26 Comforting Songs for When You’re Feeling Anxious and Alone

When I find myself in times of trouble… Comforting songs can really make a difference!

Between encouraging words, soothing vocals, and immersive melodies, music has the power to help us back up when we’re feeling anxious and alone.

Comforting songs about anxiety can remind us that we’re not the only ones who feel that way, and reassure us that we can make it to tomorrow.

Music is a very personal thing, and not everyone likes the same artists and genres, but here are some of my favorite comforting songs. I hope you’ll get something out of them. ❤️

Aftermath by Adam Lambert

Gonna tell ya, you’ll be alright
In the aftermath

In this song, Adam Lambert shows off his vocal ability while telling you that when all is said and done, you’ll be okay.

Don’t Worry Baby by Beach Boys

Don’t worry, baby
Everything will turn out alright

This is one of my go-to comfort songs when I’m having an anxiety attack.

And, yeah, okay, maybe this one is more about a relationship than a general “hey, listener, you’ll be okay” song.

But even if you don’t have a sweet surfer girlfriend to personally reassure you that everything’s gonna be alright, the nostalgic song can be super comforting in times of anxiety.

Let It Be by The Beatles

And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be

A classic. This Beatles hit is no doubt one of the most widely recognized comfort songs.

The “mother Mary” mentioned in the song is in reference to Paul McCartney’s own late mother, who appeared in a dream, comforting him and inspiring the song.

There are definitely times when I could use some motherly comfort. This song’s a great source for that.

Vienna by Billy Joel

Slow down you’re doing fine
You can’t be everything you want to be before your time

For the younger generations, Billy Joel is here to assure you that you don’t have to rush to live your whole life in your early adult years. Pace yourself, you’re going to be okay. There will still be life to live as you get older.

Fear by Blue October

Fear in itself will reel you in
And spit you out over and over again
Believe in yourself and you will walk

Blue October used to be one of my go-to angsty bands when I wanted to wallow in my feels. But now? Over the years, their music has turned from honest struggles with mental illness to hopeful perseverance.

Justin Furstenfeld screaming “Get back up!” during the bridge… *clutches chest*

This song has singlehandedly pulled me out of a funk many times, I tell you.

Jump Rope by Blue October

So keep pushing through it all
Don’t follow, lead the way
Don’t lose yourself
Or your hope

Blue October once again, with a song that was written for the singer’s daughter.

Life has its ups and downs. This song is a reminder not to get lost in those downs, but also to not “ever be ashamed to cry” when it gets hard.

Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow
Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here
It’ll be better than before

This fun 70s hit is yet another reminder to keep going, keep looking forward to tomorrow.

Life In One Day by Howard Jones

Try and enjoy the here and now
The future will take care of itself somehow
The grass is never greener over there

I’m not a therapist, but my therapist told me that living in the moment is a great way to combat anxiety. When we sit around worrying about the future, the present slips from our hands.

Howard Jones presents this catchy tune that is hands down one of my favorite comforting songs. Every time I find myself fixated on “what ifs” of the future, this song reminds me to let the future handle itself, and just enjoy the moment.

The Rope by Hurts

The rope is long
There’s no turning back
But the rope is strong
So never look back

Another comforting song that encourages you to keep going, no matter how difficult things get.

You’re stronger than you think you are, you’ll come out the other side, and you’ll be okay again.

The Remedy (I Won’t Worry) by Jason Mraz

I won’t worry my life away

This comfort song and absolute jam was written after the singer’s friend was diagnosed with cancer.

Jason Mraz wants to remind us that no matter how bad life gets, worrying will just waste what precious time we have.

The Heart of Life by John Mayer

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won’t all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

Say what you will, but I’ve always found John Mayer’s voice incredibly soothing.

In the face of heartbreak, loneliness, or anxiety, it can be hard to hang on to optimism. This song implores us to remember that at the end of it all, life is a beautiful thing, and love is powerful enough to keep us going.

Unclear by Kodaline

You shouldn’t give up on the dreams in your mind

Ohhhh, man. This song. Definitely a theme song for anxiety, if you ask me. Uncertainty can really leave us feeling lost and afraid at times. Dreams feel out of reach and we may doubt that we’ll ever live the life we dream of.

In this song, you have a whole choir telling you you’re not alone in feeling anxious about the future. But, no matter how lost we may feel, “We walk on. Our time will come.”

Let It Be by Labrinth

But we all gotta take the leap and let it be

Another song about letting it be, but this time make it modern. 😎

There’s something magical about hearing the words “let it be”, dude. I dunno what else to say about it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Sing to the Moon by Laura Mvula

Sing to the moon and the stars will shine
Over you, lead you to the other side

Laura Mvula’s soothing vocals and reassuring words make this one of the most comforting songs in my music collection.

