If you’ve experienced your husband’s lies, infidelity, manipulation or any other type of abuse, here are the best songs about healing from trauma.
To discover if you’ve experienced any one of the 19 types of emotional abuse, take our free emotional abuse quiz.
Here’s the list below…
Betrayal Trauma Healing Playlist on APPLE MUSIC
Infidelity Healing Playlist on SPOTIFY
Betrayal Trauma Healing Playlist on YOUTUBE
Songs About Healing From Trauma
Because music has a unique way to help us process emotions, find strength, and heal. So if you’re navigating trauma from your husband’s betrayal, lies, and infidelity, these 71 songs will empower you on your healing journey.
1. She Used To Be Mine by Sara Bareilles
A heartfelt ballad that beautifully captures the pain of losing yourself. Secondly, the strength to rediscover who you are.
2. Try by Colbie Caillat
This song reminds you to focus on inner beauty and self-worth. Because others manipulation is intended to exploit you. This song will help you do what’s right for you.
3. mad woman by Taylor Swift
Of course, reveals the anger and frustration systemic misogyny causes.
4. Who Says by Selena Gomez & the Scene
Above all, a reminder that you’re amazing just as you are.
5. Girl Can’t Be Herself by Alicia Keys
Consequently, this anthem of authenticity urges you to celebrate your identity in a world full of expectations.
6. Surface Pressure by Jessica Darrow
Feeling overwhelmed? This song from Encanto commiserates while reinforcing your strength.
7. Just Be Held by Casting Crowns
Altogether a powerful reminder to lean into your faith and trust the process of healing, even through dark times.
8. Rescue by Lauren Daigle
For when you feel hopeless, this song promises that you are never too lost to be found or supported.
9. U Matter by Bonner Family (feat. Aaliyah Rose, Yahosh & Daysha)
Above all a heartfelt reassurance that you are valued and loved, no matter what.
10. Never Alone by Lauren Daigle
Overall an uplifting song that assures you there’s always someone with you, walking alongside you in your struggles.
11. Walk Me Home by P!nk
For the moments when you feel lost, this song offers a comforting push to keep going.
12. Come Alive (Dry Bones) by Lauren Daigle
Also a motivational anthem encouraging you to rise and rebuild after facing destruction.
13. Million Reasons (Andrelli Remix) by Lady Gaga
A beautifully raw track about searching for hope and purpose when everything feels impossible.
14. With or Without You by Boyce Avenue & Manuel Costa
This poignant cover brings depth and clarity to themes of letting go and moving forward. Songs about healing from trauma motivate us.
15. Sit Still, Look Pretty by Daya
A bold reminder that you are more than an exploiters expectations—you’re strong and capable of building your own future.
16. Quiet by MILCK
An empowering song about finding your voice during hardship, and refusing to stay silent about your pain.
17. Ain’t Your Mama by Jennifer Lopez
This sassy anthem serves as a wake-up call that he’s a full grown man and capable of doing basic tasks.
18. What About Us by P!nk
In essence a raw exploration of broken trust and the resilience it takes to stand back up after betrayal trauma.
19. I Never by Jessica Simpson
Exploring the pain after betrayal, this track leans into themes of regret, growth, and healing.
Songs About Healing From Trauma 20-39
20. Not Ready to Make Nice by The Chicks
For those moments when you’re not ready to forgive, good for you.
21. Breadwinner by Kacey Musgraves
Outlines exactly what happened when he targeted you for exploitation.
22. My Own Hero by Andy Grammer
This anthem will help you be your own hero. Because songs about healing from trauma encourage us.
23. Superheroes by The Script
An ode to all who’ve fought battles unseen, this song is an inspiring reminder that your struggles have shaped you into a strong and capable woman.
24. Sister Suffragette by Mary Poppins Cast
Above all this classic from Mary Poppins celebrates women breaking barriers—a reminder of the systemic, historic misogyny we’re all standing against.
