Top 50 Songs About Feeling Lonely

Loneliness is a feeling nearly everyone is acquainted with – that hollow, alienating twinge when no one seems to understand. When no one does, however, music offers a comforting buddy. We had a playlist ready of 50 tracks in all decades and genres which capture what it is like to feel lonely.

These songs range throughout old favorites to newer pop classics in English only which verifies loneliness is ageless.

Each song listed herein for a reason or another reached a chord in its listeners – some had megahits or classic anthem status while for others there may not have been a high level of popularity but remain unsung sources of comfort.

From the ballads of days gone by and soul R&B ballads to hard-rocking classics and newer pop classics, what follows verifies loneliness is a universal theme in song.

Whether you are wallowing in a broken-hearted 3 AM or simply condemned to a rainy afternoon alone at home, you are certain you are not alone by these songs.

Let’s look at those songs which tell you when you feel lonely no one understands you alone but there is someone if not now then in some distant past whose song captures this same feeling.

1. All By Myself by Eric Carmen

Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself” is a power ballad virtually synonymous with loneliness. When it came out in 1975, Carmen wrote this epic ballad concerning great loneliness, even borrowing a lugubrious melody from Rachmaninoff in an effort to make the feeling take hold. Its operatic piano riffs and durable vocals resonated worldwide – it peaked at number 5 and was one of the greatest breakup ballads of its era. Even now, “All By Myself” is an emblem for absolute solitude with oneself.

2. Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis Presley

Elvis poured his soul into “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, an ageless 1960 ballad in which he asks if a lost lover is lonely too. Its mellow acoustic guitar and Elvis’s tender crooning beautifully conjure up lonely evenings. It struck a raw chord – the song went straight in at #1 and was one of Elvis’s most distinctive recordings. Panpipes and emotive delivery make you feel the vulnerability of the King, such that even a legend is pricked by loneliness.

3. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry by Hank Williams

Country standards were pioneered by Hank Williams in his 1949 recording “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” whose raw emotion still holds up. Williams balances his loneliness in bare but haunted lyrics with a song by a whip-poor-will bird and a lonesome whistle on a northbound midnight train. Quivering in his voice are tears you experience throughout. Though not a massive pop chart hit upon its initial release, it became an all-time greatest country ballad. Its endurance is in how honestly it lays bare that hollow loneliness of actually being alone.

4. One (Is the Loneliest Number) by Three Dog Night

“One” by Three Dog Night just states “one is the loneliest number you’ll ever do.” Its 1969 Harry Nilsson-written track takes simple arithmetic and makes it an emotional statement. Its soul-rock-influenced interpretation by the band augmented by several harmonies caused it to rocket its way into a top 5 placement. It’s infectious but melancholic – a ballad about loneliness after a breakup. Even today, when one is made to feel rejected or lonely, “One” remains an anthem for individuals. Its endurance is predicated upon that distinctive chorus everyone with their own loneliness can sing their heart out to.

5. Only the Lonely by Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison’s 1960 ballad “Only the Lonely” is an operatic pop classic which made loneliness lovely in a strange kind of way. Orbison’s belty voice croons heartbreak in every phrase when he sings about recognizing the way I feel tonight. Its dramatic swell and dip – complete with swoony doo-wop loves in the background – reached a chord worldwide when it became Orbison’s first major success. It peaked at #2 in America and #1 in Britain and became his trademark tune. To this day, decades later, “Only the Lonely” still echoes as an anthem for anyone wallowing in a broken heart alone.

6. Solitary Man by Neil Diamond

Pre-superstardom, Neil Diamond made his debut with “Solitary Man” in 1966. On his first major hit single, Diamond croons about a life’s worth of love gone bad which had transformed him into a haunted man alone. With his rich baritone voice and song’s uplifting melody, “Solitary Man” became an immediate standout track; it would later gain further fame when it was covered repeatedly (Johnny Cash even imposed his haunting signature upon it). On the charts it had lowly beginnings, but its no-frills descriptions in realistic form of an accepting man alone made it a classic for lonely individuals.

