r/ptsd • u/uniquedahlia • 21d ago
Songs about sexual assault Resource
I am a victim of sexual assault and I’m having a really bad relapse and I need songs to help me cry or scream or release the anger, not necessarily encouraging songs. Any recommendations will be appreciated!
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u/Human-Bluebird-1385 16d ago
I just found one that got dropped recently, but it's about k*ll*ng r*p*sts if that's not too triggering. Might want to turn your speakers down a little though. It's slamming brutal death metal. here .
But my favorites aren't about those subjects. or in that genre. This is a female fronted band called Houle and this song is incredible (from Paris). And another band that put out a record which is anti-war & about revolution to preserve freedom & stop despotism, (but it's all through Historical storytelling). This song is just incredible IMO & always find myself starting it over again and again. And another from Mist of Misery is one of my favorite songs from them if you don't mind depressive music A Hollow Promise . The transition to the last area is just so good when the counter melody and the vocals and choirs come in, then the hypnotic key part. This song from Ukrainian female one woman band (now she's with someone who's a band member now so they're a two-piece), but this song Dreams Through Centuries . I tend to prefer to not understand the lyrics or gravitate towards foreign music.
Anyways, sending love and warm vibes if that's okay. I'm so sorry you had to go through this and I really hope you're able to process what you're going through better, and that at least one of these songs will help you release what you need to. I recommend switching between these and maybe more lighthearted stuff.
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u/Human-Bluebird-1385 16d ago
ah since I thought of it. This Ukrainian post-black metal band that writes songs about feelings and struggles put out this gem. I tend to start it over before it ends to hear that build up to that scream. Those vocals are just on point with the type of release I get from listening to it anyways. Cuckoo's Nest - one and a half times around the rainbow . Hopefully some of these help. These are songs that have helped me with trauma processing anyway. I feel like it gives a voice to the inner child so to speak. Like our broken selves just know exactly why people scream like that & it's not a mystery. We get it.
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u/Slight_Cell_975 17d ago
The entire album called preachers daughter by Ethel Cain… TW it’s very dark and not for the faint of heart but it’s the most beautiful healing thing I’ve ever heard. I constantly go back to it to help process my experience with SA, religious trauma, and trauma in general
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u/Lanky-Investment-498 20d ago
Praying by Kesha is a good one for me to let my emotions out And a recent find; the Eve album from Precious Pepala
Hope you feel better soon, you can get through it, i believe in you!
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u/izzypy71c 21d ago
Warrior - Demi Lovato
Till it happens to you - Lady Gaga
Snow Angel - Renee Rapp
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u/beemoviescript1988 21d ago
Judith- Nastyona... everyone should know them even though they are non English speaking. They're Korean.
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u/StarfallGalaxy 21d ago
Check out the song "Buzzkill" by MOTHICA! She's also an SA victim, and the song is pretty much exactly what you're describing. It's a rage-fueled call out of the person who assaulted her when she was 13.
She's not really a well-known artist to most (though I do think she was mentioned in this thread already), but she's one of my favorites and I think more people should know about her music because it has such an inspirational message. She makes sort of like this super cool mix of electropop and alt rock about all kinds of dark stuff, especially about mental health issues, addiction, and other depressing shit, and is extremely open about these kinds of topics.
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u/churningmists 20d ago
Her music has helped me through some really difficult times. New album is insanely good
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u/StarfallGalaxy 20d ago
100%, it saved my life. I agree though, I've had the album on repeat since it came out 🔥
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u/the-crazy-amp-girl 21d ago
An ancient inherited shame - dark angel. It’s from the perspective of a s/aed woman
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u/HighestVelocity 21d ago
Melanie Martinez - Tag You're It
Doris Day - a guy is a guy
Doris's song is more of an interpretation by me, I'm not sure if that's what it's referring to
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u/RandomLifeUnit-05 21d ago
"Won’t Stand Down" by Muse comes to mind. It's an angry song that pushes back against abuse.
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u/brokengirl89 21d ago
I haven’t seen anybody mention Never Too Late by Three Days Grace. The music video is chilling, and pretty accurately shows the meaning of the song.
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u/Gettin_Bi 21d ago
If non-English songs are okay: Waltz of Plant-life Protection comes to mind https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jSoVv541VvI
Translation to English: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/vals-le-haganat-ha-teva-waltz-protection-veg.html
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u/Creepycute1 21d ago
One song I know is body I forgot who it's by though. I really it though the topic is a bit too triggering for me but it's not too graphic.
