14 Best Songs about Nightmares

Nightmares are a common and often frightening experience for many people. These vivid and unsettling dreams can leave us feeling anxious, disoriented, and even traumatized. However, they also serve as a rich source of inspiration for many musicians and songwriters.

From the haunting melodies of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Green Manalishi” to the cathartic crescendos of A Flock of Seagulls’ “Nightmares,” the theme of nightmares has been explored in countless songs across a variety of genres. In this article,

we will explore 14 of the best songs about nightmares, each offering a unique and emotive perspective on this universal human experience. Whether you’re looking for a cathartic release or simply seeking to explore the depths of your own subconscious, these songs are sure to offer a haunting and unforgettable journey through the world of dreams and nightmares.

So turn down the lights, close your eyes, and join us as we explore the best songs about nightmares.

1.Lucid Dreams – Juice WRLD

“Lucid Dreams” is a popular song by the late rapper and singer Juice WRLD. The track features a mellow, melodic instrumental with a dreamy vibe, which perfectly complements Juice WRLD’s introspective lyrics about heartbreak and failed relationships. The song’s title refers to the concept of lucid dreaming, where a person becomes aware that they are dreaming and can control the dream. Juice WRLD uses this idea as a metaphor for his desire to escape the pain of his past and find a way to move on. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, “Lucid Dreams” has become a fan favorite and a defining song of Juice WRLD’s career.

2.Tell Me It’s a Nightmare – Kim Petras

“Tell Me It’s a Nightmare” is an upbeat and catchy pop song by German singer-songwriter Kim Petras. The track opens with a pulsing beat and lively synths, immediately drawing the listener in. Petras’ sweet yet powerful vocals take center stage as she sings about a lover who has left her heartbroken, leaving her questioning whether the pain is real or just a nightmare. Despite the sad lyrics, the song’s infectious melody and production give it a danceable energy that’s perfect for singing along and letting loose. With its relatable theme and lively sound, “Tell Me It’s a Nightmare” is a standout track in Petras’ discography.

3.Bad Dreams – Joni Mitchell

“Bad Dreams” is a hauntingly beautiful song by legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. The track features a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar and vocals, creating an intimate and introspective atmosphere. Mitchell’s poetic lyrics explore the theme of lost love and the pain that lingers long after a relationship has ended. She describes the experience of waking up from a nightmare, only to find that reality is just as bleak. With her emotive vocals and poignant lyrics, Mitchell captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and the struggle to move on. “Bad Dreams” is a powerful and timeless song that showcases Mitchell’s unmatched talent as a songwriter and performer.

4.Burning House – Cam

“Burning House” is a soulful and emotional country ballad by American singer-songwriter Cam. The song opens with a haunting melody played on an acoustic guitar, setting a contemplative and melancholic tone. Cam’s rich and emotive vocals carry the weight of the lyrics, which describe the aftermath of a failed relationship. She compares the experience to being trapped in a burning house, where everything is falling apart and there’s no escape. The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with Cam’s voice soaring over a lush instrumental arrangement, expressing the desperation and pain of trying to salvage something that is already lost. “Burning House” is a heartbreaking and beautifully crafted song that showcases Cam’s incredible vocal range and songwriting skills.

5.Bad Dreams – Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson

“Bad Dreams” is a hauntingly beautiful duet by American musicians Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson. The track opens with a somber piano melody and features Yorn’s and Johansson’s voices blending together in perfect harmony. The lyrics describe the experience of being haunted by the past, with memories and regrets swirling around like bad dreams. Yorn and Johansson’s vocal performances are both vulnerable and powerful, expressing the pain and longing of trying to come to terms with the past. With its introspective lyrics and stunning vocals, “Bad Dreams” is a standout track in both Yorn’s and Johansson’s discographies and showcases their undeniable chemistry as musical collaborators.

6. Sirens -Stranger Cat

“Sirens” is a mesmerizing and atmospheric song by indie-pop duo Stranger Cat. The track features an ethereal instrumental arrangement, with layers of dreamy synths and a driving beat that creates a hypnotic groove. Lead vocalist Cat Martino’s haunting voice floats over the production, singing evocative lyrics about the allure of danger and the seductive pull of the unknown. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Martino’s vocals soaring over a soaring instrumental crescendo. “Sirens” is a captivating and beautifully crafted song that showcases Stranger Cat’s unique sound and songwriting skills. The track is both melancholic and uplifting, creating a sense of otherworldly beauty that’s hard to resist.