7. Lonely Boy by Andrew Gold

Andrew Gold’s 1977 bittersweet pop-rock anthem “Lonely Boy” tells a sad tale about a forgotten young man; it’s piano-driven in its melody if not its rhythm. But it is actually anomalously happy-sounding for a story so sad – which is why it’s even more memorable, in a twisted kind of way. As a recording, it made it into the top 10; in its lyrics about lonely growing up in an autobio kinda way, it spoke for itself on plenty of fronts. It’s a clarion call for anyone ever an outsider amongst their own people or clan, in a ’70s-cha-cha-cha-ous chorale you can’t help but sing along with.

8. Lonely People by America

Soft-rock band America offered an uplifting take on loneliness in “Lonely People.” As released in 1974, this laid-back tune was written by then-husband-wife members Dan Peek and Catherine Peek as a remedy for despair. Written over a warm acoustic base, lyrics plead “don’t give up until you drink from the silver cup” – in other words, don’t give up on life. “Lonely People” peaked as high as a number 5 in the charts, but its comforting sentiment has calmed people for decades. We are reminded lonely is not where life concludes and there are better times ahead.

9. Turn the Page by Bob Seger

Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page” captures the weary loneliness of life on the road as a musician. This 1973 rock ballad (famously recorded live with the Silver Bullet Band) paints a picture of a tired traveler facing another long night and the isolation that fame can bring. The soulful saxophone wail in the song practically cries with loneliness. Though never a big Top 40 single at the time, “Turn the Page” became one of Seger’s signature songs and a classic rock radio staple. Its depiction of feeling alone in a crowd – “there I go, playing star again” – resonates with anyone who’s felt isolated even while doing their everyday job.

10. Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt’s 1977 ballad hit “Blue Bayou” is a melancholy song about wishing you were somewhere distant and missing the one you love left behind. Originally written by Roy Orbison, “Blue Bayou” became Linda’s signature song when her clean, emotive voice infused it with loneliness you can feel. She brought it within the top 5 on the charts, deservedly so – when you hear about fishing boats, stars, and evening tides in the song you can only imagine a lonely heart wishing it were bound for home. Ronstadt’s is so appealing and emotive it might make you cry if you’ve ever missed somebody halfway around the globe.

11. Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles

Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles “Eleanor Rigby” is perhaps one of the sappiest pop songs ever coated in a happy package. Released in 1966 by The Beatles, this string-underscored ditty surprised listeners with its image of “all the lonely people.” Paul McCartney’s verse describes Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie – two lonely individuals whose paths never intertwined even though their lives are punctuated with loneliness. As an imperative string quartet piece (no guitars or drums allowed), the song was extremely unlike anything modern in its time, yet it hit number one in charts worldwide. “Eleanor Rigby” still is a bitter reminder how people die and live in silent desperation without any attention paid by the world.

12. Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley

Another Elvis classic, “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956) is really loneliness 101 in early rock ’n’ roll guise. Inspired by a newspaper account of a suicide note upon which were scrawled the words “I walk a lonely street,” Elvis sings about a lonely setting where broken-hearted individuals languish. With its spooky vocals and bluesy guitar lines, “Heartbreak Hotel” carries an aura of empty hallways and downtrodden spirits. Elvis’s first #1 US recording, “Heartbreak Hotel” truly resonated with teens no doubt familiar with heartbreak. To date, “Heartbreak Hotel” graces the end of Lonely Street as a rock classic for the lovelorn.

13. Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers

Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” is a 1971 soul classic which eloquently captures the bleakness one feels when a beloved is gone. At less than three minutes in duration, it is brief but gut-wrenching – Withers croons “I know, I know…” like a spaced-out man. He wrote it about emptiness when his girl upped and left him, and their mutual suffering prompted the song to #3 on the charts and a victory at the Grammies. With its sparse arrangement and Bill’s emotive voice, “Ain’t No Sunshine” brings you in contact with cold loneliness when “she’s gone” and warmth in life is gone.

14. Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely by Backstreet Boys

Even glossy ’90s pop spoke about loneliness. “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” (1999) by Backstreet Boys is a sobby ballad with extremely heavy lyrics about heartbreak and loneliness. Released at the height of BSB mania, it went a sadder route than their signature up-tempo tracks. Emotion spills over in the vocals as the boys inquire plaintively why they are so lonely when they lost something special. Fans sympathized – it became a global top 10 single. Lush production and emotional harmonies hold up even today, making it a classic pop anthem for anyone up at night wondering what went wrong.

15. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston

On its face, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a euphoric ’80s dance-pop standard. Listen close to lyrics, though, you’ll hear a whiff of loneliness disguised in the euphoria. Whitney Houston released it in 1987, and even though its simple chorus and her strong voice boosted it worldwide to #1 status, she’s singing about that moment when evening descends and loneliness hurts. Whitney’s cure is finding someone who loves me so I might dance out my blues. It’s a frenzied song which disguises a universal ache – that desire for a companion when you are by yourself. No surprise it’s such a wonderful party song; it makes lonely evenings a reason for finding company.

16. Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol

“Dancing With Myself” is a classic New Wave track which makes loneliness a freedom. Written by Billy Idol in 1980 (originally a cover by his later band Generation X), it’s a simple argument: if you are by yourself and unhappy, why not dance by yourself and have a ball? With a defiant-sounding guitar riff and a catch “oh oh oh” chorus, it didn’t make major US charts but became an MTV anthem staple and club hit. Idol’s sneering-yet-euphorically-delivered vocals make loneliness cool. “Dancing With Myself” flips loneliness on its head – at some points you just have to enjoy hanging out by yourself and rocking out alone.

17. Dancing On My Own by Robyn

Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” (2010) is a lonely-at-the-club anthem to end all lonely-at-the-club anthems. On this synth-pop classic track, the Swedish chanteuse finds herself watching an ex with a new partner while she’s “in the corner, watching you kiss her.” It’s a rhythm which is brisk and purifying even as the lyrics are imbued with anguish and loneliness in a sea of people. Though it wasn’t a substantial Billboard hit in America at the time, it was critically acclaimed and a UK top 10 hit in its time, later famously remixed by Calum Scott. “Dancing On My Own” is now an anthem for the modern age – a defiant bitter anthem for heartbreak and resolve which anyone who’s ever felt alone in a sea of faces can sing with conviction.

18. All Out of Love by Air Supply

Not many power ballads nail lonely desperation like Air Supply does with “All Out of Love.” Released in 1980, this duet finds the narrators completely at a loss after a breakup, yelping “I’m all out of love, I’m so lost without you.” Dramatic in a wonderful way – epic vocals, mellow piano, and ascending strings leading up to a climactic crescendo. Obviously a huge worldwide success at #2 in America when it was released, it still fills out heartbreak playlists. “All Out of Love” perfectly embodies that empty, hollow sensation in coming to terms with the reality that the individual responsible for infusing life into your universe is no longer there, and you don’t know how you are supposed to assemble yourself again.

19. Alone by Heart

Alone by Heart Rock duo Heart had a number-one single in 1987 with “Alone,” a ballad about yearning for somebody in wee hours of night. Ann Wilson’s lead vocals are yearning when she sings “Till now, I always got by on my own…” – admitting solitude was fine until she found a guy who changed everything. Its mellow beginning explodes into large drums and electric guitars in an imitation of the dramatic experience of finding out just how lonely you are without somebody special. “Alone” was a regular on radios in late ’80s and in Heart’s repertoire. Its passionate delivery and universal lyrics still make it a favorite for belting (or sobbing) your heart out when you miss somebody.

20. Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O’Sullivan

Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O’Sullivan Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally)” is a 1972 pop classic with a surprisingly morbid undertone. Under a sunny melody, O’Sullivan croons about having been left at the altar and freefalling into great despair, even contemplating suicide, before concluding he’ll inevitably end up alone. Despite it being a serious theme, its infectious melodic rhythm made it a massive success – it spent weeks at #1 on Billboard. “Alone Again (Naturally)” struck such a chord so hard because it talked about emotions people are inclined to deny. Its blend of infectious music and despondent lyrics is a bitter smile towards heartbreak, something everyone left high and dry can identify with.

21. Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O’Connor

Sinéad bare her soul on “Nothing Compares 2 U,” making loneliness after a breakup an international anthem in 1990. Prince had written it first, but it’s a raw, emotive ballad like no other – Sinéad’s voice trembles as she counts off empty moments “since you’ve been gone.” That classic music video in which she cried a single tear made it all too real. Through its musical channels, it reached #1 worldwide, with listeners empathizing in its raw form expressing bereavement and loneliness when the love you’re pouring in for is gone. Even decades later, “Nothing Compares 2 U” is still able to silence a room and make you feel within one’s physical core a depth of missing someone so much it hurts.

