If there has been one recurring theme throughout the history of mankind, it would be revenge. As human beings, we seem to have an innate need to seek vengeance against those who have either wronged us. So, why is revenge satisfying? It’s because revenge triggers the reward center of our brain. Being such a common theme, many songs about revenge have been written over the years.
Unfortunately, revenge usually comes with consequences. That’s why we have music. It gives a safe way to channel our emotions. Here is a great list of songs you can listen to in those moments when you are feeling vindictive.
1. Love the Way You Lie by Eminem (Featuring Rihanna)
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Recovery |
Where do we start with our old friend, Marshall Mathers? There are a plethora of tracks we could have chosen for this spot on the list. However, I chose to opt for possibly the most literal example of revenge that I could find. Take note of his 2019 rap masterpiece “Recovery,” the track “Love the Way You Lie” is a case study of how things can go wrong in a relationship, especially when one of the people involved feels like they have been betrayed. Fortunately, the revenge he seeks, in this case, is only theoretical.
2. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1980 |
| Album | The Game |
Freddie Mercury may have been one of the best vocal talents of his generation, but it was bassist John Deacon that penned one of Queen’s biggest hits. Taken from Queen’s eighth studio album, “The Game,” this track has two interpretations. The first part depicts someone who is about to engage in a gunfight, while the second part pertains to someone whose partner has left him, and he wants revenge. “Another One Bites the Dust” spent 31 weeks on the Billboard charts in 1980, which was the most of any single released that year.
3. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ by Judas Priest
| Genre | Heavy Metal |
| Year Released | 1982 |
| Album | Screaming for Vengeance |
With signature screams and shredding guitars, Judas Priest was at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal that took the American music industry by storm in the 1980s. Appearing on the album “Screaming for Vengeance,” the track “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” is the song that introduced the band to the big time. Although the inspiration for this song was to record a track that people would drive fast to, it has become an anthem for those who refuse to sit idle while the world passes them by.
4. Forget You by Cee-Lo Green
| Genre | Hip Hop, Soul |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | The Lady Killer |
Founding member of the group Gnarls Barkley and Goodie Mob tapper Cee-Lo Green had one of the biggest solo hits of his career with the upbeat, retro soul track “Forget You”, from his album “The Lady Killer.” This song tells the sad tale of a guy who has been unceremoniously dumped by someone only interested in his money and the material things he gives her. Cee-Lo gets his revenge by telling her off through this song, letting it serve as a warning for anybody who may be interested in dating her.
5. Goodbye Earl by The Chicks
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | Fly |
The Chicks are no strangers to controversy. In 1999, they made waves with the release of their album “Fly,” which included the hit song “Goodbye Earl,” which dared to take on the subject of domestic abuse at a time when speaking out was not as prominent as it is now. This song is about a woman who is a victim of domestic abuse, so she decides to take things into her own hands with the help of her best friend, Wanda. Spoiler Alert: They get away with it and live happily ever after.
6. Payback by Slayer
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | God Hates Us All |
In November of 2019, Slayer announced their retirement after over three decades of being thrash metal royalty. Throughout their illustrious career, this band has never been afraid to take on anybody who has dared to get in their way. A prime example of this can be heard in the song “Payback” from their heavy-hitting album “God Hates Us All.” Lead vocalist in his patented scream, Tom Araya declares that he is tired of being a scapegoat, and he’s not about to take it anymore. He will get his revenge by any means necessary.
7. Black Widow by Iggy Azalea (Featuring Rita Ora)
| Genre | Pop, Hip Hop, Dance |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | The New Classic |
Latrodectus, more commonly known by the moniker black widow, is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. These arachnids are known for the hourglass shape on their backs, as well as a tendency to eat their mates. That’s a fitting title for this track from Iggy Azalea’s album “The New Classic.” Like most songs on this list, this song is about someone tired of being treated poorly by her partner. He’s no longer in love with her, but instead of leaving him, she stays with him to make him miserable.