25. This Is Me by Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
An unapologetic anthem for self-acceptance, this track encourages you to own your scars and march forward bravely. Healing from trauma often involves accepting and reclaiming who you are.
26. Let It Go (Bearson Remix) by Bearson
Summarizes the futility of trying to work with an emotionally abusive man.
27. If You’re Over Me (Key Remix) by Years & Years
This upbeat remix tackles moving on from the trauma caused by his abuse. So it’s a perfect track to dance through the healing process and regain your clarity. Songs about healing from trauma lift us.
28. Say Something by Pentatonix
Hauntingly beautiful, this song captures the heartache of losing love. Because sometimes, healing starts with acknowledging the hurt and letting yourself feel.
29. Say Something (Zac Samuel Remix) by Karen Harding
This remix switches gears, turning vulnerability into a more energizing track. As a result, it’s a reminder that healing from hurt doesn’t mean staying in darkness forever.
30. Ugly Heart by G.R.L
This tune encourages you to stand tall after dealing with someone who didn’t treat you right. It’s a reminder that what really counts is someone’s actions – not their words or their image.
31. Elastic Heart by Sia feat. The Weeknd & Diplo
Sia’s raw voice and poignant lyrics bring life to the resilience we hold within ourselves. This is the perfect anthem for women rebuilding after the trauma of her husband’s emotional abuse and infidelity.
32. IDGAF by Dua Lipa
Make no mistake—this confident bop is about setting boundaries and taking no nonsense. It’s liberating, especially if you’re overcoming patterns of emotional manipulation.
33. Irreplaceable by Beyoncé
“To the left, to the left…” It’s easy to find another exploitative, abusive man. As Beyoncé describes so perfectly in this song.
34. Praying (Oliver Nelson Remix) by Kesha
This remixed track keeps the deep emotional power of Kesha’s original song while adding dance beats to move that trauma out of your body.
35. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift
A lighthearted, catchy classic for anyone leaving a toxic cycle behind. Sometimes cutting ties is the first step to reclaiming your happiness.
36. See You When You’re 40 by Dido
This reflective tune is a great way to process the fact that some men will never get it.
37. Into the Unknown by Idina Menzel & AURORA
With adventurous melodies, this song captures the boldness it takes to step into uncharted territory and begin your next chapter of growth.
38. Castles (Sam Feldt Remix) by Freya Ridings
This remix turns Freya’s ballad of trauma recovery into a dance song. It’s about rebuilding yourself piece by piece—and celebrating the process.
39. Fight Song by Rachel Platten
An undeniably iconic anthem for overcoming adversity, this song helps reignite your inner fire and reminds you of your strength.
Songs About Healing From Trauma 40-59
40. Actually Happy by BLU EYES
This fresh, candid tune helps you reflect on how it feels to reach a place of true contentment after hardship—real and raw.
41. The Man by Taylor Swift
This bold and witty song challenges societal misogyny. It’s a great track for any women stepping into her power unapologetically.
42. Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s fierce anthem is a celebration of female empowerment and resilience. Perfect for reminding you that you’re unstoppable.
43. Born for This by Andy Grammer
This inspiring song motivates you to push through difficult times and remember you’re meant for greatness. Perfect for your revenge montage:).
44. Show Yourself by Idina Menzel & Evan Rachel Wood
Healing means stepping into your authenticity. This gentle ballad encourages self-exploration and acceptance.
45. Waiting On a Miracle by Stephanie Beatriz
This heartfelt track from Encanto captures the feeling of waiting for change and validation. It speaks to anyone who’s praying for a miracle, but feels unseen.
46. 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton
This classic celebrates women who’ve been exploited and victimized by men. One of the best songs about healing from trauma in the workplace.
47. Short Skirt/Long Jacket by CAKE
Quirky and empowering, this song outlines the way a healthy man would view an awesome, responsible woman.
48. That’s My Girl by Fifth Harmony
A powerful, uplifting track that reassures you that you’ve got this. It’s all about resilience and cheering yourself on, wherever you are in your healing process.
