Anger is such a potent emotion. Songs about it are outlets for expressing frustration, resentment, and rage. They are a powerful medium for artists to channel their emotions in ways that others can relate to.
These songs resonate with listeners who are also grappling with similar emotions. These provide them with a sense of understanding and empathy.
Today, we present 35 of the best songs about anger. So read on and allow these songs to work magic on you — that is, calm you down and release pent-up anger in a healthy way.
1. “Seventy Times 7” By Brand New
Anger is a raw and intense emotion, and “Seventy Times 7” by Brand New reflects this. The song is a powerful representation of anger and betrayal. It was inspired by the personal experience of the band’s vocalist, Jesse Lacey.
The song recounts the falling out between best friends Lacey and John Nolan, the guitarist/singer of the emo band Taking Back Sunday. As it happened, Lacey’s girlfriend had cheated on him with Nolan.
The lyrics express Lacey’s feelings toward Nolan. The former’s anger is palpable, as expressed in the lines “Have another drink and drive yourself home / I hope there’s ice on all the roads / And you can think of me when you forget your seatbelt / And again when your head goes through the windshield.”
2. “Angry” By The Rolling Stones
One can get angry when a romantic relationship is on the brink of collapse. In “Angry” by The Rolling Stones, the narrator is left pacifying his partner’s anger while also trying to deal with his own emotions.
In the lyrics, the narrator pleads with his partner not to be mad as they both navigate through shared challenges. He tries to present his side of the story while assuring her that he’s not angry with her.
In addition, the narrator expresses his frustrations and admits his own faults that led to their present situation. He further suggests they break up on good terms, rather than part ways harboring hatred.
3. “Look Back In Anger” By David Bowie
It’s only right that we include a song with “anger” in the title. David Bowie‘s “Look Back in Anger” was released in 1979 from his album Lodger.
“Look Back in Anger” is all about rage, frustration, and disconnection. It concerns a character referred to as “Angel of Death.” The title and the lyrics suggest a sense of regret or resentment toward past actions, hence the reference to anger.
This is further emphasized by Bowie’s powerful vocal delivery and catchy melody. These elements reflect urgency and desperation, enhancing the overall sense of discontent conveyed throughout the song.
4. “You Oughta Know” By Alanis Morissette
Up next, we have a raw and visceral exploration of anger. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette delves into the anger that arises from a painful breakup.
What stands out from this song is its explicit expression of pain and betrayal. The narrator feels resentful toward the man who left her for another. She’s left licking her wounds and dealing with anger, hurt, and even residual longing.
In the lyrics, the narrator directly addresses her ex. She questions whether he has already forgotten about her. This outpouring of emotion touched a nerve with listeners, resonating with those who have experienced a painful breakup.
5. “Fuck You” By Lily Allen
English singer-songwriter Lily Allen leaves some really strong words in “Fuck You.” This single was released from her second album, It’s Not You, It’s Me, released in 2009.
Here, Allen harnesses anger as a tool for social commentary. The song directly addresses people who perpetrate prejudice and discrimination. The anger and the repeated phrase “fuck you” serve as a rallying cry for equality and respect.
In addition, the lyrics reflect a provocative and direct response to bigotry, racism, and homophobia. Allen uses anger to confront these issues head-on, making it a strong statement against intolerance and hatred.
6. “Break Stuff” By Limp Bizkit
Just like the title suggests, “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit is all about breaking stuff. From their 1999 album Significant Other, the song is popular for its aggressive sound and confrontational lyrics.
The song reflects the build-up of rage and anger that can occur in our daily lives, particularly as a result of difficulties. It taps into the universal experience of having a bad day and finding something to take the aggression out on.
In the case of “Break Stuff,” the narrator asks someone to “give [him] something to break.” It seems to be his coping mechanism to deal with his bad day.
7. “Don’t Look Back In Anger” By Oasis
Released in 1996, “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis is not about expressing raw fury or frustration. Rather, it’s about letting go of past resentments and not dwelling on situations that cause anger.
This song, with “anger” in the lyrics, shows the importance of accepting the past and focusing on what lies ahead. It encourages listeners not to allow past experiences to control them. If you’ve done or said something in the past, accept it, then look forward and not backward.
