Don’t Drown in These 11 Drowning Songs

Reading Time: 11 min read

Don’t Drown in These 11 Drowning Songs features music courtesy of A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Ian Abel, Joe Simon, Justin Timberlake, Syd, and Two Feet.

The best advice regarding swimming: DON’T DROWN, of course 😜! Furthermore, you shouldn’t allow yourself to drown musically, even if drowning isn’t typically associated with music! Songs about DROWNING, however, can be utterly satisfying, which is the case on our musical compendium, Don’t Drown in These 11 Drowning Songs! Don’t Drown in These 11 Drowning Songs features music courtesy of A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Ian Abel, Joe Simon, Justin Timberlake, Syd, and Two Feet among others. So, without further ado – this silly introduction has lasted long enough – let’s dive into the drowning songs sans drowning!

1. Justin Timberlake, “Drown”

Everything I Thought It Was // RCA // 2024

“And you let me drown / You didn’t even try to save me.” That’s horrid! Abysmal! Justin Timberlake returned in 2024 with his sixth studio LP, Everything I Thought It Was. “Drown”, the second single from Everything, is both dramatic and emotional. Timberlake penned this ‘watery’ single alongside Amy Allen, Henry Walter (Cirkut), Kenyon Dixon, and Louis Bell. He produces with Bell and Cirkut. The trio delivers a warm, slick backdrop, with bad ass syncopated drums and pulsating synths leading the charge. Adding to the drama, “Drown” is set in a minor key. Backed by a sound instrumental, Timberlake sounds sensational. Vocal harmonies accentuate his performance, adding another dimension to “Drown.” The verses feature supremely tuneful melodies. In the second verse, Timberlake’s runs shine, showing him taking more liberty with the tune. The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus. “You showed me exactly who you are, and I should’ve believed it (Believed it) / You left me alone out in the dark with all of your demons (Demons),” he sings, emotionally. He adds, “Got caught up in the tide of all the tears you cried / Yeah, you know I was blinded by my heart, sinking from the start / Should’ve never followed you this far, now I’m in the deep end.” During the bridge section, “Drown” benefits from a dramatic contrast which includes a key shift, and a change of music cues. No worries, as things shift back afterwards. The electronic sounds during the final chorus/post-chorus and outro (“It’s about to break”) are scintillating. Timberlake sounds top-notch on “Drown”.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: March 2024

2. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, “Drowning” (Ft. Kodak Black)

The Bigger Artist // Atlantic // 2017

Drowning can kill you. No shit, Sherlock! Unfortunately, rappers A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Kodak Black, don’t take the literal definition of drowning seriously on “Drowning.” “Drowning” appears as the third track on A Boogie’s 2017 album, The Bigger Artist. In the chorus, which is infectious, Boogie is only concerned about drowning in his overabundance of jewelry and ‘the bigger picture,’ WEALTH. “Wrist so icy, wonder why she like me, bitch I’m drowning / In water, I just bought a Cuban, dipped it in a fountain,” he spits melodically, continuing, “Everywhere that I go it’s a light show, I’m surrounded / Bust down, bust down, bust down…bitch I’m drownin’.”  As for Black, he touts the fact “Just bought a brand-new chain from Avianne,” but also drops a non-drowning threat, spitting, “Sniper Gang, I put a nigga on a carton.” This multiplatinum single, which peaked at no. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, which features a colorful, lit, minor-key backdrop, was produced by Jahaan Sweet and Quasi.

Appears in 🔻:

Simply Morbid: 16 Songs Referencing Various Causes of Death (2017)

3. Ian Abel, “Drowning”

“Drowning” // Ian Janer // 2023

“I see what you on with that black bandana.” WOO! Ian Abel excels at singing about sex, PERIOD. No worries – he is NOT drowning in the traditional sense on his single, “Drowning”. Instead, he’s being a naughty boy 😈. “Don’t stop, you’re in too deep / X marks the spot,” he sings in the chorus, clearly referencing being on the receiving end… He continues, “We’re going down / Boy, you’ll be drowning in me.” Do I really need to spell it out? Basically, Abel’s partner – boyfriend, FWB, one-night stand, etc. – is inside him… DEEP… Apparently, he’s an aggressive top, at least judging by the lyrics, and the expression Abel sings with.  As aggressive as Abel’s partner may be, Abel is no less horny himself. He wants this.  A prime example: “You got me gasping for breath (damn) / I wanna bathe in your sweat (damn).” Damn, indeed! While Ian can read these guys with ease, he goes on to admit, “You desperate boys are just my type / You got the wickedness it takes to satisfy me.” My, my, my! What else can you say? “Drowning” benefits from slinky sounding production by Carey Clayton, and of course, the playful, titillating performance by Abel. 

