15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation | Playlist 🎧

1. Bright Eyes, “Persona Non Grata”

Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was • Dead Oceans • 2020

“Unwelcome in the autumn / Persona non grata / I’m the last of the best / I’m your thoughts in the swamp.” “Persona Non Grata” marked the first new Bright Eyes song since 2011. Conor Oberst has remained active since then, but unassociated with the collective.  The reference that graces the song title, persona non grata, is defined as “a person who is unacceptable or unwelcome.” Clearly, “Persona non grata” exemplifies a negative connotation.

First and foremost, Conor Oberst is true to self throughout “Persona Non Grata.” What does that mean? Well, ultimately, listeners experience the vocal style and songwriting style they’ve been accustomed to and come to love throughout his lengthy career.  Once you hear Oberst sing, you almost instantly know it’s him, considering his tone of voice and delivery.  That’s the case on “Personal Non Grata” – he’s instantly recognizable.  Furthermore, the lyricism is emotional, poetic, and quite engaging. Take the first verse: “Getting dressed for a date / Put on blue aftershave / Wore a kilt like a Celt / Hid the weight that I felt.”  Worth noting about the Celt lyric is the use of bagpipes – Pretty cool ‘tone poem’ element in that regard. 

Of course, the kilt/Celt lyric is only one lyrical excerpt.  There are so many more gems on this brilliant, thoughtfully penned record, which references the disenfranchised, spirituality/hypocrisy, and of course, politics.  President Donald Trump is never explicitly mentioned, but his presence is clearly perceptible throughout.  Additionally, “Persona Non Grata” is well produced, beyond the aforementioned bagpipes.  Bright Eyes makes a strong comeback to say the least. “Persona Non Grata” was one of my favorites from March 2020, so, it appeared on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2020.

2. Hailee Steinfeld, “Wrong Direction”

“Wrong Direction” • Republic • 2020

“I don’t hate you / No I couldn’t if I wanted to / I just hate all the hurt that you put me through.”  Those are the heartbroken lyrics that commence “Wrong Direction”, the first Hailee Steinfeld single of 2020.  Released on New Year’s Day, sure, her ex might’ve pulled her in the ‘wrong direction’ (a negative connotation, I might add), but the direction of this pop ballad itself is 100% perfect for the rising star.

First and foremost, Steinfeld delivers expressive, nuanced vocals.  If there was any doubt about her vocal abilities, she shuts that down early on. Working with convincing, heartbroken lyrics (she co-writes with Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Skyler Stonestreet, and Stephen “Koz” Kozmeniuk who also produces), she matches the vibe vocally, exhibiting her vulnerability.  On the pre-chorus, she admits:

“Couldn’t even see you through the smoke
Lookin’ back, I probably should have known
But I just wanted to believe that you were out sleepin’ alone.”

Of course, Steinfeld has come to her senses after showcasing utter naivety. It’s happened to us all at some point. She sums up his horrid ways on the chorus, the centerpiece on this lushly produced ballad.

“Loved me with your worst intentions
Didn’t even stop to question
Every time you burned me down
Don’t know how; for a moment it felt like heaven.” 

All in all, Steinfeld delivers a surefire, heartbroken gem with “Wrong Direction.”  Her pain is our great listening pleasure, as she delivers a nuanced vocal performance about a totally relatable topic. “Wrong Direction” previously appeared on the playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020.

3. $uicideBoy$, “Putrid Pride”

STOP STARING AT THE SHADOWS • G*59 • 2020

The prolific $uicideBoy$ returned in 2020 with their sophomore album, Stop Staring at the Shadows.  So, with only two studio albums to their name, how can you call Ruby Da Cherry and Scrim prolific? Well, they’ve released numerous projects prior to their two studio albums. After originally appearing on 13 P Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, “Putrid Pride” reappears on 15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation for good reason.  Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, and in addition to its unfavorable connotation, putrid is an ugly word (Being in a state of putrefaction; morally corrupt; totally objectionable).  On “Putrid Pride” Budd Dwyer (aka Scrim) gives the Boys a dark, sleek backdrop to spit over.

Alter egos are definitely a big deal for $uicideBoy$, so, it’s no surprised we’re introduced to a couple of new ones on “Putrid Pride.” Scrim appears as Lil Cig, rapping the first verse and select portions of the chorus.  He doesn’t serve up anything particularly transcendent but give him credit for “Popping on pills like I pop cough drops” and being a “Multi-millionaire all from my laptop / Slob on my knob until your jaw lock.” Or maybe none of that is worth credit… Anyways, as for Ruby, he’s 40 Blunts, handling the second verse and most of the chorus that precedes it. The chorus is pretty sweet:

“As the years go by
Another day closer to death
Time is ticking, hurry.”

