Angst-ridden tunes

[Adam Phillips]

I have a reader who calls my story "angst-y." She has a point.

 

Anyway, we already have a thread here on sad songs, but seeing as how I'm stuck in a car on a long trip and bored until it's my turn to drive, I thought I'd see if anybody was interested in participating in a thread on "angst-y" songs. There's a difference, I think, between "angst-y" and "sad."

 

What are some of your favorite "angst-y" songs from the pop world, past or present?

 

Here's one from before I was in elementary school. It feels plenty angst-y to me.

 

The Motels, "Only the Lonely"

[Y_B]

I actually had to think on this one for a bit, mainly cuz I had trouble digging back trying to remember periods of my teenage angst. Turns out, I really didn't endure a lotta frustration due to being misunderstood when I'd lock myself in my room blasting punk rock at ear-piercing decibels . But hey that doesn't void my participation!

 

So, I've come up with something that I used to listen to a lot back in middle school. If ever there was a more vulnerable time in my life, it was then and boy this song felt like the grandmother of all depressing, angsty, tunes. I dun suppose it's done me much good but what the hoot, I'm alive

 

 

 

I use to be a pretty big Blink fan.

Edited May 28, 2010 by Yang Bang

[PlugInMatty]

Radiohead - Creep.

 

 

*waits for Simple Plan and other lame examples of teen angst*

 

 

[PrivateTim]

Ultimate angst song for me. Also could be in songs that make me cry.

 

[methodwriter85]

100 years is an angst song? I always a thought of that as a cheerful song that celebrates the great moments that make up a person's life.

 

Anyways, here's a major angst tune for me. I'm always going to associate this song with the summer of 2006, which was a major angst time for me.

 

 

"Where'd You Go?"

 

Where'd you go?

I miss you so,

Seems like it's been forever,

That you've been gone.

 

She said "Some days I feel like sh*t,

Some days I wanna quit, and just be normal for a bit,"

I don't understand why you have to always be gone,

I get along but the trips always feel so long,

And, I find myself trying to stay by the phone,

'Cause your voice always helps me to not feel so alone,

But I feel like an idiot, workin' my day around the call,

But when I pick up I don't have much to say,

So, I want you to know it's a little f*cked up,

That I'm stuck here waitin', at times debatin',

Tellin' you that I've had it with you and your career,

Me and the rest of the family here singing "Where'd you go?"

 

I miss you so,

Seems like it's been forever,

That you've been gone.

Where'd you go?

I miss you so,

Seems like it's been forever,

That you've been gone,

Please come back home...

 

You know the place where you used to live,

Used to barbecue up burgers and ribs,

Used to have a little party every Halloween with candy by the pile,

But now, you only stop by every once and a while,

Sh*t, I find myself just fillin' my time,

With anything to keep the thought of you from my mind,

I'm doin' fine, I plan to keep it that way,

You can call me if you find that you have something to say,

And I'll tell you, I want you to know it's a little f*cked up,

That I'm stuck here waitin', at times debatin',

Tellin' you that I've had it with you and your career,

Me and the rest of the family here singing "Where'd you go?"

 

I miss you so,

Seems like it's been forever,

That you've been gone.

Where'd you go?

I miss you so,

Seems like it's been forever,

That you've been gone,

Please come back home...

 

I want you to know it's a little f*cked up,

That I'm stuck here waitin', no longer debatin',

Tired of sittin' and hatin' and makin' these excuses,

For why you're not around, and feeling so useless,

It seems one thing has been true all along,

You don't really know what you've got 'til it's gone,

I guess I've had it with you and your career,

When you come back I won't be here and you can sing it...

 

Where'd you go?

I miss you so,

Seems like it's been forever,

That you've been gone.

Where'd you go?

I miss you so,

Seems like it's been forever,

That you've been gone,

Please come back home...

Please come back home...

Please come back home...

Please come back home...

Please come back home...

***

God, this song never fails to rip at me.

[nightsky]

I have a reader who calls my story "angst-y." She has a point.