8. Had Enough by Breaking Benjamin
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Phobia |
Breaking Benjamin has seen their fair share of ups and including several lineup changes. The song “Had Enough” is a direct result of one of the bleakest periods In the band’s history, when they allegedly fired ex-drummer Jeremy Hummel while he was on paternity leave after the birth of his first child. Hummel then attempted to sue them for 11 different counts, including. wrongful termination. He sought $750,000 in Damages for each count, and this song was the band’s response to what they perceived as a frivolous attempt at a quick cash grab.
9. Payback by Rascal Flatts
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Rewind |
With their radio friendly-country sound and their clean-cut image, Rascal Flatts is probably the last band he would expect to write a song about revenge. However, as the title would indicate, that’s what the song “Payback” is all about. This track from 2014’s “Rewind” is the age-old story of a woman who has grown weary of the way her significant other treats her at home. She decides that it’s time to find someone else, even if it’s only for the night. Lead singer Gary LeVox is more than happy to volunteer his services.
10. Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Tell Me You Love Me |
With over 27 million singles and over 6 million albums sold around the world, Demi Lovato has fought an uphill battle with sobriety to become one of the most respected and successful names in pop music. The former Disney Channel star has recorded eight studio albums, including “Tell Me You Love Me,” which features the hit single “Sorry Not Sorry.” Throughout this run time, Lovato boasts about how much better her life is without her ex in the picture, which is the best revenge she can get after the way he treated her.
11. Sweet Revenge by Motörhead
| Genre | Hard Rock, Metal |
| Year Released | 1979 |
| Album | Bomber |
Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister is the definition of a rock and roll rebel. His rough voice and no-nonsense approach have made some of the most memorable music ever heard, like “Sweet Revenge,” which is from the classic album “Bomber.” I don’t know who thought it was a good idea to cross Lemmy, but they will pay dearly for their mistakes. There are times when simply getting revenge on your enemies won’t suffice. Sometimes, things have to get messy, and that’s what this song is about. Lemmy takes care of business as only he can.
12. These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra
| Genre | Country, Pop |
| Year Released | 1966 |
| Album | Boots |
You can only treat somebody badly for so long before they decide to walk away from the relationship, and that’s the focal point behind the Nancy Sinatra 1966 hit “These Boots Are Made For Walkin.” This pop-country song is the story of a woman who has grown tired of her philandering partner. This song was Sinatra’s way of summoning the courage to leave, which is the best way that she can get revenge on him. By the end of the song, she hints that she’s already found someone else and moved on.
13. One Way Or Another by Blondie
| Genre | Punk, New Wave |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Parallel Lines |
Some of the greatest songs are those that drew inspiration from real-life events. Blondie’s smash hit “One Way Or Another” was written about a frightening encounter that vocalist Deborah Harry had with a stalker in the late 1970s, which eventually caused her to move away from her New Jersey home. In a strange twist of events, this track was written from the perspective of the stalker, who is determined to find her if it’s the last thing he does. She gets her revenge by turning the situation into a smash hit.
14. Enemies by Shinedown
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Amaryllis |
If you ask the members of the rock group Shinedown what their song “Enemies” is about, you will get several meanings depending on who you ask. According to drummer Barry Kerch, the song is a direct response to anyone who has become his enemy throughout his life. He also believes that Brent Smith wrote the track for his ex-partner due to their toxic relationship. Kerch also says that the “Amaryllis” single is also the band’s way of pointing the middle finger at anyone who doubted them and looked down on them during their career.
15. Gives You Hell by All-American Rejects
| Genre | Pop Punk |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Gives You Hell |
There are times when the best revenge you can get is to sit back and watch karma do its work. The song “Gives You Hell” by All-American Rejects shares the same sentiment. On the Stillwater, Oklahoma-based quartet’s hit song, singer Tyson Ritter refuses to let anybody see how a recent breakup got him down, but he’s still hurting deep down inside. He makes this abundantly clear when he tells his ex, “Now, you’ll never see what you’ve done to me. You can take back your memories. They’re no good to me.”
16. Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Justified |
From being on The Mickey Mouse Club to being a young heartthrob in the boy band N’SYNC to having a wildly successful solo career, Justin Timberlake has known the joys that come with being a famous musician. However, that doesn’t mean that he is immune to the occasional heartbreak, nor is he above getting revenge. His hit single “Cry Me a River” touches on both of these. This song was written as a revenge track about Brittany Spears was rumored to have been cheating on Justin during their relationship. Instead of getting mad, he got even.