40 Blunts also manage a couple of standout lines such as “The same fuck girls will be fucking the same fuck boys” and “The same heroes you once had have been reduced to a toy.” Sure, “Putrid Pride” may not reach two minutes in duration, but as aforementioned, it’s quite potent.

4. Brakence, “fuckboy”

“fuckboy” • brakence • 2020

“Fuckboy tryna play my homie / But 2020 I’ma take time on me / Out the window where my mainline goes / This is sacrilegious how I’m gon’ fade off IG.” Hmm, who wants to translate any of that? Before diving into the chorus of “Fuckboy”, first you should totally check out the song’s proud parent – rather the teenaged singer/songwriter, brakence. “Fuckboy” made its first appearance on 25 COLORFUL SONGS, CLEARLY For Under Consent [of the] King. F-bombs rarely connote positivity, and fuckboys themselves are the worst, so, we’ve got the negative connotation covered with “fuckboy.”

What better than a teenager who is able to express pain? Angst is a potent and powerful thing! Even better is the fact that brakence not only reflects on loss (“Heartache comes in many forms” or “This shit ain’t the same if I can’t breathe your air”) but strives to be a better person.  That means, some tough decisions, which he opens up about on the second verse:

“Won’t hide this shit to waste your time
And that’s just bein’ honest
Shouldn’t fall in love and I shouldn’t go to college
Gotta fight off all the pain he made in August
I’m not who you think I am.”

Besides the honest, and ‘swagger-laden’ lyrics, “fuckboy” features unique production work.  It’s best characterized as pop, but it’s not straightforward pop.  The beat adds a hip-hop sensibility, as does the pitch-shifted vocals.  A fuckboy definitely has a negative connotation, but this “Fuckboy” is pretty sweet – the song that is!

5. Ozzy Osbourne, “Straight to Hell”

Ordinary Man • Epic • 2020

Ordinary Man arrived as the 12^th studio album by metal icon Ozzy Osbourne. Its release marks the first new original music by ‘The Prince of Darkness’ since his 2010 album, Scream. While Osbourne is past his prime, he certainly sounds reinvigorated throughout the course Ordinary Man at the ripe young age of 71. Opener “Straight to Hell” marks one of the best moments from Ordinary Man. That said, what’s positive about ‘going straight to hell’ in the long run? Quite fiery to say the least…

“Your dance be dead so we must celebrate / I’ll make you scream; I’ll make you defecate.” My God! “Straight to Hell” kicks off Ordinary Man hellishly. Musically, aside from a brief, semi-celestial intro, the hellish tone arrives early on with hard-rocking, heavy guitars leading the charge.  Additionally, there are pummeling drums, and energetic, ‘infernal’ vocals from Ozzy Osbourne.  This 3:45 number is consistently intense. Lyrically, there’s some ‘shock’ from Ozzy, such as, “Enjoy the ride, I’ll plant my bitter seed / You’ll kill yourself and I will watch you bleed.” Damning by all means – negative connotation realized!  The chorus is where Ozzy is taking us “Straight to Hell tonight,” repeatedly for that matter. “Straight to Hell” doesn’t supplant Osbourne’s many classics, but it definitely rocks. “Straight to Hell” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 S Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason.

6. Hayley Williams, “Leave It Alone”

Petals for Armor I • Atlantic • 2020

Hayley Williams is best known as the front woman of Paramore, a band that has had ample success critically and commercially. Paramore even did something that only a select few bands can tout – a Grammy win! Even with the success of the collective, Williams had a solo project in the works, hence, Petals for Armor.  In advance of the EP, Williams released a couple of singles including debut solo single, “Simmer”. The song that bears and lives up to a negative connotation is “Leave It Alone”.  Just think about it for a minute.  How did you feel when your parents scolded you as a child and said the expression, “Leave it alone?” Food for thought. 

“If you know love / You best prepare to grieve.” The thoughtfully penned “Leave it Alone,” produced by Taylor York, finds Hayley Williams totally consumed with grief.  The record has an extremely somber tone from the onset, instrumentally and lyrically. On the first verse, she sings, “‘Cause now that I want to live / Well everybody around me is dying / Now that I finally wanna live / The ones I love are dyin’.” Thinking about family members dying – people you care about leaving you – is totally depressing and overwhelming.  On the second verse, she’s further ‘triggered,’ providing a specific example of loss:

“You don’t remember my name somedays
Or that we’re related
It triggers my worry
Who else am I gonna lose before I am ready?
And who’s gonna lose me?”

