10 Awesome Songs about Backstabbing
A backstabber is somebody who might say one thing to your face like they’re acting concerned about you, but then tell everybody else something that turns out to be totally different. Another case could involve a backstabber spreading lies and rumors about you just to make you look bad. You probably think of that person as a friend, but they’re definitely not trustworthy.
Backstabbing has been around since way back in the days of Julius Caesar and that famous line “Et Tu, Brutus?” And, it just naturally follows that the subject would become the stuff of popular songs today. So, we’ve put together a list of 10 awesome songs about backstabbing. These songs explore the pain and betrayal of being backstabbed by someone you trusted.
They express a range of emotions, from anger and sadness to resignation and acceptance. Whether you’re looking for a song to help you process your own experience of being backstabbed, or just want to hear some great music, these are songs that are sure to resonate with you, so here they are:
1. “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore is Truly Unforgettable (1963)
We chose this popular song as our number one favorite backstabbing song (even though there’s no backstabbing reference in the title like some others) because it’s one of those songs you’re never quite able to forget. It just keeps playing over and over again in your mind. And, Lesley Gore really nailed it with both the tune and the lyrics. Believe it or not, she was only 16 when she recorded it and the hit song climbed to number one in 1963.
2. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift Won Two Grammys (2015)
Taylor Swift is quite well-known for writing scathing songs about past relationships. She wrote this one about being backstabbed by her friends and it explains an issue she’s facing because of an unhealthy relationship with one friend in particular. The song won two Grammy Awards and hit number one on the Hot 100.
3. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette is Filled With Rage & Intensity (1995)
This is considered by many music fans to be the best “f__k you” song ever made and nobody could do it justice like Alanis since she actually wrote it for her ex. Who could possibly match the rage and intensity that she felt when she was recording it? On top of that, she made everybody realize that women really can have power whether it’s lyrically, vocally, or even sexually. Let’s face it, she changed how the world sees women rockers forever!
4. “Backstabbers” by The O’Jays Rocked “Soul Train” (1972)
If you’re old enough to remember the popular TV show “Soul Train” and when the video of this backstabbing song came out, you’ll undoubtedly remember that this O’Jays live performance sounds just like the album. This is something that you don’t see (or hear) very often. And, today, it’s just as good as it was back then.
5. “Help!” by the Beatles Was Made Into a Movie (1965)
This is another great song about backstabbing and betrayal of friendship, representing difficult circumstances where the singers are simply calling out for “help”, but there’s nobody genuine with only backstabbing people all around. John Lennon wrote this song during the peak of the Beatles’ fame when it appeared that they were completely surrounded by people who were only interested in them for their own profits. It’s actually a positive song that resonates with the listener’s own feelings, making them relate to larger-than-life people seeming to go through the same backstabbing situations that they are.
6. “Fake Friends” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Really Nails It (1983)
The video for “Fake Friends” depicts Joan Jett & the Blackhearts being mobbed by fans that morph into cardboard cut-outs before falling down. This imagery really nails the fake backstabbing friends’ concept. According to genius.com (https://genius.com/Joan-jett-and-the-blackhearts-fake-friends-lyrics), the lyrics of this song include two verses, a chorus, and an outro that include references to being down, losing friends, having nothing to lose, and how they’re supposed to have a better life. The song clearly puts the emphasis on fake friends and backstabbing.
7. “Congratulations” by Post Malone (Featuring Quavo) Showcases Backstabbing Haters (2016)
OK, we’re not exactly big fans of rap music. In fact, we’re with Bruce Willis in “Last BoyScout: and the bad guy said that he wanted to see Bruce’s character screaming in pain. Bruce responded by saying, “Play some rap music”. However, Post Malone is a pretty talented guy in spite of all those unusual facial tattoos.
Anyway, this song describes Post Malone’s struggle to achieve stardom and the backstabbing that he endured along the way, showcasing the haters and describing a profit-based relationship during which his friends simply left him because they didn’t expect him to ever amount to anything in the future. Surprise! Throughout the entire song, he describes his hard work and the difficulties in achieving his dreams, and the people who were trying to pull him down to their level.
8. “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots Scored Big on a Major Movie Soundtrack (2015)
Heathens was included on the motion picture soundtrack of the 2016 DC Comics motion picture, Suicide Squad. According to The Pop Song Professor the song is a warning to Twenty One Pilots fans ( aka the Skeleton Clique) about fake fans who only began to follow the band after the popularity of “Stressed Out”. The song’s chorus appears to tell fans that they should also be cautious about judging each other.
9. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye Became a Big Hit (1968)
This is a popular song that tells the story of a man who hears through the grapevine that his girlfriend has been cheating on him. He is initially in disbelief, but after hearing more rumors, he starts to realize that it’s true. The lyrics express the pain of being betrayed by someone you trusted and are full of anger and sadness. The song was originally written by Barrett Strong in 1966, but it was Marvin Gaye’s version that became a big hit in 1968.
10. “The First Cut is the Deepest” by Sheryl Crow is a Classic Sheryl Crow Song (2003)
The lyrics of this popular Sheryl Crow song from 20 years ago describe someone who is wondering how to love again after their first love was lost. “The first cut” in the title is a reference to disappointment from a first love and the sadness brought on by possible betrayal and backstabbing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer classic rock, pop, country, or even rap, you’re sure to find even more memorable songs available today that are about backstabbing. These are just a few of them and only represent our musical opinion. So, why not listen to some of them and decide for yourself which are the very best no matter what musical genre they represent?
You can also read:
- The 20 Best The Beatles Songs of All-Time
- The 10 Best Joan Jett Songs of All-Time
- The 10 Best Marvin Gaye Songs of All-Time
- The 10 Best Sheryl Crow Songs of All-Time
- The 10 Best Captain and Tennille Songs of All-Time