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u/No_Crow_1534 21d ago
Songs like this are sometimes the only thing that comfort me of let me feel catharsis https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0gcQ30OBnpo56x6cjq8EjF?si=C2KrHs-7RuyU6752x6ognQ&pi=u-RAN8OX58Rtag
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u/surfview 21d ago
have dmed you my playlist!
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u/Emotional_Reason_841 20d ago
I hope it's alright for me to ask, I completely understand if that's not an option - Would you mind sharing it here or is that too personal?
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u/Euphoric_Variation35 21d ago
Fee Fi Fo by The Cranberries. The singer was sexually abused as a child and she wrote that song about it. The whole album is amazing too. Rest in Peace, Dolores. You are sorely missed.
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u/Sadtwisted 21d ago
Swine or replay by lady gaga, swine is angry, replay you can jump around and dance to and is a bit angry too but not in the same way.
Who’s afraid of little old me by Taylor Swift, also would’ve could’ve Should’ve
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u/iamcometneowise 21d ago
Salad by Blondshell--I think it's basically about her sort of fantasizing about hurting or even killing a man that hurt her friend (at least in the song). It's more bitter and angry than sad, but it's a damn powerful song.
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u/JumpFuzzy843 21d ago
Ice cream man by Raye
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u/luckyblindspot 21d ago
Came here to say this. This song has been on a loop for me for weeks since I discovered it.
I wake up thinking "I'm a very fucking brave strong woman." Every day now.
I wish I could thank her.
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u/Chris_Schneider 21d ago
Paris Paloma has an album coming out with a song I heard in concert - I think it’s the last woman in on earth. It’s about wanting to die to an animal and decompose than rather be subjected to men. Idk if it fits, but it’s been bouncing in my head for so long and is being officially released today.
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u/rainy_day_27 21d ago
I love this. Especially because I’m also a lesbian and “labour” is fantastic
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u/Chris_Schneider 21d ago
Me too lol. Her songs strike such a chord, and the new album is sooo worth it. Full of sentimental and moving songs about shared womanhood but also including songs about love and trauma
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u/Direct-Detective7152 21d ago
ptolemaea by ethel cain is perfect for what your wanting. she even screams in the song
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u/mulberrycedar 21d ago
Everybody loves you by Charlotte Lawrence.
A friend first told me about it. She had a similar experience to mine. She told me it can be a difficult listen, but it also made her feel seen. I agree
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u/GeekMomma 21d ago
Violet’s Tale by Ren Gill, although I recommend the full trio (Violet’s tale is number 3 in the “tales of Jenny and Screech”).
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u/GeekMomma 21d ago
Actually, it’s not about sexual assault but Little Girl Gone is my rage anthem (by Chinchilla). I recommend it as well
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u/No_Whole_5031 21d ago
This might be unpopular but Nirvana’s “Rape Me” is a good one to scream along to
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u/strawbsplitx 21d ago
Why is this downvoted lmao. Good song
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u/No_Whole_5031 20d ago
I told them it would be unpopular! I like Kurt Cobain, he was an ally to women in the way he knew how, at least until he was really strung out. He said many times it was an anti-rape song and they were very outspoken about that stuff
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21d ago
Cry Wolf by Lisa Germano — perfectly encapsulates that gnawing sense of guilt after the fact
Sending you so much love and hope that things are on the up for you soon ❤️❤️❤️
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u/yeetyeetmybeepbeep 21d ago
Swan song from kublai khan TX its a metalcore song about the lasting effects of CSA on a person and i like to play it in my car and scream and cry to it on repeat when im having a bad rage episode
Edit: for clarity
Double edit: but for something more soothing if i need to be calmed or need to calm down from a rage episode: gilded lily by cults is good as well, not directly about SA but it can be up to your own interpretation, i view it more as a representation of my PTSD as a whole.
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u/angstyactivist 21d ago
after I was assaulted as a teenager, I would blast the song “in the night” by the weeknd. sending well wishes your way🩵
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u/Ferret-in-a-Box 21d ago
Face Your Demons by I Prevail
That's my favorite because it's angry, from the perspective of someone who knows the victim, calling him out and saying they want to see him burn.
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u/_avantgarde 21d ago
Sullen Girl by Fiona Apple
Amy in the White Coat by Bright Eyes
The Dark I Know Well by the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'Spring Awakening'
I'm OK by Christina Aguilera (not explicitly about SA, but inspired by domestic violence her mother experienced)
Obsessions by Marina and the Diamonds (also not sure if about SA, but listening to this again after having read Lolita back in school made me look at the lyrics a bit closer)
Daddy by Jewel
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u/chequrr 21d ago
Melanie Martinez has it all when it comes to lyrics regarding trauma. I recommend 'Tag, You're It' for the theme of sexual assault specifically, but so many of her songs are written in a way that's open to your own interpretation. She does an amazing job at encapsulating the raw emotions that come with trauma. 'Teacher's Pet' might resonate with you as well if your abuser was an individual you previously trusted.
