Bad women come in all shapes and sizes. There are the femme fatales, the heartbreakers, the home wreckers, and more. But no matter what their type, it’s also impossible not to be fascinated by them. That’s why there have been so many songs written about them over the years.
In this list, we take a look at 20 of the best songs about bad women. These tunes capture everything from the allure of these ladies to their destructive power. So if you’re looking for a little musical insight into what makes these women tick, then check out our list below.
Contents
- 1. “Honky Tonk Woman” by Rolling Stones
- 2. “Dirty Diana” by Michael Jackson
- 3. “Bad Girls” by M.I.A.
- 4. “Sweet But Psycho” by Ava Max
- 5. “B*tch” by Meredith Brooks
- 6. “Good Girls” by 5 Seconds of Summer
- 7. “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra
- 8. “Bad Woman Blues” by Beth Hart
- 9. “Maniac” by Conan Gray
- 10. “mad woman” by Taylor Swift
- 11. “Femme Fatale” by Tom Tom Club
- 12. “Dark Lady” by Cher
- 13. “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall ft. Akon
- 14. “Warning” by Megan Thee Stallion
- 15. “Demon Woman” by Flight of the Conchords
- 16. “Poison Ivy” by Jonas Brothers
- 17. “The B*tch Is Back” by Elton John
- 18. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
- 19. “Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me)” by Crow
- 20. “Maneater” by Hall And Oates
- Final Thoughts
1. “Honky Tonk Woman” by Rolling Stones
First on the list is a song about a honky tonk woman. This is someone who is looking for a good time and doesn’t care who she hurts along the way.
The Rolling Stones paint a picture of this type of woman perfectly in their 1969 classic, and it’s easy to see why it’s become one of their most iconic tunes.
2. “Dirty Diana” by Michael Jackson
Next up is a song about a different type of bad woman. “Dirty Diana” is about a woman who loves to play with men’s emotions.
She’s the type of person who is always looking for a new conquest and doesn’t care about the damage she leaves in her wake. Michael Jackson does an excellent job of conveying the manipulative power of this type of woman in this song.
3. “Bad Girls” by M.I.A.
The fact that this song is still making rounds on the internet despite being released in 2012 is a testament to its timelessness.
“Bad Girls” by M.I.A. is an ode to all the bad girls out there, and it’s one of the most unapologetic songs you’ll ever hear. With the lyrics going “bad girls do it well” and “live fast, die young,” this song is the embodiment of a bad girl, and we love it.
4. “Sweet But Psycho” by Ava Max
Ava Max’s “Sweet But Psycho” is one of the most recent songs on this list, but it’s already become a certified bop. The song is about a girl who is, well, sweet but psycho, and it’s honestly one of the most relatable songs out there.
We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve met someone who seems great at first, but then we realize that they’re just a little bit crazy.
5. “B*tch” by Meredith Brooks
Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch” is the ultimate anthem for anyone who’s ever been called a b*tch. The song is all about owning your so-called “bitchiness,” and it’s one of the most empowering songs out there. If you’ve ever been called such a name, then this is a great song for you.
6. “Good Girls” by 5 Seconds of Summer
The title may be “Good Girls,” but this song is anything but. 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Good Girls” is all about how good girls are just bad girls that haven’t been caught.
It’s a sultry song with a bit of an edge, and it’s one that you can’t help but sing along to. If you’re a fan of pop-rock, you should definitely check 5SOS out.
7. “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra’s “Evil Woman” is a classic song about an evil woman. It’s one that will definitely get you thinking about that ex-girlfriend who was just a little bit too crazy.
If you’re looking for a song that’s both catchy and thought-provoking, this is a great addition to your baddie playlist.
8. “Bad Woman Blues” by Beth Hart
“Bad Woman Blues” is the perfect song to listen to when you’re feeling attitude– it perfectly matches the tone of a frown.
The song is a pulsating piano ballad about a woman who doesn’t have any interest in being good, and it is simply a great anthem in Beth’s discography. It has a strong message delivered through an excellent songwriting arrangement.
9. “Maniac” by Conan Gray
“Maniac” is a dance-hall style song with synthesized instruments, an uptempo beat, and Gray’s emotive vocals. The lyrics express his desire to break free from someone or something in the past.