The centerpiece of the record is the chorus, where “The truth’s a killer / But I can’t leave it alone…”  “Leave it Alone” previously graced two playlists: 11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone and 15 L Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason.

7. Megan Thee Stallion, “Savage”

Suga • 300 Entertainment • 2020

Merriam-Webster defines the word savage is defined as “a mean, evil, or unprincipled person.” Being savage, hence, generally has a negative connotation. That said, you could argue that there’s a newfound degree of positivity in society these days as ‘being savage’ can be perceived as being a bad ass or a bad bitch, which leads us to the savage song at hand.

“I’m that bitch
Been that bitch, still that bitch
Will forever be that bitch.”

One of the hottest rappers in the game male or female is none other than Megan Thee Stallion. Megan is quite ‘savage’ on “Savage,” a standout from her 2020 EP, Suga, as the aforementioned lyrics from the intro suggest.  OF course, there are ample examples of such savagery, whether she’s a “Bad bitch, still talking cash shit / Pussy like water, I’m unbothered and relaxing,” or urging him to “Eat me and record it, but your edge-up all I’m showing…”  Wow, and all against banging production work by J.White. The centerpiece of the savagery comes by way of the kick ass chorus.  This is where the record can be accurately characterized as a certified bop:

“I’m a savage
Classy, bougie, ratchet
Sassy, moody, nasty
Acting stupid, what’s happening?
Bitch, what’s happening?”

“Savage” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Intriguing Songs That are Hella SAVAGE.

8. Black Pumas, “Black Moon Rising”

Black Pumas • ATO • 2019

“Shoot me down and break my heart / It’s the black moon rising / You brave the sight, I paint the picture / And you want to do it…” If you haven’t heard the Grammy-nominated duo Black Pumas, well, you’re totally missing out.  Singer Eric Burton, and guitarist/producer Adriana Quesada kept soul and funk alive and well on their self-titled debut album.  Black Pumas commences with a moon song, the terrific “Black Moon Rising.”

One of the things that makes Black Pumas’ music cool in general is the ambience – the V-I-B-E!  Here, on “Black Moon Rising,” the backdrop is retro to the core, with electrifying soulful guitars (Quesada), keyboards, and strings.  The harmonic progression is more adventurous than most contemporary pop or urban contemporary progressions, stretching the ear more without being incredibly ‘left of center.’ Eric Burton sounds incredible, showcasing both a nuanced, full-voiced approach, as well as some absolutely decadent, colorful falsetto.

Beyond all the music elements that makes this psych-soul record awesome, there’s also the lyrics. Besides the afore-referenced, excerpted chorus, Eric Burton sings about his desire for his “sunshine,” a woman he’s infatuated with, to return. At the end of the first verse, he sings:

“Every time you get dressed in black
You give a grown man a heart attack
I pray that good Lord will bring you back
You’re my sunshine.”

Of course, it is the numerous references to the titular lyric that help solidify the greatness of “Black Moon Rising.” A black moon has a negative connotation, even though Ian O’Neill of Space.com makes it crystal clear that a Black moon isn’t a sign of the end times. Referencing the rare black moon from 2016, O’Neill writes:

“According to some outlets, this ‘rare’ astronomical event is a signal that the world is going to come to an end and a prelude to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Why? Well, some people on social media said so… Friday’s “Black Moon” is a lot less interesting than it sounds.”

“Black Moon Rising” previously appeared on the playlist, 12 Unique Songs Loosely Associated with the Moon.

9. Robert Glasper, “Fuck Yo Feelings”

Ft. YEBBA

Fuck Yo Feelings • Loma Vista • 2019

Normally, we don’t associate jazz musicians with, um, f-bombs. That’s not to say jazz musicians don’t swear, but musically, it’s rarer you hear such words appear in their songs.  Metal-, rap-, and more frequently pop artists we’re not surprised by such potty mouthed lyrics, but again, we don’t expect such from jazz artists.  Grammy-winner Robert Glasper bucks the trend on “Fuck Yo Feelings,” going a step further to name his 2019 album, well, Fuck Yo Feelings too.  It goes without saying that this expression isn’t positive in the least.  It’s a prime example of a negative connotation.