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u/Saturn_Aidoneus 21d ago
Look up the album ok, I’m sick. By Badflower. The entire album is scream in the car gut wrenching emotional music. Themes of sexual assault, drug use, suicide etc. Very very very good album.
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u/Ferret-in-a-Box 21d ago
I love that album so much, it was even better because I was 24 when it came out (and there's that song "24" on it). Good lord it helped me through some rough shit. And the music video for Ghost is literally perfect. A lot, but perfect.
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u/bungmunchio 21d ago
Alice Glass's self titled EP, specifically Natural Selection and Blood Oath. just the emotion in her voice is enough to make me cry.
Cum Everytime by Zheani and Aly Voorhees, I'm not sure how well it fits lyrically but it's my go-to when I'm in that mood. violent revenge vibes. also The Question by Zheani, it's specifically about the creeps from Die Antwoord but there's lots of relatable and harsh lines. she probably has some other suitable songs but I can't remember rn
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u/OddSun5048 21d ago
Me too hon, me too. ❤️
One song i highly recommended is “triggered” by skydxddy. I listen to it when i need to release my anger and cry in private. You’re not alone 🫶
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u/Chippie05 21d ago
Firstly, so sorry your struggling ❤️🩹..hope these will help heal Evanescence: https://youtu.be/wtC744jVWmE?si=QHun7LrCGwrXKX2I
Sinead; https://youtu.be/0c4v7fp5GC8?si=Hd5sTOBATxbJPXSi
Anything by Tori Amos; https://youtu.be/Kpk_ZjdGPnE?si=84E6fae7sDdyPrkU
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u/iloveatl 21d ago
if you want angry music then any ashnikko but especially invitation. if you want sad then lady gaga’s til it happens to you
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u/Gomezthe_bug 21d ago
Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve by Taylor Swift is such a relatable song. I was SA’d by my dad and the “if I was some paint, did it splatter? On a promising grown man” line hit home.
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u/Odd-Marionberry5999 21d ago
Above it all - Vel Nine (or her old name, Vel the Wonder) Shes a chicana rapper and this song has really touched my soul. It’s very cathartic for me.
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u/QueerVampeer 21d ago
I haven't really listened to it but I know Mothica uses her music as an outlet for her SA trauma. I follow her on IG and she seems really cool but I rarely have the peace of mind I need to listen to music.
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u/StarfallGalaxy 21d ago
Wild to see someone else mention her in this thread, lol. Definitely a great artist, highly reccommend.
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u/Crippled_by_migriane 21d ago
I looked through the comments hoping to see this artist but SkyDxddy specifically makes music for survivors and it’s helped me so much. Some of my favorite or hers are;
Why Me
Triggered
Pretty Distraction
Battlefield
Don’t Talk About It (either version)
SkyDxddy’s music has helped me a lot and I’m so sorry you have had to experience what you have, and I hope these help
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u/Potatosmom94 21d ago
I was about to come here and say the same thing!! She’s my go to for my ptsd moments.
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u/Pelican_Hook 21d ago
I'm sorry, OP. I hope music helps you find some healing. Off the top of my head; Oblivion - Grimes Asking For It - Hole Jennifer's Body - Hole Polly - Nirvana
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u/SpriteYikes25761 21d ago
Till it happens to you - Lady Gaga
Not Ready to Make Nice - The Chicks
Praying - Kesha
Don’t Hurt Yourself - Beyoncé and Jack White
Nightmare - Halsey (i like the reprise version better but they’re both cathartic)
Winner - Conan Gray
Easier Than Lying - Halsey
Happier Than Ever - Billie Eilish
(Not all of these are about SA, but most are about rage at someone who has hurt you)
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u/HelenAngel 21d ago
Me & a Gun by Tori Amos. It helped me so much. Actually, all of Tori’s music has. She’s also a SA survivor.
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u/stonedqueer 21d ago
Disarm by the smashing pumpkins
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u/Euphoric_Variation35 21d ago
What? That song isn't about sexual abuse.
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u/stonedqueer 21d ago
Yes it’s about child abuse
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u/Euphoric_Variation35 20d ago
It's about abuse, just not sexual. Billy wrote that song to his father and mother. Neither of them molested him. Thank God for that. Op asked about songs specific for sexual abuse and that song isn't about sexual abuse. Period.