The overarching message of the song is optimism and moving forward. As the title suggests, it encourages listeners to face life ahead and not be held back by past mistakes or regrets.
8. “Before He Cheats” By Carrie Underwood
Being cheated on by a partner can lead to a fit of fury. Carrie Underwood‘s “Before He Cheats” chronicles the experiences of a scorned woman. She channels her anger and betrayal into revenge.
The lyrics reveal how feelings of anger can lead to acts of retaliation. For instance, the narrator keyed the side of her partner’s “souped-up four-wheel drive.” She “carved [her] name into his leather seats” and slashed the tires.
Her actions mirror the destruction of trust in their relationship, leading to emotional damage caused by infidelity. For her, her retaliatory acts are a form of emotional release and closure.
9. “Killing In The Name” By Rage Against The Machine
What we have next is a protest song that channels anger into a scathing critique of police brutality. “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine was inspired by Rodney King’s experience of police brutality and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
“Killing in the Name” makes use of anger to fuel the band’s powerful message. It reveals the harsh reality of institutionalized racism within the police force. The lines “Some of those that work forces / are the same that burn crosses” suggest the presence of white supremacists.
The title underscores the immorality of committing violence in the name of a supposedly just cause. It further fuels the anger that permeates the song.
10. “Angry Johnny” By Poe
Anger can come from a dark and intense place. Just like in Poe‘s “Angry Johnny,” the titular character represents the anger that exists in all of us.
The song reveals the destructive power of anger, sometimes leading to acts of violence and revenge. The lyrics, from the perspective of “Jezebel in Hell,” point to her plans to kill and hurt Johnny.
Jezebel is from the Old Testament of the Bible, a woman who led followers away from God. She is an archetype of a deceitful woman, and that’s also how she appears in the song.
In essence, “Angry Johnny” portrays anger as a force that can destroy and empower. It encourages listeners to face their anger head-on and harness it as a tool for change.
11. “Angry Again” By Megadeth
Frontman Dave Mustaine wrote Megadeth‘s “Angry Again” for the 1993 action film Last Action Hero. He wrote it at a time when he was dealing with a lot of issues, thus revealing what goes on in his mind when deeply angered.
The lyrics reflect his anger toward his band and a lot of people, along with his drug use at the time. It was shortly before he got out of rehab. The song reflects his feelings of being pushed to the brink of sanity.
The song also reveals him being overwhelmed by intense emotions, most especially anger. It uses emotional imagery that underscores his sentiments, such as “my body fights for air” and “my lungs begin to tear.”
12. “To Be Loved By You” By Parker McCollum
In Parker McCollum‘s “To Be Loved By You,” the narrator laments his partner’s behavior toward him. The song explores the complexities of love and the frustration that comes with unreciprocated feelings.
The lyrics reveal the narrator’s confusion and desperation as he tries to understand why his partner is distant and irritable. This is directly addressed in the lines “So why are you always angry? / Why are you always quiet?”
With her behaving this way, the narrator struggles to comprehend the emotional barriers between them. While anger here isn’t explosive, it can lead to frustration and possibly an unhappy ending for both of them.
13. “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” By Styx
Cynicism can trigger strong emotions, including anger and frustration. Styx‘s “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” depicts the internal struggle of a young man dealing with cynicism.
The song seems to speak of youthful rebellion and the frustration coming from feeling misunderstood. This angry young man views the world through cynical eyes. As it turns out, his anger comes from his own insecurities and perceived failures.
Worse, he feels as though he has lost his sense of purpose and direction. This leads to a deep-seated anger and bitterness.
14. “One Step Closer” By Linkin Park
When you’re at a breaking point under pressure, it’s easy to give in to anger. Linkin Park sings about this and more in their 2000 single “One Step Closer.” The song paved the way for lead singer Chester Bennington to express the anger he felt growing up.
The narrator internally battles with intense emotions such as anger and frustration. It stems from being misunderstood, ignored, or dismissed. These negative feelings push him closer to his emotional limit.
The lyrics “Everything you say to me / (Takes me one step closer to the edge)” relay the core theme of the song. However, Bennington makes clear that the song does not reinforce anger or self-pity.
