16 Songs about Paranoia for When You’re Feeling Worried

Songs about paranoia have been a staple of popular music for decades. From heavy metal to hip-hop, artists across genres have explored the theme of paranoia in their music, creating powerful and relatable tracks that resonate with listeners.

Paranoia is a feeling of extreme distrust and suspicion of others, often accompanied by anxiety and fear. Many musicians have channeled these emotions into their music, creating tracks that speak to the darker aspects of the human psyche.

Some of the most iconic songs about paranoia include “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath, which features lyrics about feeling trapped and unable to escape, and “Life During Wartime” by Talking Heads, which describes a world where everyone is watching and listening. Other examples include “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden, “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell, and “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead. In more recent years, artists like Tame Impala, Post Malone, and Juice WRLD have explored the theme of paranoia in their music, creating tracks that speak to the anxieties of modern life.

These songs often touch on topics like relationship insecurity, social anxiety, and the feeling of being watched and judged by others. Whether through heavy metal or hip-hop, the theme of paranoia has remained a constant presence in popular music, and these songs continue to resonate with listeners today.

1.Paranoid – Black Sabbath

“Paranoid” by Black Sabbath is a heavy metal classic that was released in 1970. The song features Ozzy Osbourne’s distinctive vocals and Tony Iommi’s iconic guitar riffs. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is suffering from extreme paranoia, believing that everyone is out to get him. The song’s intense energy and powerful instrumentation have made it a staple in the heavy metal genre and a favorite among fans of the band.

2.Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blue – Bob Dylan

“Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues” by Bob Dylan is a satirical folk song that was released in 1963. The song features Dylan’s signature storytelling and witty lyrics, as he pokes fun at the paranoia surrounding the John Birch Society, a far-right political organization that was prominent in the 1960s. The song’s catchy melody and clever wordplay make it a standout on Dylan’s early albums, and it has become a favorite among fans of his folk music.

3.Paranoid Android – Radiohead

“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead is an alternative rock epic that was released in 1997. The song is a multi-part masterpiece that features intricate instrumentation and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is struggling with his place in the world and is plagued by feelings of isolation and paranoia. The song’s innovative structure and innovative sound have made it a classic in the alternative rock genre and a favorite among Radiohead fans.

4.Paranoid – Post Malone

“Paranoid” by Post Malone is a hip-hop track that was released in 2019. The song features Post Malone’s signature blend of melodic singing and rap verses over a bass-heavy beat. The lyrics explore Post Malone’s fears and insecurities as he navigates his life in the public eye. The song’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics have made it a popular hit among Post Malone’s fans and a staple on mainstream radio.

5.Afraid of Everyone – The National

“Afraid of Everyone” by The National is an indie rock song that was released in 2010. The song features Matt Berninger’s baritone vocals and the band’s signature melancholic instrumentation, including brooding guitar and haunting piano. The lyrics explore the feelings of isolation and fear that can come with parenthood, as the narrator reflects on his own fears and insecurities in raising his children. The song’s introspective and emotional tone, combined with its powerful and atmospheric sound, have made it a standout in The National’s discography and a favorite among fans of the band.

6.Life During Wartime – Talking Heads

“Life During Wartime” by Talking Heads is a post-punk classic that was released in 1979. The song features David Byrne’s distinctive vocals and the band’s signature funky and angular instrumentation. The lyrics describe a dystopian world where the narrator must constantly adapt to the challenges of living in a society that is in a state of constant war. The song’s driving rhythm and infectious energy, combined with its sharp and witty lyrics, have made it a favorite among fans of Talking Heads and a staple in the post-punk genre.

7.Love/Paranoia – Tame Impala

“Love/Paranoia” by Tame Impala is a psychedelic pop song that was released in 2012. The song features Kevin Parker’s dreamy vocals and the band’s signature lush and trippy instrumentation, including swirling synthesizers and hypnotic drums. The lyrics explore the complex emotions of a person in a troubled relationship, as they struggle with the conflicting feelings of love and paranoia. The song’s dreamy and ethereal sound, combined with its introspective and emotional lyrics, have made it a standout in Tame Impala’s discography and a fan favorite.

8.Gas Panic – Oasis

“Gas Panic” by Oasis is a rock song that was released in 2000. The song features Liam Gallagher’s powerful vocals and the band’s signature wall of sound, including distorted guitars and thunderous drums. The lyrics describe a world that is on the brink of collapse, with society descending into chaos and panic. The song’s driving rhythm and explosive energy, combined with its apocalyptic and intense lyrics, have made it a standout in Oasis’s discography and a fan favorite.