Glasper, however, doesn’t utter the titular lyric on “Fuck Yo Feelings” – he leaves that job up to YEBBA.  The thing is, the record itself is a classy, jazzy, R&B joint, save for the profanity.  YEBBA has proven herself to be quite a refined, versatile singer with a gorgeous voice, collaborating with the likes of Ed Sheeran (“Best Part of Me”, from No.6 Collaborations Project), Mark Ronson (three songs from the 2019 album, Late Night Feelings), and Sam Smith (“No Peace” from The Thrill of it All).  Here, in all honesty, she ‘DGAF about her ex-lover’s feelings.’ “But if I change my view,” she sings on the sole verse, “Bitch, it’ ain’t over you.”  Naturally, she closes out this brief, smooth bop with, “Fuck your feeling, baby.” “Fuck Yo Feelings” previously appeared on the playlist, 25 COLORFUL SONGS, CLEARLY For Under Consent [of the] King.

10. Coldplay, “Trouble in Town”

Everyday Life • Warner • 2019

The word trouble almost always has a negative connotation.  That means, that any number of songs bearing the word in their respective title could’ve made this list of 15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation.  But we settled on the song “Trouble in Town” by multiplatinum, multi-Grammy-winning alternative rock collective, Coldplay. Coldplay released their eighth studio album, Everyday Life, in November 2019.  For the first time in their career, Chris Martin and company experienced a commercial flop.  As ‘troubling’ as that is for one of the most dominant alt-rock collectives, there’s nothing troubling about the quality of the song at hand, which originally appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs Where the Trouble is, Well, Troubling.

“And I get no shelter / And I get no peace / And I never get released.” “Trouble in Town” itself is a prime example of the message of unity that Coldplay seeks to emphasize throughout Everyday Life, tackling relevant societal issues. Here, Chris Martin highlights the unfair treatment that people of different colors and different ethnicities face.

“Trouble in town
Because they cut my brother down
Because my sister can’t wear her crown…”

Besides the examples he sings about, there’s a telling interlude, laced with profanity, depicting an unfortunate police interaction with a young man of color. Just listening to it, particularly as a man of color, is quite disturbing.  Thematically, the band is definitely on-point.

11. Cattle Decapitation, “The Geocide”

Death Atlas • Metal Blade • 2019

There is one thing is for sure – death/extreme metal band Cattle Decapitation has a distinct, totally unforgettable name.  Maybe the best way to characterize the name is as disturbing. Regardless, Travis Ryan and company back up the name with an intriguing brand of music that certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.  A few of song titles that stand out from the collective: “Gestation of Smegma”, “Carnal Fecophelia Due to Prolonged Exposure to Methane”, and “Colonic Villus Biopsy Performed on the Gastro-Intestinally Incapable”. Following a four-year hiatus, the Cattle Decapitation returned turned-up on their ninth studio album, Death Atlas.

Death Atlas explores the Anthropocene, the most recent geological time period.  This particular period is one is highly influenced by humans. Cattle Decapitation certainly are pessimistic regarding it, evidenced by the lyrics, “Fuck the future / Fuck all mankind,” that appears on the brutally honest “The Geocide.” Essentially, because humans are so destructive and inconsiderate of everything, and we are firmly entrenched in the Anthropocene (“Anthrocene” in the hands of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds FYI), in this foretelling record, we’ve screwed ourselves over.

The music is incredibly chaotic and unsettling, certainly a fitting soundtrack for the destruction of earth (see how the future is suspect?).  The guitars are utterly infernal, while the drums pummel to the nth degree.  Adding to this most damned occurrence, Travis Ryan delivers thrilling, incredibly malicious vocals, not to mention the brutally honest, pessimistic lyricism.  The keyword is brutal, as exemplified by the chorus:

“The universe, it always finds a way to purge
The sustainably inappropriate numbers that once surged
Death always wins, his molten torch forever burns
And to the ashes and the ground we are returned
Life exists to infuriate, berate, and subjugate
The hapless mortals shit-birthed on a human-altered planet Earth.”

“The Geocide” has negativity written all over it.  It’s previously appeared on numerous playlists: 51 Best Songs of 2019, 15 G Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, and 11 Colorful Songs That Reference Devastating Disasters. I also used the  track on a playlist I curate, Music to Atone to.

