11 Morbidly Striking DEAD Songs

Reading Time: 15 min read

11 Morbidly Striking DEAD Songs features songs by Architects, Black Sabbath, David Kushner, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, and Tyler, The Creator.

Give me a D! D! Give me an E! E! Give me an A! A! Give me another D! D! What’s that spell? DEAD 😵💀☠️. Oh, snap… Ewwww… 😬. Yup, this playlist is a morbid one 🪦. The good news is that the songs on 11 Morbidly Striking DEAD Songs are sure to enrich the music rotation. Yes, they feature words such as dead, die, or dying in their song title, but none of these songs are deadly enough to kill you. 11 Morbidly Striking DEAD Songs features songs by Architects, Black Sabbath, David Kushner, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, and Tyler, The Creator. So, without further ado, embrace the deadliness of these striking DEAD songs.

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1. Tyler, The Creator, “Thought I Was Dead” (Ft. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)	2. Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, “Die With A Smile”	3. Kyan Palmer, “Die Iconic”	4. David Kushner, “Dead Man”
5. The Drums & Rico Nasty, “Dying”	6. Lil Nas X, “DEAD RIGHT NOW”	7. Architects, “Dying is Absolutely Safe”	8. Kesha, “Die Young”
9. Slayer, “Dead Skin Mask”	10. Black Sabbath, “God is Dead?”	11. Curtis Mayfield, “Freddie’s Dead”

1. Tyler, The Creator, “Thought I Was Dead” (Ft. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)

CHROMAKOPIA » Columbia » 2024

“There’s more to life than just fuckin’ workin’, bro (They thought I was dead).”

Word. Of course, Grammy-winning rapper Tyler, The Creator was not dead. In 2024, following a three-year hiatus, Tyler dropped CHROMAKOPIA, another exceptional LP. Among many highlights was “Thought I Was Dead”, where he tapped fellow West Coast rapper, ScHoolboy Q, and singer Santigold for the assist. Handling the production himself, Tyler created a fierce, striking, and vibrant rap banger. Beyond the hard-hitting, syncopated beat, exuberant horns up the ante. Not only is this some of Tyler’s sickest production work, but he drops his fair share of dope rhymes. The chorus is infectious to the nth degree. Why? Because, “Them niggas thought I was dead.” Woo!

The intro sets the tone for “Thought I Was Dead”: “You don’t wanna go to war with a soldier.” It samples “Basic Combat Training (BCT) – Marching to Chow” by Paul L.. Santigold performs the final line of the intro excerpted above. She also appears throughout the song with the colorful titular lyric, “They thought I was dead.” Tyler, The Creator snaps in the opening verse, asserting, “Okay, bitch, I’ve been trapped in a zoo / Nigga got plaques like the crack of a tooth,” and, referencing his past work, “Grab the blamer, fuck all the glitz and glamor / I want a crib in Atlanta, brodie, me and my bitch changin’ Pampers.” Woo! ScHoolboy Q raps the second verse, showing off a badass cadence and flow. Perhaps his best line is, “Niggas tend to get rich, and they act weird (Weird) / How you walkin’ out the party with your butt pierced?” Damn! A fun bridge follows Q’s verse, performed by Tyler, accompanied by those sickening horns (“Packed in, goddamn, that dream…”). A second bridge follows the chorus, where Tyler informs us, “I don’t wanna be found, I don’t wanna be down.” He concludes “Thought I Was Dead” with an epic third verse filled with fiery bars. Among the gems: “White boys mockin’ this shit and y’all mad at me? Y’all can suck my dick,” “Bitch, you ain’t Coco Gauff, you can’t serve me,” “Fuck you know about being better than them niggas that you hate,” and “Why am I filled with this hate? Got freedom in every way / Y’all wanna take what I got, but y’all do not got what it take.” Anyone who thought that Tyler, The Creator was dead was mistaken. “Thought I Was Dead” slaps from start to finish. Nothing dead about this one!

