s claims that he had a relationship with Carey, which she denied.
The chorus of the song features Carey singing, “Why you so obsessed with me?
Gaslighter – The Chicks
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used by narcissists to make their victim question their own reality.
The Chicks’ song “Gaslighter” is a powerful anthem that exposes the emotional abuse and deception that often accompanies narcissistic behavior.
The song’s lyrics describe the experience of being in a relationship with a gaslighter, with lines like “You’re such a gaslighter, denier” and “You’re so convincing, but I don’t believe you.”
The chorus repeats the phrase “Gaslighter, big timer, repeating all of the mistakes of your father,” highlighting the cycle of narcissism that can be passed down through generations.
The Chicks’ use of bold and intense instrumentals, combined with lead singer Natalie Maines’ powerful vocals, creates a sense of urgency and strength in the song.
The bridge, with its haunting piano melody and lyrics like “You thought I wouldn’t see it if you put it in my face,” adds a layer of emotional depth and vulnerability.
Overall, “Gaslighter” is a powerful and empowering song that sheds light on the damaging effects of narcissistic behavior.
Its clear message and strong delivery make it a standout in the genre of songs about narcissism.
Better Than Revenge – Taylor Swift
“Better Than Revenge” is a song by Taylor Swift that was released in 2010.
The song is known for its catchy tune and lyrics that are aimed at an ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend. The song is also considered to be one of the songs about narcissism.
The song starts with the lyrics “Now go stand in the corner and think about what you did”, which is a clear indication of the song’s theme.
The song talks about how the ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend is trying to be like the protagonist of the song, but she will never be able to be like her because she is better than her in every way.
The song also talks about how the protagonist of the song is not afraid of the new girlfriend because she knows that she is better than her.
The song is a perfect example of how narcissistic behavior can affect a person’s relationships.
In conclusion, “Better Than Revenge” is a song that talks about how a person’s narcissistic behavior can affect their relationships.
The song is a perfect example of how a person can become so obsessed with themselves that they start to believe that they are better than everyone else.
Blank Space – Taylor Swift
“Blank Space” is a song by Taylor Swift that was released in 2014. The song is a satirical take on the media’s portrayal of Swift as a serial dater and a narcissist.
The lyrics of the song describe a woman who is obsessed with love and fame, and who uses men for her own purposes.
The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song’s chorus, “Cause darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream,” is a reference to the idea of a narcissist who is charming on the surface but ultimately destructive.
The song’s music video features Swift as a wealthy, glamorous woman who destroys her lover’s possessions in a fit of rage.
The song’s lyrics and video have been interpreted as a commentary on the way that women are often portrayed in the media as manipulative and controlling.
The song’s success has been attributed to its catchy melody and witty lyrics, as well as Swift’s ability to connect with her audience.
Overall, “Blank Space” is a clever and satirical take on narcissism and the media’s portrayal of women.
The song’s success is a testament to Swift’s talent as a songwriter and performer.
Misery Business – Paramore
“Misery Business” is a song by the American rock band Paramore. It was released as the lead single from their second studio album, “Riot!” in 2007.
The song is about a person who is fed up with a narcissistic individual who constantly tries to manipulate and control them.
The lyrics of “Misery Business” are empowering and assertive, with lead singer Hayley Williams singing lines like “Once a whore, you’re nothing more, I’m sorry that’ll never change” and “Whoa, I never meant to brag, but I got him where I want him now.”
These lines convey a sense of confidence and self-assuredness, which is a common theme in songs about narcissism.
The song’s catchy chorus and energetic instrumentation make it a fan favorite, and it has become one of Paramore’s most popular songs.
It is often played at their live shows and has been covered by numerous other artists.
Overall, “Misery Business” is a powerful anthem for anyone who has dealt with a narcissistic person in their life.
Its message of standing up for oneself and not allowing others to control or manipulate is an important one, and it is conveyed in a clear and confident manner through the song’s lyrics and instrumentation.
Leave Me Alone – Michael Jackson
“Leave Me Alone” is a song by Michael Jackson that was released in 1989.
The song is about Jackson’s desire for privacy and his frustration with the constant media attention he received.
The lyrics express his desire to be left alone and not be the subject of constant scrutiny.
The song’s music video features imagery that reflects Jackson’s feelings of isolation and the media’s intrusion into his personal life.
The video includes scenes of Jackson being chased by paparazzi, as well as footage of tabloid headlines and articles about him.
The song’s lyrics and video make it clear that Jackson felt that the media was obsessed with him and that he was constantly under a microscope.