17. Revenga by System Of a Down
| Genre | Nu Metal |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | Mesmerize |
Although they have been on hiatus for several years, System Of a Down still has a legion of devoted fans. In 2005 they released two albums called “Hypnotize” and “Mesmerize,” the second of which included the track “Revenga.” This song is rumored to be about the loss of a child. Though it’s not specifically mentioned, the lyrics are indicative of a parent who is consumed by grief and vows to avenge this tragic loss. Some interpretations of this song say that it is about a man about to commit suicide. Maybe both are right.
18. The Thunder Rolls by Garth Brooks
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1990 |
| Album | No Fences |
Being involved with a philandering partner can drive you to do awful things. In the case of the song “The Thunder Rolls l” from Garth Brooks’s multi-platinum album “No Fences,” it can even drive you to take someone’s life. In this song, a heartbroken wife plots her revenge against her cheating husband. Her suspicions are verified when he comes home late and smells of strange perfume. Although the song never specifically mentions what type of revenge she gets, the original, uncut version of the music video shows us exactly what transpires.
19. Shitlist by L7
| Genre | Grunge, Punk |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | Bricks Are Heavy |
Appearing on the 1992 album “Bricks Are Heavy,” the title of this track from the female punk band L7 is a common phrase used to define a running tally of those who have wronged you at some point. Generally, once someone makes an appearance on this list, it’s fairly difficult to get off of it. The ladies in L7 have an extensive list and use this song as a way to direct their anger to those who deserve it. Per the lyrics, this includes “all you a**holes who won’t be missed.”
20. You’re So Vain by Carly Simon
| Genre | Softball Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | No Secrets |
Have you ever known somebody who was so vain or self-centered that you felt they needed to be put in their place? Well, so has Carly Simon. Released in 1972, “You’re So Vain” has been the center of controversy and several rumors due to the ambiguous nature of who the song is about. For almost 50 years, Simon has remained steadfast in not disclosing the real-life subject of the biggest hit of the Grammy winner’s career. Although, if you think about it, that is probably the reason for the song’s appeal.
21. Bad Blood by Taylor Swift (Featuring Kendrick Lamar)
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | 1989 |
Surprisingly, we have a song by Taylor Swift that’s not about the bad breakup of a romantic relationship. Swift has gone on record with Rolling Stone as saying that this song is about a business relationship that went bad. Though she chose to take the high road by not mentioning who the song is about, Swift says that “Bad Blood” was written about someone who tried to sabotage her tour and her career. This was the forest single from her album “1989” and won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Music Video.
22. Get In the Ring by Guns N’ Roses
| Genre | Hard Rock |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | Use Your Illusion II |
Axl Rose has never been one to shy away from controversy, especially when addressing members of the press. “Get In the Ring,” from their album “Use Your Illusion II,” does this in spades. Fed up with the false rumors and gossip circulating through most magazines during their heyday, Rose wrote this song as his way of seeking a little revenge against those whom he felt had wronged him and his band. Strangely, one of the people addressed in the lyrics responded to his challenge, although nothing ever came of it.
23. The Dead Can’t Testify by Billy Talent
| Genre | Alternative Metal |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | Billy Talent III |
Canadian alternative metal band Billy Talent has been together for over 30 years. One of the most prevalent themes in their music is religious persecution, which is what they address in their song “The Dead Can’t Testify,” which is the seventh track on their album “Billy Talent III.” This track tells the fictional tale of someone who is accused of being a witch in the early 16th century because they did not participate in many of the religious practices that were common during that time. They are sentenced to death but vow to come back and haunt those who committed this atrocity.
24. Kerosene by Mirada Lambert
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Kerosene |
The title track from Miranda Lambert’s 2005 album “Kerosene” is a song about a woman scorned, and I’m sure you know what they say about them. This track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, as well as several nominations for its video, and deals with a woman who has become tired of both the heartbreak of cheating and the fraudulent image of society. She wants to see it all go up and in flames as she declares, “I’m givin’ up on love ’cause love’s given up on me.”
25. Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | Some Hearts |
Carrie Underwood’s 2005 Grammy Award-winning single “Before He Cheats” made her a household name, as well as a heroine for every woman who has wanted to get revenge on a cheating ex. While most people dream of the chance to do something like this, the woman in the song takes all of her anger, hurt, and frustration out on her ex-boyfriend’s prize possession, his truck. This song skyrocketed Underwood’s popularity, helping her to sell millions of albums around the world. Now that’s a win-win situation if I’ve ever heard of one.
26. This Means War by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1986 |
| Album | Good Music |
Joan Jett is the living personification of everything good about rock and roll. She is a living legend that is respected throughout the genre for her no-frills approach to music and her no-nonsense lyrics. That’s why when she writes a song called “This Means War,” you know that she means business. Taken from the aptly-titled album “Good Music,” this track sees Jett as furious as she’s ever been. Although it’s not clear who is the Unlucky subject of her wrath, you can be sure that she is going to make someone pay.
27. Hate (I Really Don’t Like You) by Plain White T’s
| Genre | Alternative, Indie |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Every Second Counts |
Nothing can break your heart quite like love that goes unreciprocated. With a million thoughts running through your head, sometimes the only thing that you can do to ease the pain of heartbreak is to shut them out of your life completely. In the song “Hate (I Really Don’t Like You),” singer Tom Higgenson says that the person who has wronged him is now dead to him, although he refuses to use the word hate when describing his feelings for this person. Perhaps they are not worth the energy it takes to hate them.
28. If You by Harem Scarem
| Genre | Pop Punk, Rock |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | Weight of the World |
The expression “harem scarem” means reckless and irresponsible, which is a fitting title for a band who recorded this track, which is from their concept album “Weight of the World.” While this pop-punk tune sounds like something that you would hear at the end of a Disney Channel show, don’t let it fool you. The lyrics are quite dark and sinister; Singer Harry Hess wants to be out of his relationship, so he stages a series of “accidents” to get rid of his partner. Fortunately, his attempts have been unsuccessful thus far.
29. God’s Gonna Cut You Down by Johnny Cash
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | American V: A Hundred Highways |
Johnny Cash is one of the most revered artists in the history of country music. The “Man In Black” had an appeal that was able to transcend musical genres. He was so well-respected that producer Rick Rubin released two albums of material that Cash recorded before he passed away, including the album “American V: A Hundred Highways.” The second track from that album, titled “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” has a self-explanatory meaning. It means that you can run from practically anyone you’ve done wrong, but you can’t escape God’s vengeance.
30. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia by Vickie Lawrence
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia |
Originally recorded by Vicki Lawrence in 1973, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” tells a lurid tale of deception and infidelity in the Deep South, where someone called Brother discovers that his wife has been cheating while he was away. Brother decides that he is going to kill Andy, but this covers that he is already dead when he gets to Andy’s house. Brother is arrested and sentenced to prison for the crime, although in a surprise twist, we find out that it was his little sister that committed the murder. If you’re looking for songs about revenge and killing, this is one you’ll want to add to your playlist.
31. I’ll Get Even by Megadeth
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Cryptic Writings |
On the album “Cryptic Writings,” Megadeth experienced changes in both their lineup and their musical style. However, Dave Mustaine is still the last person on Earth that you would want to have a problem with. His patented snarl and seething, scathing voice or the epitome of anger and vengeance, and they are on full display in the song “I’ll Get Even.” In this track, Mustaine has been hurt by someone whom he trusted dearly and shared a romantic relationship with, and he vows to get revenge if it’s the last thing he ever does.
32. Hate You by King’s X
| Genre | Metal |
| Year Released | 1998 |
| Album | Tape Head |
I’m fairly certain that most of us all heard the phrase, “There’s a thin line between love and hate.” These are two of the most powerful emotions we can experience, and sometimes the two can get muddled and confusing. That must have been what was going through King’s X bassist and lead vocalist Doug Pinnick’s mind when he wrote the song “Hate You” from their album “Tape Head.” This track is about loving someone so unconditionally that you can’t bring yourself to do them any harm while simultaneously having a deep-seated hatred for them.