22. Drive by The Cars

The Cars’ “Drive” (1984) is an atmospheric ballad with synth that asks “who’s gonna drive you home tonight?” – or rather, what’s going to protect you when no one’s around? Sung by bassist Benjamin Orr, it was a slow-change-of-pace for The Cars away from their hook-laden new-wave favorites in a more vulnerable vein. It was their biggest success in a song, peaking at #3 in the U.S. The yearning in Orr’s voice blended with plaintive melody make “Drive” such a haunting song. Often accompanied by an emotional experience of trying to bail someone out of loneliness (or being that lonely soul yourself), this song still remains a classic ’80s anthem for those lonely late-night moments.

23. Hey There Lonely Girl by Eddie Holman

In 1970, there was a lush R&B ballad titled “Hey There Lonely Girl” by Eddie Holman. LITERALLY a musical definition of a warm hug, it’s a song in which a broken-hearted girl is reassured her loneliness would be filled with love. It went all the way up to #2 on the US charts, and it’s no surprise why – it’s a sonorous tune with a genuine sentiment. “Hey There Lonely Girl” is still a classic slow dance as well as a comforting sentiment that a love gone sour might make it possible for someone new to walk in and fill up that lonely vacancy.

24. Need You Now by Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum’s country classic “Need You Now” became an overnight hit in 2010 precisely because it so perfectly embodies 1:15 AM loneliness. Its crossover single (which for a year occupied No. 1 on country charts as well as four months on pop charts) includes its vocalists reaching for their phone at 1:15 AM out of hollowness and whiskey in order to call an ex. Its chorus in “I just need you now” is simple and pure – a cry in which loneliness always gets you hung up for the one person you shouldn’t call. Rich harmonies and introspective lyrics caused this song to take multiple Grammys. “Need You Now” remains today’s anthem for those barely sozzled, broken-hearted nights in which loneliness is too much for you to bear.

25. Tired of Being Alone by Al Green

Soul legend Al Green brought “Tired of Being Alone” holy-chronic intensity. Released in 1971, this song’s title is a statement – Al’s had it up to here with lonely evenings and is begging his lover to come back. His wheedling-but-smooth voice, accompanied by a funky Memphis soul track, made this song a pop charts top 15 hit and an R&B radio staple. At a barely-3-minutes-long duration, “Tired of Being Alone” doesn’t mess around when it comes to conveying longing and hunger. It’s catchy, genuine, and relatable to anyone who’s had it up to here with coming home to an empty dwelling and is in need of love’s comeback.

26. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day

Green Day struck a sensitive chord with “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in 2004. Breaking free of their punk heritage into alternative ballad form, the band drew a raw profile in loneliness: “I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known.” Moody lyrics and a chorusing outburst made it an enormous success (even-winning a Grammy). As a companion piece for the rowdy “Holiday,” this track showed a more vulnerable side for Green Day. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was an anthem for a disillusioned or lonely generation, and its haunted refrain “I’m alone” still carries a cry for solitude in a great indifferent world.

27. Leave Me Alone (I’m Lonely) by P!nk

Loneliness is occasionally complicated – you want people around you but you also want some peace. P!nk captured such a quandary in “Leave Me Alone (I’m Lonely).” With this 2007 pop-rock anthem for some alone time, crunchy guitars and catchy hook accompany P!nk’s belting about loving her man but wanting a night in alone at home for once. It wasn’t a massive hit as a single at its release but fans love its sassy truthfulness. “Leave Me Alone (I’m Lonely)” shows even an extrovert like P!nk requires some downtime, and it’s okay saying you require some me-time with people you love – you’ll come again later, promise!

28. Lonely by Akon

Akon’s “Lonely” turned an old-school sample into a 2005 R&B/pop hit. Using a sped-up version of Bobby Vinton’s classic “Mr. Lonely,” this song had Akon lamenting his girl had walked because he had screwed up. His distinctive high-pitched singing voice (and his infamous “Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely” chipmunk sample) made for a memorable song. “Lonely” reached number one in European charts and number 5 in the US, making it one of Akon’s ultimate hits. Beyond its catch production, its lyrics in regret and loneliness in its aftermath in a breakup struck a chord – hasn’t everyone spent a few minutes pining for someone and thinking a little too late you created a mess?

