Codependency is an unhealthy relationship dynamic that can have a negative impact on both individuals involved. Music can often be a powerful tool for understanding and identifying with difficult situations, and in this article we explore 20 songs about codependency and the feelings associated with it.
From heartache to loneliness and desperation, these songs will help listeners to recognize and deal with the difficult emotions associated with codependency.
Contents
- 1. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown
- 2. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
- 3. “Clarity” by Zedd
- 4. “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry
- 5. “Me and My Husband” by Mitski
- 6. “Cold Cold Heart” by Hank Williams
- 7. “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes
- 8. “Virus” by Björk
- 9. “The Co-Dependent” by Sia
- 10. “Off to the Races” by Lana Del Rey
- 11. “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis
- 12. “Codependent Song” by Kidneythieves
- 13. “Issues” by Julia Michaels
- 14. “Codependency” by Orla Gartland
- 15. “Creep” by Radiohead
- 16. “Codependency” by Lil Bo Weep and Unaloon
- 17. “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
- 18. “Just A Co-Dependent Love Song” by Scott Kalechstein
- 19. “Codependent” by Sophie Holohan
- 20. “Codependency” by David Saint Val
- Final Thoughts
1. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown
“No Air” is a ballad performed by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown. She describes the feeling of suffocation and being unable to breathe without that person in her life.
It speaks to the intense emotions that can come with codependency and how it affects the people involved.
2. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
The lyrics of this song express the sentiment that we all need someone to lean on and that we should be there for our friends when they need support.
“Lean On Me” is a popular song written and performed by Bill Withers. It was released in 1972 and became a huge hit.
3. “Clarity” by Zedd
“Clarity” is a popular electronic dance music (EDM) song by the Russian-German DJ and record producer Zedd. It was released in 2012 and became a hit, reaching the top 10 in many countries and earning a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
The song is about a relationship that is emotionally intense and transformative, and the lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and emotional depth.
4. “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry
Another hit song that can be related to codependency is “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry. The lyrics express the idea that love can be all-encompassing and intense, that you make someone the center of your world. This trait can be toxic and suffocating, but she still loves him hard otherwise.
5. “Me and My Husband” by Mitski
“Me and My Husband” is a song by American singer and songwriter Mitski. It was released in 2018 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Be the Cowboy.”
The song is about a relationship that is characterized by codependency and the ways in which one person’s identity becomes intertwined with the other’s.
6. “Cold Cold Heart” by Hank Williams
While this song does not specifically mention codependency as a reason for the failed relationship, it is possible to interpret the lyrics as suggesting that codependency may have played a role in the failure of the relationship.
“Cold, Cold Heart” is a song written and performed by American country music artist Hank Williams. It was released in 1951 and became a hit, reaching the top of the country music charts and crossing over to the pop charts.
7. “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes
“How Do I Live” was released in 1997 and became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The song is about the pain and heartache of a failed relationship and the fear of living without the person you love. You can still stream this track on all music platforms out there.
8. “Virus” by Björk
“Virus” is a song that explores the theme of codependency and the destructive power of obsessive love.
It speaks to the idea that love can sometimes be harmful and controlling, and can consume a person’s thoughts and actions in a way that can be difficult to escape.
9. “The Co-Dependent” by Sia
Sia’s “The Co-Dependent’ is a song that discusses the theme of codependency, or the unhealthy reliance on another person for emotional and/or physical support.
Codependency can involve sacrificing one’s own needs and desires in order to meet the needs of the other person, and it can lead to feelings of low self-worth, inadequacy, and a lack of personal identity.
10. “Off to the Races” by Lana Del Rey
In the song, Lana Del Rey sings about how she is drawn to a charismatic and unpredictable partner, and how their relationship is marked by highs and lows.
She sings about feeling a strong emotional connection to this person, but also about feeling overwhelmed and controlled by their intense and demanding personality.
11. “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis
In this song, Lewis sings about the enduring nature of love and the deep emotional connection that exists between two people.
“I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis has been interpreted by some to be about codependency, or the unhealthy reliance on another person for emotional and/or physical support.
12. “Codependent Song” by Kidneythieves
“Codependent Song” by Kidneythieves touches on the theme of codependency and the difficulties of breaking free from these types of unhealthy relationships.
The lyrics explore the idea of needing someone else to feel whole and the destructive nature of this kind of dependence.
13. “Issues” by Julia Michaels
Musically, “Issues” is a pop ballad with an emotive and powerful vocal performance by Michaels. The lyrics of “Issues” are introspective and vulnerable, with Michaels singing about her own struggles with mental health and relationships.
The song is relatable for many people who also struggle with similar issues in their own lives.
14. “Codependency” by Orla Gartland
In the lyrics of “Codependency,” Gartland sings about the ways in which codependency can manifest in a relationship, such as needing constant validation or approval from a partner, or sacrificing one’s own needs and desires for the sake of the relationship.
She also addresses the fear and vulnerability that can come with trying to break free from these patterns and build a more healthy and independent relationship.
15. “Creep” by Radiohead
“Creep” explores themes of insecurity and a lack of self-worth and finding validation in a relationship. The song became a breakthrough hit for Radiohead, reaching the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of their most well-known and popular songs.
It has since been covered by numerous artists and has become a classic of alternative rock.
16. “Codependency” by Lil Bo Weep and Unaloon
Codependency can be unhealthy and can lead to feelings of dysfunction and emotional distress for both parties involved.
“Codependency” by Lil Bo Weep and Unaloon explore themes related to this concept. You can stream it on major music platforms like Spotify and Youtube.
17. “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
It is possible to interpret the lyrics of “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 as exploring themes of codependency, as the song does describe a relationship in which one person is overly reliant on the other for emotional support and validation.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its catchy melodies and Levine’s emotive vocals. It remains one of Maroon 5’s most popular and enduring hits.
18. “Just A Co-Dependent Love Song” by Scott Kalechstein
“Just A Co-Dependent Love Song” is a song by Scott Kalechstein, and its title suggests that it is specifically about codependency.
This type of relationship can be unhealthy and can lead to feelings of dysfunction and emotional distress for both parties involved. You can listen to it on Spotify and Youtube.
19. “Codependent” by Sophie Holohan
You can already tell by the title that this track reflects on the topic of codependency. It was released in 2021 for the album of the same title. If you’re a pop genre fan, you’ll love this track.
20. “Codependency” by David Saint Val
David Saint Val is an up and coming artist and his latest single, “Codependency” is an emotional and heartfelt exploration of the struggles of codependency.
The lyrics are honest and raw, and the production is delicate and emotive. You can stream it on all major music platforms.
Final Thoughts
Codependency is a complex and often misunderstood topic that has been explored in many different forms of art, including music.
From country ballads to indie rock anthems, there are countless songs that touch on the themes of codependency, whether explicitly or more subtly.