15. “Interlude: I’m Not Angry Anymore” By Paramore
Overcoming anger is one of the most challenging things to do, particularly in the context of a failed relationship. One moment, you’re over the drama, and then the next, you’re remembering all the pain. This is the story behind Paramore‘s “Interlude: I’m Not Angry Anymore.”
The lyrics depict a journey of forgiveness, acceptance, and moving on from a relationship that once caused anger. The narrator is no longer consumed by anger like before. However, the use of “sometimes” and “depends on the day” indicates that she has moments of regression.
Even so, she does not allow anger to take over her life completely. More likely, she realizes that life is too short to be angry.
16. “This Is Anger” By Ill Bill, La Coka Nostra, And Non Phixion Ft. DJ JS-1
Anger manifests in everyone everywhere, as shown by the song “This Is Anger” by Ill Bill, La Coka Nostra, and Non Phixion. The single, which features DJ JS-1, was released in 2023 from the album BILLY.
The lyrics include the repeated lines “This is anger! Madness! / You’re quite hostile.” These capture the intensity and volatility of anger. The song portrays anger as more than just an emotion; it’s a state of mind where rationality is overshadowed by hostility.
In addition, the line “You’re quite hostile” conveys the confrontational nature of anger. It suggests that anger can lead to potentially destructive behavior.
17. “Caught Out There” By Kelis
Singer-songwriter Kelis conveys her anger and frustration toward her cheating partner in “Caught Out There.” She dedicates the song to every woman who has been lied to and cheated on.
The lyrics are steeped in rage, reflecting the narrator’s feelings upon discovering her partner’s infidelity. This is directly addressed in the line “I hate you so much right now.” This serves as a potent symbol of her anger. Her rage is so deep she feels like exacting revenge by setting his truck on fire.
On the other hand, the song leaves a powerful message to all women: demand respect and honesty in relationships. In addition, it tells women not to allow deceit and dishonesty to slide.
18. “Kim” By Eminem
Rapper Eminem is known for his controversial and provocative lyrics. But a lot of his fans were shocked by the release of “Kim” from his album The Marshall Mathers LP.
What’s disturbing about this song is its graphic and violent detail of the “murder” of Eminem’s then-wife, Kim Scott. It starts with a heated argument after he discovers her infidelity. He talks about throwing her body in the trunk and dumping it in the lake.
The song shows the depth of Eminem’s hatred toward Kim, who also happens to be the mother of his daughter, Hallie. He wrote it at a time when Kim kept him from seeing their daughter.
19. “Picture To Burn” By Taylor Swift
You can’t blame someone who feels angry and frustrated after a painful breakup. Taylor Swift‘s “Picture to Burn” reflects this sentiment.
“Picture to Burn” is the only song driven by anger on her self-titled debut album. Here, she expresses her feelings toward a boy who has hurt her. Burning a picture symbolizes her desire to erase the memories of this person and move on from the pain he has caused her.
The line “As far as I’m concerned, you’re just another picture to burn” is particularly impactful. It shows her determination to forget him and the anger she feels toward him.
20. “St. Anger” By Metallica
Up next, we have a song that mentions “anger” to personify feelings of restraint and turmoil. In “St. Anger,” Metallica sings about how anger is like a chain around their necks.
“St. Anger” is all about releasing anger in a positive manner. This suggests that anger is not a negative emotion when one expresses it correctly. Frontman James Hetfield is singing about setting free the anger that’s bottled inside.
Notably, the band members were going through a difficult time while recording St. Anger. Hetfield himself was battling alcoholism. However, he did not allow anger to drive him to drink. Rather, he used it to fuel his creativity.
21. “Look What You Made Me Do” By Taylor Swift
Another Taylor Swift song on our list is “Look What You Made Me Do.” This single was released in 2017 from her album Reputation.
From start to end, the song embodies the narrator’s anger and desire for revenge. She addresses the people who have wronged or betrayed her in the past. She blames them for pushing her to this point of anger and revenge.
Swift’s delivery of “Look What You Made Me Do” is filled with cold fury. It reflects the depth of her anger, with the lyrics containing biting remarks and veiled disses.
22. “Never Again” By Kelly Clarkson
American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson penned the angry lyrics to “Never Again.” Released in 2007, it conveys her rage and frustration following a bitter breakup.