He talks about how his ex-lover spread rumors about him, and how she’s a maniac, a psycho. If you want to throw shade at your ex while having a great time, then this is a great song to play.
10. “mad woman” by Taylor Swift
This next song is a dark and eerie song off of Swift’s album folklore. The lyrics are about a woman who has been pushed too far and is ready to snap.
She’s tired of being called crazy, and she’s done with trying to be good. This song is empowering, and it will make you want to scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs.
11. “Femme Fatale” by Tom Tom Club
You might find a femme fatale in old Hollywood movies– a woman who is so alluring that she can’t be trusted. This song by Tom Tom Club is a new wave classic, and it’s about a heartbreaker.
He warns the listener that she’s a “dangerous woman,” and he’s right. She might look sweet, but she’ll break your heart.
12. “Dark Lady” by Cher
Cher’s 1974 album “Dark Lady” was released shortly after her divorce from Sonny Bono. The title track was originally released as a single in 1973 without an accompanying album.
She sings about the dark lady who is known for being gruesome and just downright bad. You can hear the anger and hurt in Cher’s voice as she sings about this woman who has broken so many hearts.
13. “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall ft. Akon
Here’s a very popular song from 2008 that you may have not forgotten about. It’s called “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall and features Akon. The song is about a woman who is so dangerous, she’s like a time bomb ready to go off.
She’s beautiful, but she’s also a bad girl. If you’re up for a little bit of a throwback, check out the music video for this song. It’s sure to bring back some memories.
14. “Warning” by Megan Thee Stallion
If you’re looking for a more recent song about bad women, look no further than Megan Thee Stallion’s “Warning.” This song was released in 2021 and it became a bad bitch anthem for women all over the world.
It’s about not giving in to drama or BS and just being your own bad self. If you’re feeling yourself, put this song on and dance like no one’s watching.
15. “Demon Woman” by Flight of the Conchords
A feisty woman is the subject of Flight of the Conchords’ song “Demon Woman.” It’s a sultry and catchy tune about a woman who is just too hot to handle. She’s got a hold of the singer and he can’t seem to shake her. It was released in 2009 as part of the I Told You I Was Freaky album.
16. “Poison Ivy” by Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers released “Poison Ivy” in 2009 as part of their Lines, Vines and Trying Times album. It’s a fun and upbeat song about a girl who is just too good for the singer.
She’s got him wrapped around her finger and he can’t seem to break free. You’re sure to enjoy this catchy tune if you’re a fan of the Jonas Brothers.
17. “The B*tch Is Back” by Elton John
Due to the usage of the word “b*tch,” one of Elton John’s best hard rock songs was removed from various radio stations both domestically and abroad. It was still a huge success, though.
The song is about a woman who left John for another man and is now trying to come back into his life. Just like any good rock song, it’s catchy as hell.
18. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Taking a completely different approach from the last song, “Jolene” is a heartbreaking ballad about a woman pleading with Jolene (presumably another woman) not to take her man.
It’s one of Dolly Parton’s most famous songs, and for good reason. The emotion in her voice is palpable. It has been covered by everyone from The White Stripes to Miley Cyrus.
19. “Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Games With Me)” by Crow
This song is about a woman who is stringing a man along and playing games with his emotions. The lyrics are incredibly relatable, and the chorus will stay stuck in your head for days.
Crow was a one-hit wonder in the United States, but “Evil Woman” remains one of the most popular rock songs of all time.
20. “Maneater” by Hall And Oates
We are ending the list right where we started it: with a song about a woman who is nothing but trouble. “Maneater” is an 80s synth-pop classic, and its chorus is one of the most catchy of all time.
The lyrics are about a woman who uses men for money and then discards them when she’s done. It’s the perfect song to listen to when you’re feeling jilted by a love interest.
Final Thoughts
These songs prove that there is no shortage of material when it comes to writing about bad women. If you’re looking for some musical inspiration, look no further than this list.
And if you’re a woman who has been wronged by a man, take solace in the fact that you’re not alone. There are plenty of other women out there who have been through the same thing. Use these songs as a way to vent your frustrations and move on!