Appears in:

Tyler, The Creator, Thought I Was Dead: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 72 (2025)

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2. Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, “Die With A Smile”

MAYHEM » Interscope » 2025

In 2024 music lovers worldwide were bestowed a big-time gift: a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. These award-winning, gifted individuals duetted on “Die With A Smile”. “Die,” which appears on Gaga’s 2025 album, MAYHEM, earned her and Mars a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Lady Gaga, Mars, Andrew Watt, Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, and James Fauntleroy penned this number-one hit. Gaga, Mars, Emile, and Watt produced it. The results are sublime. “Die With A Smile” commences with a rhythm guitar which propels the groove. Mars sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. “I, I just woke up from a dream / Where you and I had to say goodbye,” he sings, continuing, “And I don’t know what it all means / But since I survived, I realized / Wherever you go, that’s where I’ll follow.” As always, his tone is beautiful; he delivers a commanding and smooth performance.

The chorus is big and soulful, in a pop sort of way, welcoming punchy drums:

“If the world was ending

I’d wanna be next to you

If the party was over

And our time on Earth was through

I’d wanna hold you just for a while

And die with a smile

If the world was ending

I’d wanna be next to you.”

Lady Gaga arrives in the second verse. Mars harmonizes with her (“‘Cause you already know what you mean to me / And our love’s the only one worth fighting for”). Their vocal chemistry is undeniable – two dynamic singing voices meshing celestially. Following the dynamic second chorus, there is a change of pace during the brief bridge, where the piano is more prominent in the accompaniment (“Right next to you / Next to you / Right next to you”). With the return of the chorus, this dynamic duo is just that – dynamic! Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars make a formidable team in their first-ever collaboration. “Die With A Smile” is pop gold.

Appears in:

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3. Kyan Palmer, “Die Iconic”

Die Iconic » Krown / Venice Music » 2023

“When I go six feet under / I don’t wanna stop and wonder / Should I have traded it all for you? / Or traded you for it all?”

Hmm, thought-provoking lyrics, Kyan Palmer. The handsome and most importantly, gifted musician wants to do one thing: “Die Iconic”, of course! “Die Iconic” appears as the eighth and final song on his 2023 album, fittingly titled Die Iconic. In the iconic, memorable chorus, the song’s centerpiece, Mr. Palmer asserts:

“I just wanna die iconic

It’s all that I ever wanted

Leaving this world with the best me

Giving my all for the legacy

I just wanna live my purpose

But none of this would be worth it

If I didn’t have you standing next to me

I just want you standing next to me.”

Ooh-wee! The verses are also a blast, thanks to the marvelous, rhythmic melodic lines. The tunefulness is simply scrumptious! It doesn’t hurt that Kyan sings smoothly, with incredible expression. You feel what he’s singing when it comes to the iconic-ness, but he never over-sings, generally giving the listener a heaping dose of iconic cool, calm, and collected vibes 💪. What else makes “Die Iconic” so day-um iconic? An incredibly slick production, featuring keys, synths, and an anchoring groove, goes a long way. Furthermore, in addition to his fabulous vocals, the vocal production is executed terrifically. All told, Kyan Palmer gives a decadent bop to add not only to the LGBTQ collection but the pop collection too. Get it, you iconic boy!

Appears in:

Kyan Palmer, Die Iconic: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 34 (2023)

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4. David Kushner, “Dead Man”

The Dichotomy » David Kushner / Miserable Music Group LLC » 2024

“Do you remember September?”

David Kushner has a big, versatile baritone voice, something that makes him stand out. The Chicago singer/songwriter impresses with “Dead Man”, the seventh track on his 2024 debut album, The Dichotomy. Kushner penned “Dead Man” with producer Steve Rusch. “Dead Man” features no shortage of fine lyrical moments, such as in the second verse where Kushner sings, “You threw me back into the fire / I screamed while your smile was gettin’ wider…” Backtracking, the record begins with rhythm guitar accompaniment in the intro. As far as key, this dark, cinematic cut is set in D minor. Some of the music cues that stand out are the atmospheric synths and a thudding beat. There is a mysterious air early on. The sweetest thing about all of “Dead Man” is that voice. Kushner possesses a rich, distinct instrument. The depth of his pipes is incredibly impressive. I ❤️ the power he exhibits in the chorus, as well as his ability to ascend higher than expected. The chorus benefits from a memorable melody and marks the most dynamic section of the song:

“I’m the dead man in this war

But, baby, I’ve been here before

There’s beauty hidden in the gore

Yeah, I’m the dead man in this war, ooh.”

