20 Songs About Bad Parents

It’s no secret that bad parents can cause a lot of damage to their children. These 20 songs explore the different ways that bad parenting can screw kids up. From neglect and abuse to simply not being there for your kids, these songs cover it all.

If you’re looking for an emotional roller coaster ride, look no further than this list. Here are 20 songs about bad parents.

1. “The Little Girl” by John Michael Montgomery

Starting off the list is a song that pulls no punches. “The Little Girl” tells the story of a young girl who was neglected by her parents.

The song is sung from the perspective of the little girl, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. You can find it on his Brand New Me album which was released in 2000.

2. “Mother” by Pink Floyd

The next song is one that many people can relate to. “Mother” is a classic Pink Floyd song that deals with the strained relationship between a son and his overbearing mother.

The song is full of frustration and resentment, and it’s easy to see why. This is one of his most popular tracks that have been covered by popular artists over the years.

3. “Father of Mine” by Everclear

Everclear’s “Father of Mine” is another song that deals with a difficult relationship between a father and son. This time, it’s the father who is at fault.

The song is about how the father was never there for his son, and how that has affected him. It was released in 1998 as part of the So Much for the Afterglow album.

4. “Problem Child” by 50 Cent

Next on the list is a song that takes a different approach to bad parenting. “Problem Child” is actually sung from the perspective of the child who was raised by a bad parent.

The song is about how all he does is cause problems, and how he was never given a chance to be anything else. It’s a pretty dark song, but it’s also one that many people can relate to.

5. “Little Toy Guns” by Carrie Underwood

This song is a bit different from the others on the list, in that it’s not specifically about bad parents. However, it does deal with the effects of bad parenting.

“Little Toy Guns” is about how children are affected by their parent’s fights, even when they don’t mean to be. It’s a heartbreaking song that shows how even the best intentions can cause harm.

6. “Dinner at Eight” by Rufus Wainwright

“Dinner at Eight” is a song about how bad parents can screw up their children. The song is sung from the perspective of the child, and it’s full of anger and resentment. It’s easy to see why this song resonates with so many people, as it’s a relatable experience for many.

7. “Lipstick” by Guttermouth

Next on the list is “Lipstick” by Guttermouth. This song is about a mother who does not care for her son. If you have ever felt unimportant or neglected by your parent, then this song is for you.

It was released in 1997 as part of the Musical Monkey album which can be streamed on all music platforms.

8. “Mother Knows Best” by Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson’s “Mother Knows Best” is a song about a mother who is not only neglectful but also abusive. The song was released in 1991 as part of the Rumor and Sigh album. If you have ever been mistreated by a parent, then this song is definitely for you.

9. “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” by Eminem

If you’re a fan of rap music, then you have probably heard “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” by Eminem. This song is about the rapper’s complicated relationship with his mother.

He addresses her neglect and abuse in the song and how it has affected him throughout his life. This track can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

10. “A Boy Name Sue” by Johnny Cash

This song is about a boy who was left by his father at a very young age with no intention of ever coming back.

It’s a heart-wrenching story, but ultimately it’s a song about resilience and how even the worst circumstances can’t keep a good person down. It was released in 1969 as part of the At San Quentin album.

11. “My Mom” by Eminem

Eminem seems to dominate this list of songs about bad parents, and for good reason. He had a very difficult childhood, to say the least.

This song is about his mother, who was addicted to drugs and often neglected him. It’s a very honest and candid look at what it’s like to grow up with an addict for a parent.

12. “The Story of My Old Man” by Good Charlotte

Good Charlotte is a band that is no stranger to songs about bad parents. This song is about a father, who was an alcoholic and often abusive.

It’s a very emotional song, but ultimately it’s one of hope and redemption. You can find it on their The Young and the Hopeless album released in 2002.

13. “Father” by Demi Lovato

This next song by Demi Lovato is also about an absent father. This time, it’s from the perspective of a daughter who is tired of waiting for her father to come back into her life.

It’s a very powerful song, and it really resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they were invisible to their parents.

14. “Perfect” by Simple Plan

Who would ever forget the classic “Perfect” by Simple Plan? This song is about a boy who is trying to live up to the impossible standards set by his father.

It’s a relatable song for anyone who has ever felt like they could never do anything right in their parents’ eyes. You can find it on their 2002 album, No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls.

15. “Brick” by Ben Folds Five

“Brick” by Ben Folds Five is a song a sensitive topic. It’s about abortion and it’s based on the true story of the lead singer’s ex girlfriend who had one when they were in high school.

The song is very powerful and it really makes you think about the complex issue of abortion. You can find it on their Whatever and Ever Amen album.

16. “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson

This next song is also about an absent father. “Piece by Piece” by Kelly Clarkson is a very emotional song about how her father left her when she was a child and how she never really felt like she had a family. It’s a sad song, but it’s also one of hope and forgiveness.

17. “Emotionless” by Good Charlotte

Another song by Good Charlotte about bad parents. This time, it’s about a mother who is emotionally abusive.

It’s a very powerful song that really resonates with anyone who has ever been in a similar situation. You can find it on their The Young and the Hopeless album released in 2002.

18. “Styrofoam Plates” by Death Cab for Cutie

Next on the list is “Styrofoam Plates” by Death Cab for Cutie. This song is about a father who is an alcoholic and how his drinking has affected his family.

It’s a very honest and candid look at the issue of alcoholism and its effects on families. You can find it on their The Photo Album album released in 2001.

19. “Broken Home” by Papa Roach

Up next is “Broken Home” by Papa Roach. This song is about growing up in a broken home and how it can affect children and how they grow up.

It’s a very honest look at the issue, and it really resonates with anyone who has ever been in a similar situation. You can find it on their Infest album released in 2000.

20. “Family Portrait” by Pink

Last on the list is “Family Portrait” by Pink. This song is about a dysfunctional family and how it can be hard to deal with. It’s a very relatable song for anyone who has ever had problems with their family. You can find it on her Missundaztood album released in 2001.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the songs about bad parents out there. If you have been affected by bad parenting, know that you are not alone.

There are others who understand what you’re going through and these songs can help you to feel less alone. We hope these songs help you in some way. Thanks for reading!