29. Lonely by Justin Bieber & Benny Blanco

Justin Bieber’s “Lonely” (2020) is a raw autobiographical ballad which caught some fans off guard with its leveling openness. With no typical pop gloss, his co-production with songwriter/producer Benny Blanco features mellow piano and Justin’s heartfelt vocals as he reflects upon the unsavory side of child stardom. He admits that even with wealth and fame, he more times than not felt lonely and misunderstood – “everyone saw me sick, and it felt like no one gave a…” (you fill in the blank). “Lonely” reached number one worldwide and won praise for unveiling a fresh rawness in Bieber. It is a reminder you can be in a ocean of fans but still feel completely lonely. Honesty about mental health issues and loneliness in “Lonely” is a reassurance for everyone who thinks they’re the only one who’s feeling it.

30. Modern Loneliness by Lauv

With “Modern Loneliness,” Lauv perfectly encapsulated our 2020s lonely togerness state. Released in 2020, it speaks about how we’re too-connected by technology yet lonely. Lauv sings about scrolling social media feeds at night while feeling empty: “Modern loneliness, we’re never alone but always depressed.” Its laidback delivery and talky lyrics struck a chord in particular when people spent more time alone in person. Despite not being a huge success on the charts, “Modern Loneliness” became an anthem for a young gen within digital-age loneliness. It’s a reality check that having hundreds of online friends doesn’t make you any less lonely at a gut level.

31. Scared to Be Lonely by Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa

Dance tracks don’t necessarily need to feel-good – “Scared to Be Lonely” is an EDM-pop anthem from 2017 which investigates the fear of ending up alone. Star DJ Martin Garrix features Dua Lipa, whose strong vocals add depth to the song. Its lyrics concern a floundering relationship in which both question if they’re staying in it so not to end up alone. From low-key verses to an epic electronic drop, it reflects the tug-of-war within that fear. “Scared to Be Lonely” became extremely popular as a fan favorite in Europe and Britain in general, and its common-place theme made it a favorite in streaming playlists. It addresses a truth some people are no stranger to: sometimes we hang on to the wrong person because loneliness is a terror.

32. Beautiful by Eminem

Eminem’s “Beautiful” (2009) is a contemplative rap-rock ballad in which the singer is dealing with loneliness and depression at a low point in his life. As a song written when Eminem was himself coming out of a rut, it uses a sad-rock sample track and rapping by Eminem to encourage anybody feeling miserable to hang in there. He acknowledges feeling isolated from it all despite fame, rapping about how in a sea of people you can still feel distant. “Beautiful” peaked at number one in the Billboard main 20 and found a appreciation in fans for this more sensitive side of Em. It’s virtually a note left for fans and himself including: life is ugly and lonely at times but you have tough it on through and note you’re worth something. Really though, the song is oddly uplifting – a reassurance even in your low point you are not alone in those thoughts.

33. Hero by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey’s “Hero” is widely referred to as an inspirational ballad, but at its foundation it’s a song about drawing on inner strength when you feel utterly alone. Released in 1993, this ballad was one of Mariah’s biggest hits, striking a chord around the world. Its lyrics talk about discovering an inner hero – “when you feel like hope is gone, look inside you and be strong.” Mariah sings it in a soulful voice so it barely even seems like she’s singing it; it just seems like she’s reaching out a hand in desperation. Most people have found comfort in a “Hero” at their most lonely since it acknowledges the struggle (the nights you cry yourself to sleep) but says you’re a force greater than you even know. Sometimes the only person capable of saving you from loneliness is you, and Mariah embodies that lesson with all the vocal belty-rifficness and heart she’s known for.