Appears in 🔻:   

4. Syd, “Drown In It”

Fin // The Internet / Columbia // 2017

“Tonight, I’m gonna / Swim in it / Dive in it / Drown in it / Hide in it, babe.” Oh, really, Syd? It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that “Drown In It” (Fin, 2017) is about SEX! Sure, the R&B singer referencing swimming, but “Drown In It” is the farthest thing from watersports! In only one-minute and 10 seconds, she titillates the audience with her evening plans with her girlfriend. The action verbs go beyond the excerpted lyrics as well. Even with a short duration, prior to the sex-filled chorus, there is a verse. The verse is less sensually charged, believe it or not. “If you want me to / I’ll try to make it right,” Syd sings, adding, “Put it all aside for you, love.” Here, she addresses her lover, trying to put aside whatever barriers or disagreements may be inhibiting them. Syd professes her love, seems to take responsibilities for wrongs (“It’s my pride”), and of course, ultimately prepares for, dare I say, lit makeup sex (again, the keyword is SEX). In addition to those sexy lyrics – particularly the chorus – the backdrop is sweet and sensuous. Shout out producers Anthony Kilhoffer and J Gramm for this satisfying ear candy.

Appears in 🔻:

5. Sam Smith, “Drowning Shadows”

In the Lonely Hour (Drowning Shadows Edition) // Capitol // 2015

“Am I wrong to give in to the pressure? / ‘Cause I feel like the city’s got the better of me / Oh, this casual love isn’t what it seems / And I try to imagine something closer.” Sam Smith knows where their ‘bread is buttered.’ The award-winning, soulful British pop singer/songwriter is damn good at singing ballads. Reflecting on the original release of In the Lonely Hour, “Stay with Me” and “I’m Not the Only One” were both superb, mid-tempo ballads. The reissued, expanded version of the album, Drowning Shadows Edition adds songs including “Drowning Shadows”. “Drowning Shadows” gives Smith another excellent number that resides on the slower side of the metronome. Matters of the heart continue to affect them (“Running ‘round, chasing hearts”), emotionally evidenced on the stunning chorus. There’s also some drinking involved as well. “Go home to nothing or stay out for more? / Give in to someone or lock down my door?” Smith sings, adding, “Or drown all my shadows, drown them like before? / I’m drowning shadows once more.”

Appears in 🔻:

6. Two Feet, “I Feel Like I’m Drowning”

A 20 Something Fuck // Republic // 2018

“I feel like I’m drowning / I’m drowning / You’re holding me down and / Holding me down.” Drowning, or even feeling like you’re drowning is not ideal. Two Feet (Bill Dess) expresses his feelings authentically and honestly on the self-penned and self-produced “I Feel Like I’m Drowning,” the third track from his 2018 ‘album,’ A 20 Something Fuck. Prior to the chorus, the centerpiece excerpted above, the singer/songwriter sets the tone of drowning in the verses. “You keep dreaming and dark scheming / Yeah, you do,” Dess sings in the first verse, adding “You’re a poison and I know that is the truth.” Woo! It’s more of the same toxicity in the second verse where Dess characterizes her as “so plastic and that’s tragic.” And for good measure, Dess adds in the bridge of this ear-catching, minor-key cut, “My life’s okay / Yeah, just when you’re not around me.” #THAT PART!

7. Andy Black, “Drown Me Out”

The Shadow Side // Republic // 2016

“Another moment breaks, the shadow side of me / It’s like pulling thread until I fall apart.” Oh snap, Andy Black (Andy Biersack)! On “Drown Me Out,” the eighth track from The Shadow Side (2016), rocker Black of Black Veil Brides fame, shows incredible resolve, like 👊. Commentating on the song, Black asserts, “It’s just a song about finding the ‘fuck you’ voice and not wanting to be drowned out so to speak.” Ah, a song about finding a ‘fuck you’ voice – count me the F🤬CK in! Black enthusiastically asserts, “And when I get the feeling / Let the damn walls break / DOWN!” WOO! He continues singing, in the chorus, “Nothing’s gonna drown me out, nothing’s gonna drown me / Out! / From the top of the world to the bottom of the ocean / Screaming loud, screaming loud from the underground.” Clearly, nothing – NOTHING – is going to silence Black 🤘!