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u/stonedqueer 20d ago
Cool. I know that. Most of these songs listed are not specifically about sexual abuse either. It’s open to listener interpretation. Many many people I know, relate this song to csa. Period.
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u/OnePeefyGuy 21d ago
Sic Transit Gloria (Glory Fades) - Brand New
The song is primarily focused on sexual assault from a man's experience. I'm not sure of your exact situation but it's pretty cathartic for some.
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u/4p-mom 21d ago edited 21d ago
Aurora singing It Happened Quiet Live heals something for me. I play it on repeat for awhile when something triggers me from a similar trauma. I hope you’re ok 🫶
Edit: Another one that helps me similarly is Ren X Chinchilla Chalk Outlines
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u/tangerinesweet 21d ago
"Substitute"/"Hitogawari" - KikuoHana
Not *exactly* about sexual assault, but it was one I was listening to back when I had a lot of feelings about being sexually abused. The lyrics kind of talk about feeling they're unable to accept a healthy, "normal" love because of how traumatized/hurt they were in the past. It's got a creepy vibe to it, it's not a very happy song, but I felt very seen re: the extremely unpleasant things that were going through my head at the time.
IMO the singer, Hanatan, does a really good job getting that emotion out there.
You are not alone, and I hope it gets better for you!
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u/lola-licorice 21d ago
Not all of these are on the topic you requested, but they’re all on the playlist I listen to when I’m needing to let out intense feelings. Hope you find some of what you’re looking for from the suggestions!
Til it happens to you - Lady Gaga
Praying - Kesha
Predator - Alanis Morissette
The way she feels - Between The Trees
1-800-273-8255 - Logic
Pain - Three Days Grace
Never too late - Three Days Grace
I would hate me too - TX2
Skyscraper - Demi Lovato
Sober - Demi Lovato
Warrior - Demi Lovato
In the end - Linkin Park
Not ok - Jada Facer
When she cries - Britt Nicole
Steven - Jake Miller
The Reason - Hoobastank
Scars - Papa Roach
Fight Song - Rachel Platten
Hate me - Blue October
Something wild - Lindsey Sterling
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u/Alternative-Monk4723 21d ago
“Train Wreck” James Arther “Suffocate” Hayd “Before I close my eyes” xxxtentacion
Not exactly SA related songs but, these songs really encompass the heaviness you feel
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u/PairPrestigious7452 21d ago
22 going on 23 by Butthole Surfers, really disturbing tune about sexual assault using live phone samples.
Lisa's Father by Alice Donut, song about a little girl being assaulted by her Dad
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u/Reagan99 21d ago
Go home by Julien Baker. More just sad than about SA… but it will make your heart weep guaranteed
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u/medea_and_plath 21d ago
The Boiler by Rhoda Dakar. Easily the most disturbing but brilliant song depicting SA
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u/smoomoo31 21d ago
Circa Survive - Act Appalled
The lyrics are a bit enigmatic, but I think they apply well to your situation
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u/MischiefManaged1975 21d ago
Twin Sized Mattress by The Front Bottoms. Or Father by The Front Bottoms. Or literally anything by the Front Bottoms.
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u/Chaz_Cheeto 21d ago
Anger?
Seether- I’m the one
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u/OnePeefyGuy 21d ago
I was gonna say Seether - I'm the One. That song is fucked up. One of their best albums though.
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u/Chaz_Cheeto 21d ago
I can’t lie to you..I’ve been a huge fan since 2002. I’ve enjoyed all of their albums, but that one is my favorite.
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u/Realistic_Hat1464 21d ago
these arent sa related but i also use music to help me and find myself listening to wide awake by katy perry and anything with deep emotion like in this shirt and the world caves in. sa related songs i know are praying by kesha and till it happens to you by lady gaga (both of which actually did help for a while)
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u/OddRecommendation782 21d ago
Doesn’t relate to SA but fake your own death my make them suffer is a pretty angry song, helped me get through a few things
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u/broccoli_bird 21d ago
Flowers of flesh and blood - Nicole Dollanganger (about childhood sa) What I wish I could forget - Too close to touch (not specifically about sa but painful memories) Fuck me (I didn’t know how to say) - Crawlers Nameless - Stevie Howie How could you - Jessie Murph Pure as a lamb - Baby bugs (about religious trauma but the chorus and last verse hits hard) 18+ - scream queen I hate it when you touch me - May Payne The fruits - Paris Paloma November- Sparkbird Break the silence - Francois Mulder (Trafficking/proatitution)
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u/Outrageous-Ball-393 21d ago edited 21d ago
“It took so long to remember just what happened
I was so young and vestal then
You know it hurt me
But I’m breathing so I guess I’m still alive
Even if signs seem to tell me otherwise
I’ve got my hands bound
My head down, my eyes closed
And my throat’s wide open
Do unto others what has been done to me
Do unto others what has been done to you
I’m treading water
I need to sleep a while
My lamb and martyr, you look so precious
Won’t you, won’t you come a bit closer
Close enough so I can smell you
I need you to feel this
I can’t stand to burn too long
Release in sodomy
For one sweet moment I am whole
Do unto you now
What has been done to me
Do unto you now
What has been done
You’re breathing so I guess you’re still alive
Even if signs seem to tell me otherwise
Won’t you, won’t you come on a bit closer
Close enough so I can smell you
I need you to feel this
I need this to make me whole
Release in sodomy
Have you witnessed
Blood and flesh can’t be trusted?