The lyrics — filled with raw emotion — reflect the narrator’s bitterness toward an ex who has wronged her. The lines “It was you who chose to end it like you did / I was the last to know / You knew exactly what you would do” depict the root of her anger.
The phrase “never again,” repeated throughout the song, shows the narrator’s firm resolve not to allow her ex to hurt her in the same way again.
23. “Bust Your Windows” By Jazmine Sullivan
Anger can drive someone to find an outlet for this intense emotion. In the case of “Bust Your Windows” by Jazmine Sullivan, the narrator gets to breaking the windows of her ex’s car.
The narrator feels hurt and betrayed by her ex’s infidelity. She admits that breaking his car windows does nothing to heal her broken heart. She tells him that he should be thankful; it’s all she did after giving her all to their five-year relationship.
Her act of retaliation does not heal her emotional scars. However, it serves as an outlet for her anger and frustration.
24. “Bad Blood” By Taylor Swift Ft. Kendrick Lamar
Friends are your allies. They know everything about you, down to your ugly secrets. And sometimes, when friendships end in a fallout, it brings out feelings of anger and betrayal. This is what “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift, featuring Kendrick Lamar, is all about.
The lyrics narrate a story of a friendship that turned sour. What used to be “mad love” has now become “bad blood.” The shift in the relationship is attributed to an unnamed act of betrayal. It leaves the narrator harboring feelings of anger and resentment toward the other person.
“Bad blood” is a metaphor used to describe the toxic state of the relationship. It depicts the deep-seated anger that has now replaced love and admiration.
25. “Really Don’t Care” By Demi Lovato Ft. Cher Lloyd
Being treated poorly in a relationship can lead to feelings of anger and resentment. People who have been in this situation can find their anthem in “Really Don’t Care” by Demi Lovato featuring Cher Lloyd.
In the lyrics, the narrator expresses her refusal to be mistreated. She won’t allow someone — likely an ex-partner — to continue to treat her poorly or take advantage of her. This suggests her having a strong sense of self-worth and not allowing others’ actions to affect her self-esteem.
Notably, the song does not explicitly delve into the depths of anger. However, it conveys a defiant attitude that comes from feelings of betrayal and hurt. The song uses anger to fuel self-empowerment and resilience.
26. “Get In The Ring” By Guns N’ Roses
Being in the public eye can be very challenging, as many celebrities experience. Guns N’ Roses‘ “Get in the Ring” is dedicated to the band’s loyal fans who stuck with them throughout the years. That is, despite the bogus stories that the media and press directed at the band.
The song serves as a challenge and retaliation to the negative press the band received. The lyrics are filled with bitter rants and explicit language. This reflects an intense level of anger toward those who misrepresented Guns N’ Roses in the media.
The term “get in the ring” conveys one’s desire for confrontation. This reinforces the aggressive tone of the song.
27. “Song For The Dumped” By Ben Folds Five
In a painful breakup, someone’s bound to be angry. “Song for the Dumped” by Ben Folds Five captures the raw anger that often accompanies the end of a relationship.
When you listen to the song, it seems petty, but the lyrics actually reflect what many experience when getting dumped. The pain and anger make you wish you could take back all that you’ve spent for your ex — even that “black T-shirt” you gave them.
At its core, the song expresses the narrator’s bitterness and resentment toward his ex. It is an unapologetic portrayal of the emotions that people experience during a breakup.
28. “FU” By Miley Cyrus Ft. French Montana
Another song that captures the anger and frustration following a painful breakup is “FU.” The song finds Miley Cyrus collaborating with Moroccan-American rapper and singer French Montana.
The lines “I got two, ooh, ooh letters for you / one of them’s F and the other one’s U” are a defiant rejection of the person who wronged her. She is unapologetic as she expresses the pain directly.
Essentially, “FU” is a strong expression of the narrator’s feelings of betrayal and heartbreak. Despite the pain, she refuses to play the victim. Instead, she conveys a message of self-respect and self-empowerment.
29. “DONE.” By The Band Perry
Up next is a breakup song that encapsulates feelings of anger and betrayal following a breakup. “DONE.” by The Band Perry is for those who decided to take a stand against being mistreated.