 

Anyway, we already have a thread here on sad songs, but seeing as how I'm stuck in a car on a long trip and bored until it's my turn to drive, I thought I'd see if anybody was interested in participating in a thread on "angst-y" songs. There's a difference, I think, between "angst-y" and "sad."

 

What are some of your favorite "angst-y" songs from the pop world, past or present?

 

Here's one from before I was in elementary school. It feels plenty angst-y to me.

 

The Motels, "Only the Lonely"

 

Only one person has described CC as angst-y? I find this difficult to believe.

 

For me, difference between sad and angst-y is the yearning behind the sadness that makes one angst-y. Dunno if that makes sense to anyone but me.

 

 

 

- David Grey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tiger]

How about Driven Under by Seether? It's not pop, but it's very angsty.

 

 

There's a song by the Smiths called How Soon is Now that's quite angsty as well. However, this is a rare situation where I prefer the cover, which is by a band called Love Spit Love. This song is the theme song from Charmed (which borrowed the song from the movie, The Craft).

 

 

I'll add an actual pop song this time. It's called All The Things She Said by t.A.T.u.

 

I can't mention angsty songs without mentioning a rock song from the early 90's that caused a revolution. It's called Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana.

[sat8997]

Bee Gees- How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

[thatboyChase]

I actually had to think on this one for a bit, mainly cuz I had trouble digging back trying to remember periods of my teenage angst. Turns out, I really didn't endure a lotta frustration due to being misunderstood when I'd lock myself in my room blasting punk rock at ear-piercing decibels . But hey that doesn't void my participation!

 

So, I've come up with something that I used to listen to a lot back in middle school. If ever there was a more vulnerable time in my life, it was then and boy this song felt like the grandmother of all depressing, angsty, tunes. I dun suppose it's done me much good but what the hoot, I'm alive

 

 

 

I use to be a pretty big Blink fan.

 

LOL

 

here enjoy

 

[PrivateTim]

100 years is an angst song? I always a thought of that as a cheerful song that celebrates the great moments that make up a person's life.

 

OMG! The angstiest!!

 

It is about how fast life flies by, can't you hear the angst in his voice? "33 for a moment.... but you see I'm a 'they, a kid on the way".... he is a they now, an adult, responsibility, something he never thought he would be, he thought he'd be a cool kid for ever...... "45 for a moment..... chasing the years of my life"...

 

It is the same theme as Our Town kinda in the sense that it is about how you never appreciate your youth or life until it is gone. There is even a reference to Robert Herrick's, To the Virgins, Make Much of Time

I'm 15 for a moment

Caught in between 10 and 20

And I'm just dreaming

Counting the ways to where you are

I'm 22 for a moment

She feels better than ever

And we're on fire

Making our way back from Mars

 

15 there's still time for you

Time to buy and time to lose

15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

 

I'm 33 for a moment

Still the man, but you see I'm a they

A kid on the way

A family on my mind

I'm 45 for a moment

The sea is high

And I'm heading into a crisis

Chasing the years of my life

 

15 there's still time for you

Time to buy, Time to lose yourself

Within a morning star

15 I'm all right with you

15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

 

Half time goes by

Suddenly you're wise

Another blink of an eye

67 is gone

The sun is getting high

We're moving on...

I'm 99 for a moment

Dying for just another moment

And I'm just dreaming

Counting the ways to where you are

 

15 there's still time for you

22 I feel her too

33 you're on your way

Every day's a new day...

15 there's still time for you

Time to buy and time to choose

Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

Edited May 29, 2010 by PrivateTim

[nightsky]

One for the story-

 

 

(Love Will Tear Us Apart)

[methodwriter85]

I guess that makes sense, PrivateTim.

 

Cyn, I agree with you that it's REALLY hard to believe that only one person has called Cross-Currents 'angsty'. It'd be like only one person called Fraternity Memoirs by John Walsh 'sexy'.

 

Here's my second angsty tune.