This is a common theme in songs about narcissism, as narcissists often feel that they are the center of attention and that everyone is constantly watching them.
Overall, “Leave Me Alone” is a powerful statement about the negative effects of fame and the toll that constant media attention can take on a person’s mental health.
Jackson’s desire for privacy and his frustration with the media’s intrusion into his personal life are feelings that many people can relate to, making this song a timeless classic.
Power Trip – J. Cole feat. Miguel
“Power Trip” by J. Cole featuring Miguel is a song that delves into the theme of narcissism.
The song is about a man who is obsessed with a woman and is willing to do anything to keep her, even if it means controlling her.
The lyrics of the song are very straightforward and tell the story of a man who is in love with a woman but is also very possessive of her.
He talks about how he wants to be with her all the time and how he wants to control her every move. He even goes as far as to say that he would kill for her.
The chorus of the song is very catchy and features Miguel singing, “Got me up all night, all I’m singing is love songs.
She got me up all night, constant drinking and love songs.”
This line is a clear indication of the man’s obsession with the woman and how he can’t stop thinking about her.
Overall, “Power Trip” is a great example of a song that explores the theme of narcissism.
The lyrics are very clear and the melody is catchy, making it a popular song among fans of J. Cole and Miguel.
I Don’t F**k With You – Big Sean feat. E-40
“I Don’t F**k With You” is a song by American rapper Big Sean featuring E-40.
The song was released in 2014 and was a commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is widely regarded as a diss track aimed at Big Sean’s ex-girlfriend, actress Naya Rivera.
The lyrics of “I Don’t Fk With You” are filled with references to narcissism and self-importance.
The chorus of the song repeats the line “I don’t fk with you” several times, indicating a clear lack of interest or concern for the subject of the song.
The verses are filled with boasts and insults, with Big Sean claiming that he is “blessed” and “way up” while dismissing his ex-girlfriend as “lame” and “stupid.”
The song’s music video features Big Sean playing football and celebrating with his team, further emphasizing the theme of self-importance.
The video also features a cameo from Kanye West, who is known for his own narcissistic tendencies.
Overall, “I Don’t F**k With You” is a prime example of a song about narcissism.
Its lyrics and music video both emphasize the importance of self and the dismissal of others, making it a popular choice for those who feel similarly.
Backstabber – Kesha
Kesha’s hit song “Backstabber” is a scathing commentary on narcissism and betrayal.
The song’s lyrics describe a person who is obsessed with their own image and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their status, even if it means hurting those around them.
The chorus of the song is particularly impactful, with Kesha singing, “So you wanna be a victim? Or you wanna be an asshole?”
This line highlights the idea that narcissistic individuals often see themselves as the victim, even when they are the ones causing harm.
The song also features a catchy beat and upbeat melody, which adds to the irony of the lyrics.
The juxtaposition of the upbeat music with the dark lyrics creates a powerful message about the dangers of narcissism.
Overall, “Backstabber” is a must-listen for anyone interested in songs about narcissism. Its clever lyrics and catchy melody make it a standout in the genre.
Mean – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “Mean” is a song about a narcissistic person who constantly puts others down to make themselves feel better.
The song’s lyrics describe the subject as someone who “talks down to her” and “mocks her” in an attempt to make themselves feel superior.
The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with Swift singing, “Someday I’ll be living in a big old city, and all you’re ever gonna be is mean.”
This line conveys the idea that the narcissistic person will never be able to achieve true success or happiness because of their negative behavior.
Swift’s use of repetition in the song’s lyrics, such as “you’re mean” and “all you are is mean,” emphasizes the subject’s negative behavior and reinforces the message of the song.
Overall, “Mean” is a powerful song that highlights the negative effects of narcissism on both the narcissistic person and those around them.
Sorry Not Sorry – Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s “Sorry Not Sorry” is a song that is all about self-love and self-confidence.
The lyrics are all about how Demi is unapologetically herself, and how she won’t change for anyone.
The song is a great example of narcissism in music, as it is all about putting oneself first and not caring about what others think.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with Demi singing, “Now I’m out here looking like revenge, feelin’ like a 10, the best I ever been, and yeah I know how bad it might seem, but I don’t really give a damn.”
This is a clear example of narcissism, as Demi is putting herself above others and not caring about how her actions might affect them.
The song also features a catchy beat and a strong vocal performance from Demi.
The music video is also worth checking out, as it features Demi and her friends having fun and being confident in themselves.
Overall, “Sorry Not Sorry” is a great example of a song about narcissism.
It encourages listeners to love themselves and put themselves first, but it’s important to remember to also consider the feelings of others.