The title itself expresses a sense of finality. This suggests that the narrator is determined to move on from the pain her ex caused. She’s done “with [his] selfish ways / and all the games [he] play[s].” She’s conveying a message of self-respect and unwillingness to accept less than what she deserves.
At its core, “DONE.” provides a cathartic outlet for feelings of anger and betrayal. This makes it a relatable song for many.
30. “I Hope Ur Miserable Until Ur Dead” By Nessa Barrett
Betrayal really brings out the rage in a person. Nessa Barrett explores the theme of anger in the context of betrayal and heartbreak in “I Hope Ur Miserable Until Ur Dead.”
The title itself speaks for the resentment and bitterness the narrator feels after being deeply hurt by someone she trusted. She expresses a fervent wish for that person to experience misery for what he has done to her.
The song is an unfiltered expression and exploration of anger. It provides an outlet for anyone who has experienced a similar situation.
31. “Gunpowder & Lead” By Miranda Lambert
Next, we have a song that delves into the theme of anger in the context of domestic abuse. Miranda Lambert co-wrote “Gunpowder & Lead” from the perspective of the victims.
The narrative follows a woman who has been treated badly. Her partner has “slapped [her] face, and he shook [her] like a rag doll.” She expresses her anger and determination to fight back against domestic violence.
So she loaded her shotgun and waited by the door for him. She’s determined to “show him what little girls are made of” with “gunpowder and lead.”
32. “Platypus (I Hate You)” By Green Day
Anger seeps out of every single word from Green Day‘s “Platypus (I Hate You).” Released in 1997, the song was part of the rock band’s album Nimrod.
“Platypus (I Hate You)” explores anger in such a raw and intense manner. It’s a verbal attack against a person who hurts the narrator and derives pleasure from doing so. The lyrics are peppered with profanity and swear words, suggesting the depth of the narrator’s anger and resentment.
At its core, “Platypus (I Hate You)” is about absolute hate toward someone. It comes to a point where the narrator wishes that person dead. The hate and anger stem from the fact that the person messed with his mind repeatedly.
33. “Breakin’ Dishes” By Rihanna
Moving on, we have Rihanna‘s 2007 single, “Breakin’ Dishes,” from the album Good Girl Gone Bad. Here, the narrator’s anger stems from suspected infidelity.
In the lyrics, we find out that the narrator is already fed up with her partner’s late nights out without her. Though she is unsure he is cheating, she’s done putting up with it. Her anger drives her to break dishes and burn his clothes.
The title itself is indicative of her chaotic emotional state. It also reflects the destructive actions that stem from anger and frustration.
34. “Angry All The Time” By Tim McGraw
We’re almost at the end of our list, with Tim McGraw‘s “Angry All the Time” next. The narrative explores anger from the perspective of a deteriorating marriage.
The song is about a couple who have been together for 20 years. They struggle with unfulfilled dreams, with their relationship becoming toxic over time. This leaves the narrator with deep-seated anger as he deals with the fact that love alone can’t hold their marriage together.
The challenges have left both of them angry. Slowly, they drift apart, suggesting their inability to mend their differences. The song portrays how love can sometimes turn into resentment and anger.
35. “I Bet” By Ciara
Singer-songwriter Ciara sings about anger and revenge in the context of a breakup in “I Bet.” Released in 2015, this is the lead single off her album Jackie.
Ciara is coming from a place of hurt following her breakup with American rapper Future. The lyrics express her anger stemming from the betrayal and heartache she experienced in the relationship. She predicts that her ex will regret her once he sees her happy with someone else.
In essence, “I Bet” is one of the most notable tracks about anger and revenge. However, the narrator also points out that she knows her worth and has moved on.
Summing Up Our List Of Anger Songs
The songs above provided us with a multi-faceted representation of anger. Whether it’s the raw rage against a partner’s infidelity or the simmering resentment in a failed marriage, the songs captured the nature of anger in ways we can relate to.
In addition, the songs underscore the role of music as an outlet to express this emotion. The lyrics and melody allow listeners to resonate with the sentiments being expressed. Thus, they offer comfort and understanding.
We are aware that the list above is not exhaustive. So, if you know other songs about the topic that you want to include, let us know. We will gladly add them for you. Until next time!