 

 

What's wrong with the world, mama

People livin' like they ain't got no mamas

I think the whole world addicted to the drama

Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma

Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism

But we still got terrorists here livin'

In the USA, the big CIA

The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK

But if you only have love for your own race

Then you only leave space to discriminate

And to discriminate only generates hate

And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah

Madness is what you demonstrate

And that's exactly how anger works and operates

Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight

Take control of your mind and meditate

Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all

 

People killin', people dyin'

Children hurt and you hear them cryin'

Can you practice what you preach

And would you turn the other cheek

 

Father, Father, Father help us

Send us some guidance from above

'Cause people got me, got me questionin'

Where is the love (Love)

 

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love

The love, the love

 

It just ain't the same, always unchanged

New days are strange, is the world insane

If love and peace is so strong

Why are there pieces of love that don't belong

Nations droppin' bombs

Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones

With ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die young

So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone

So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong

In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'

in

Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends

Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother

A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover

The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug

If you never know truth then you never know love

Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know)

Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know)

Where's the love, y'all

 

People killin', people dyin'

Children hurt and you hear them cryin'

Can you practice what you preach

And would you turn the other cheek

 

Father, Father, Father help us

Send us some guidance from above

'Cause people got me, got me questionin'

Where is the love (Love)

 

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love

The love, the love

 

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder

As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder

Most of us only care about money makin'

Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction

Wrong information always shown by the media

Negative images is the main criteria

Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria

Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema

Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity

Whatever happened to the fairness in equality

Instead in spreading love we spreading animosity

Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity

That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under

That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down

There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under

Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found

 

People killin', people dyin'

Children hurt and you hear them cryin'

Can you practice what you preach

And would you turn the other cheek

 

Father, Father, Father help us

Send us some guidance from above

'Cause people got me, got me questionin'

Where is the love (Love)

 

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love (The love)

 

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love (The love)

Where is the love (The love)

****

I had a moment, about fifteen months ago, where some friend made me really, really, really horrible. I had to sit around and listen to this song for quite awhile while I tried to feel better. We eventually made up six weeks later, but god I felt like crap for awhile.

Edited May 29, 2010 by methodwriter85

[Tiger]

How about Nothing Compares 2U by Prince (a song made famous by Sinead O'Connor). It's one of the angstiest songs I can think of. It's also pretty good.

 

 

It's been seven hours and fifteen days

Since you took your love away

I go out every night and sleep all day

Since you took your love away

Since you been gone I can do whatever I want

I can see whomever I choose

I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant

But nothing ...

I said nothing can take away these blues,

'Cause nothing compares ...

Nothing compares to you

 

It's been so lonely without you here

Like a bird without a song

Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling

Tell me baby where did I go wrong?

I could put my arms around every boy I see

But they'd only remind me of you

went to the doctor guess what he told me

Guess what he told me?

He said, girl, you better have fun

No matter what you do

But he's a fool ...

'Cause nothing compares ...

Nothing compares to you ...

 

All the flowers that you planted, mama

In the back yard

All died when you went away

I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard

But I'm willing to give it another try

'Cause nothing compares ...

Nothing compares to you

 

Another song that comes to mind is No Rain by Blind Melon. It's about the desire to find true love and the heartache that comes along with it.

 

 

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain

 

I like watchin' the puddles gather rain

 

And all I can do is just pour some tea for two

 

and speak my point of view

 

But it's not sane, It's not sane

 

I just want some one to say to me

 

I'll always be there when you wake

 

Ya know I'd like to keep my cheeks dry today

 

So stay with me and I'll have it made

 

And I don't understand why I sleep all day

 

And I start to complain that there's no rain

 

And all I can do is read a book to stay awake

 

And it rips my life away, but it's a great escape

 

escape......escape......escape......

 

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain

 

ya don't like my point of view

 

ya think I'm insane

 

Its not sane......it's not sane

[JamesSavik]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS9_ipu9GKw

[PrivateTim]

And another, sad angsty song from someone taken too soon.