33. Revenge by Pink (Featuring Eminem)
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Beautiful Trauma |
Pink has a reputation for wearing her heart on her sleeve and pouring all of her emotions into her music. That’s why it came as no surprise when she released the single “Revenge” from her 2017 record “Beautiful Trauma,” which is about a couple who are cheating on each other. Oddly enough, they even pass each other on their way to meet their lovers. They both hate each other and acknowledge that the relationship has been over for some time now. However, for some reason, they stay together even if they are both unhappy.
34. War Paint by Lorrie Morgan
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1994 |
| Album | War Paint |
“War Paint” is the second track from Lorrie Morgan’s album of the same name and is about a woman who has grown tired of the way she has been treated by her husband. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, she decides to get her revenge on her husband in the best way that she can. He thinks that she is putting on makeup to look nice to him, but little does he know that she is slowly bettering herself. Lorrie calls her makeup her war paint, and she’s building up enough confidence to go to war with him.
35. Watch You Lose by The Veer Union
| Genre | Gothic Rock, Industrial, Electronica |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Decade |
The Veer Union is known for its unique blend of rock, gothic, industrial, and electronic music that refuses to be defined by one single genre. The song “Watch You Lose” is a perfect example of how they combine these elements with dark and brooding lyrics to make the perfect soundtrack for anybody who may be seeking revenge against someone who has hurt themselves, whether the pain inflicted was physical or mental. If you aren’t into the industrial and gothic scene, there is also an acoustic version of this song that is amazing.
36. Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!) by Blu Cantrell
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | So Blu |
There are times when you need to get revenge on a no-good, cheating partner, but you can’t think of anything that will get their attention and let them know that you mean business. That’s when you have to hit them where it hurts, right in the wallet. In the song “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!),” R&B and soul singer Blu Cantrell decides to take her man for everything she can get when she catches him cheating. To get his attention, she goes on a shopping spree to end all shopping sprees.
37. You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette
| Genre | Alternative |
| Year Released | 1995 |
| Album | Jagged Little Pill |
Seeking revenge against your partner who has prematurely exited the relationship seems to be a recurring theme in the music industry, and this is exactly what Alanis Morissette was singing about when she released “You Oughta Know” from her debut record “Jagged Little Pill.” Rumor has it that the track was written after a messy split with her ex-boyfriend Dave Coulier, of “Full House” fame. Alanis makes no secret that she was a mess when he left her but realizes that the best revenge is to see comfort in the arms of someone new.
38. Don’t Get Mad, Get Even by Aerosmith
| Genre | Hard Rockies, Blues Rock |
| Year Released | 1989 |
| Album | Pump |
Boston hard rock legends Aerosmith have had the longevity that most bands can only dream of having. In 1989, they were on top of the world with the release of their platinum-selling record “Pump.” One of the lesser-known tracks on that album is “Don’t Get Mad, Get Even,” but it is also probably one of the most underrated songs of Aerosmith’s illustrious career. This song is about the dangers of addiction and how the best revenge that a person can get is to get clean and sober by kicking the addiction.
39. Trailer for Rent by Pistol Annies
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Hell on Heels |
Whether you have been with your significant other for a year or a decade, you deserve to be treated with respect. That’s what the narrator in Pistol Annies’ song “Trailer for Rent” has finally realized. She has gotten fed up with years of being mistreated and has decided to do something about it. She drives down to the local newspaper’s office and takes out an ad in hopes of renting out her trailer, apparently while her husband is still living there. That’s one way to get even after over ten years of suffering.
40. Get Even by Kelis
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Wanderland |
The only thing worse than being cheated on in a relationship is having your partner makes no attempts to conceal their infidelity. In “Get Even,” Kelis finds herself in this situation, although she’s not going to take it lying down. However, instead of getting depressed over her situation, she takes matters into her own hands and decides to get even with her cheating boyfriend. The best way that she can do this is to move on from him and live a happy life. Sometimes, finding happiness is the best revenge you can get.
41. Fighter by Christina Aguilera
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Stripped |
Christina Aguilera has a reputation of being one of the most impressive vocal talents of her generation, which she shows on “Fighter.” Included in her 2001 album “Stripped,” this song is an example of how taking the high road and refusing to let a bad relationship make you a petty and vindictive person can be the best revenge you can get. Rather than becoming angry, bitter, or hostile, Aguilera thanks her soon-to-be ex for lying to her, cheating on her, and stealing from her because it taught her how to fight for herself.