12. Ice Nine Kills, “IT is the End”

Ft. JR Wasilewski and Buddy Schaub (Less Than Jake) & Will Salazar (Fenix TX)

The Silver Scream (The Final Cut) • Fearless • 2019

“Catch me at the big top / Buried underground / You know I’m not clowning around. / Even with a smile / From ear to fucking ear.” The horror is legit on “IT is the End,” which serves as the concluding cut from The Silver Scream. The Silver Scream, originally released in 2018, marks the fifth studio album from metalcore collective Ice Nine Kills.  The album was rereleased in 2019 in an expanded edition (The Silver Scream (The Final Cut)). The majority of the album is steeped in horror, featuring songs such as opener “The American Nightmare,” “Stabbing in the Dark” and among the most colorful, “Merry Axe-Mas.” “IT is the End” obviously finds its inspiration from IT, specifically the infamous Pennywise.

“Oh, Georgie / You can trust me sweet child / Step right this way…” Uh oh! The record begins with an intro, which sets the tone of this chilling number.  Towards the end of the intro, the confirmation of IT is loud and clear – “IT’s nothing to fear / When I feast on your flesh / You’ll see that we all float down… / HERE!” Ice Nine Kills proceed to deliver frightening, twisted lyrics, such as “You know what makes me smile? / Devoured juveniles / Their innards tangled in my twisted grin / Chuckled so hard I choked.” “IT is the End” indeed, and that’s definitely a prime example of a negative connotation! “IT is the End” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs That Key in on The End.

13. Muse, “The Dark Side”

Simulation Theory • Warner • 2018 

“I have lived in darkness / For all my life, I’ve been pursued / You’d be afraid if you could feel my pain / And If you could see the things, I’m able to see.”  “The Dark Side” marked one of the best advance singles from Simulation Theory, the eighth studio album by Grammy winning, alternative rock collective, Muse.  The arrival of Simulation Theory followed a three-year hiatus and prolonged promo campaign for Matthew Bellamy and company.  Enough background about the album – let’s focus on the darkness of “The Dark Side.”

Among the best attributes of “Dark Side” is the 80s-inspired, New Wave-infused vibe. Incredibly groovy from the onset, the band thrives off the driving, energetic beat. Things are further amplified by the minor key scheme, and synth arpeggiation.  Beyond the backdrop itself, Matthew Bellamy is on-point with lovely falsetto and overall compelling vocals. He uses his full voice on the centerpiece, the chorus.

“Break me out, break me out
Let me flee
Break me out, break me out
Set me free.”

The second verse is the first instance where Bellamy explicitly mentions “the dark side” after referencing it on the aforementioned first verse.

“I hail from the dark side
For all my life, I’ve been besieged.”

Darkness is rarely positive, so “The Dark Side” knocks the whole negative connotation thing out of the park. There is no lack of energy throughout the record. “The Dark Side” previously appeared on the playlist, 17 Thrilling Songs Infused with Darkness.

14. Marlon Williams, “Love is a Terrible Thing”

Make Way for Love • Dead Oceans • 2018 

“People tell me: ‘Boy, you got lucky!’ / But I feel about as lucky as a snowman in the spring / Mind over matter; head over heart / Love’s a terrible thing.” The plight of love rears its ugly head on the dramatic, emotionally-driven “Love is a Terrible Thing.”  This serves as the source of depression on this piano ballad.  Negative connotation – CHECK!

Despite being sad about love’s terribleness, New Zealand singer/songwriter Marlon Williams is at his best. “Love is a Terrible Thing” represents a truly great harmonic moment from Williams’ sophomore album Make Way for Love, with its unique chords and progression.  The melody is complex, haunting, and simply breath taking. His vocals are expressive and ‘pitch-perfect’ as he laments. “Love is a Terrible Thing” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 Songs That Center Around Sadness & Depression.

15. The National, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”

Sleep Well Beast • 4AD • 2017

Just to reiterate, darkness is rarely positive.  In the hands of The National, the negative connotation is locked up on  “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” – a song title featuring seven words. Matt Berninger describes “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” as, “An abstract portrait of the weird time we’re in”.  That explains the odd vibes of the record.  On the first verse, lyrically, he’s disappointed and arguably, deceived.

“Maybe I listen more than you think
I can tell that somebody sold you
We said we’ve never let anyone in
We said we’d only die of lonely secrets.”

Such deception continues on throughout the chorus section.  Likewise, the second verse finds Berninger surprised by the condition of things, approached like a relationship.  As stacked as Grammy-winning album Sleep Well Beast is, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” is the crowning achievement.  “The System on Dreams in Total Darkness” has previously appeared on multiple playlists, including 17 Thrilling Songs Infused with Darkness.