Haters are a ubiquitous part of life. Whether it’s in our personal relationships or in the public sphere, we all encounter people who seem to have it in for us. The good news is that we’re not alone, and there’s a long tradition of musicians who have written songs about dealing with haters. From classic diss tracks to more introspective meditations on the nature of hatred, these songs provide comfort, catharsis, and inspiration to those of us who are struggling with people who seem determined to bring us down. Whether you’re looking for something to blast in your headphones as you walk down the street, or something to listen to as you contemplate your place in the world, there’s a Top 20 songs about haters that’s right for you. So sit back, put on your headphones, and let the music help you deal with the haters in your life.
1. “Mean” by Taylor Swift
“Mean” is a song by Taylor Swift, from her album “Speak Now.” The song is a power ballad that addresses haters and critics who have tried to bring Swift down. With lyrics like “You, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me,” Swift sings about standing up to bullies and refusing to let their mean words bring her down. The song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus contrast with the serious subject matter, making it a standout track that resonates with listeners. “Mean” has become a popular anthem for those dealing with haters, and its message of self-empowerment has inspired countless fans around the world.
2. “Don’t You Just Hate Those People” by Jennette McCurdy
“Don’t You Just Hate Those People” is a song by actress and singer Jennette McCurdy. The song is a humorous take on the topic of dealing with haters, with lyrics that poke fun at the people who try to bring others down. McCurdy sings about the various types of haters, from the mean girls at school to the negative comments on social media. With a catchy pop beat and an upbeat melody, “Don’t You Just Hate Those People” is a lighthearted way to deal with the negativity that can sometimes be a part of life. The song encourages listeners to rise above the hate and to focus on their own happiness, rather than letting others bring them down. It’s a fun and uplifting tune that’s perfect for anyone who needs a boost of confidence.
3. “***Flawless” by Beyoncé
“***Flawless” is a song by Beyoncé, from her self-titled album “Beyoncé.” The song is a celebration of female empowerment and self-confidence, with lyrics that address haters and naysayers who try to bring women down. With a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, “***Flawless” features a sample from a TEDx talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in which she discusses the dangers of a single story. Beyoncé sings about the importance of embracing one’s own unique story and not letting others define you. The song’s strong beats, catchy chorus, and powerful message make it a standout track and a favorite among fans. “***Flawless” has become a feminist anthem, encouraging women everywhere to celebrate their own strength and beauty.
4. “Buzzkill” by Luke Bryan
“Buzzkill” is a song by country singer Luke Bryan, from his album “Crash My Party.” The song is a lighthearted take on the topic of dealing with haters, with lyrics that poke fun at the people who try to bring others down. In the song, Bryan sings about a person who always tries to rain on his parade, but he refuses to let them get him down. With its upbeat melody and catchy chorus, “Buzzkill” is a fun and uplifting tune that encourages listeners to rise above the hate and to focus on their own happiness. The song’s message of self-empowerment and positivity has made it a favorite among Bryan’s fans, and its upbeat vibe makes it the perfect anthem for anyone who needs a boost of confidence.
5. “H.A.T.E.U.” by Mariah Carey
“H.A.T.E.U.” is a song by Mariah Carey, from her album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.” The song is a ballad about a broken relationship, with the title standing for “Heartbreak All Over The Universe.” In the song, Carey sings about her pain and heartache after being betrayed by someone she loved. The song’s emotional lyrics and soulful vocals make it a standout track, showcasing Carey’s incredible vocal range and powerful delivery. “H.A.T.E.U.” is a testament to the healing power of music, offering solace and comfort to anyone who has been hurt by a loved one. The song has become a favorite among Carey’s fans, and its message of hope and resilience has resonated with listeners around the world.
6. “Don’t Laugh at Me” by Mark Willis
“Don’t Laugh at Me” is a song by country singer Mark Willis, from his album “What Love Is.” The song is a touching ballad about the effects of bullying and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. With lyrics like “Don’t laugh at me, don’t call me names, don’t get your pleasure from my pain,” Willis sings about the hurt and fear that can be caused by bullies. The song’s emotional delivery and powerful message make it a standout track, resonating with listeners who have experienced the pain of bullying or discrimination. “Don’t Laugh at Me” has become a popular anthem for anti-bullying campaigns and is a reminder of the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.
