Being tired or exhausted is a universal feeling that many people can relate to, regardless of age, culture, or background. Whether it’s due to physical exertion, emotional stress, or mental fatigue, the sensation of being drained and depleted can be a challenging and draining experience. In music, this theme has been explored in various genres and styles, from blues and folk to rock and electronic music. The songs about being tired or exhausted often feature introspective and relatable lyrics, with artists capturing the essence of the human experience in a profound and memorable way. In this collection of the 15 best songs about being tired or exhausted, we’ll explore some of the most iconic and powerful tracks that deal with this theme. From classic blues and soul tracks to modern indie and alternative rock, these songs offer a glimpse into the emotional and psychological struggles of the human condition, and provide comfort and solace to those who may be feeling overwhelmed or drained.
1.I’m So Tired – The Beatles
“I’m So Tired” is a song by the iconic British rock band, The Beatles, and was released on their self-titled 1968 album, also known as the “White Album”. The song is a melancholic reflection on the feeling of exhaustion and frustration in a relationship, as John Lennon’s lyrics express a sense of longing for escape from the emotional turmoil he’s experiencing. The track features a stripped-down, bluesy sound, with Lennon’s raw and emotional vocals leading the way. Overall, “I’m So Tired” is a poignant and relatable depiction of the emotional toll of a troubled relationship, and showcases The Beatles’ versatility in both musical style and emotional range.
2.I’m Tired I’m Tired I’m Tired – Marva Whitney
“I’m Tired I’m Tired I’m Tired” is a soulful and powerful song by American funk and soul singer, Marva Whitney. Released in 1969, the track features Whitney’s commanding vocals and a grooving rhythm section, creating an infectious and high-energy feel. The song’s lyrics express a sense of weariness and frustration, both in the personal struggles of the singer and in the broader context of social and political unrest at the time. Whitney’s passionate delivery adds to the sense of urgency and importance in her message, making “I’m Tired I’m Tired I’m Tired” a standout track in her discography and in the history of soul music.
3.Working in a Coal Mine – Lee Dorsey
“Working in a Coal Mine” is a classic R&B song by American singer Lee Dorsey, released in 1966. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and lively horn section, providing a stark contrast to the song’s lyrics about the physical and emotional toll of working in a coal mine. Dorsey’s distinctive, soulful vocals add a layer of emotion to the track, effectively conveying the sense of exhaustion and frustration experienced by coal miners. “Working in a Coal Mine” has since become an iconic anthem for the working class, speaking to the struggles and hardships of manual labor and the resilience of those who endure it.
4.Half a World Away – R.E.M.
“Half a World Away” is a contemplative and haunting song by American alternative rock band R.E.M., featured on their 1991 album “Out of Time”. The track features a simple, acoustic guitar-driven melody and Michael Stipe’s tender vocals, conveying a sense of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics describe a feeling of disconnection and distance, both physical and emotional, from someone or something that was once close. The song’s understated arrangement and melancholic tone create a dreamlike atmosphere, making “Half a World Away” a poignant and reflective ballad that speaks to the universal themes of loss and longing.
5.Tired Eyes – Neil Young
“Tired Eyes” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young, featured on his 1975 album “Tonight’s the Night”. The track has a gritty, raw sound that matches the album’s theme of mourning and reflection after the loss of two close friends. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman struggling with addiction, conveying a sense of hopelessness and despair. Young’s haunting vocals and the song’s sparse instrumentation, consisting of acoustic guitar and harmonica, create an eerie and somber atmosphere that captures the song’s dark subject matter. “Tired Eyes” is a powerful and emotionally charged song that showcases Young’s raw and uncompromising approach to songwriting.
6.All the Tired Horses – Bob Dylan
“All the Tired Horses” is a unique and ethereal instrumental track by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on his 1970 album “Self Portrait”. The song features a soothing melody played on a mellotron, an electronic keyboard instrument, accompanied by a chorus of female backing vocals singing the song’s title. The overall effect is a dreamy, atmospheric sound that evokes a sense of tranquility and introspection. Although it is one of Dylan’s lesser-known tracks, “All the Tired Horses” is a beautiful and meditative piece that highlights Dylan’s versatility as a musician and his willingness to experiment with new sounds and approaches to his art.
7.Exhausted – Foo Fighters
“Exhausted” is the debut single by American rock band Foo Fighters, released in 1995. The track features a dynamic, guitar-driven sound and Dave Grohl’s intense and emotional vocals. The lyrics express a sense of frustration and weariness, with lines such as “I’m not scared / I’m just exhausted”, conveying a feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion. The song’s explosive chorus and driving rhythm section create a powerful energy, making “Exhausted” a standout track and an early indication of the Foo Fighters’ potential as a major force in the rock world. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s raw and unapologetic approach to their music.
