Narcissism is a serious issue that can be difficult to cope with. Music has often been used as an outlet for processing emotions, and many songs have been written about narcissists.
No matter if you’ve experienced or witnessed the destructive power of narcissism, these songs can provide comfort and solace during this trying time. Check them out and listen if the narcissist in your life is making life difficult – these tunes just might do the trick!
1. “Too Sexy” by The Beatles
On November 22, 1968, The Beatles released their iconic double LP, the White Album. Half a century later, its influence continues to resonate throughout music industry and still sparks passionate debate among fans.
The band’s narcissism is well-documented and evident in their lyrics, which often take aim at those who have inspired or are admired by them. Yet some of the songs on The White Album also possess a dark side.
John Lennon wrote this song to express his disillusionment with a spiritual leader in India, the Maharishi. He explained that this teacher had “less than wholesome intentions” towards some of the women at his meditation camp.
2. “Believe” by Coldplay
Coldplay are an English rock band founded in London, England that has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and earned multiple awards.
Parachutes, their debut album released in 2000 and winner of the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album, was followed by A Rush of Blood to the Head which earned two more Grammy Awards.
Music of the Spheres, their ninth studio album, was released on October 15th 2021 and its lead single “Higher Power” skyrocketed to number one on US Billboard Chart in May and numerous other charts around the world.
On September 24th, 2021, the album’s second single “My Universe” was released. On February 7th of 2022, however, the third single from this collection “Let Somebody Go” would follow shortly thereafter on February 7th 2022.
3. “Mean” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift stands up to bullies in “Mean,” the third singalong single from her triple-platinum album Speak Now. Released on May 6, 2011, the video has since amassed over 210 million views on YouTube.
Lyrically, “Mean” is a sarcastic hit about critics who attacked her performance with Stevie Nicks at the 52nd Grammy Awards. According to Jill Serjeant of Billboard magazine, Jill believes the song takes aim at those who doubt her singing ability.
Declan Whitebloom directed the music video, shot over two days in Los Angeles. While some media praised it for its anti-bullying message, others criticized its unclear narrative. Starring child actress Joey King and depicting various stories of bullying, the video earned nominations for both Academy of Country Music Award and Grammy Award recognition.
4. “No Scrubs” by TLC
TLC’s 1999 hit single “No Scrubs” remains one of their most iconic songs and was the second highest selling Hot 100 single that year. Not only was it a hit, but it also pioneered women’s empowerment by encouraging them to find themselves and reject those who weren’t suitable for them.
Though the lyrics may seem over-the-top, their message still rings true today. This song is about calling out a man who doesn’t value his woman and doesn’t give her the attention she deserves.
5. “Toxic” by Britney Spears
Britney Spears’ iconic song “Toxic” is one of pop music’s most beloved tracks. Released in 2003, it quickly became one of her signature tunes.
It’s a dance-pop song with elements of electropop and bhangra, featuring varied instrumentation such as drums, synthesizers and surf guitar. The track features high-pitched Bollywood strings sampled from Lata Mangeshkar’s 1981 musical number “Tere Mere Beech Mein,” along with breathy vocals from Spears.
Spears sings about her lover as a dangerous drug in “My Prerogative,” with lyrics that paint an extended metaphor of love-addled minds. It received widespread critical acclaim and many music critics deemed it one of the highlights of her album Greatest Hits: My Prerogative (2004). Not only was the single successful critically, but it became Spears’s first US chart-topping single and fourth highest-charting worldwide.
6. “Me!” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift released her new song “Me!” on April 26, 2019, at midnight and it quickly set several Amazon Music records, such as having the most first-day streams and first-week streams for a single debut on the platform.
This song was composed in collaboration with Brendon Urie from Panic! At the Disco.
Many fans believe the lyrics to “Me!” could be a reference to her former lover Tom Hiddleston. As she sings, “I will never bore you, baby,” it could be taken as an allusion to Tom.
Taylor Swift has begun re-recording her first six albums after losing control of their masters due to a dispute with her music manager, Scooter Braun. Her online merchandise shop debuted collections inspired by 1989 and Speak Now in May 2022, leading some to speculate that both recordings would be released simultaneously.
7. “I Don’t Care Any More” by Phil Collins
In the 1980s, Phil Collins was a household name in music. He served as drummer and lead singer for Genesis, and achieved three UK number-one singles during his solo career.
He also composed one of the most iconic and recognized songs of its era – In The Air Tonight. This technically challenging composition required multiple recordings over six months to complete, yet became Collins’ signature song along with its iconic drum break. It spawned numerous urban legends and continues to be played by artists and musicians decades after its release.
8. “Selfie” by Taylor Swift
Swift’s latest Instagram post is filled with cryptic clues, leading many to believe she is prepping for an exciting announcement. Fans have speculated over the mysterious purple confetti dusting on her hair while others speculated as to the precise time her message hit the internet.
This cryptic hint isn’t the first Swift has carefully left for her fans to decipher. She’s been dropping small clues over the course of several weeks, and it appears she may be about to reveal something major on Friday.
It’s fortunate for Taylor Swift that these cryptic messages will continue to come, as they’ve proven invaluable in tracking down her upcoming projects. Her Netflix documentary Taylor Swift: Miss Americana will debut on January 31.
9. “Me!” by Britney Spears
Britney Spears has joined Elton John for her first new song in six years, “Tiny Dancer”, a mash-up of John’s 1972 single and 1992’s “The One”.
Andrew Watt produced the track, featuring backing vocals from Bloodshy & Avant and Robyn. It was released on Wednesday.
John and Spears’ first collaboration since she was released from 13-year conservatorship in November 2021 is being released from her personal life under intense scrutiny. At that time, she also lived under guardianship for her father Jamie Spears who managed her finances until being removed by a judge in 2022.
10. “Fetch The Bolt Cutters” by Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple’s Fetch The Bolt Cutters album opens with “Fetch The Bolt Cutters,” a song about fame and how it can lead to narcissism. It follows the story of someone who wants fame so they can receive all the attention and make everyone around him feel as if they are in love with him.
It may be a catchy pop tune, but its message is serious and relevant to anyone who has become narcissistic. It describes how narcissists need people who will take away their ego so they aren’t hurt by others.
Her words are so concise and direct that you can easily follow along with her thought processes. She speaks openly about bullying, sexual assault, even reflecting on her own childhood memories with a friend who told her that potential existed – an honesty not often found among other artists. This level of candor would likely put other artists to shame if other artists attempted such candor.