42. The Payback by James Brown
| Genre | Soul |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | The Payback |
Known as “The Godfather of Soul” and “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business,” James Brown was an electrifying talent with a stage presence that is unmatched to this day. His 1973 classic “The Payback” from the album of the same name finds Brown in a rather unenviable situation in which his girlfriend has been cheating on him with another man. Evidently, he does not subscribe to the theory “Don’t get mad, get even,” as James Brown declares throughout the entire song that he is mad and is going to get his payback.
43. Mouth For War by Pantera
| Genre | Groove Metal |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | Vulgar Display of Power |
Often credited as being the “Godfathers of Groove Metal,” Pantera starts off their album “Vulgar Display of Power” with a bang. The track “Mouth For War” is slightly under four minutes of sonic fury that kicks off with vocalist Phil Anselmo screaming out that he wants revenge against all of those who have wronged him throughout his lifetime. He also speaks to the catharsis of getting revenge on those people when he screams out my favorite line of the song when he sings, “The releasing of anger can better any medicine under the sun.”
44. Get Even by Brad Paisley
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Wheelhouse |
Country music superstar Brad Paisley has a reputation for being one of the nicest people in the music industry, which is why the song “Get Even” comes as such a surprise. Appearing as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of his album “Wheelhouse,” this song finds Paisley trying to comfort someone unhappy with her deceptive and dishonest partner, although the approach that he takes is what makes this song unique. He advises her to get even by having an affair. The catch is that the affair would be with him.
45. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
| Genre | Post-Punk, Indie, Alternative |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Pumped Up Kicks |
Don’t be fooled by the light, atmospheric sound of Foster The People’s single “Pumped Up Kicks” fool you. This is a song that takes on a very dark and disturbing subject. The lead single from their debut album “Torches” could have been taken directly from recent headlines, as it addresses the tough topic of schooling shootings and makes a strong statement about today’s political climate. The story is told from the perspective of the shooter, who feels like the only way to get revenge on his peers is by resorting to this terrible act.
46. I Forgive (But I Won’t Forget Your Name) by Lacuna Coil
| Genre | Gothic Metal |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Broken Crown Halo |
Lacuna Coil is one of the most respected bands in its genre. The Italian metal band is known for layering the vocal talents of Christina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro over heavy and melodic gothic themes. The sixth track band’s seventh studio album, “Broken Crown Halo,” appropriately titled “I Forgive (But I Won’t Forget Your Name),” is about having the courage to get out of a bad relationship while maintaining your dignity and peace of mind. Instead of being consumed by hatred, they forgive their transgressors, but they won’t forget what they’ve done to them.
47. Vendetta by Slipknot
| Genre | Nu Metal |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | All Hope Is Gone |
The term “vendetta” has been traditionally defined as a long-standing argument or quarrel. That seems fitting for this track from the 2009 Slipknot album “All Hope Is Gone.” According to lead vocalist Corey Taylor, this song is a way for him to reintroduce himself and his band to the plethora of people who have never taken Slipknot seriously, nor have they given them the respect they deserve, and that would be a grave mistake. This band has withstood death, illness, and personal differences to remain one of the top acts in metal today.
48. Here Comes Revenge by Metallica
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Hardwired… to Self-Destruct |
Bay area metal titans Metallica returned to their thrash roots with the release of 2016’s “Hardwired… to Self-Destruct,” which included the emotionally-charged song “Here Comes Revenge.” Lead vocalist James Hetfield saw a couple at one of their concerts holding up a poster of a girl. When he asked who the girl was, the couple explained that she was their daughter who was killed by a drunk driver. It angered James that one of his fans had been killed by an irresponsible act, so he wrote the song as a tribute to her.
49. Independence Day by Martina McBride
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | The Way That I Am |
Martina McBride was one of the most prominent acts in country music in the 1990s. Her single “Independence Day” won two Country Music Association awards for Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year. This song addresses the horrible issues of both domestic abuse and child abuse. The song is the story of an eight-year-old girl who grew up in an abusive home with an alcoholic father. Her mother grew tired of the abuse and under the cover of fireworks, burned the house down while her father was still inside.