34. The Lonely by Christina Perri

“The Lonely” is a stunning piano ballad by Christina Perri, released in her 2011 debut album. True to its name, this track does sound like it was written in the dark hours of a broken-hearted night. Perri addresses Loneliness directly as a person, singing “Hello, I’m the lonely one” in a mix of agony and resignation. Her whiny voice and sparse arrangement make you experience every drop of loneliness. “The Lonely” wasn’t a single released in charts, but Perri enthusiasts cling onto it for its raw reality. It’s a song played when you need a full-blown cry – when you need to wallow a bit oneself and confess a Yes, you do feel completely alone once in a while and such a feeling itself is now my only friend.

35. Another Lonely Night by Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert’s “Another Lonely Night” (2015) gives a modern pop twist to the classic tale of lonely nights. Here’s a velvety midtempo track in which Lambert’s robust voice embodies both nightlife’s glamour as well as its squalor. He sings about returning home to an empty bed from Vegas’s neon commotion putting on a show as if everything is fine but ruminating on another lonely night in front of him. Dance-pop production conflicts with a depressing topic when it comes to this song for a bitter-sweet beat. “Another Lonely Night” didn’t soar up the charts by itself, but it showcased Lambert’s capability as a singer as well as his capacity for emoting. Most people recognize that scene – surrounded by people and lights tonight, alone at night with thoughts. Adam gives that experience a voice at once cool as well as sad.

36. Lonely Day by System of a Down

Rock celebrates loneliness in “Lonely Day,” a catchier song by System of a Down (2006). Written by guitarist Daron Malakian, it’s a depressed song where it just repeats over and over “such a lonely day, and it’s mine.” He writes about how empty and lethargic a day is when everything is not quite right, and in the chorus it just says it’s a day no one should ever experience. When it employs arpeggios in a minor key and a dramatic guitar solo piece, “Lonely Day” goes a great distance away from SOAD’s political hard tracks. It even won a Grammy nomination and remains a favorite song by its fans. To everyone who ever had a day when you feel so isolated from everything in the world, this song understands – even time itself moves slowly when you are alone.

37. Space Oddity by David Bowie

Technically, “Space Oddity” (1969) is a song about a lost astrounaut in outer space, but David Bowie’s first major single is also an allegory for loneliness. Major Tom in the song is a lone man cut loose from Earth when Bowie shouted those now-classic lines in “Can you hear me, Major Tom?”? That alien mood – from pre-recorded countdown intro to seARING mellotron crescendo – attracts you into that chasm of loneliness. Modeled on the space race era, but no less a universal anthem when it emerged, “Space Oddity” relaunched Bowie’s career (to UK number 5 peak) and later became a classic rock standard. Literal or allegorical interpretation doesn’t come into it: in either event it perfectly captures what it is like when you are hopelessly out-of-touch and drifting alone with nothing for company but stars.

38. Mad World by Michael Andrews ft. Gary Jules

Originally an ’80s Tears for Fears track, “Mad World” gained a second lease on life in 2003 with a haunting cover version by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules. Minimised to a bare minimum – a piano and whispered vocals – this version creates an ideal accompaniment for alienation. The lyrics – “I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad, the dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had” – speak directly to a great despair and isolation in the “mad world” around us. The song became an unlikely success in Britain (a Christmas #1 single) when it played a key role in film Donnie Darko. “Mad World” is a song for anyone at any time when you look around at people and you feel you don’t fit or are crushed by life. Melancholic, yes; but somehow reassuring in its quiet nod towards acknowledgement that life is sometimes crushing and lonely.

39. Creep by Radiohead

Creep” is the anthem for everyone who’s ever felt made to feel unworthy, lonely, or just flat-out different. Released in 1993, it was their first large-scale success and still their most recognizable song. Over atmospheric chords which boil over into cutting guitar squall, Thom Yorke sings about obsessing over someone in secret and feeling like a “creep” and a “weirdo” who doesn’t fit in. That raw self-hatred and loneliness struck a chord – “Creep” became a worldwide smash and 90s alt anthem. Ironically enough, even Radiohead itself tired of it for a while, but fans still belt it out at an awkward generation’s anthem. Its continued longevity is in its raw honesty about feeling lonely and not good enough, a sentiment so many of us have had but so few are gutsy enough to vocalize out loud.