I’m not super spiritual at this point in my life, but there’s a certain appeal about staring up at the night sky and pouring out your feelings.

The Show by Lenka

I’ve got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

Ever feel that awful pressure to have everything figured out? A weight on your shoulders to magically know exactly how to navigate the complexity of life? I know I do.

Lenka is here to remind us that when we feel lost and unsure of what do to in life, the answer may be as simple as taking a breath, sitting back, and enjoying the moment as it comes.

Cycles by Leonard Nimoy

So I’ll keep my head up high
Although I’m kinda tired

This one’s for the Star Trek fans. 🖖 ✨

Or, y’know, for anyone, really.

When I’m in need of a good comfort song, I have been known to turn to this little tune, in which Spock sings softly to remind us that life goes through cycles. We’ve just gotta keep going through the rough patches, and we’ll make it to a brighter day.

Hero by Mariah Carey

Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time
You’ll find the way

Mariah Carey using those stunning vocals to sing about inner strength? Um, yes please.

Anyway by Martina McBride

This world’s gone crazy and it’s hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

It’s a testament to this song that, despite having finished my country music phase years ago, I still turn to Martina McBride when I need encouragement.

Sometimes, things don’t turn out how we want. Life’s like that. But life is meant for living, so the best we can do is keep doing what we feel we should, despite the risk that it might not go how we want.

Fortuosity by Mike Sammes Singers

Sometimes castles fall to the ground
But that’s where four leaf clovers are found

This rare Disney tune, written by the Sherman Brothers, has been a favorite of mine since I was a kindergartener learning to tap-dance to it.

But even if you don’t have an inordinate amount of nostalgia tied to it, I think this has the potential to be a great comfort song for many who are in need of a light push toward optimism.

Kyrie by Mr. Mister

Kyrie, eleison
Down the road that I must travel
Kyrie, eleison
Through the darkness of the night

The hook of this 80s hit is derived from a Greek prayer that means “Lord, have mercy”.

Whether you’re the praying type or not (I’m definitely not), there’s something incredibly healing about belting out the chorus along with the singer.

Fear by OneRepublic

When we were children we’d say
That we don’t know the meaning of
Fear, fear, fear

This song is more of a lament than a push towards hope, but I had to include it in this list of comforting songs, anyway.

It’s a good reminder to let go of the stress we took on as adults, and embrace a more youthful attitude.

What if we chose to take life a little less seriously, and decided to play? To be more lighthearted and carefree?

Easier said than done, sometimes – especially when capitalism demands that we work hard in order to survive. But we can still keep that youthful spirit alive, and lighten up a little.

Angels On My Side by Rick Astley

Yes, you read that right.

The one and only Rick Astley, who has promised to never give you up, never let you down, is here to reassure you yet again.

This time, he’s letting you know that angels are on your side.

Hope is for the hopeful
It’s a dream that never fades
Faith is for the faithful
And I will not be swayed

Whether or not you actually believe in angels, or take the song as more of a metaphor, this can be pretty comforting to hear.

Breathe by Ryan Star

Breathe, just breathe
Let the life that you live
Be all that you need

Anyone who’s dealt with chronic anxiety knows the power of pausing to breathe.

Take this song as a reminder to stop for a minute (or three), put your hand on your chest, and take some deep breaths. You’re gonna be fine. ❤️

Instead of Myself by Sleeping At Last

Sleeping at Last is, in my opinion, one of the best artists to listen to when you need some quiet, soothing music.

This instrumental track is one of their most calming songs.

No One Is Lost by Stars

Until then, nothing ends
No one is lost

Ah, Stars. I don’t think I’m capable of putting together a playlist without listing at least one Stars song.

In fact, I’ve featured this very song on another playlist, about self love.

This song is a great reminder that life isn’t over ’til it’s over, and no one is ever truly lost.

In the chorus, they ask you to put your hands up if you’ve ever been afraid. I can’t tell you how healing it was to see them perform that in concert, and watch everyone’s hands go up.

We’re not alone. And we’re never truly lost.

Ride by Twenty One Pilots

I’ve been thinking too much (help me)
Oh, oh, I’m fallin’, so I’m taking my time on my ride

I don’t think I’m legally allowed to make a playlist about anxiety and not feature a Twenty One Pilots song. (Kidding. Mostly.)

When I fall into a dark pit of anxiety, it’s almost always because I’ve been thinking too much. This song yanks me out of those spiraling thoughts, and reminds me to live while I can and enjoy the ride.

…Alright, that’s all I’ve got for ya!

I know we all have our own taste in music, but I hope that at least some of these comforting songs will lift your spirit, and remind you that, no matter how you’re feeling, you’re not alone.

Sincerely,

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What would YOU feature on a playlist of comforting songs? Drop your recs in the comments below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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