 

http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/mycourses.html

 

And another, sad angsty song from someone taken too soon.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s5r2spPJ8g

[methodwriter85]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2iS8XctJKo&feature=related

I always liked this one.

[nightsky]

Some of the lyrics of the songs above (like, No Rain by Blind Melon) are fairly angst-y, but the music itself seems upbeat. Makes it less angst-y for me.

 

Songs like this one,

 

almost drive me to slitting my wrists (kidding). I def. get a bit tight in the chest, get all sorts of maudlin, nostalgic, and... ANGST-Y when I listen to this song. (Pictures of You-The Cure)

 

It is THE ultimate angst-ridden tune, IMHO.

Lyrics:

I've been looking so long at these pictures of you

that i almost belive that they're real

i've been living so long with my pictures of you

that i almost believe that the pictures are all i can feel

remembering you standing quiet in the rain

as i ran to your heart to be near

and we kissed as the sky fell in holding you close

how i always held close in your fear

remembering you running soft through the night

you were bigger and brighter than the snow

screamed at the make-believe screamed at the sky

and you finally found all your courage to let it all go

 

remembering you fallen into my arms

crying for the death of your heart

you were stone white so delicate lost in the cold

you were always so lost in the dark

remembering you how you used to be

slow drowned you were angels

so much more than everything oh hold for the last time

then slip away quietly open my eyes

but i never see anything

 

if only i had thought of the right words

i could have hold on to your heart

if only i'd thought of the right words

i wouldn't be breaking apart

all my pictures of you

Looking So long at these pictures of you

but i never hold on to your heart

looking so long for the words to be true

but always just breaking apart

my pictures of you

there was nothing in the world that i ever wanted more

than to feel you deep in my heart

there was nothing in the world that i ever wanted more

than to never feel the breaking apart

all my pictures of you

Edited May 31, 2010 by nightsky

[nightsky]

There's a song by the Smiths called How Soon is Now that's quite angsty as well. However, this is a rare situation where I prefer the cover, which is by a band called Love Spit Love. This song is the theme song from Charmed (which borrowed the song from the movie, The Craft).

 

 

 

 

I love "how soon is now"... a great angst-y song.

 

And I'll see your "smells like teen spirit" and match it with Nirvana's Heart Shaped Box

 

[Phantom]

The All-American Rejects - Gives You Hell

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hamHPC7BuIc

 

 

Whenever I'm feeling angsty I always listen to this song... god I love it

[Boy In Doubt]

"Take Me Away" by Avril Lavigne reminds me of my teenage years. Actually I still feel like I'm in high school...lol.

 

 

I cannot find a way to describe it

It's there inside

All I do is hide

I wish that it would just go away

What would you do

You do if you knew

What would you do

 

All the pain

I thought I knew

All the thoughts lead back to you

Back to what

Was never said

Back and forth

Inside my head

I can't handle this confusion

I'm unable come and take me away

 

I feel like I am all alone

All by myself I need to get around this

My words are cold

I don't want them to hurt you

If I show you

I don't think you'd understand

'Cause no one understands

 

All the pain

I thought I knew

All the thoughts lead back to you

Back to what

Was never said

Back and forth

Inside my head

I can't handle this confusion

I'm unable come and take me away

 

I'm going nowhere on and on and

I'm getting nowhere on and on and on

I'm going nowhere on and on and off and on and off and on

 

All the pain

I thought I knew

All the thoughts lead back to you

Back to what

Was never said

Back and forth

Inside my head

I can't handle this confusion

I'm unable come and take me away

 

Take me away

Break me away

Take me away

[Marty]

Feel So Low by Porcupine Tree

(From the 2000 album Lightbulb Sun)

 

Marty

[Marty]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho

Johnny Cash's brilliant interpretation

of Trent Reznor's Hurt

 

Marty

 

PS: apologies for posting two replies. For some reason I was forbidden from posting two youtube links in the same post...

[methodwriter85]

Here's one from Adam P's first grade days in 1985...