50. Watch by Billie Eilish
| Genre | Alternative, Indie |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Don’t Smile at Me |
Please remind me, if given the chance, never to make Billie Eilish angry. The term “vindictive” doesn’t even begin to describe the lyrics to her song” Watch” from her debut EP “Don’t Smile at Me.” Whoever made the mistake of breaking Billie’s heart needs to be put on notice that she’s not very happy about the way that things went down. She will never find herself in this position again and she makes this abundantly clear with lyrics like “I’ll sit and watch your car burn with the fire that you started in me.”
51. I’ll Get Even With You by Foreigner
| Genre | Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1979 |
| Album | Head Games |
Foreigner has been making music and turning out hits for over four decades, despite undergoing several lineup changes. Their big break came in 1979 with “Head Games,” which includes “I’ll Get Even With You.” In this song, Mick Jones vows to get even with somebody who has wronged him, although he never gives us any details. The only hint we’re given is the lyrics, “You gave me such a low blow. You hit me on the blind side. You took me for a big ride, but I won’t let it get to me.”
52. Hooker With a Penis by Tool
| Genre | Progressive Metal |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Ænima |
Maynard James Keenan is known for being one of the most intelligent people in music. He also has a dark and twisted sense of humor. When you combine these two aspects of his personality, the results surface on a track like “Hooker With a Penis” from the album “Ænima.” This song is a scathing four-and-a-half-minute rant about so-called fans who have made the mistake of calling Tool sellouts. Maynard gets revenge by asking the question, “If you buy a sellout album, doesn’t that make you a sellout as well?”
53. Revenge by Joyner Lucas
| Genre | Rap,Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | ADHD |
Eminem once called Joyner Lucas one of the most gifted lyricists and rappers in the game today. His record “ADHD” was an incredibly raw and honest glimpse into the mind of the gutted artist. One of the standout tracks on that album was “Revenge,” which is an emotionally stirring track about how Joyner’s infidelity has broken the heart of the woman he loves, causing her to leave. In retaliation for her leaving, he continues to cheat on her. Sadly, this pattern continues to repeat itself throughout their relationship, which only leads to more heartache and suffering.
54. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle by Nirvana
| Genre | Grunge |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | In Utero |
Until lead singer and guitar player Kurt Cobain’s death on April 5, 1994, Nirvana was the most popular band in the world due to the massive success of their second album, “Nevermind,” and their follow-up record “In Utero.” One of the most overlooked tracks on that album was “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle,” which was written about Kurt’s fascination with Seattle actress Frances Farmer after reading her biography, Shadowland. Due to her erratic behavior, which was later diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenia, Farmer was shunned by the media and became an outcast.
55. Loyalty by Killswitch Engage
| Genre | Metalcore |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Incarnate |
Fans of the metalcore band Killswitch Engage have often been divided into two factions. Some prefer the Howard Jones era, where the band focused more on writing songs about personal relationships, while others prefer the Jesse Leach era, where the band shifted more towards writing Introspective songs about personal growth. The song “Loyalty” is from the latter, and as the title suggests, is about a battle that serves as a metaphor for the band remaining loyal to each other and overcoming their doubters after Howard Jones left the band to manage his diabetes.
56. Songs For the Dumped by Ben Folds Five
| Genre | Alternative, Indie |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Mr. Wrong |
Some breakups can be so painful that all you want to do is scream obscenities and demand that they give back everything you ever gave them. “Songs For the Dumped” by Ben Folds Five perfectly depicts this scenario. Taken from their album “Mr. Wrong,” this song paints a vivid picture of a nasty separation that transpired between two people. Although it’s never mentioned, it is implied that the narrator was done wrong. However, the only revenge he wants is to get his things back and the chance to tell her how he feels.
57. Having a Blast by Green Day
| Genre | Pop Punk |
| Year Released | 1994 |
| Album | Dookie |
Southern California punk rock legends Green Day may have seen as they came out of nowhere with the massive success of their album “Dookie,” but they were grinding it out in the Bay Area punk scene for years before they became a household name. “Having a Blast” is the second track on that album and channels their angst and aggression into a tale of someone who has been hurt, although the specifics are not disclosed. Sadly, he feels like his only revenge is to strap himself with explosives and take everybody out.
