21 Best Songs About Narcissists & Narcissism

The best songs about narcissists cut to the heart about what it’s like to deal with people whose self-centeredness leads them to dominate all relationships. 

It’s something famous people and pop stars are particularly exposed to and capable of becoming themselves if they don’t keep their egos in check. 

Continue reading as we break down the best songs that shed light on narcissistic behavior from some of the world’s most iconic singers and bands. 

The 21 Best Songs About Narcissists 

Music exploring the nature of narcissistic behavior and abuse can be found throughout history from various genres. 

We’ve ensured this playlist reflects these diverse styles, covering everything from classic rock and roll to contemporary pop hits, so all tastes are catered for. 

With our criteria established, here’s our playlist of the 21 best songs about narcissists:

21. “Back Stabbers” – The O’Jays 

We’re beginning this playlist of the best songs about narcissists with the aptly titled track “Back Stabbers” by soul group the O’Jays. 

“Somebody’s out to get your lady, a few of your buddies, they sure look shady,” the lyrics sing. “The blades are long, clenched tight in their fists, aimin’ straight at your back.” 

Released in 1972, “Back Stabbers” was featured on the album of the same name and was one of their most successful releases, selling over 500,000 copies. 

20. “Love The Way You Lie” – Eminem and Rihanna 

Both Rihanna and Eminem have had many successes over the years, being responsible for some of the best songs of all time and many chart hits. 

“Love the Way You Lie” sees the pair collaborating on another chart success, focusing on dealing with the self-centered people we all meet in our lives. 

If you’ve ever encountered someone with a narcissistic personality yourself, this catchy tune will be instantly relatable. 

19. “Liar” – Rollins Band 

Henry Rollins Band encapsulated what it’s like when you encounter narcissistic behavior with their song “Liar,” released in 1994. 

It features beautifully poetic lyrics in which the narrator explores how ego and narcissistic behavior lead to an unwarranted sense of grandiosity and self-importance. 

“Liar” was released on the Rollins Band album Weight, which picked up several nominations for major awards from the Grammys and MTV Video Music Awards. 

18. “Me Myself And I” – De La Soul 

A more upbeat and catchy song about narcissists came from De La Soul, with “Me Myself and I,” one of the biggest hits from the hip-hop group at the time. 

The song features their irreverent lyrical style with a broad mix of funk, jazz, and reggae, with vocals discussing the narcissistic tendencies of a self-centered guy. 

“Me Myself and I” was released in 1989 on their smash hit debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, which remains one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever recorded. 

17. “Holier Than Thou” – Metallica 

The song title, “Holier Than Thou,” perfectly describes how narcissistic people view themselves compared to people around them. 

It’s a classic Metallica track with their trademark powerful guitars and drums, and the lyrics perfectly describe how egotists use gossip and reputation destruction. 

While not as popular as their iconic song about soldiers, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” it’s nevertheless a great song that genuinely understands narcissistic abuse. 

16. “Because Of You” – Kelly Clarkson 

Switching genres from heavy metal to pop-infused country music, Kelly Clarkson took a stab at the topic of narcissistic behavior with her song “Because of You.” 

In this tune, she sings about a self-centered lover who took advantage of her youth and exploited her feelings throughout their relationship. 

“Because of You” was released in 2004 on the Kelly Clarkson album Breakaway, which showcased her incredible versatility as a singer-songwriter. 

15. “Rap God” – Eminem 

Here we are returning once again to hip-hop icon Eminem for his tongue-in-cheek take on narcissistic personality disorder with the track “Rap God.” 

The song describes the narrator’s self-centeredness but tempers the potential arrogance that comes from fame with a hint of doubt and anxiety. 

It’s a great insight into the mind of a rapper at the top of his game and his fears of becoming a narcissistic monster if he doesn’t keep his ego in check. 

14. “Gaslighter” – The Chicks 

Like Kelly Clarkson, the Chicks successfully blended pop and country music elements to great effect in this hit song, “Gaslighter.” 

Released in 2020, this song discusses the nature of Hollywood and fame, where narcissistic abuse is a notorious problem among the rich and famous. 

Like many songs about narcissists, “Gaslighter” draws on the artists’ personal experiences handling fame and fortune and working in the competitive music industry. 

13. “I’m Too Sexy” – Right Said Fred 

Another great song about narcissistic people that takes an ironic approach to the subject is “I’m Too Sexy” by the British duo Right Said Fred. 

The biggest hit of their career, this song features the lead singer elaborating on the “narcissism and posing” he saw while working out in a local gym. 

It’s a fun, catchy song that doesn’t take itself too seriously from a dance-pop duo that lit up the charts during the early 1990s.

12. “Girl” – The Beatles 

Winners of many Grammy Awards, the Beatles took aim at egotism and narcissism with their song “Girl,” released in 1965. 

As you might expect from the Beatles, this song tackles the topic in the context of romantic relationships and how narcissistic abuse can lead to so much pain. 

“Girl” was featured on the album Rubber Soul, which is often considered to be among the very best releases in the long and illustrious career of the Beatles.

