Powerful Songs About Narcissistic Abuse that will Help You Heal

The lyrics can also provide a sense of hope by reminding them that it is possible to break away from an unhealthy situation and heal from the trauma.

Table of Contents

• Narcissistic Abuse in Songs
  • “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
  • “Control” by Janet Jackson
  • “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson
  • “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson
  • “Bye bye bye” by *NSYNC
  • “I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor
  • “Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige
  • “Not Enough” by Alessia Cara
• Conclusion – songs about narcissistic abuse can validate and inspire
• For Further Reading

Narcissistic Abuse in Songs

Narcissistic abuse is a serious topic, and one that is all too often swept under the rug. This type of abuse can be mental, physical, emotional, or financial, and victims usually feel trapped, confused, and helpless.

While narcissistic abuse can happen to anyone, it is especially prevalent in intimate relationships and within families. In fact, many people remain in abusive relationships because their abuser has gaslighted them into thinking that they are the ones who are actually at fault.

The following songs deal with the subject of narcissistic abuse head-on. These artists have spoken out about their experiences in the hopes of helping others who might be going through the same thing.

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child is a song about moving on after a toxic relationship. The lyrics empower the listener to stand up for themselves and not stay in an unhealthy or damaging situation any longer. The song encourages facing fear, finding strength, and building the courage to break away from an abuser. It serves as an ode to survivors everywhere, with powerful messages of self-worth, resilience, and strength.

Survivor is an anthem for anyone who has ever been a victim of narcissistic abuse.

“Now that you’re out of my life, I’m so much better
You thought that I’d be weak without you, but I’m stronger
You thought that I’d be broke without you, but I’m richer
You thought that I’d be sad without you, I laugh harder
You thought I wouldn’t grow without you, now I’m wiser
Though that I’d be helpless without you, but I’m smarter
You thought that I’d be stressed without you, but I’m chillin’
You thought I wouldn’t sell without you, sold nine million”

Survivor – Destiny’s Child

“Control” by Janet Jackson

“Control” by Janet Jackson is about taking control and ownership of one’s life after being in an abusive relationship. It speaks to the courage needed to break away from a toxic situation, describing the empowering feeling of living on one’s own terms. The lyrics urge listeners to use their power to create their own destiny and chart a new path forward.

“I’ve got my own mind, ooh, baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I’ve got my own mind
Wanna make my own decisions

When it has to do with my life
I wanna be the one in control
Hop to it, I’m in control
And I love it, ha, ha, ha, that’s right”

Control – Janet Jackson

“Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson

“Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson is a song about the pain of growing up in an unhealthy, dysfunctional family. It speaks to the strength and resilience needed to break away from such a situation and find solace in discovering who you truly are. With powerful lyrics, this song’s story encourages listeners to take back their power and own their narrative, no matter how difficult it may be.

Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side, so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I watched you die, I heard you cry every night in your sleep (I watched you die, in your sleep)
I was so young, you should have known better than to lean on me (I was too young for you to lean on me)
You never thought of anyone else, you just saw your pain (You never saw me)
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For the same damn thing

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side, so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I try my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don’t know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I’m ashamed of my life, because it’s empty
Because of you
I am afraid

Because of You – Kelly Clarkson

“Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson

This song was inspired by Clarkson’s experience with her father, who was emotionally abusive towards her as a child, as described in “Because of You.” The lyrics talk about how someone who says they love you can actually be your biggest source of pain, but that it is possible to heal.

And all I remember is your back
Walking towards the airport
Leaving us all in your past

I traveled fifteen hundred miles to see you
(Oh, oh, oh)
Begged you to want me
But you didn’t want to
(Oh, oh, oh)
But piece by piece, he collected me
Up off the ground, where you abandoned things and
Piece by piece he filled the holes that you burned in me
At six years old
And you know, he never walks away

He never asks for money
He takes care of me, he loves me
Piece by piece, he restored my faith
That a man can be kind and a father could stay

Piece by Piece – Kelly Clarkson

“Bye bye bye” by *NSYNC

“Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC is a song about overcoming abuse and reclaiming power. The lyrics focus on a partner making the brave decision to break away from an abusive relationship. It encourages the listener to use their voice to stand up for themselves and take back control of their life, offering a path towards freedom and healing. The song is ultimately a message of hope, showing that it is possible to survive and thrive after leaving an abusive environment.