58. Me Against You by Three Days Grace
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Outsider |
In the early 2010s, you couldn’t tune your radio to an alternative rock station without hearing a Three Days Grace song. However, due to its graphic lyrical content, “Me Against You” may not have been one of them. That’s a shame because this is one of the Canadian band’s most underrated songs. Appearing as the sixth track on their sixth studio album, “Outsider,” this song is about feeling so rejected by someone and betrayed by their actions that you feel like you have no choice but to wage a personal war against them to get your revenge.
59. Someone Will Pay by Justin Townes Earle
| Genre | Alternative Country, Indie, Blues |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Single Mothers |
Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle cannot be defined by one musical genre. He combines elements of alternative rock, indie, blues, and country music into a sound that is completely original and unique. However, don’t let the upbeat sound of “Someone Will Pay” fool you. His wrath is not something that should be taken lightly. In this song, someone has made the grave mistake of betraying his trust. Instead of becoming angry, Earle simply says that he will eventually get even. Call me crazy, but something tells me that when he does, it won’t be a pretty sight.
60. Unstoppable by Disciple
| Genre | Christian Rock |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | O God Save Us All |
The Christian alternative metal act Disciple might be the last band you would expect to be included on a list of songs about revenge, and you would be partially correct. However, what this song does is use the Biblical story of David slaying Goliath with a slingshot as a metaphor for standing up and fighting for something you truly believe in. Apparently, the band has experienced some form of persecution due to their Christian beliefs, and they refuse to take it anymore. Writing this track was their way of seeking justice for this.
61. Piece By Piece by Kelly Clarkson
| Genre | Pop, Country |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Piece By Piece |
Country-pop crossover sensation Kelly Clarkson was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Solo Pop Performance for this song in 2015, which was the title track from her seventh studio album, “Piece By Piece.” Featured as the record’s second single, this song recounts the heartache that the narrator experiences when her husband leaves her and their family. He then flies over 1,500 miles to beg him to come back, but he refuses. She was eventually able to find love again. To her, this was the best revenge she could get because she felt whole again.
62. Bullets & Tears by Primal Fear
| Genre | Power Metal |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Rulebreaker |
The German power metal band Primal Fear must have had revenge on their minds when they wrote the third track from their album “Rulebreaker,” titled “Bullets & Tears.” Though the guilty party remains anonymous and the song is fairly vague, what we can deduce from the lyrics is that the narrator has been deeply hurt in a relationship. He was betrayed by a person that he thought he could trust completely. Whatever transpired between the two of them must have been terrible because he is willing to hunt them down to seek vengeance for their actions.
63. You’re Gonna Go Far Kid by The Offspring
| Genre | Punk |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace |
The Offspring are known for injecting satire and humor into their music, which is the focus of their single “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid,” which is the third track on their eighth studio album “Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace.” Lead vocalist and guitarist Dexter Holland likes to use his music to take shots at those who have doubted him or have lied to him throughout his career. This track is a tongue-in-cheek look at how deceptive and dishonest executives in the music industry can be. Writing this song was his way of getting revenge.
64. Mariner’s Revenge Song by The Decemberists
| Genre | Indie, Alternative Country |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | Picaresque |
Being deprived of one or both of your parents is one of the most painful feelings human beings can experience. This can either leave you feeling hollow and worthless or angry and rejected. The alternative country band The Decemberists’ track “Mariner’s Revenge Song” is about this unfortunate circumstance. As the name suggests, this song is about a mariner who was deserted by his seafaring father many years ago. He promised his mother on her deathbed that one day he would find his father and kill him, and he made good on that promise and avenged his mother.
65. Kiss This by Aaron Tippin
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | People Like Us |
What could be better than getting revenge against somebody who’s cheated on you time and time again? If you ask country singer Aaron Tippin, public humiliation is probably pretty high on the list. “Kiss This” is the lead track from his record “People Like Us” and involves a woman who is tired of the cheating and the lies she endures from her partner. She goes to the bar to drown her sorrows, but he shows up, wanting to kiss and make up. You can imagine what she tells him to kiss instead.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.