7. “Haterz Everywhere” by B.o.B
“Haterz Everywhere” is a song by rapper B.o.B, from his album “The Adventures of Bobby Ray.” The song is a celebration of success and a middle finger to all the haters who try to bring him down. With its fast-paced beats and catchy chorus, “Haterz Everywhere” is a high-energy tune that encourages listeners to ignore the negativity of others and focus on their own goals and aspirations. B.o.B raps about the haters who talk behind his back and try to bring him down, but he refuses to let them get to him. The song’s message of self-empowerment and resilience has made it a favorite among B.o.B’s fans, and its upbeat vibe makes it the perfect anthem for anyone who needs a boost of confidence.
8. “F**k You” by Lily Allen
“F**k You” is a song by British singer Lily Allen, from her album “It’s Not Me, It’s You.” The song is a playful but pointed response to someone who has wronged her, with lyrics that are both humorous and biting. In the song, Allen sings about a person who has caused her pain, and she lets them know exactly how she feels about their behavior. With its catchy chorus and upbeat melody, “F**k You” is a fun and empowering tune that encourages listeners to stand up for themselves and to fight against those who try to bring them down. The song’s message of self-empowerment and resilience has made it a favorite among Allen’s fans, and its upbeat vibe makes it the perfect anthem for anyone who needs a boost of confidence.
9. “Haters” by TLC
“Haters” is a song by the American girl group TLC, from their album “FanMail.” The song is a response to the haters who try to bring the group down, with lyrics that are both confident and confrontational. In the song, TLC sings about the people who talk behind their backs and try to bring them down, but they refuse to let them get to them. With its catchy chorus and upbeat melody, “Haters” is a fun and empowering tune that encourages listeners to rise above the negativity of others and to focus on their own happiness. The song’s message of self-empowerment and resilience has made it a favorite among TLC’s fans, and its upbeat vibe makes it the perfect anthem for anyone who needs a boost of confidence.
10. “Hate on me” by Jill Scott
“Hate on Me” is a song by R&B singer Jill Scott, from her album “The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3.” The song is a powerful ballad that encourages listeners to rise above the negativity of others and to focus on their own happiness. With lyrics like “Go ahead, hate on me, rain on me, just as long as you don’t drown me out,” Scott sings about the haters who try to bring her down, but she refuses to let them get to her. The song’s emotional delivery and powerful message make it a standout track, resonating with listeners who have experienced the pain of bullying or discrimination. “Hate on Me” is an anthem of self-empowerment and resilience, reminding listeners that they are stronger than any hate that may come their way.
11. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, from her album “Stronger.” The song is an empowering ballad that encourages listeners to rise above their struggles and to come out stronger on the other side. With lyrics like “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller,” Clarkson sings about the difficulties of life and how they can make us stronger. The song’s upbeat melody and powerful message make it a standout track, resonating with listeners who have experienced hardship or adversity. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is an anthem of self-empowerment and resilience, reminding listeners that they can overcome any obstacle and come out stronger on the other side. The song’s message of hope and determination has made it a favorite among Clarkson’s fans and a staple of her live shows.
12. “Hater” by Miranda Brooke
“Hater” is a song by American singer Miranda Brooke, from her album “In the Making.” The song is an upbeat, energetic tune that takes on the haters who try to bring her down. With lyrics like “You can hate on me, but it’s all good, I’m doing me and you’re still stuck in your hood,” Brooke sings about the people who talk behind her back, but she refuses to let them get to her. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat melody make it a fun and empowering tune, resonating with listeners who have experienced the pain of bullying or discrimination. “Hater” is an anthem of self-empowerment and resilience, reminding listeners that they are stronger than the hate that may come their way. The song’s upbeat vibe and confident delivery make it a standout track, perfect for anyone who needs a boost of confidence.
13. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, from her album “1989.” The song is an upbeat, pop-infused tune that encourages listeners to shake off negativity and hate. With lyrics like “I stay out too late, got nothing in my brain, that’s what people say, mmm-mmm, that’s what people say, mmm-mmm,” Swift sings about the criticisms she’s faced and how she chooses to ignore them. The song’s infectious beat and catchy chorus make it a standout track, resonating with listeners who have faced hate or negativity. “Shake It Off” is an anthem of self-empowerment and resilience, reminding listeners that they can choose to rise above the hate and negativity in their lives. The song’s upbeat energy and positive message have made it a favorite among Swift’s fans and a staple of her live shows.