Kushner possesses a better-than-expected falsetto, which he flaunts in the post-chorus. There is a fabulous bridge section, which leads into one final, gargantuan chorus: “Wade on, wade on / Give me back my old salvation.” Poetic! Ultimately, “Dead Man” is sublime.

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5. The Drums & Rico Nasty, “Dying”

Jonny » Anti » 2023

“All my life, dying.”

Sigh, that’s so sad 😭. That phrase, sung by Jonny Pierce, is recurrent in “Dying”. “Dying” is the 10^th track from Jonny, the sixth album by The Drums, released in 2023. A naked Jonny Pierce catches the eye on the album cover (specifically, his butt 🍑, depending on the cover). Anyways, The Drums enlisted the services of Rico Nasty (Maria Kelly) on the track. She brings plenty of personality, making this song even more engaging. Pierce and Kelly penned “Dying,” while Pierce produced it.

“Dying” catches the ears with a colorful opening synth. Jonny shows off his expressive vocals early on, singing the chorus. Throughout, the melodies are tuneful, particularly the chorus (excerpted earlier). Beyond the chorus, Pierce boldly sings the first verse. Stating a lack of understanding, he sings, “Got that fucking smile back on your face / Couldn’t trust you know, I couldn’t trust you then / So when I look up to heaven, and somewhere and sunny I know / Yeah, I’m all alone…” That is a total bummer. What isn’t a bummer are the dream-like keys and synths that accompany, despite all my life, dying. Drums (the instrument 😉) enter the mix, providing some beef after the one-minute mark. Rico Nasty sings in the second verse, with bigger, more rhythmic production. Like Jonny, she mentions that lack of understanding. “Gimme a kiss and tell me, ‘I’m forgiven’ / You telling jokes, I’m laughing, I don’t get them / Loyalty comes when loyalty is given / But I admit it.” Following another splendid Jonny chorus, she performs an additional verse! There are no shortage of memorable lines like, “You know, you’re the one that get me wet,” and reasonably, “I just wanna find my person / Someone who thinks I’m perfect.” A unique alternative record, “Dying” is the type of song you’ll be dying to play over and over. The Drums and Rico Nasty put in work on this indie-pop bop. I leave you with six words: “I don’t wanna be alone forever.” Facts!

Appears in:

The Drums & Rico Nasty, Dying: Wacky Wednesday No. 36 (2025)

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6. Lil Nas X, “DEAD RIGHT NOW”

MONTERO » Columbia » 2021

“Dead Right Now” appears as the second track from Montero, the debut album by Grammy-winning pop artist Lil Nas X. On “Dead Right Now,” Nas X writes off fake folks. According to him, these fake folks only acted like they cared about him after he attained fame. Shameful! In the second verse, Nas X speaks about his issues before fame. These issues include suicidal thoughts.

“If I didn’t blow, I would’ve died tryna be here

If I didn’t go, suicide, wouldn’t be here.”

In the chorus, he gives the middle fingers to the frauds: “I’ll treat you like you’re dead right now /…You wanna fuck with me so bad right now / Well, now you can’t right now.” Even though he mentions his own tussles with mortality, those who are “dead right now” are the folks who didn’t previously genuinely have respect or regard for him.

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7. Architects, “Dying is Absolutely Safe”

For Those That Wish to Exist » Epitaph » 2020

“With the ravens here to stay / And the doves all flying away.”