49. Me Too by Meghan Trainor
In a nutshell: whoever you are, the best person to be is YOU.
50. Bad Reputation by Joan Jett
Joan Jett’s unapologetic classic is about refusing to care what others think of you. It’s a great reminder to keep moving forward, even if others don’t understand your choices.
51. Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill
This fierce feminist anthem celebrates woman empowerment, community, and inner strength. It’s perfect for finding strength and community.
52. You Gotta Be by Des’ree
This soulful track highlights how ridiculous society’s expectations of women are. Ironically, you’re already all these things.
53. Raising Hell by Kesha feat. Big Freedia
A high-energy anthem that’s all about rejecting spiritual abuse.
54. She’d Say by Andy Grammer feat. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
A reminder to hold on to the wisdom of women who have come before you.
55. Invincible by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson delivers power and inspiration in this song, celebrating overcoming pain and trauma. A classic song about healing from trauma.
56. Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara
An emotional pop song that challenges societal beauty standards. So it’ll encourage you to embrace self-love and find beauty in being you.
57. Unpretty by TLC
This iconic track is about confronting insecurities and rejecting external pressures to look or act in a certain way. In fact a deeply impactful anthem for self-acceptance.
58. Most Girls by Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee delivers a message of unity and empowerment for women. Also it reinforces the idea that every woman’s path to healing and strength is valid.
59. What Else Can I Do by Diane Guerrero & Stephanie Beatriz
This upbeat track from Encanto reminds you to celebrate your talents and strengths. Additionally its hopeful message resonates with anyone looking to explore their potential.
Songs About Healing From Trauma 60-71
60. Love Myself by Andy Grammer
This uplifting tune focuses on prioritizing self-love and recognizing your own value. So it’s a great anthem for days you need a little encouragement.
61. I Belong to Me by Jessica Simpson
A gentle yet powerful reminder about self-belief and independence after difficulty or loss.
62. No Man Is Big Enough for My Arms by Ibeyi
This song draws from powerful historical speeches to inspire women to feel confident.
63. Bruises by Train feat. Ashley Monroe
A tender track about opening up about emotional scars to safe people.
64. All of You by Stephanie Beatriz, Olga Meredi, Encanto Cast
A beautiful song with uplifting lyrics lets you know you’re not alone. You have a community of women who know exactly what you’re going through.
65. Better Boat by Kenny Chesney feat. Mindy Smith
Also a song about learning and growing through life’s challenges, offering hope and encouragement for better moments ahead.
66. When I Get Where I’m Going by Brad Paisley feat. Dolly Parton
Since this heartfelt country track offers solace to anyone navigating trauma, it focuses on peace and hope for the future.
67. Best Is Yet To Come by Sheppard
A bright and optimistic track that reminds you there’s so much good waiting ahead.
68. Brighter Days by Emeli Sandé
This soulful song is one of the best songs about healing from trauma. Because it reminds us that even the hardest moments pass, and healing brings brighter days into focus.
69. Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato
Bold lyrics and powerful delivery remind you that setting boundaries and focusing on your own success is the best form of revenge.
70. I’d Rather Be Me by Auli’i Cravalho, Cast of Mean Girls
A great reminder to prioritize your well-being.
71. The Hardest Part by Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean’s heartfelt voice captures the pain of letting go and the courage it takes to move forward. So this track helps you find hope in moments of emotional struggle.
Bonus Track. Like Everyone She Knows by James Taylor
With its tender and poetic lyrics, this song serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty in vulnerability. Additionally it’s a comforting piece that lets you reflect, feel deeply, and heal at your own pace.
Healing Trauma Through Music
The stories told in these songs may or may not mirror your story. So take what you like and leave the rest. Healing from trauma means doing what’s right for YOU. Think a track fits this list I missed? Then comment below to share your recommendations!
If you need support, we’re here for you. Attend a Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Session TODAY.
