Songs About Trouble
Trouble has been a theme in many works of art, both in songs and movies. We explore songs about trouble with examples from different genres. Here are the most beloved songs about trouble.
Taylor Swift – I Knew You Were Trouble
Taylor Swift’s ballad about love and heartbreak has quickly become one of her signature tracks. Lyrically, the song speaks about Taylor’s frustrations at falling for someone she knows isn’t good for her; musically it blends country pop, dance-pop and pop rock elements as well as featuring an eye-catching dubstep refrain.
Most of Taylor’s songs draw upon her own experiences; here, she is discussing her romance with Harry Styles from One Direction. Taylor often draws upon past lovers whose relationships ended poorly to write songs about them; oftentimes it is she who places the blame for any misdeeds on him; this track is no exception. You can continue your musical journey with saddest Taylor Swift songs.
Coldplay – Trouble
Coldplay are a British rock band known for their melodic piano-driven anthems that have reached global success since forming at University College London as Pectoralz in 1996 and later Starfish before changing back to Coldplay in 1998. Coldplay core members include lead vocalist/keyboardist Chris Martin, bassist Guy Berryman, lead guitarist Jonny Buckland and drummer Will Champion.
Coldplay have earned tremendous global success since their formation, yet remain committed to social and environmental issues. Their pledges include cutting the carbon footprint of their live shows by 50% while working with artists to curb plastic pollution. Furthermore, recycled materials will be included in merchandise as part of an initiative called ‘Environmentally Beneficial Tours”. In 2021 their ninth studio album Music of the Spheres was released to critical acclaim and it received widespread praise. This work by Coldplay is one of the first ones that come to mind among songs about trouble.
Trouble Maker – Trouble Maker
Trouble Maker (Korean:; stylised as JS & Hyuna) is a South Korean co-ed duo comprised of Cube Entertainment labelmates Beast’s Hyunseung and 4Minute’s Hyuna, debuting as dance-pop duos in December 2011. This track is one of the most popular songs about trouble.
TroubleMaker Makerspace in Shenzhen offers personalized guidance to assist people producing hardware products at Huaqiangbei Electronic Market by offering customized assistance on everything from industrial designers and component suppliers, engineering advice and IP protection training to industrial designers themselves. They are an active community that will always have your back, making this space perfect for both you and your product/idea/project! Plus it’s open to the public – check their website out now to discover more!
Lenka – Trouble Is A Friend
Trouble is a Friend is a song by Australian recording artist Lenka, released as the second single from her self-titled debut album in 2008. It became an international success, reaching top ten status in multiple countries while receiving critical acclaim. The lyrics speak about life’s difficulties while encouraging listeners to find comfort from pain.
Lenka can be seen making her way towards the camera as the background changes to include various illustrations and colors. She wears a black dress that features red and green flowers as part of its decoration. Among songs about trouble, it would be impossible not to mention this song by Lenka.
The song’s lyrics also address temptation and caution listeners against becoming vulnerable to it by choosing inappropriate friends; married folks should avoid socializing with former flames as it could lead to infidelity. Listening to this tune serves as a good reminder for everyone that we must always remain aware and vigilant with regards to making wise choices in regard to who we spend our time with – as temptation lies just around every corner and be wary who you choose as your companions!
Pusha T – Trouble On My Mind feat. Tyler, The Creator
Pusha T has spent much of the past decade cultivating an image for himself as a serious, intimidating drug dealer. Through Odd Future he even pioneered an aesthetic universe replete with violent skate rat subversion. Thus it might come as something of a shocker that his collaboration with Tyler here was so lively and playful.
Still, the Neptunes shine here with their trademark clanking beat – an homage to their glory days of pulling radio stations into their buzzy sound world. Tyler himself may be a rapper but on this track his role is secondary compared to Pusha T who makes an impressive statement with every bar of lyrics he delivers. This song is one of the most original songs about trouble songs.
P!NK – Trouble
Alecia Beth Moore, best known for her energetic concerts and gymnastic moves onstage, is no stranger to controversy. Born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, this strong female advocate for LGBTQ equality uses her celebrity to advance human rights issues as well as animal welfare causes.
She made her debut in the late ’90s with an R&B sound that attracted comparison to other young performers; her powerful voice and high-concept music videos soon garnered her an enormous fan base. But soon thereafter she started taking control of her career, shifting towards rock-influenced pop/rock sounds with collaborators such as Linda Perry, Tim Armstrong (Rancid), and Butch Walker as co-songwriters.
Try This (2003) was an evolution from her earlier R&B sound, with lead single “Trouble” reaching number 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. It features an anthemic guitar riff that later was covered by Shakin’ Stevens in 2005. This unforgettable song is one of the most high-energy among songs about trouble.