11. “Fame” – David Bowie 

Narcissism and fame often go hand-in-hand, which is undoubtedly why David Bowie chose the word “Fame” for this pop classic. 

In this song, he reflects on how fame and fortune can lead someone to question their self-confidence while striving to avoid the pitfalls of becoming self-absorbed. 

Released in 1971, David Bowie followed it up with another fitting song about moving on, “Changes,” which also shares a tone of self-reflection with “Fame.”

10. “I Don’t Care Anymore” – Phil Collins 

Following his success as lead singer and drummer for Genesis, Phil Collins forged a new path as one of the leading singer-songwriters of the 1980s. 

“I Don’t Care Anymore” was released in 1983 and reflects a man who has had enough of negativity and toxic people in his life and desires to move on. 

Phil Collins had many chart-topping hits during his solo career and a brief stint as an actor starring in the popular British movie Buster in 1988.

9. “Narcissist” – Baby Queen 

The simply titled song “Narcissist” by Baby Queen brings us up to the contemporary alternative indie pop scene in style. 

“I see the same magazine criticize my generation, and I find it kinda weird you’d critique your own creation,” the lyrics sing. “But you still go online and call me self-obsessed.” 

Reflecting the concerns of the women’s liberation movement, “Narcissist” was released in 2021 on Baby Queen’s album The Yearbook.

8. “Bed of Lies” – Nicki Minaj Ft. Skylar Grey 

One year before releasing “All Eyes on You,” her great song about eyes, Nicki Minaj joined forces with Skylar Grey for “Bed of Lies.” 

Blending pop music with a rapping style, this song features explicit lyrics that flow wonderfully over the hard-hitting beats and compulsive melodies. 

Featured on the album The Pinkprint, Nicki Minaj cemented her reputation as a pop icon with a knack for reworking popular genres and releasing chart hits. 

7. “Blank Space” – Taylor Swift 

Another iconic performer known for her ability to blend popular genres is Taylor Swift, and “Blank Space” captures her effortless style. 

“New money, suit, and tie, I can read you like a magazine,” Taylor Swift sings in this great track about narcissists. “Ain’t it funny? Rumors fly, and I know you heard about me.” 

“Blank Space” was released by Taylor Swift in 2014 on the album 1989, her fifth long-player featuring elements of synth-pop and country music. 

6. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 

“Don’t Come Around Here No More” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made waves when it was released, thanks to its iconic music video. 

With Petty as the Mad Hatter, the video featured Alice from Alice in Wonderland being carved up for dinner on an ornate platter. 

Another song about a romantic relationship gone wrong, “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” established Tom Petty as one of the most original rock singers around.

5. “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” – Kanye West 

If you love Kanye West, you’ll no doubt be a massive fan of his song “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” released in 2007. 

The song’s lyrics explore how money and fame can wear a person down, with West’s unique vocal style supported by impeccable music production. 

“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is a great companion to his iconic song about gold, “Gold Digger,” which shares similar preoccupations with wealth and fame. 

4. “Super Bad (Parts 1, 2, & 3) – James Brown 

James Brown’s song, “Super Bad (Parts 1, 2, and 3),” is a suitably upbeat song by a singer-songwriter known for his larger-than-life personality. 

“I got it! Yeah! I got somethin’ that makes me wanna shouta!” James Brown sings, “I got somethin’ that tells me what it’s all about. Huh! I got soul, an’ I’m super bad.” 

He released “Super Bad” in 1971 and featured the track on his album Revolution of the Mind: Live at the Apollo, Volume III, to critical and commercial acclaim. 

3. “Under My Thumb” – The Rolling Stones 

The Rolling Stones have long secured their place in the annals of rock music history, with many Billboard Hot 100 chart hits under their belt. 

“Under My Thumb” is a classic track from the Rolling Stones that became one of the most enduring songs despite never being released as a single. 

Lead singer Mick Jagger wrote “Under My Thumb” in response to his experience with painful relationships and the sexual politics that dominated the mid-1960s. 

2. “Toxic” – Britney Spears 

With her many public personal troubles dominating the news, Britney Spears is no stranger to dealing with narcissism. 

Her song “Toxic” reflects her deep understanding of the struggles of dealing with narcissistic personalities. 

Throughout her career, Britney Spears has released many hit songs, including one of the best karaoke songs of all time, “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” 

1. “You’re So Vain” – Carly Simon 

We’re finishing this playlist exploring the best songs about narcissists with “You’re So Vain,” an iconic piece from excellent singer-songwriter Carly Simon. 

Released in 1972, “You’re So Vain” merges elements of folk with contemporary pop music, and the song ends with lyrics that simply repeat the title as the music fades. 

Carly Simon’s career showcased diverse talents. She wrote popular children’s books in addition to releasing a string of hit records.

Summary

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article covering the best songs about narcissists from throughout music history, sharing personal insights from famous artists and bands. 

These great songs reflect experiences dealing with narcissistic abuse and toxic people, which famous people are particularly exposed to. 

It’s a popular and enduring topic that will undoubtedly continue to be covered in outstanding music by future generations of singer-songwriters. 

What’s the best song about narcissists, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.