40. I’m a Mess by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s “I’m a Mess” is a raw rendering of loneliness and remorse in a post-breakup state. Hidden away in his 2014 album is this acoustic pop track in which Ed admits he’s “out of touch” and stumped without somebody he loves. He wrote it during his low moment in life, and you can hear that genuine sentiment in both lyrics and his emotive singing voice. Even though not released as a major single, “I’m a Mess” was a fan favorite because it had a universal chorus: “I’m a mess right now, inside out, searching for a sweet surrender.” It’s really just Ed owning up to being emotionally crushed and alone, something an overwhelming amount of people can empathize with. Simple, heart-on-sleeve candor in a song is what best describes why Sheeran’s music is so relatable – he doesn’t shudder away from saying when he’s in bits and alone.

41. In My Room by The Beach Boys

“In My Room” is a comforting song for solitude. Released in 1963, this dreamy ballad finds Brian Wilson withdrawing into the safety of his bedroom, the only haven where he may escape it all and be alone with his thoughts. Sun-and-surf-dependent listeners were shocked when their favorite guys were introspectively quiet on this song. Their signature harmonies are subdued and comforting here, nearly lullaby-like for lonely folks. Though not a huge success initially (its performance on the charts was modest), “In My Room” in later years became a classic. It perfectly encapsulates in a teenager’s experience finding solitude in their own turf when you are misunderstood or lonely. Many found comfort in this song, inasmuch as sometimes it is okay when you close the door, dim the lights, and just are alone with yourself for a while.

42. Mr. Lonely by Bobby Vinton

Years before it was sampled by Akon, Bobby Vinton’s “Mr. Lonely” was the classic 1960s loneliness song. Released in 1964, it’s a song sung in the guise of a soldier abroad and feeling completely alone. Vinton’s plaintive crooning voice and the song’s waltz rhythm are lonely as lonely gets – he sings “I’m Mr. Lonely, I have nobody for my own.” The song worked and climbed all the way up to #1 on the charts. It’s melodramatically over-the-top in that old-school crooner style complete with dramatic orchestra bits, and that’s why people love it. “Mr. Lonely” wears its heart on its sleeve and tells you in so few lyrics what it’s like to feel apart from those you love. Even in this modern age, its simple chorus gets stuck in the head and tugs at heartstrings.

43. Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi

Scottish balladeer Lewis Capaldi broke hearts worldwide with “Someone You Loved,” a 2019 soulful piano ballad about the hollowness left when a loved one is no more. There is real torment in the raw rasp-tenor vocals of Capaldi as he admits to feeling lost and literally drowning in hollowness: “Now the day bleeds into nightfall, and you’re not here to get me through it all.” Success came its way in a major manner as it reached number one on both sides of the Atlantic and gained a couple of million-plus streams. People identified intensely with its cry of bereavement – or breakup – loneliness for having lost someone. “Someone You Loved” is one such song which is universal but intimate at the same time; it perfectly captures that moment when you realize just how lonely life is without such a person who once was your support system.

44. How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths

The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now?” was called the “anthem of the outsider” – a gloomy definition of shyness, loneliness, and a desire to belong. Released in 1984, it features a signature tremolo guitar riff by Johnny Marr which instantly evokes a haunted atmosphere. Morrissey’s lyrics are familiar for anyone who’s ever been a wallflower: “I am human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does.” While not a huge success at first on the charts, it increased in stature over the decades and is today one of The Smiths’ signature tunes. “How Soon Is Now?” gets at that specific loneliness of you in a crowded nightclub but too afraid to reach out – heading out alone wondering if you’ll ever find yourself somewhere you fit. Its reflective mood and sensitive lyrics made it iconic for those wallflowers and lonely hearts waiting for their moment some day to be validated.

45. Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.

R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” is like a gentle hand on your shoulder on a dark day. This 1993 ballad was explicitly written to comfort people (Michael Stipe said it was aimed at teenagers feeling alone). With its slow, aching build-up and orchestral strings, the song urges listeners not to throw in the towel: “Everybody hurts sometimes, so hold on.” Stipe’s voice is tender and earnest, making you believe every word. “Everybody Hurts” became a top 10 hit in the UK and a staple on radio and TV soundtracks whenever a poignant moment calls. Its message is simple but profound – feeling pain and loneliness is part of being human, but you’re not the only one. The song has undoubtedly saved and soothed many who felt on the brink, reminding them that others have felt that exact same hurt and made it through.