7.Kyoto Song – The Cure

“Kyoto Song” is a mesmerizing and haunting track by English rock band The Cure. The song features a pulsing beat, atmospheric synths, and a driving bassline that create a hypnotic and mesmerizing groove. Frontman Robert Smith’s signature vocals are both brooding and ethereal, perfectly complementing the song’s dreamlike atmosphere. The lyrics describe a yearning to escape and find a place of peace, with Kyoto serving as a metaphorical destination. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Smith’s voice rising to a cathartic crescendo. “Kyoto Song” is a standout track in The Cure’s discography and showcases their ability to create lush and atmospheric soundscapes.

8.Last Night I Had a Dream – Randy Newman

“Last Night I Had a Dream” is a melancholic and introspective song by American singer-songwriter Randy Newman. The track features a simple instrumental arrangement, with Newman’s vocals accompanied by a gentle piano melody. The lyrics describe a dream where the singer is reunited with a former lover, only to wake up and realize it was just a figment of his imagination. Newman’s emotive vocals express the pain and longing of lost love, with a sense of resignation and acceptance of the past. “Last Night I Had a Dream” is a poignant and beautifully crafted song that showcases Newman’s talent as a storyteller and songwriter.

9.The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness – The National

“The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” is a brooding and intense rock song by American indie band The National. The track features a driving beat, atmospheric guitar riffs, and frontman Matt Berninger’s distinctive baritone vocals. The lyrics explore themes of disillusionment and frustration with the status quo, with references to politics and social issues. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Berninger’s voice soaring over a soaring instrumental crescendo. “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” is a standout track in The National’s discography, showcasing their ability to create emotionally charged and thought-provoking rock music that resonates with listeners.

10.3AM – Eminem

“3AM” is a dark and intense rap song by American rapper Eminem. The track features a haunting instrumental arrangement, with eerie piano loops, ominous strings, and a driving beat that creates a sense of tension and urgency. Eminem’s lyrics describe the experience of being consumed by violent impulses and the thrill of committing heinous acts. The chorus is particularly chilling, with Eminem’s voice distorted and layered over itself, adding to the song’s overall sense of unease. “3AM” is a standout track on Eminem’s album “Relapse,” showcasing his ability to create vivid and unsettling imagery through his lyrics and music.

11.The Green Manalishi – Fleetwood Mac

“The Green Manalishi” is a hard-hitting and electrifying rock song by British-American band Fleetwood Mac. The track features a powerful instrumental arrangement, with electrifying guitar riffs, a driving beat, and a soaring vocal performance by frontman Peter Green. The lyrics describe the experience of being haunted by a supernatural entity known as the Green Manalishi, with references to the occult and mysticism. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Green’s voice rising to a cathartic crescendo. “The Green Manalishi” is a standout track in Fleetwood Mac’s early discography and showcases their ability to create high-energy and emotionally charged rock music.

12.Nightmares – A Flock of Seagulls

“Nightmares” is a haunting and atmospheric track by English new wave band A Flock of Seagulls. The song features an eerie instrumental arrangement, with a driving beat, atmospheric synths, and haunting guitar riffs that create a sense of tension and unease. Lead vocalist Mike Score’s emotive vocals express the experience of being trapped in a nightmare, with lyrics that touch on themes of fear and uncertainty. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Score’s voice rising to a cathartic crescendo. “Nightmares” is a standout track in A Flock of Seagulls’ discography and showcases their ability to create immersive and emotionally charged music.

13.Monsters Under The Bed – Eugene McGuinness

“Monsters Under The Bed” is a playful and whimsical track by British singer-songwriter Eugene McGuinness. The song features a catchy and upbeat instrumental arrangement, with jangly guitar riffs, a bouncy bassline, and a driving beat that creates a sense of energy and fun. The lyrics describe the experience of being afraid of monsters under the bed, with a tongue-in-cheek tone that adds to the song’s overall sense of playfulness. The chorus is particularly memorable, with McGuinness’ vocals soaring over a sing-along melody. “Monsters Under The Bed” is a standout track in McGuinness’ discography and showcases his ability to create catchy and upbeat pop music.

14.American Bad Dream – Kane Brown

“American Bad Dream” is a poignant and socially conscious country song by American singer Kane Brown. The track features a stripped-down instrumental arrangement, with acoustic guitar, strings, and a minimal beat that allows Brown’s emotive vocals to take center stage. The lyrics touch on themes of gun violence, immigration, and political corruption, with Brown expressing frustration and disappointment with the state of the country. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Brown’s voice rising to a cathartic crescendo. “American Bad Dream” is a standout track in Brown’s discography and showcases his ability to use his platform to address important social issues through his music.