Cage The Elephant – Trouble
Cage The Elephant has an exceptional talent for creating catchy tunes with heavy rock sound, such as this song. Boasting muffled vocals and strong guitar riffs, this track perfectly showcases Cage The Elephant’s distinctive sound; you’re likely to find yourself humming along even without knowing all of its lyrics!
This song by the band is a remake of one of their earlier hits. While its predecessor featured a drum machine, its new rendition features more traditional instruments. While still catchy and memorable, this piece may not provide quite the same upbeat experience as some of their other hits.
Cage the Elephant brings their signature style of rock music alive through powerful lyrics that take listeners on an emotional roller coaster ride from sadness to empowerment. This song by Cage the Elephant showcases this talent perfectly: its music is powerful but not overproduced while its lyrics provide powerfully effective imagery – telling a heart-wrenching tale about losing someone close, while leaving an inspirational message about perseverance during tough times. This successful song has one of the most emotional lyrics among songs about trouble.
Halsey – Trouble
Halsey has never been afraid to discuss her struggles with mental health and is very forthcoming about them. Since she was a teen she has battled bipolar disorder which has heavily impacted her creative process and albums like Hopeless Fountain Kingdom and Manic were released that explored those experiences deeply.
She mentions abuse in the song as well, with her abusive partner becoming an immediate danger in her eyes. Lyrics such as “he kisses his knuckles like it’s a chant” refer to verbal abuse; their mutual enjoyment in harming each other. In her Room 93 commentary she talks about this line to indicate she’s taking control and leaving finally.
M.I.A. – Double Bubble Trouble
MIA always walks the line between trendy and cool, but her latest video takes things one step further. The British-Sri Lankan singer created a surreal dystopia to accompany “Double Bubble Trouble,” from her 2013 LP Matangi produced by Dutch DJ duo Partysquad. Shot among London council estates it features squadrons of kids sporting guns made with 3D printers as well as DIY LED drones flying overhead; alongside it all was scrawled “1984 is now” scrawl to signify its protest against Big Brother surveillance.
Watch the entire clip here – sure to put a spring in your step on any Monday (or any other day of the week!). Or watch her hilarious Late Night performance of the song complete with dancers and even a mini UFO! It can be listed as one of songs with trouble in the title
Louis Armstrong – Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
This song’s exact date of composition remains unknown, though its publication was first noted in 1867 and later made famous through various renditions from artists like Sam Cooke, Louis Armstrong, Marian Anderson and Harry James – among many others.
This song exudes classic old southern charm with moderate pacing and an upbeat overall atmosphere. Additionally, its lyrics illustrate spirituality by honoring God for all He has blessed him with and trusting in Him even during difficult times.
Musically, this track features piano and trumpet accompaniment. Beginning in Bb key, several other instruments eventually join in gradually but at low volume levels until a final trumpet solo ends the song with reverence and silence. You may recognize this track from The Lion King where Zazu sang it to Scar while imprisoned. It is considered as one of songs about trouble.
Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal
We continue our list of songs about trouble such as a popular track by MJ. “Smooth Criminal” is a landmark track from Michael Jackson’s iconic 1987 album “Bad.” The song, written and performed by Jackson, takes its inspiration from crime noir and tells the story of a woman named Annie who has been violently attacked in her apartment. The lyrics suggest that the assailant is a “smooth criminal,” weaving a narrative of danger, suspense, and intrigue. The song’s theme centers around crime, trouble, and the pursuit of justice. “Smooth Criminal” is renowned for its electrifying and infectious rhythm, featuring a distinctive bassline and Jackson’s signature vocals.
The track showcases Jackson’s mastery of pop, R&B, and rock elements, creating a unique sonic landscape. With its memorable “Annie, are you OK?” refrain and Jackson’s dynamic vocal performance, “Smooth Criminal” remains a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the world of music and popular culture.
The Clash – I Fought the Law
The next song is a classic rock song originally written by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets and later popularized by the iconic punk rock band The Clash in their 1979 self-titled debut album. The song’s theme revolves around rebellion, defiance, and trouble with the law. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has run afoul of the authorities, resulting in conflict and clashes with the legal system. The Clash’s energetic and rebellious spirit is palpable throughout the track, with its raw, punk-rock sound and rebellious attitude.
“I Fought the Law” is not only a testament to The Clash’s ability to infuse political and social commentary into their music but also a symbol of their punk ethos, as they challenge the status quo and societal norms. The song’s defiant spirit and memorable melody have made it a punk rock anthem that continues to resonate with listeners and remains a powerful example of music’s ability to confront and question societal norms.