Songs About Loneliness

I decided to compile a short list of songs that deal with the nature of loneliness, seclusion, and the feelings that come with being isolated from the rest of the world.

Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles

"Eleanor rigby died in the church and was buried along with her name
Nobody came
Father mckenzie wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave
No one was saved"

I figured I'd start off this list with an obvious one. The most poignant thing about the nature of loneliness in this song is that each person never surrenders their routine to the reality of isolation. Even within the small spectrum of community, their existence is nothing but that doesn't stop them from losing hope in a hopeless situation that one day they will be acknowledged and cared for by other human beings. Regardless, they pass on and the culmination of their lives results to nothing more than a mound. A mound that is already composting into the world around it.

Street Flash - Animal Collective

"Does anyone in here get hit
with inside fever?
So bad sometimes it's hard
to move around"

A song about seclusion, "Street Flash" deals with the feelings of self-doubt that depression brings and how being completely isolated does nothing to stop someone from reinforcing bad ideas about themselves. The only relief comes in the passing observation of others as the speaker walks through the streets and lessens some of the negative feelings that were built up in isolation.

I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - The Beach Boys

"Where can I turn when my fair weather friends cop out?"

A lamentation for an inability to build true long-lasting relationships, completely hopeless and (essentially) alone-the speaker here also has nothing to stop themselves from reinforcing feelings of sadness and self-doubt.

If I Go Mad/Funeral In My Head - The Flaming Lips

"But if I go mad no one will no it
I won't let it be seen
'Cause I don't want you to be sad for me
Be happy, don't cry"

A track about the nature of inner-turmoil and the sides of ourselves we'll never share with others.

Whatever - Gnarls Barkley

"I don't have any friends at all
Cause I have nothing in common with ya'll
So who's gonna catch me if I fall
My backs always against the wall
I don't have anything to say
I want everything to go my way
Shut up mom it is not OK
I'm alone almost every day"

A trademark in the loneliness of youth are the Holden-esque irrational self-loathings and juvenile mentalities that a lot of teenagers have. Mocking those feelings, this song provides a great portrait of the world many have come from and many more sprightly kiddos will unknowingly go through.