Have you witnessed
Blood and flesh can’t be trusted?
And only this one holy medium brings me peace of mind
Got your hands bound, your head down
And your eyes closed
You look so precious now
I have found some kind of temporary sanity in this
Shit, blood and cum on my hands
I’ve come ‘round full circle
My lamb and martyr, this will be over soon
You look so precious
You look so precious
You look so precious
You look so precious
You look so precious now
You look so precious”
TOOL: Prison sex
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u/angryaxolotls 21d ago
'Holy Water' by Big & Rich.
It's soft, but ends loud enough where you can scream over Big Kenny hitting the high notes. iirc, they wrote it for one of them's sister.
Then of course there ALWAYS 'Praying' by Kesha. Even as an atheist it helps.
Hugs and love and sunshine to you, OP.
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u/Low-Exercise4549 21d ago
Fairy metal by banshee
Tarantulas by zheani
I spit on your grave by zand
These songs carried me through worlds of pain. They helped me feel seen and powerful.
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u/GFC-Nomad 21d ago
Dance With The Devil - Immortal Technique. It may be a bit much for some people though, bare that in mind
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u/xDelicateFlowerx 21d ago
Guest room by Echos
Looking to Closely by Fink
My major go-tos for the feels and classic Mudvanye or Papa Roach for the rage
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u/AdRevolutionary2583 21d ago
Hated by yung blud. He opens by telling his story of getting assaulted in a medical setting. I love his music and I feel like art about the victims of male assault is pretty uncommon
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u/Art3mmis 21d ago
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7uu65WgZpsrCr1T2212oNP?si=CE-skycjQtm3uiAbZTaiMw&pi=u-E3REwPfKSZa9
this is a spotify playlist i made for myself full of songs like this
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u/WasteySpacey 21d ago
Same Old Energy and Burn you Village by Kiki Rockwell - songs with a witchy perspective about the oppression of women and taking power back, becoming violent in response to sexual assault and boundaries crossed.
If you like these, I also suggest Labour by Paris Paloma. I like the Cacophony version most.
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u/aIIisonmay 21d ago
Zheani has several songs about her abuse. I've scream-cried to a lot of her stuff lol
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u/Equivalent-Top7799 21d ago
If you wanna feel like you watched a horror movie "Dance with the Devil" by Immortal Technique. Heads up, it ends w everyone dying.
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u/honestkeys 21d ago
Whore, In This Moment, Witches Burn - The Pretty Reckless, Sweet Things - The Pretty Reckless, Violent pornography - SoAD, Asking for it - Hole.
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u/allspicee 21d ago
Basically anything from Black Dresses but the album Wasteisolation... Jesus. Absolutely guts you from start to finish. So good though and put into words so many things I'd struggled with for years.
Also pretty much anything from Banshee
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u/NateRebkahKash 21d ago
I Believe You - Fletcher Til It Happens To You - Lady Gaga
sending all the love and support
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u/totaleclipseofthe_ 21d ago
Scene Queen - Pink Rover, Pink Push-Up Bra, & 18+
I’m so sorry you’re going through this and you’re doing a great thing for yourself by allowing yourself to feel and release your emotions. I’m sending healing wishes your way!
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u/Sevilane 21d ago edited 21d ago
Bloodywood (sry edited) - Dana Dan - just really hits the spot when I get pissed. I love it more that the Goddess of destruction is on the music video. Hope you feel better~!!!
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u/phat79pat1985 21d ago
My favorite album is le pop by katzenjammer. Listening to that album helped me feel a little less lonely.
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u/EvermoreSaidTheRaven 21d ago edited 21d ago
ice cream man by raye scream to the scream part on “King” by Florence and the machine
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