Music is often called a universal language. It brings people together, and it can remind you that you aren’t alone. Many successful people, including musicians, deal with all sorts of struggles with addiction, alcoholism, self-doubt, and more.
Sometimes, you can talk to all of the counselors in the world, go to all of the meetings, but it takes a simple song lyric from a passionate artist to really connect to you and give you that feeling that can help you overcome your struggles.
Music isn’t a replacement for therapy, support groups, talking to loved ones, or any other steps you might take towards recovery but it can be a helpful supplement to get you through those difficult moments.
Here are a handful of songs that touch on the topics of addiction, alcoholism, and recovery. Most, if not all, of these musicians have struggled with various forms of addiction, and used it to inspire their art. Sometimes, they’ve overcome it, but in the first example here, being Amy Winehouse, she famously lost her life to her addiction. Here’s a song by Amy Winehouse that deals with the denial someone can face.
Rehab by Amy Winehouse
- Lyric excerpt: “They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said ‘no, no, no.'”
- What it means: This line talks about the resistance to seeking help that Amy and many addicts deal with. Denial and resistance is a common struggle for those battling addiction. Amy Winehouse’s refusal to go to rehab indicates her denial at the time, and we know how her story ended, in tragedy.
Crawling Back to You by Tom Petty
- Lyric excerpt: “Waiting by the side of the road, for day to break so we could go. Down into Los Angeles, with dirty hands and worn-out knees.”
- What it means: Crawling Back to You isn’t explicitly about drinking alcohol, but this song touches on addiction and the struggle to break free from old habits. The lyric portrays the challenges of leaving behind destructive patterns and seeking redemption. The “you” that the song is written for could be any number of things, whether it’s a substance, a toxic relationship with a person, or whatever it means to you as the listener.
Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park
- Lyric excerpt: “I don’t know how I got this way, I’ll never be alright.”
- What it means: The lyric reflects on the realization of being trapped in a destructive habit (like drinking or any other addiction, for that matter) and the struggle to find a way out. It conveys the feeling of hopelessness and the desire for change. You know what you need to do, but it’s not always that easy.
Not Afraid by Eminem
- Lyric excerpt: “And I just can’t keep living this way, so starting today, I’m breaking out of this cage.”
- What it means: Eminem’s lyrics in “Not Afraid” are about overcoming personal demons, including addiction, and finding the courage to change his life for the better. Eminem is famous for his way with words, whether it’s a satirical and funny song or something much more serious and personal. The addictions and demons he’s battled is something he’s been open with, making him a great voice for overcoming such things.
Songs About Stopping Drinking
There are countless other songs about stopping drinking, it’s something that many people struggle with, including artists who are following a unique path. But it’s not something that only affects musicians and famous people who are partying and traveling on the road, it can impact an office worker, a stay at home parent, and anyone else – so it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your struggles, and the best thing that you can do for yourself and those around you is to be brave and seek support for your alcoholism.
