It’s hard to think of a more primal, life-sustaining force than blood. That’s why it’s no surprise that “Blood” has been the inspiration for countless songs over the years. Whether it’s the red liquid itself or its metaphorical implications, blood has long been a source of fascination and inspiration for musicians.
Here are 20 songs about blood in all its incarnations. From the literal to the figurative, these tunes will make you think about this vital fluid in a whole new way.
Contents
- 1. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
- 2. “Wait and Bleed” by Slipknot
- 3. “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner
- 4. “Out for Blood” by Sum 41
- 5. “Let It Bleed” by The Rolling Stones
- 6. “Blood on the Dance Floor” by Michael Jackson
- 7. “Only Women Bleed” by Alice Cooper
- 8. “BLOOD.” by Kendrick Lamar
- 9. “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
- 10. “Bloody Valentine” by Machine Gun Kelly
- 11. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift
- 12. “Flesh Without Blood” by Grimes
- 13. “Blood On The Ground” by Incubus
- 14. “Blood, Sweat & Tears” by Ava Max
- 15. “Blood” by My Chemical Romance
- 16. “Red Blooded Woman” by Kylie Minogue
- 17. “Bleeding Out” by Imagine Dragons
- 18. “My Blood” by Twenty One Pilots
- 19. “Blood On The Motorway” by DJ Shadow
- 20. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes
- Conclusion
1. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
“Sunday Bloody Sunday” speaks about the “Bloody Sunday” incident in Northern Ireland and how the war traumatized innocent people.
In their lyrics, U2 depicts the horror that occurred on that day and how it shook the nation. It serves as a timely reminder that violence only leads to more violence and that peace is essential.
2. “Wait and Bleed” by Slipknot
This heavy metal track is not so much about literal blood as it is about figurative and emotional “bleeding.” It speaks of the deep pain of mental illness, about how such an act cuts inside and gives tremendous guilt and sorrow to those left behind. It’s a powerful reminder that life is precious and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
3. “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner
“Hot Blooded” is an upbeat rock song about how his intense sexual tendencies influence his temperature, making him “hot-blooded.” The song speaks of how blood can metaphorically heat up and how physical attraction on a primal level can be overpowering.
4. “Out for Blood” by Sum 41
“Out for Blood” is a high-energy song about pessimism and the loss of hope. The lyrics speak about how life can sometimes be overwhelming and that it’s tough to keep up the fight.
With all the downfalls that life can bring, the song negatively reminds us that life isn’t as pretty as it seems.
5. “Let It Bleed” by The Rolling Stones
In this classic tune, the Rolling Stones speak of finding someone to sympathize with and “release” frustrations from within.
The lyrics talk about having a fling with someone and letting oneself bleed emotionally until the pain fades away. It’s a song about having someone make you feel better.
6. “Blood on the Dance Floor” by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s upbeat dance track depicts a fictional relationship as a metaphor for fame. The lyrics tell the story of how being a dance artist brought him fame.
After which, Jackson sings about how fame struck him and that there’s “blood on the dance floor.” The song speaks of fame and the negatives that come with it.
7. “Only Women Bleed” by Alice Cooper
The 1974 Alice Cooper single “Only Women Bleed” is a controversial track that highlights the age-old issue of gender injustice and hardship faced by women. There are several struggles described in the lyrics, including domestic violence, poverty, and oppressive relationships.
Also, it reflects on how women are often neglected and their role in society. The song is a powerful and moving piece about female resilience in the face of oppression.
8. “BLOOD.” by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 track, “BLOOD.” is a track based on Kendrick’s viewpoint of police brutality and rising gun violence in America. He speaks of the struggles and battles that African-American youth face as a result of violence and police brutality in communities.
The song is a powerful message about how black lives matter in America and reminds us to stand up for justice.
9. “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
Bleeding Love is an ode to a tumultuous relationship by Leona Lewis. The lyrics of the song are about the intense and all-consuming love that one can feel.