9.Spies – Coldplay

“Spies” by Coldplay is an alternative rock song that was released in 2000. The song features Chris Martin’s emotive vocals and the band’s signature combination of piano and guitar, creating a dreamy and atmospheric sound. The lyrics describe a person who feels like they are being watched, as if there are spies all around them. The song’s introspective and emotional tone, combined with its haunting and atmospheric sound, have made it a standout in Coldplay’s discography and a favorite among fans of the band.

10.Paranoid Eyes – Pink Floyd

“Paranoid Eyes” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song that was released in 1983. The song features Roger Waters’ introspective and emotional vocals, as well as the band’s signature use of atmospheric and psychedelic instrumentation. The lyrics describe a person who is struggling with feelings of paranoia and isolation, as they try to navigate their way through a world that seems to be closing in on them. The song’s haunting and atmospheric sound, combined with its powerful and emotional lyrics, have made it a standout in Pink Floyd’s discography and a favorite among fans of the band.

11.Paranoid – Ty Dolla $ign ft. B.o.B

“Paranoid” is an R&B/Hip-hop track by Ty Dolla $ign featuring B.o.B, released in 2013. The song features Ty Dolla $ign’s smooth and seductive vocals, while B.o.B contributes with a guest verse. The lyrics describe a person who is paranoid about their significant other’s infidelity, feeling like they’re cheating and making them feel insecure. The song’s catchy beat and Ty Dolla $ign’s sultry voice made it a hit among fans, with its lyrics exploring the vulnerabilities of relationships and the challenges of trust. The track received positive reviews and was praised for its production and Ty Dolla $ign’s vocals. It has been covered and remixed by various artists and is still widely popular among R&B and Hip-hop fans.

12.Paranoid – Kanye West

“Paranoid” is a song by Kanye West, released in 2008. The track is a mix of pop, R&B, and electronic music and features Kanye’s signature auto-tuned vocals. The lyrics describe a person who is paranoid and anxious about their relationship, afraid of their partner leaving them. The song’s pulsing beat, catchy melody, and Kanye’s vocals have made it a favorite among his fans. It has been noted for its blend of different musical genres and the catchy hook “You worry ’bout the wrong things, the wrong things”. The track has been sampled and remixed by other artists, and it remains a popular song in Kanye’s discography.

13.Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell

“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell is a new wave song that was released in 1984. The song features Rockwell’s vocals, as well as guest vocals by Michael Jackson, who also produced the song. The lyrics describe a person who feels like they are being watched and followed, as if they are living in a constant state of surveillance. The song’s catchy and upbeat sound, combined with its eerie and paranoid lyrics, have made it a standout in Rockwell’s discography and a favorite among fans of 80s music. The song has been covered and sampled by multiple artists over the years, and its legacy continues to live on in popular culture.

14.Paranoid – Jonas Brothers

“Paranoid” is a song by the Jonas Brothers, released in 2009. The track is a pop-rock song and features the Jonas Brothers’ signature harmonies and guitar riffs. The lyrics describe a person who is paranoid and insecure in their relationship, worrying that their partner will cheat on them or leave them.
The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite among fans, especially those going through similar relationship struggles. The track has been praised for its production and the Jonas Brothers’ vocals, and it remains a staple in their discography. It was released as the lead single from their album “Lines, Vines and Trying Times” and was well-received by critics and fans alike.

15.Fear of the Dark – Iron Maiden

“Fear of the Dark” is a heavy metal song by Iron Maiden, released in 1992. The track features a powerful, driving rhythm and soaring vocals by Bruce Dickinson. The lyrics describe a person who is afraid of the dark and the fears that come with it, such as monsters and nightmares. The song has become an anthem for Iron Maiden fans, and it’s often played at their live shows. It has been praised for its powerful instrumentation and Dickinson’s vocal range.

16.Paranoid – Juice WRLD

“Paranoid” by Juice WRLD is a hip-hop track that samples the classic Black Sabbath song of the same name. The track features Juice WRLD’s smooth vocals, and the lyrics describe a person who is paranoid about their significant other’s infidelity. The song’s catchy beat and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite, and it has been praised for its use of the sample and Juice WRLD’s ability to put his own spin on the classic song. It was released posthumously in 2020, following Juice WRLD’s untimely death.