Transcript: 71 Of The Best Songs About Healing From Trauma
Anne: It’s just me today. So I’m excited to share the Betrayal Trauma Recovery Music Playlist with you. Although this is my personal playlist. It’s 71 of the best songs about healing from trauma. I’ve made it available on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube. So the links are above, just click on the link and go directly to the playlist in your favorite music app.
Another way to get the links is to go to my website scroll to the bottom. There’s a form called join our community. Enter your email, and you’ll receive a link to this playlist. Eventually, it’s not the first email that goes out, but you can keep an eye out for it. So that’s another way to get this playlist.
So that’s the general feeling of the playlist. It is a long playlist. There’s like 40 hours of music, maybe, and so just take what you like and get rid of the rest. Only hold on to the songs that you enjoy.
Personal Music Preferences
Anne: So I interpret these songs my own way, with my experience, my viewpoint, and where I’m coming from. And so if any of these songs are offensive to anyone, I sincerely apologize. That was not my intent. And if that is the case, please skip over it. I would appreciate your grace. It’s not intended to offend anyone. I’m offering it as like a gift of love. So I appreciate your patience. I found listening to songs about healing from trauma really helped me.
Even If you’re like, this song is dumb. I’m kind of embarrassed, because I don’t know if all of you like dance music. I tend to gravitate more toward the sort of techno version of things. Because I like dancing, walking, and moving. I really love exercise. So, let me take you through why I chose some of these songs and why I put them in the order I did. So at almost the top of the playlist is a song called mad woman by Taylor Swift. I’m going to share some of the lyrics.
Songs For Different Emotions
Anne: So the chorus goes, “Every time you call me crazy, I get more crazy. What about that? And when you say I seem angry, I get more angry. There’s nothing like a mad woman. What a shame she went mad. No one likes a mad woman. You made her like that, and you poke that bear till her claws come out and you’ll find something to wrap your noose around.”
Basically, he’s trying to make her seem crazy, so people can say, yeah, she is crazy. See? That one’s good. Listening to songs about healing from trauma help us feel connected to others.
Rescue by Lauren Daigle is good when you’re feeling super sad and feel like you’re all alone. And if you’re a person of faith, that’s like, no one’s coming for you. So if you’re not a person of faith, if you’re agnostic or something, I want you to imagine that the universe or karma or something is coming.
Lauren Daigle’s song, Come Alive is the same. Lady Gaga’s song is called Million Reasons, and this one is fascinating. Because this one is, like, why we stayed so long. It’s like I have a million reasons to leave or set boundaries, but then you give me one good reason, and in this case it’s grooming. So you can see it both ways, like there’s one good reason to stay, that one’s something to think about.
An awesome cover of With or Without You, which I think is how we all felt at one point, right? You can’t live with them, but you can’t live without them, so what are we going to do?
Songs About Healing From Trauma: Empowering & Motivational Tracks
Anne: A song by Milck called Quiet really speaks to me. She’s like, I can’t stay quiet anymore. And I’m not sure if you’ve seen the Netflix show Moxie. But if you haven’t, watch Moxie, like, right now on Netflix. It is excellent, talking about misogyny. Besides I included some Encanto songs, Waiting on a Miracle and Surface Pressure. Waiting on a Miracle specifically speaks to me. Isn’t that what we’ve all been waiting for, right? Listening to songs about healing from trauma gives us hope.
Given that we’re praying, we’re waiting, we’re hoping. The lyrics at the end of that song say, I’m ready. Come on, I’m ready. Because I’ve been patient, steadfast and steady. Bless me now, as you blessed us all those years ago when you gave us a miracle. Am I too late for a miracle? I included the song Sister Suffragette from Mary Poppins. The Let It Go Bearson remix I listened to this song on repeat after my ex was arrested, and just trying to let it go.
And it helped me. It would be better if it was sung by a woman, obviously. And so think about that as you’re listening to this playlist. If it’s triggering for you to hear a man, sing it, then maybe skip it. The song, Say Something, I put that Pentatonics version on here.