It speaks of how this type of love can be both beautiful and dangerous at the same time. The song is an anthem for all those who have been in a toxic relationship but are in denial about their toxic partner.
10. “Bloody Valentine” by Machine Gun Kelly
This song by Machine Gun Kelly is an alternative rock track about falling in love over a one-night stand. The lyrics of the song portray MGK as someone who is in search of meaningful love and trying to find it in all the wrong places.
The song speaks of how his one-night stand slowly turns into something more, only for him to realize that it was doomed from the start.
11. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift
This electro-pop track by Taylor Swift speaks of the complexities of a relationship that turns sour. The lyrics are about betrayal and how it can affect both parties.
Swift sings of a former friend turned foe who has betrayed her trust. It is an anthem for those who have been broken by mistrust and deceit in a relationship.
12. “Flesh Without Blood” by Grimes
“Flesh Without Blood” by Grimes is a powerful synth-pop track about being disappointed by the people you looked up to.
The lyrics expressed her dissatisfaction with a former friend who took advantage of her. The song is about the fragility of relationships and how quickly they can be destroyed by betrayal.
13. “Blood On The Ground” by Incubus
This rock track by Incubus speaks of the idea of self-control and not giving in to the temptation of a fight. The lyrics of the song show that it’s better to keep violent thoughts inside instead of acting on them.
The song warns of the consequences that come from losing one’s temper, with the imagery of “blood on the ground.”
14. “Blood, Sweat & Tears” by Ava Max
“Blood, Sweat & Tears” by Ava Max is a powerful anthem about commitment to a relationship. The song’s lyrics emphasize her dedication and hard work in order to make the relationship last, even if it was rocky.
The song encourages couples to remain strong despite any struggles they face, as a sign of resilience and commitment.
15. “Blood” by My Chemical Romance
“Blood” by My Chemical Romance is a track that can be interpreted in multiple ways, but essentially speaks of the idea that someone is out there willing to leech on people.
With the use of lyricism, men can be controlled and manipulated to do the things they are told to do. The song speaks of how the speaker is aware of what’s happening to him but is surprised they chose him.
16. “Red Blooded Woman” by Kylie Minogue
“Red Blooded Woman” is a dance-pop song by Kylie Minogue. The lyrics of the song speak about how she can’t control herself and gives in to this person, making her go crazy for him.
She sings of how she is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill her desires and be with him, even if it means getting hurt. The song speaks of the idea that sometimes love can make us do irrational things.
17. “Bleeding Out” by Imagine Dragons
“Bleeding Out” by Imagine Dragons is a track that speaks of the idea of self-sacrifice. The lyrics portray someone who is trying to save a relationship from ending by offering themselves up, thus “bleeding out” for their loved one.
The song speaks of how much he is willing to put himself aside in order for the relationship to work, as a sign of true love and dedication.
18. “My Blood” by Twenty One Pilots
This alternative pop song by Twenty One Pilots speaks of camaraderie and the importance of having someone to rely on.
The lyrics of the song highlight how the singer will be there for you in times of need. Fighting the same fight, the singer promises to be by his side as a sign of true friendship and loyalty.
19. “Blood On The Motorway” by DJ Shadow
“Blood On The Motorway” by DJ Shadow is an instrumental track that speaks of the idea of feeling lost and confused.
With strong synths and beats, the song creates a melancholic atmosphere. The voiceovers throughout the song give the listener hope that he will find the answer to his troubles.
20. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes
“In My Blood” is a track by Shawn Mendes that speaks of the struggles of having a disease he inherited. Due to his struggles, the lyrics of the song demonstrate how he doubts his capabilities.
He sings about how he needs something or someone to help him feel better and how he doesn’t want to worry about his family and friends. Though he is facing a very challenging situation, he sings of hope and encourages himself to overcome it.
Conclusion
These 20 songs about blood explore different aspects of emotion. Whether it be commitment, sacrifice, love, or camaraderie, each song provides a unique perspective on the topic.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list and that it has given you a better understanding of what blood means to people.