46. You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson

With “You Are Not Alone”, Michael Jackson wrote a direct letter to anyone feeling alone. R. Kelly’s 1995 ballad is literally about reaching out over distance – “though we’re far apart, you’re always in my heart.” Michael’s signature vocals are imbued with warmth and reassurance throughout. Historic in becoming the first song released at #1 on Billboard Hot 100, it’s a testament only to how many people it touched. Its lyrics are simultaneously a romantic oath and an overarching statement of reassurance. Its video features an emotional-laden MJ holding out a hand in compassion towards its listener, extending its intimate nature. “You Are Not Alone” remains a default song when you need a reminder someone is thinking about you even when you can’t be side by side. It’s musical testimony that a few sappy words are sometimes all it takes for a lonely heart to feel noticed.

47. Here I Go Again by Whitesnake

For a dose of solitary empowerment, you can’t surpass Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again.” It’s the ultimate solo travel anthem. Released in 1987, it’s a hard-rock anthem in which singer David Coverdale defiantly announces he’s headed down the only road he’s ever traveled in life – the road of a vagabond who’s “just a hobo” used to wandering around by himself. Rather than wallow, though, it’s a rousing, defiant song with an organ prelude and hair-metal chorus you enjoy singing along to. It reached #1 in the U.S., making it Whitesnake’s signature song (aided by its iconic ’80s video). “Here I Go Again” succeeds because it owns up sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and start over alone. But it does so in such fist-pumping glory that soloing is not only allowable but inspirational.

48. Solo Dolo (Nightmare) by Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi’s “Solo Dolo (Nightmare)” is a foray into the sadder side of loneliness. Hip Hop Quarterly declared his 2009 debut album’s atmospheric hip-hop song spaced-out, “almost haunted in its texture,” as Cudi himself called himself “Mr. Solo Dolo,” a lonely man in his night terrors. There’s no flash production at play – it’s bare-bones for Cudi’s ruminations in hum and contemplative raps. He rails about his insecurities and his habit of walking by himself in real life as well as in his head. Despite not even being a single at radio stations, “Solo Dolo” became a fan-favorite deep cut anthem for Cudi as a mouthpiece for lonely stoner types as well as outsiders. It’s a song you play at 3 AM when you’re in a fog about how you feel and you need a reminder someone out there gets into that freaky idiosyncratic mix of terror, loneliness, and self-reliance.

49. Lonely by Noah Cyrus

Noah Cyrus’s “Lonely” is a raw ballad full of feeling that demonstrates even up-and-coming artists aren’t immune to loneliness. Released in 2019, it includes Noah’s rasping vocals accompanied by a choir and gives it a confessional, almost gospel feel. She sings about people surrounding her but feeling misunderstood and empty – “I’m slowly killing myself, trying so hard at the back of shelf.” It’s a heavy statement that clearly came straight from her own experience, and Noah’s raw delivery makes it unavoidable. “Lonely” didn’t dominate the pop charts but found a connection with fans who empathized with its mental health anthem. During times when everyone posts about their perfectly curated fronts on social media, Noah Cyrus talking about loneliness was a moment of solidarity – a reminder loneliness can strike anyone, and talking about it is step number one towards feeling less alone.

50. Adam’s Song by Blink-182

Blink-182 might be known for ridiculous punk tracks, but “Adam’s Song” proved they had it in them to take on loneliness and despair in a very real way. Released in 2000, it was prompted by a mix of touring loneliness and a suicide note left behind by a teenage suicide that had been read by a band member. It’s a goodbye note in song form: “I never thought I’d die alone, I laughed the loudest who’d have known.” It’s a slow starter song with a crescendo into a raw emotional wave at its end that reflects in intensity the raw pain behind the lyrics. “Adam’s Song” was one of Blink’s best tracks in its attempt for fans who relished hearing such bare lyrics out of a normally comedic band. It peaked at its height on the alternative charts and brought a focus on teen loneliness and depression. Ultimately, the song leaves a beam of hope (the line about meeting you at the movies), gently affirming that bad moments are over. To those whose formative years were around 2000 or so, “Adam’s Song” was a terminal companion for their saddest moments, reassuring for them in their loneliness that there were people out there feeling it too.