It speaks to me, because after my ex’s arrest. I heard nothing. Like he didn’t try to resolve anything. He didn’t try to apologize. Thank goodness he did not groom, because I would have fallen for it for sure. I did not want to get divorced back then. So I felt like, say something, do something. Don’t you want to save your family?
Songs For Moving On
Anne: IDGAF, I did the clean version. That is a Dua Lipa song, and it’s just got a fun chorus. I love this section that says, “So I cut you off.”
Everybody loves the Kesha song Praying. I highly recommend it. I put the Oliver Nelson remix on here, so it’s a little peppier and a little more dancey. Upbeat songs about healing from trauma help lift us up. Taylor Swift’s We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.
Dido’s See You When You’re 40 is good as well. My favorite section of See You When You’re 40, she says. “So see you when you’re 40, lost and all alone, being comforted by strangers you’ll never need to know. Not sad because you lost me, but sad because you thought it was cool to be sad. You think misery will make you stand apart from the crowd? Well, if you had walked past me today, I wouldn’t have picked you out.”
Similarly Castles!, the Sam Feld remix by Freida Writings is about how after a breakup, she will build castles out of the rubble of what happened. Obviously good for motivating you.
Also Breadwinner by Kacey Musgraves always helps me feel like I did the right thing in moving forward. Actually Happy by Blue Eyes. It’s a way to describe maybe how you’re feeling happy in a situation that maybe you shouldn’t be feeling happy.
Songs For Self-Reflection
Anne: Lastly, this is toward the end of the playlist, where the songs turn to creating the life you want. There’s Show Yourself from Frozen, I put Short Skirt / Long Jacket in by Cake. I love this song. I love what it’s describing. So he’s got a crush on her, and she is just hardcore. She’s changing her name from Kitty to Karen, like she wants to be a Karen. Also she wants to like, say, hey, this is what’s going on. It is helpful to listen to songs about healing from trauma.
Because this is what needs to happen. She’s not like, Oh, you don’t want me to make plans. Also you don’t want me to be detail oriented. You know, like I am changing my name from Kitty to Karen. Additionally I’m trading my MG for a white Chrysler LeBaron trading in her sports car for a practical car.
I love the idea of he likes her. Because she is no nonsense. So, if you’re thinking, if I’m no nonsense, you know, no one will ever love me or appreciate me. Then listen to that song. It’ll help you. Me Too is super fun by Meghan Trainor. So it says, If I were you, I’d wanna be me too. And I don’t think she’s saying, If I were you, I’d wanna be Meghan Trainor.
I think she’s saying, If I were you, I’d wanna be myself. Obviously, all of us should wanna be ourselves. I put some kind of old school stuff in there, like Bad Reputation and Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill. Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill is in the movie Moxie. Lastly, at the end, there’s a song from Encanto called All of You. Then there’s a section that always makes me want to cry.
Songs About Healing From Trauma: Getting Help
Anne: I’m not sure if you’ve seen Encanto, but at the end, a bunch of people come to help them. So all the people are coming and they say, Lay down your load. Lay down your load. We are only down the road. We have no gifts, but we are many, and we’ll do anything for you. That part of that song, All of You, always hits home. Listening to songs about healing from trauma helps.
It still makes me cry and tear up, because there are people out there who want to help you. You can lay down your load. They are only down the road, and they might not have much to give, but they are many, and they’ll do anything for you. I know you might not know who they are right now, but there are people who love you and care about you.
Better Boat by Kenny Chesney, and When I Get Where I’m Going by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton. I don’t know if you’ll like this playlist. I have found music to be so, so, so healing. Moving has been helpful to me. Listening to music and moving my body. Getting out, going for walks, trying to move that trauma out through different means than just speaking, but actually stretching and shaking.
And there’s another song, it’s also by Kesha. It’s called Raising Hell, and it’s super good. It’s about wanting to do the right thing, but maybe in a way that people don’t approve of. And we know that some people setting boundaries and trying to get to safety is not something that many people approve. We’re making our way to safety.
