Mental health issues impact us all at one point or another in our lives. And art can be a wonderful way to deal with the darker or harsher realities we must all occasionally face. That’s why this week, we’re looking at 7 musicians who have taken their mental health issues head-on through their music.
Some of these songs bask in their darkness, while others lift up both performer and audience. But the one constant is how each of these artists channeled their negative thoughts into a positive outlet.
Musicians Who Tackled Mental Health in Their Music
Green Day – “Basket Case”
One of the things “Basket Case” has always had going for it is that it’s undeniably catchy. Thanks to that, it’s easy to overlook the lyrics and headbang along to this classic of pop-punk. But Billie Joe Armstrong–never one afraid to address his difficulties head on–takes listeners on a ride with him through his anxiety.
Soundgarden – “The Day I Tried to Live”
Throughout his career, Chris Cornell had a talent for pouring his personal struggles into rock and roll anthems. But “The Day I Tried to Live,” is different. Instead of the darkness of tracks like “Fell on Dark Days,” this one is about perseverance and pulling yourself out of a negative place.
The song maintains the darker feel the band is known for, but the message is clearly optimistic. Cornell reminds us that though we may sometimes want to stay in bed, it’s always important to get up and try again.
The Smashing Pumpkins – “Today”
Perhaps the most ironic track from a decade full of ironic music about life, Billy Corgan and Smashing Pumpkin’s “Today” is well-known for being about depression.
Today, well, “Today” has become part of a wave of rock and grunge bands that addressed mental health openly and bluntly. Even so, The Pumpkins and “Today” stand out among them.
Elliott Smith – “Division Day”
Fans of Elliot Smith know they don’t have to look far to find a song dealing with mental health. The legendary singer-songwriter earned his reputation with dark lyrics and imagery, despite his often folksy, and even whimsical music.
“Division Day,” in particular, deals with depression in a more poetic and abstract way. But, as usual, Smith wraps the darkness up in a rollicking arrangement that makes it easy to ignore the deeper message.
Amy Winehouse – “Back to Black”
Although Amy Winehouse took on heartbreak and addiction through her album Back to Black, the title track dealt with depression.
With her trademark vocals, Winehouse recognized the deeper fragility of her mental health. Yet, even as she turned toward the darkness, she promised to dry her tears, hold her head high, and move forward.
Paramore – “Fake Happy”
For the majority of her career, Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams portrayed the identity of the persistent heroine. Resilience, optimism, and aggressive push-back her all part of her persona. And it has long resonated with the band’s fans.
But that mask was just that: a mask. In “Fake Happy,” Williams shows the truth; that she’s not always positive or equipped to handle everything the world throws at her.
Who is?
Nick Cave – “Ghosteen Speaks”
Grief, undoubtedly, has one of the most profound impacts on mental health. One of the mitigating factors is that it is made more complicated to deal with thanks to how disconnected it is from everyday discourse in our culture. Nick Cave, however, has put his battles with loss into this beautiful display of vulnerability and wisdom.
When discussing the loss of his son Arthur, Nick Cave wrote, “Language falls short before the immensity of grief,” adding, “One desperate morning … I called upon my son by name … I said ‘you are my son and you are beside me’.” He transformed this sentiment into art that brings comfort to others during the hardest of times. The simple yet powerful message it a light many need; it tells listeners they can free themselves from the loss while holding on to what remains.
Songwriting and Mental Health
Songwriting is a powerful aide in improving and maintaining mental health. It can be a cathartic experience, and a unique mode of emotional expression, self-discovery, and as a way to cope with difficulties.
Songwriting Lessons with The Music Studio
The Music Studio’s songwriting program encourages aspiring songwriters ages seven years and up to explore their creativity in a private lesson format. Students have the opportunity to develop their songwriting skills, record professional demos of their songs and learn more about the local songwriting community
Whether you dream of writing your first song or want help with your latest tune, professional songwriters Shelby Lynn and Nick Scott will help you write a song of your own.
Shelby began a love for songwriting while studying music at Humber College. For over a decade, she has been performing her original songs at local venues in and around Toronto. She has released two albums under the name Shelby Lamb receiving critical acclaim and airplay on CBC, campus and community radio nationwide. She continues to write songs and perform locally. Shelby has taken an interest in helping others to express their creativity through lyric writing and song structure, matching lyrics with music, methods to build on ideas, and techniques for creating imaginative metaphors and similes.
Nick Scott has studied music and the guitar for twenty years. Composition and songwriting have been a focal point from the beginning. He has written and co-written music for many bands and singers. His debut album ‘Vestiges’ features ten original instrumental compositions. As a teacher, he has assisted both private students and ensembles in creating their own original music. The Music Studio’s summer Rock Band Camps have been a great platform for writing, drafting, and recording students’ songs.
Learn more and sign up here!