Well, that’s pretty dark Architects, please continue. “Sedation feels so welcoming / … But the devils sing and it’s deafening / … When the leaves fall in the spring.” Again, dark lyricism from the British rock collective. That said, there’s certainly degree of poetry on “Dying is Absolutely Safe.” “Dying is Absolutely Safe” concludes their 2021 album, For Those That Wish to Exist. As awesome as the excerpt from the second verse is, what about the chorus?

“May all the beggars be blessed

Like angels with anhedonia

We’re all just doing our best

Repeating, ‘There’s nothing left’

That’s why we weed out the wonderers

Maybe there’s virtue in emptiness

But I still drown in distress

When the leaves fall in the spring.”

There’s definitely plenty to unpack, which is part of the reason “Dying is Absolutely Safe” shines. The five-minute cut also shines thanks to awesome production, featuring strings, piano, and acoustic guitars, and of course, clean, expressive lead vocals by frontman Dan Searle. Furthermore, he has a pretty sweet, tuneful melody to work with, as well as a nice harmonic progression. The final minute is quite epic musically.

Appears in:

Safety is the Priority on These 11 Songs (2021)

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8. Kesha, “Die Young”

Warrior » Kemosabe » 2012

“Let’s make the most of the night / Like we’re gonna die young.”

Here’s the thing: the 2012 Kesha song, “Die Young” (Warrior), DOES NOT have bad intentions. A prime example: “Young hearts, out our minds, runnin’ ‘til we outta time / Wild childs, lookin’ good, livin’ hard just like we should.” “Die Young” is not malicious and not a proponent of premature or youthful death. This number two hit on the Billboard Hot 100 is all about living it up and enjoying life, which is fleeting, particularly being young. “Lookin’ for some trouble tonight / Take my hand, I’ll show you the wild side,” she sings in the pre-chorus, adding, “Like it’s the last night of our lives / We’ll keep dancin’ ‘til we die.” The song is framed in a fashion that, if you did happen to die young, you thoroughly enjoyed your stay on Earth.

Where the controversy comes in is the timing, as well, some of the lyrics. The timing is the big issue as “Die Young” reached its peak on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of December 8, 2012. On December 14, 2012, the devastating, tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting occurred, where 20 children died, as well as 6 adults. There is no specific link to the shooting and “Die Young.” However, given the tragedy, worsened by the fact it happened during the holiday season, a song about dying young, no matter the context, was a no-go. Notably, both “Die Young” and the Foster The People hit, “Pumped Up Kicks”, were dropped by the radio due to the school shooting. Furthermore, Kesha criticized the lyrics, asserting, in a deleted tweet, “I had my very own issue with ‘die young’ for this reason. I did NOT want to sing those lyrics, and I was FORCED TO.” Kesha is a writer on the song, but the specific lyrics she took issue with weren’t part of her contribution, or so the story goes (Cirkut, Nate Ruess, benny blanco, and Dr. Luke are also credited writers). “Die Young”, a multiplatinum single, is controversial because of bad timing.

Appears in:

Kesha, Die Young: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 No. 15 (2023)

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9. Slayer, “Dead Skin Mask”

Seasons in the Abyss » American Recordings » 1990

“In the depths of a mind insane / Fantasy and reality are the same!”

In 1990, veteran metal band Slayer would release the album Season in the Abyss. Season featured the disturbing “Dead Skin Mask.” Yes, “Dead Skin Mask” had serial killer Ed Gein in mind, appearing on an earlier playlist, A Twisted Soundtrack for Ed Gein: Butcher of Plainfield. Naturally, Slayer has all to tools to tackle Gein. Slayer superbly conveys the deranged mindset of Gein and other similarly disturbed serial killers on “Dead Skin Mask.” At times, Slayer poetically captures the sickness of Gein. At other times, poetic is far from the right word.

“Dance with the dead in my dreams

Listen to their hallowed screams

The dead have taken my soul

Temptation’s lost all control.”

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10. Black Sabbath, “God is Dead?”

13 » Universal International Music BV » 2013

“Lost in the darkness, I fade from the light / Faith of my father, my brother, my Maker and Savior / Help me make it through the night.”