I, I’m doing this tonight
You’re probably gonna start a fight
I know this can’t be right, hey baby, come on
I loved you endlessly
And you weren’t there for me
So now it’s time to leave and make it alone

I know that I can’t take no more, it ain’t no lie
I wanna see you out that door
Baby, bye, bye, bye

(Bye, bye) I don’t want to be a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye

(Bye, bye) I don’t really want to make it tough
I just wanna tell you that I had enough
It might sound crazy but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye

“Bye bye bye” by *NSYNC

“I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor is an iconic song about overcoming abuse and adversity. The lyrics encouraging listeners to take back their power and not let their abuser break them down. It serves as a reminder that victims of abuse can find strength in themselves and be able to move on with their lives, even when it may seem impossible. This message of survival, resilience, and hope has resonated with many people over the years, making the song a rallying cry for overcoming any kind of oppression or challenge in life.

First, I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking, I could never live, without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking, how you did me wrong
And I grew strong and I learned how to get along

And so you’re back, from outer space
I just walked in to find you here
With that sad look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid lock
I should have made you leave your key
If I’d a known for just one second
You’d be back to bother me

Woah now go, walk out the door, just turn around now
‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore
Weren’t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
Did you think I’d crumble? Did you think I’d lay down and die?

No, not I, I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live and I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive, I will survive (hey, hey)

“I will survive” by Gloria Gaynor

“Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige

“Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige is a powerful song about the experience of being in an abusive relationship with a narcissistic partner. The lyrics describe the cycle of idealization followed by devaluation, manipulation and gaslighting as well as the emotional toll it takes on the victim. It reflects how hard it can be to leave this type of relationship, often due to feelings of guilt and helplessness. Ultimately, it is a message of resilience and strength, encouraging the listener to find the courage to stand up for themselves and move on from their abuser.

While all the time that I was loving you
You were busy loving yourself
I would stop breathing if you told me to
Now you’re busy loving someone else
11 years out of my life
Besides the kids, I have nothing to show
Wasted my years, a fool of a wife
I should have left your ass long time ago

Well, I’m not gon’ cry
I’m not gon’ cry
I’m not gon’ shed no tears
No I’m not gon’ cry
It’s not the time

‘Cause you’re not worth my tears
Can’t do it

Well, I’m not gon’ cry
I’m not gon’ cry
I’m not gon’ shed no tears
No I’m not gon’ cry
It’s not the time
‘Cause you’re not worth my tears

I was your lover and your secretary
Working every day of the week

Was at the job when no one else was there
Helping you get on your feet
11 years of sacrifice
And you can leave me at the drop of a dime
Swallowed my fears, stood by your side
I should’ve left your ass a thousand times

Well, I’m not gon’ cry
I’m not gon’ cry
I’m not gon’ shed no tears
No I’m not gon’ cry
It’s not the time
‘Cause you’re not worth my tears

“Not Gon’ Cry” – Mary J. Blige

“Not Enough” by Alessia Cara

Alessia Cara’s song “Not Enough” is about being in a one-sided relationship with someone who only cares about themselves. The lyrics talk about how the person she was with only wanted her when it was convenient for them and would always find excuses to leave her. This song is relatable for many people who have been in similar situations where they felt like they were never good enough for the other person.

Maybe I am
The same as I always am
I swear I’ll tell no one
And stay true to my word

You think I can
I don’t know if I’m ready
To accept that I’m no one
At the end of the day

Pacing ’round empty rooms in my head
And in my arms she’s there

Restless at night
Waking up with no warning
Not even my dreams can
Make me feel like I’m fine

Clawing my feet
As I get out of bed
Except all the monsters
Have moved to my head

Not Enough – Alessia Cara

Conclusion – songs about narcissistic abuse can validate and inspire

Narcissistic abuse can be a very difficult thing to go through and it can have a lasting effect on victims. Unfortunately, it is also a topic that is not often talked about. This is likely because narcissistic abuse often occurs in relationships or families where the victim feels powerless and trapped. I hope that these songs will help to validate your experience and emotions if you have ever been a victim of narcissistic abuse. Remember, you are not alone.

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