Appears in 🔻:

Drown: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 27 (2023)

8. Mario, “Drowning”

Dancing Shadows // New Citizen LLC / EMPIRE // 2018

What is the theme of “Drowning” (Dancing Shadows, 2018), by R&B singer, Mario? Love and sex. Neither topic gets old of course, and he commences sexually, with a ‘bang’: “I never thought I’d be in between her legs / While I’m still thinking ‘bout you / And I’m in too deep to pull out now / She’s suffering while I feel good…” In the second verse, he remains in a bind (“‘Cause even with two queens in my hands / If I’m playing games I could still lose”). As much theater as Mario can construct, the better for making him sound exciting. The chorus and post-chorus sections are silky smooth, thriving off a mean falsetto: “The closer I get to you baby / Your waters are rising / While her tears are falling / But I’m so close to you baby / Either way I’m thinking / I’m sinking, I’m not swimming.” As expected, Mario is ‘drowning,’ but also opts for the alternate meaning of the word at the end – “Her tears won’t stop falling, and your body keeps calling / I’ll drown it out for now.” Beyond the theme and lyrics, worth noting is the lush production and relatively slow tempos, both idiomatic of contemporary R&B.

Appears in 🔻:

Drown: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 27 (2023)

9. Jxckson, “DROWNING”

THE DEEP END (EP) // Jxckson Music // 2023

“I’m drowning / Waves crashing over me.” Don’t drown, Jxckson – you are far too talented to let those waves consume you! The Austin, Texas independent alt-pop artist returned boldly and fiercely in 2023 with “DROWNING”, which appears on his EP, THE DEEP END (EP). “DROWNING” marks his reintroduction, and that reintroduction is giving sheer excellence through and through. He describes the record as “the feeling of being both overwhelmed and numbed by the waves of emotions after a relationship and then trying to find a way to cope.” He sings, “I never knew I would need you this much / Lost forever, yea I was void of your touch.” Those pesky matters of the heart are the real cause for drowning. The end of a relationship can truly be overwhelming, something that is captured brilliantly throughout “DROWNING.” “I don’t feel anything / Why can’t I feel anything?” he asks, continuing, “All I have is me / My past is my only enemy.” As always, he captivates with his playful vocals, showcasing plenty of personality. That playfulness, personality, along with the authenticity captured within the songwriting and vocal performance itself, makes this dramatic, experimental pop track a triumph. Produced by Boy Sim, Boy the sick beat and slick, dizzying synths provide the perfect fuel for Jxckson’s fire.

Appears in 🔻:

10. Orville Peck, “Let Me Drown”

Bronco // Columbia // 2022

“Don’t wanna wash you away / I swear there’s good things that are coming your way / And I can’t be the one left here dragging you down / Let me drown…” “Let Me Drown” gives Orville Peck that big moment, showing off the sheer resplendence of his instrument. He penned the record while Jay Joyce produced it. A song that tackles depression, his pain is our utmost listening pleasure.

“Never knew where was home

I slept a lifetime alone

Yeah, we had it one time, but it’s gone now, it’s gone

Let me drown.”

We don’t want sadness for the gifted fringe masked musician, but that voice, those strings, and that songwriting – marvelous!

11. Joe Simon, “Drowning in a Sea of Love”

Drowning in the Sea of Love // Ace // 1972

The introduction, with its recurrent riffs, signals a legendary soul classic. One of the biggest hits of the late, great Joe Simon is “Drowning in the Sea of Love”. “Drowning in the Sea of Love” commences his 1972 album, Drowning in the Sea of Love. Writing and producing this hit is the dynamic tandem of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, renowned for being proponents of the Philly soul movement of the 1970s. The instrumental is lush and refined. The symphonic elements (horns and strings) are everything. Combined with the rhythm section – rhythmic guitar, robust bass, colorful keys, and the drum groove – “Drowning in the Sea of Love” is ear catching to the nth degree. It’s worth noting, Simon, was born in the south, and fits into southern soul circles as opposed to northern soul. Simon delivers an awesome vocal performance, showing off his deep, masculine, and soulful pipes. He sings with ease on the verses, yet packs a punch, nonetheless. “I’ve been down one time / I’ve been down two times,” he asserts, confirming “But now, I’m drowning, drowning in the sea of love.” In the chorus, he gets a lift from sensational backing vocals, in addition to the dynamic, illustrious backdrop. In the verses, he sings ‘the blues’ regarding love. “Baby, when you came my way, I thought I’d found my protection,” he asserts, adding, “But a strong wind came into my life, surely took me by surprise / And I can’t seem to control these tears that’s falling from my eyes.” Bummer! He adds, “But now you gone and deserted me, can’t you see that I’m in desperation.” Love will make you feel a range of emotions, something that Simon captures superbly. The love can “Make me feel alright,” as well as “Make me cry all night long.” The greatness of “Drowning in the Sea of Love”, which reached no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

Joe Simon, Drowning in the Sea of Love: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 39 (2024)

Don’t Drown in These 11 Drowning Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Ace, Atlantic, Capitol, Columbia, EMPIRE, Ian Janer, Jxckson Music, New Citizen LLC, RCA, Republic, The Internet; Gerd Altmann from Pixabay]

Don’t Drown in These 11 Drowning Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on April 22, 2024April 22, 2024