Modern music covers a wide variety of topics. From flowers to ADHD, think of a random topic, and you will likely find several songs written about it.
My ADHD list makes mention of or refers to ADHD and is great for those who feel like they have way too much to do and often not enough time to do it.
Take a breather and listen to these songs about ADHD!
1. ADHD by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar pokes fun at the pharmaceutical industry in his song “ADHD” as he highlights the problems with drugs like Ritalin and Adderall, which are used to treat the learning disability. Released in 2011 on the album Section 80, the song highlights the drug resistance many millennials face as they were over-medicated as kids.
Speaking of the dependency on drugs to treat hyperactivity in children, Lamar does not hold back as he describes how the drug is often over-prescribed. “ADHD” is a hip-hop track with a few expletives, so be sure not to play this one around the kids.
2. Adderall by Max Frost
Have you ever taken a drug like Adderall to improve your concentration at school or work? Max Frost has, and as he describes in his song “Adderall,” it can be pretty addictive, as he experienced firsthand when he abused the drug in high school. Released on the album of the same name, “Adderall” was recorded in 2016 and has a catchy tune and lyrics that will have you singing along.
Give “Adderall” a listen as it appears at number two on my list. It is enough to put a spring in your step as you tap your feet to the music.
3. Balloons by Secondhand Sound
Punk rockers Secondhand Sound released number three on my playlist, “Balloons,” in 2006 on the album Burnout. The song is about the chaotic thoughts we all have from time to time as we struggle to cope with everything that is going on in life.
For many, this is a sign of ADHD. But as the band points out in “Balloons,” many doctors are too quick to prescribe drugs to control ADHD before understanding the cause or reasoning. Add “Balloons” to your playlist today.
4. Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer
With over 11 million views on YouTube, Andy Grammer’s song “Keep Your Head Up” is not only a song of hope but has a really catchy chorus too. Released in 2011 on his debut self-titled album, “Keep Your Head Up” is a song about dealing with the various curveballs everyone experiences in life.
While not necessarily a song about ADHD, it is a message of hope for those who might feel like they are drowning in their thoughts as they try to make sense of them. Add “Keep Your Head Up” to your playlist as it appears on my list at number four.
5. Ritalin/Medikinet by Kraftklub
German rockers KRafklub brings me to my number five. Their song “Ritalin/Medikinet” was released in 2012 on the album Mit K and describes the dangers of addictive drugs that alter your thought processes and personality.
Doctors are quick to prescribe Ritalin, leading to addiction and overmedication for many people with ADHD worldwide. The song “Ritalin/Medikinet” aims to bring awareness to the dangers of these drugs and is an eye-opener. The song is sung in German and has a great tune you must check out.
6. Hurry Hurry by Air Traffic Controller
If you’ve ever worked to the point of isolating yourself from friends and the world to get things done, you have experienced what goes on in the brains of those battling ADHD. “Hurry Hurry” was recorded in 2012 and is taken off Air Traffic Controller’s album Nordo.
The song describes the chaotic life of someone who struggles to focus their mind as they try to get everything done, and it is relatable to those who live the same kind of life. Give it a listen today and see if you can relate to this upbeat song from Air Traffic Controller.
7. Maintain Consciousness by Relient K
Brain fog, a struggle to clear your mind, and an overload of thoughts are something that people with ADHD are all too familiar with. And, as Relient K reminds us, trying to process these thoughts is a long and arduous task. “Maintain Consciousness” is a song about the struggle to focus, and it was released in 2004 on the album MmHmm.
Relient K has released some funky beats, and this is another one that will have you bouncing along to the tune. Add “Maintain Consciousness” to your playlist and enjoy Relient K at its best.
8. Sail by AWOLNATION
The song “Sail” by AWOLNATION mentions ADD as the cause of many problems and has the singer saying he wants to sail away from them rather than deal with them. “Sail” was released in 2011 and featured on the band’s debut album, Megalithic Symphony.
Fans of AWOLNATION fell in love with the song’s heavy, almost metal-sounding music, and their video for “Sail” has been viewed over 216 million times on YouTube. See what all the obvious fuss is about when you add “Sail” to your playlist.
9. Someday by Rob Thomas
Most famously known as the lead singer of the band Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas has enjoyed much success as a solo artist and has released several relatable songs that deal with everyday life. One of his best, “Someday,” was released in 2009 on the singer’s album Cradlesong and dealt with the struggles to better yourself.
“Someday” takes a hard look at the mind’s inner workings and is a song that will inspire everyone to improve their lives. Give it a listen and add it to your playlist today to inspire you to be a better person.
10. ADD Life by The So So Glos
Punk band The So So Glos gives us a closer look at the lives of ADHD and ADD sufferers with this song that takes up the number ten spot on my list of the best songs about ADHD. “ADD Life” was released in 2016 and was featured on the album Kamikaze.
Life can be pretty overwhelming as we all try to fit in and do our best, which is what “ADD Life” is about. The song has a fun tune that will have you listening to it on repeat as you bounce around to the music. Add it to your playlist, and have some fun!
Alexandra loves playing the piano and guitar. She has always been a music lover, but it wasn’t until she was in high school that she realized how much she loved to play. It allowed her to express herself without having to be verbally expressive, which is something she found very empowering.