Songs About Sobriety – The best songs to listen to when you are sober
I genuinely believe that singing is great for the soul! Whilst I may not have a voice of a rock god, I don’t let that hold me back. Is there any better feeling than your favourite song coming on while you’re in the car and being able to belt it out like you’re singing at your own concert? I have found that since starting my sobriety journey, there are certain songs that really resonate with me. Some have their lyrics focused around addiction, or it could be that the artist themselves have been through recovery and I know the deeper meaning behind what has been written and is being sung.
First, before I get into some of my favourite sobriety songs, I wanted to share with you some of the benefits of not being afraid to let go and singing away on a daily basis. Here are some of benefits that singing gives me:
- Overall feel good factor – Singing along to my favourite songs literally feels like it has healing powers. For that moment in time, I feel less stressed, less anxious and I am just in that moment enjoying the song.
- Feeling of belonging – When you hear lyrics that are similar to what you are going through at that moment, it makes you (or at least it does for me) feel that you are not alone with struggles you may be going through.
- Boredom release – If ever I have feelings of boredom or restlessness, I just put on my favourite songs and time seems to fly by! Thoughts probably not shared by my wife and son!
If you would like to add some new songs to your play list which are focused around sobriety, then here are some of my favourites!
The Best Songs About Sobriety – Songs About Recovery & Addiction
#1 “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran
One of the first songs that shot Ed Sheeran to major stardom was “The A Team”. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have listened to it, but I love it just as much now as when I first heard it on the radio back in 2011. It’s a firm favourite amongst the sober community and for good reason! The lyrics speak a harsh truth focused around a young woman with an addiction. Ed is said to have gotten the inspiration for the song from performing a gig at a homeless shelter and it’s based on a lady he met there called Angel.
If you haven’t sat down and listened to this song before, or not really listened to the message behind the lyrics, then I highly recommend you do. It’s an upbeat song that you can’t help singing along to but through the lyrics, anyone with an addiction will be able to relate to certain aspects of the song.
Singer-Song Writer – Ed Sheeran
Release Date – 2011
Subject Matter – Addiction
#2 “Sober” by Pink
I went with my family to see Pink live a couple of years ago in London and the show she put on was mind-blowing. It was the perfect summer’s evening and to have her beautiful voice echoing throughout the crowds and everyone singing along is something I will never forget. Pink has been a firm favourite of mine since she started out. It’s been well publicised that she has struggled herself with addiction over the years and that’s what gives all of her songs credibility and a deeper meaning.
To be honest, I could have picked any Pink song to go on my list as I find them all motivational, however “Sober” hits the chord for anyone who is struggling with addiction or in recovery and wants to belt out some music!
Singer-Song Writer – Pink
Release Date – 2008
Subject Matter – Addiction and becoming sober.
#3 “Not Afraid” by Eminem
Another artist who’s struggles with addiction and recovery have been well documented is Eminem. From a tough upbringing, he fought against the odds to make it as a world famous rapper, however addiction grappled throughout his career and something he has not shied away from including within his music. One song that stands out to me and I have a particular liking for is “Not Afraid”. This song is a public calling out to anyone who is struggling with addiction right now to connect with him and his story, so they know that change is possible.
It’s such an upbeat song with a darker message behind the lyrics, whilst also being sufficiently uplifting and motivational that he completely nails it with this track.
Artist/Rapper – Eminem
Release Date – 2010
Subject Matter – Sobriety and facing your demons.
#4 “Recovery” by James Arthur
Finding fame through ITV’s the X Factor, James Arthur has always been open and honest about his struggles with addiction and his road to recovery. His self-titled Album ‘James Arthur’ has numerous songs that delve into his own experiences with addiction and recovery, none more so than on the superb song “Recovery”.
I guarantee that once you have listened to this belter a couple a times; you will be singing along to the lyrics, especially when the chorus drops. I highly recommend you have a listen and to the other songs on the album.
Singer-Songwriter – James Arthur
Release Date – 2013
Subject Matter – Addiction, recovery and redemption.
#5 “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals
A bit different than the others mentioned above, but in my opinion EVERYONE needs to listen to this song occasionally. There is only one way to listen to this song, LOUD! Pump it up and start singing along and I guarantee you will feel better afterwards. Whilst the song isn’t explicitly about addiction, it’s about not giving up and it’s just an all-round feel-good song that you can’t help but sing and dance to.
I genuinely believe that no matter what mood you are in, if you have a listen to this song, you will feel energised and alive afterwards, so get it on your play list!
Singer-Songwriter – New Radicals
Release Date – 1998
Subject Matter – All-round feel good. Keep pushing forward.
I have and always will, continue to love music. It’s great for the soul and really can turn your mood around to feel more positive. Whether you are considering sobriety, on your recovery journey or you feel like you are struggling with remaining sober, please have a listen to any/all of the above. There are more songs that I could continue to add but I wanted to keep this blog concise to my favourite tracks and I will be expanding on this throughout this year.
Now it’s your turn. What’s your ‘go to’ music at the moment on your play list? Do you have any sobriety focused songs that you feel really benefit you and your overall outlook? I would love to hear about them in the comments and give them a listen.