So Many Songs Objectify Women
Anne: And another one is called The Best Is Yet to Come by Sheppard. I had a cool moment with my son. I was playing a song and it had this misogynistic theme, but I liked it.
And I said, “Oh, you got to hear the song. It’s so good.”
Then he said, “Mom, this song is terrible. It is objectifying women. Because It treats women like objects. Like, why are you listening to it?”
And I said, no, “That’s not what it’s about. In this case, it’s about this other thing.”
And he said, “Mom, it’s a metaphor. It might be about that other thing, but the thing it’s trying to teach is misogyny, Mom. This is not okay, and it’s unacceptable.”
I’m so proud of my son. I’m proud of men who recognize this kind of thing, and I’m grateful that he can recognize it and call me out on it. There are so many songs like that that have objectified women throughout the ages. We should listen to songs about healing from trauma.
The only thing he’s talking about is how beautiful she is, right? Or how in love he is, but not about her traits. That’s another reason I added that Short Skirt / Long Jacket song by Cake. I am 44 years old. I am not a teenager. So if you’re like, why is she into all these teeny bopper songs? I love pop music. Please forgive me if you think that’s lame.
Encouraging Comments & Feedback
Anne: In the event that there’s a song that has helped you, please scroll down to the bottom, and comment. Please comment about the songs about healing from trauma that have helped you. If a song does not help you, you could also comment there. Kindly please say, hey, I’m glad Anne found this song helpful. However, I do not find it helpful because of this, this, and this. And maybe you can point out some things about it that are helpful or great.
Maybe people would like to hear some commentary. It would be fun to have some comments going back and forth. So again, if you’re interested in getting this playlist, click on one of the links above. If enough people click on that and listen to it, they may make it public right now.
It’s not public. You have to get it with a link, but hopefully eventually it will be public. If people search for the words, betrayal, trauma, or infidelity or something, this list will come up. They won’t only find the playlist, which was helpful for me. And it could be helpful for other people. They’ll not only find the playlist, but also find this podcast and find us.
Thank you so much for all your support through the years. I’ve recognized lately how happy I am and how different I feel than I have felt in the past. And I’m grateful to be in this space. I’m so grateful to feel like, wow, my life turned out amazing. And I’m so thankful for all that I went through. I’m grateful for my kids and my job. I never would have had the opportunity had I not been married to an abuser, been through that experience.
Songs About Healing From Trauma: Living Free Strategies & Support
Anne: Also the experience of post separation, post divorce abuse. Sharing children with that same abuser and not able to get away. The strategies I learned that I later put in The Betrayal Trauma Recovery Living Free Workshop absolutely changed my life. And enabled me to live the free, peaceful life that I live now. So many things have changed. for me. There is hope for you.
In fact, there’s light at the end of the tunnel with the Living Free strategies, and with support from our coaches in The Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Sessions or Betrayal Trauma Recovery Individual Sessions, you can get there. And one day you might look out the window like I did, and be, wow, color. The sky is blue and the trees are green. I didn’t realize that I lived in this muted world before.
The reason why I put all the instructions on every episode, some of you have been like, there’s too many instructions about Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Sessions and stuff is because some people only listen to one episode. They don’t listen to a bunch of them. And so they only hear that once.
Help Is Available
Anne: Because I want them to know that we have support available. We love you. We care. So we made the most accessible group sessions in the world. There are multiple sessions a day. Additionally our coaches are well trained, amazing, and ready to help you. It wasn’t because I wanted to annoy everyone to death. It was because I wanted to make sure that everybody knew the resources that we have available.
Both on our website and on Amazon with my book Trauma Mama Husband Drama, all the resources available. So I appreciate those who listen to episode after episode, and you find it redundant. I appreciate you being patient with that for women who are new or women who only listen to one episode.
In fact, you’re amazing. I’m so honored to spend this time with you, to continue to interview you, and listen to your stories. Talking today about songs about healing from trauma. And think back about when I felt that pain, and also so grateful not to feel it anymore. It’s a miracle. And that miracle is waiting for you too.
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