14. “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mudd
“She Hates Me” is a song by the American rock band Puddle of Mudd, from their album “Come Clean.” The song is a mid-tempo rock tune that tells the story of a man who is struggling with the aftermath of a failed relationship. With lyrics like “She hates me, and I love her so, what do I do? What do I do?” the singer reflects on the pain of losing someone he still loves. The song’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery make it a standout track, resonating with listeners who have experienced the pain of a breakup. “She Hates Me” is a powerful ballad that explores the complex emotions that can arise after a relationship ends. The song’s relatable lyrics and raw emotion have made it a fan favorite, cementing Puddle of Mudd’s place in the rock world.
15. “Dem Haters” by Rihanna
“Dem Haters” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, from her mixtape “Good Girl Gone Bad: The Remixes.” The song is an up-tempo, reggae-infused tune that addresses the haters and naysayers in Rihanna’s life. With lyrics like “I’m all up in the game, now it’s my turn to reign, dem haters want my spot, but I don’t give a what,” Rihanna sings about the obstacles she’s faced and how she’s risen above the hate. The song’s infectious beat and confident delivery make it a standout track, resonating with listeners who have faced their own haters and detractors. “Dem Haters” is an anthem of self-empowerment and resilience, reminding listeners that they can overcome negativity and hate to achieve their goals. The song’s positive energy and bold message have made it a favorite among Rihanna’s fans and a staple of her live shows.
16. “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem
“The Real Slim Shady” is a song by rapper Eminem, released as the lead single from his third studio album “The Marshall Mathers LP” in 2000. The song is a sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek anthem that takes aim at the music industry, the media, and Eminem’s critics. Over a catchy, up-tempo beat, Eminem raps about his own rise to fame and his controversial image, calling out other celebrities and politicians along the way. The song’s lyrics are sharp and witty, with Eminem’s clever wordplay and clever rhymes showcasing his exceptional lyrical abilities. The song’s chorus, “Will the real Slim Shady please stand up,” has become one of Eminem’s most recognizable catchphrases, and the song itself remains one of his most popular tracks. “The Real Slim Shady” was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Eminem’s place as one of the most influential and innovative rappers of his generation.
17. “Haters” by Hillary Duff
“Haters” is a pop song by American actress and singer Hillary Duff, released in 2004. The track is an upbeat and energetic anthem that addresses the topic of haters and negativity in the entertainment industry. Over a danceable beat, Duff sings about staying true to herself and ignoring the naysayers, declaring that she won’t let anyone bring her down. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with Duff’s powerful vocals delivering a message of self-empowerment and confidence. “Haters” showcases Duff’s versatile singing abilities, as well as her ability to craft a fun and uplifting pop tune. The song was well received by fans and critics, and remains a fan-favorite from Duff’s extensive discography. With its upbeat vibe and empowering message, “Haters” is a song that encourages listeners to rise above negativity and embrace their own individuality.
18. “Check Yo Self” by Ice Cube
“Check Yo Self” is a classic hip hop song by rapper Ice Cube, released in 1993. The song features a sample from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s 1982 track “The Message,” and showcases Cube’s signature style of hard-hitting and politically charged lyrics. Over a booming beat, Cube delivers a message about the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness, warning listeners about the dangers of succumbing to negative influences and societal pressures. The chorus, “Check yo self before you wreck yo self,” has become one of the most memorable catchphrases in hip hop history. “Check Yo Self” is widely regarded as one of Ice Cube’s best tracks, and is a staple of old school hip hop playlists. With its powerful message and unforgettable chorus, “Check Yo Self” is a classic hip hop anthem that continues to inspire and entertain listeners to this day.
19. “Wish Wish” by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, 21 Savage
“Wish Wish” is a hip hop and trap track by DJ Khaled featuring Cardi B and 21 Savage. The song features a hard-hitting beat and boasts about the artists’ wealth, success, and haters. Cardi B delivers her signature confident flow, addressing those who doubted her success and encouraging listeners to focus on their own goals. 21 Savage adds a menacing verse, warning haters not to get in his way. DJ Khaled ties the track together with his signature catchphrases, hyping up the artists and the listener. With its energetic production and confident lyrics, “Wish Wish” is a rallying cry for anyone facing haters and doubters.
20. “Gives You Hell” by All American Rejects
“Gives You Hell” is a song by American rock band All American Rejects, released as the lead single from their second studio album “When the World Comes Down”. The song is a high-energy rock anthem that addresses a person who has caused the narrator pain and hurt. The lyrics have a confrontational tone and challenge the subject to face the impact their actions have had. The chorus delivers the line “Gives you hell, makes you feel alive”, emphasizing the idea that the narrator is using this confrontation as a way of empowering themselves. The song was well-received by audiences and became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
Jason Smith 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.