8.Don’t Get Weary Joe Frazier – I Roy
“Don’t Get Weary Joe Frazier” is a classic reggae track by Jamaican deejay I Roy, released in 1973. The song pays tribute to the legendary boxer Joe Frazier, with I Roy’s rhythmic vocal style providing a lively and energetic performance. The lyrics describe Frazier’s perseverance and determination in the face of adversity, emphasizing his fighting spirit and dedication to his craft. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody, accompanied by a grooving rhythm section and brass section, make “Don’t Get Weary Joe Frazier” a fun and engaging track that showcases I Roy’s talent as a reggae artist and his appreciation for Frazier’s achievements in the ring.
9.Never as Tired as When I’m Waking Up – LCD Soundsystem
“Never as Tired as When I’m Waking Up” is an introspective and moody song by American electronic rock band LCD Soundsystem, released in 2005. The track features a haunting, synth-driven melody and James Murphy’s melancholic and introspective lyrics, which reflect on the passage of time and the struggles of growing older. The song’s title, “Never as Tired as When I’m Waking Up”, is a powerful metaphor for the sense of weariness and disillusionment that can accompany the dawning of a new day. The song’s introspective and introspective nature, combined with its dark and brooding sound, make it a standout track in the band’s discography.
10.Just Ain’t Easy – Allman Brothers Band
“Just Ain’t Easy” is a soulful and bluesy track by American rock band The Allman Brothers Band, featured on their 1979 album “Enlightened Rogues”. The song features a smooth and laid-back melody, led by Gregg Allman’s soulful vocals and the band’s signature dual guitar interplay. The lyrics describe the struggles of maintaining a relationship, with lines like “lovin’ you, darlin’, just ain’t easy”. The song’s mellow groove and emotional depth create a bittersweet and introspective mood, making “Just Ain’t Easy” a poignant and timeless ballad that showcases The Allman Brothers Band’s ability to blend rock, blues, and soul into a unique and captivating sound.
11.Daysleeper – R.E.M.
“Daysleeper” is a dreamy and introspective song by American rock band R.E.M., released in 1998 on their album “Up”. The track features a soothing, melancholic melody and Michael Stipe’s emotive vocals, which convey a sense of weariness and resignation. The lyrics describe the experience of working a night shift and struggling to adjust to a nocturnal schedule, with lines like “the sun is out, I’m workin'”. The song’s atmospheric and subdued sound, combined with its introspective and relatable lyrics, make “Daysleeper” a standout track in R.E.M.’s catalog and a powerful reflection on the struggles of modern life.
12.Venus in Furs – The Velvet Underground
“Venus in Furs” is a dark and haunting track by American rock band The Velvet Underground, featured on their 1967 album “The Velvet Underground & Nico”. The song features a mesmerizing and disorienting melody, led by John Cale’s eerie viola and Lou Reed’s droning vocals. The lyrics, inspired by the 1870 novel of the same name by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, describe a twisted and masochistic relationship, with lines like “I am tired, I am weary / I could sleep for a thousand years”. The song’s hypnotic and unsettling sound, combined with its taboo subject matter, make “Venus in Furs” a defining and influential track in the history of experimental rock.
13.Perth – Beirut
“Perth” is a lively and dynamic track by American band Beirut, released in 2011 on their album “The Rip Tide”. The song features a driving, up-tempo rhythm and an infectious brass section, with a soaring trumpet melody at its core. The lyrics, delivered in the distinctive vocal style of frontman Zach Condon, describe the experience of being lost in a foreign city, with lines like “perth, the windswept expanse, just you and the artist / living in a movie they’ve rehearsed”. The song’s energetic and vibrant sound, combined with its romantic and adventurous lyrics, make “Perth” a memorable and uplifting track that captures the essence of Beirut’s unique musical style.
14.Going Down Slow – Champion Jack Dupree
“Going Down Slow” is a classic blues track by American blues pianist Champion Jack Dupree, first recorded in 1941. The song features a steady and soulful rhythm, led by Dupree’s emotive piano playing and gritty vocals. The lyrics describe the experience of facing death and reflecting on one’s life, with lines like “I’ve had my fun, if I don’t get well no more”. The song’s slow and melancholic sound, combined with its poignant and introspective lyrics, make “Going Down Slow” a powerful and timeless meditation on the human experience and the inevitability of mortality.
15.That Lucky Old Sun – Frankie Laine
“That Lucky Old Sun” is a classic pop standard, first recorded by Frankie Laine in 1949. The song features a lush and sentimental melody, led by Laine’s smooth and emotive vocals. The lyrics describe the experience of a tired and overworked man, with lines like “up in the mornin’, out on the job / work like the devil for my pay”. The song’s nostalgic and romantic sound, combined with its relatable and heartfelt lyrics, make “That Lucky Old Sun” a timeless and beloved classic that has been covered by many artists throughout the years.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