Too Good – Drake feat. Rihanna
“Too Good” is a song by Canadian rapper Drake, featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna. The song was released in 2016 as part of Drake’s fourth studio album, “Views.”
The song is about a relationship where the man feels like he is doing everything right, but the woman takes him for granted and doesn’t appreciate him.
The song’s chorus, sung by Rihanna, goes: “I’m too good to you / I’m way too good to you / You take my love for granted / I just don’t understand it.”
This chorus highlights the narcissistic behavior of the woman in the relationship, who believes that she deserves everything without putting in any effort.
Drake’s verses in the song further emphasize the narcissistic behavior of the woman.
He raps lines such as “I don’t know how to talk to you / I just know I found myself getting lost with you” and “I’m too good to you, I’m way too good to you / You take my love for granted, I just don’t understand it.”
The song’s lyrics, combined with the catchy melody and Rihanna’s powerful vocals, make “Too Good” a popular song about narcissism.
It highlights the toxic nature of a relationship where one person takes the other for granted and believes that they are entitled to everything without putting in any effort.
Overall, “Too Good” is a great example of how music can be used to convey important messages about relationships and human behavior.
Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” is a song by Taylor Swift that was released in 2014.
The song is about shaking off criticism and negativity from others, which is a common theme in narcissism.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a popular choice for those looking to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
The lyrics of “Shake It Off” describe how the narrator deals with criticism and negativity from others.
The song encourages listeners to ignore the haters and focus on themselves.
The chorus is particularly catchy, with the lyrics “Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play / And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate / Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / I shake it off, I shake it off.”
The song’s message of self-confidence and self-love is a common theme in narcissism, making it a popular choice for those looking to boost their self-esteem.
Narcissists often have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others.
They may also have a need for constant admiration and validation from others.
“Shake It Off” encourages listeners to focus on themselves and their own happiness, which is a characteristic of narcissism.
Overall, “Shake It Off” is a fun and upbeat song that encourages listeners to ignore negativity and focus on themselves.
Applause – Lady Gaga
“Applause” is a song by Lady Gaga that was released in 2013. The song is about the singer’s relationship with her audience and how she craves their approval and validation.
The lyrics describe how Lady Gaga is addicted to the applause and how it fuels her ego and sense of self-worth.
The song’s chorus is particularly catchy and memorable, with the repeated line, “I live for the applause, applause, applause.”
This line is meant to convey the idea that Lady Gaga is willing to do whatever it takes to get her fans to cheer and clap for her, even if it means sacrificing her own well-being.
In terms of musical style, “Applause” is an upbeat pop song with electronic influences.
The song features a driving beat and catchy melody that make it perfect for dancing and singing along.
Overall, “Applause” is a song that speaks to the narcissistic tendencies that many performers and artists have.
Lady Gaga’s willingness to admit her own addiction to applause and validation makes the song both relatable and entertaining to listen to.
Control – Halsey
Halsey’s song “Control” is a powerful anthem that explores the theme of narcissism.
The lyrics describe the struggle of someone who is trying to maintain control over their life, even as they feel like they are losing their grip.
The song opens with a haunting melody that sets the tone for the rest of the track.
Halsey’s vocals are raw and emotional, conveying a sense of desperation that is palpable throughout the song.
One of the most striking elements of “Control” is the use of repetition.
The chorus features the line “I’m bigger than my body, I’m colder than this home,” which is repeated several times throughout the song.
This repetition serves to emphasize the feeling of being trapped and out of control.
Another powerful aspect of “Control” is the use of metaphor. Halsey compares herself to a puppet on a string, being controlled by an unseen force.
This metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the sense of powerlessness that often accompanies narcissistic tendencies.
Overall, “Control” is a powerful and emotionally charged song that explores the theme of narcissism in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.
Through its use of repetition and metaphor, the song conveys the feeling of being trapped and out of control, making it a must-listen for anyone who has struggled with these issues.
Gives You Hell – The All-American Rejects
“Gives You Hell” is a song by the American rock band The All-American Rejects.
The song was released in 2008 and became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The lyrics of “Gives You Hell” are about a person who has been wronged by someone and is seeking revenge.
The song is a classic example of a narcissistic anthem, with the lyrics boasting about how the protagonist will make the person who wronged them pay for their actions.
The chorus of the song is particularly catchy and memorable, with the line “When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell” repeated several times.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a popular choice for parties and events.
Overall, “Gives You Hell” is a great example of a song about narcissism.
The lyrics are confident and boastful, with the protagonist reveling in their own perceived superiority.
The song’s popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of narcissistic anthems in popular music.