When your band name is Black Sabbath, you open yourself to controversy. Being the heavy metal band that they are, the iconic British collective isn’t strangers to religious skepticism within their music. The Satanist rumors have been going around for years, specifically regarding the late front man, Ozzy Osbourne (1948 – 2025). With Ozzy reuniting with his old band on their 2013 comeback album, 13, disputing God’s existence was a must; hence, “God is Dead?”. The entirety of the song explores faith issues.

“The blood runs free

The rain turns red

Give me the wine

You keep the bread

The voices echo in my head

Is God alive or is God dead?

Is God dead?”

If you’re a Christian who’s bothered by any sense of skepticism or potential agnostic/atheism, there’s hope in a question mark as opposed to an exclamation mark! Still, lyrically, there’s ‘blasphemy’ sure to get your undies 🩲 in a twist! The chorus’ communion, for example, seems to make The Lord’s Supper sacrilegious, focusing on drinking wine instead of the blood of Christ represented in the sacrament. Ozzy isn’t merely opting for shock value but making thoughtful points about a spiritual struggle and existential/faith crisis. He’s torn: “With God and Satan at my side / From darkness will come light.” There’s also criticism of churches that appears in the second verse: “Who do you trust when corruption and lust creed of all unjust / Leaves you empty and un-whole.” He makes a legitimate argument. That said, it’s not EVERY church, which is the counterargument. Interestingly, as the song progresses, Ozzy asserts, “I don’t believe that God is dead.” What does that mean for him spiritually? Who knows, but “God is Dead?” is captivating from start to finish. The lyrics and vocal performance by Osbourne ‘take the cake,’ but the music kicks some serious butt too, including a rad guitar solo 🎸🤘.

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11. Curtis Mayfield, “Freddie’s Dead”

Superfly » Warner Strategic Marketing » 1972

“Freddie’s dead / That’s what I said.”

Word. Without a doubt, Curtis Mayfield is one of the greatest soul musicians of all time. Not only did he shine as a member of The Impressions, but he was a dynamic solo artist. Mayfield charted nine songs on the pop charts, including his ace-in-the-hole, “Freddie’s Dead”. “Freddie’s Dead,” the theme from the blaxploitation film Superfly, was one of two top-10 hits, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. His self-penned and self-produced “Freddie’s Dead” earned him a gold single. His Superfly soundtrack was also certified gold.

Why is “Freddie’s Dead” the sugar honey iced tea? Many reasons! The instrumental accompaniment is sublime, perfectly capturing the 1970s soul/funk sound. The rhythm section is tight – guitar, bass, keys, and drums. The riffs are on point. Upping the ante and expanding the timbre is the orchestra, marvelously arranged. Ear candy includes lush, soaring strings, gorgeous harp runs, warm woodwinds, and resonant brass. The backdrop is perfect for Mayfield’s instantly recognizable tenor. His voice is gentle and sweet yet packs a mean punch. He masterfully brings the melodies to life, wowing with his songwriting prowess. The theme is far less sweet than Curtis’ voice, however. “Everybody’s misused him / Ripped him off and abused him,” Mayfield sings, characterizing Fat Freddie as a drug dealer and junkie. “Another junkie plan / Pushin’ dope for the man / A terrible blow / But that’s how it goes / A Freddie’s on the corner now.” As we know, Freddie is dead, primarily because of the choices he made. Mayfield warns us, “Don’t wanna be like Freddie, now / ‘Cause Freddie’s dead,” adding, “If you don’t try [to get clean] / You’re gonna die.” Facts 💯. Gems like “Freddie’s Dead” are a testament to the enduring legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

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11 Morbidly Striking DEAD Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; American Recordings, Anti, Columbia, David Kushner, Epitaph, Interscope, Kemosabe, Krown, Miserable Music Group LLC, Universal International Music BV, Venice Music, Warner Strategic Marketing; AcatXIo, Hilary Clark from Pixabay]

11 Morbidly Striking DEAD Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on October 8, 2025October 8, 2025