Hey, Remember Middle School? 15 Emo Songs To Help Relive Your Angsty Youth

Ohhhh puberty, what a wonderful(ly terrible) time you were! So full of angst. So sure you were badass because you liked the color black and listened to bands that kinda sing-screamed.

By Ari Eastman

Updated 1 year ago, January 16, 2024

Ohhhh puberty, what a wonderful(ly terrible) time you were! So full of angst. So sure you were badass because you liked the color black and listened to bands that kinda sing-screamed. What a glorious time to have feelings! For those of us who have outgrown our LEAVE ME ALONE, NO ONE UNDERSTANDS phase, here’s a cathartic trip down memory lane. If those hormonal feelings swell, just let it happen. Shhhh.

1. Say Anything – “Alive With The Glory Of Love”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7rYZjv3wNg

What with the mention of “Miss Black Eyeliner,” get instantly transported back to the days of ~*~*experimental make-up*~*~ Aka raccoon eyes. Aka, what the f*ck were we all doing?

Best angsty lyrics: Should they kill me, your love will fill me / As warm as the bullets / Yeah, I’ll know my purpose / This war was worth this

2. Dashboard Confessional – “Hands Down”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVN2b0DdZAQ

Everyone with a Dashboard Confessional graphic tee please raise your hand.

Best angsty lyrics: My hopes are so high / that your kiss might kill me / So won’t you kill me / so I die happy.

3. Taking Back Sunday – “MakeDamnSure”

When you were sobbing/yelling into the pillow and writing terrible poetry about your unrequited crush, this song was blasting FULL VOLUME. Because you had FEELINGS.

Best angsty lyrics: I just wanna break you down so badly / Well I trip over everything you say / I just wanna break you down so badly / In the worst way

4. Jack’s Mannequin – “Dark Blue”

Because Andrew McMahon is still a God.

Best angsty lyrics: Dark blue, dark blue / Have you ever been alone in a crowded room? / When I’m here with you / I said the world could be burning, burning down / Dark blue, dark blue

5. Simple Plan – “Perfect”

HEY DAD, LOOK AT MEEEeeeEEeeeEEEEEeeeEeeEeeeeEEeeee!!!!!!!

Best angsty lyrics: I try not to think / About the pain I feel inside / Did you know you used to be my hero?

6. The Spill Canvas – “All Over You”

From an album titled No Really, I’m Fine, need I say more?

Best angsty lyrics: This life is way too short
to get caught up in all this stuff / when I just want you to love me back / why can’t you just love me back?

7. Bayside – “Duality”

I didn’t listen to Bayside when they came on the scene, but my first ever boyfriend was OBSESSED, so I quickly got acquainted.

Best angsty lyrics: I can’t get you out of my head, my head / You’re the flame that burns me so I know that I’m still alive.

8. Paramore – “Misery Business”

Fact: every girl who has ever shopped at Hot Topic has dreamed of waking up as Hayley Williams.

Best angsty lyrics: Whoa, it was never my intention to brag / To steal it all away from you now / But God does it feel so good / ‘Cause I got him where I want him now

9. Panic! At The Disco – “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”

Close. The. God. Damn. Door.

Best angsty lyrics: No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality

10. Motion City Soundtrack – “Everything Is Alright”

As a young teen, I *truly* thought this song was written about me. I ALSO hate the ocean, theme parks, and airplanes!!!!!!

Best angsty lyrics: I used to rely on self-medication / I guess I still do that from time to time / But I’m getting better at fighting the future

11. New Found Glory – “My Friends Over You”

A true bros before hoes anthem.

Best angsty lyrics:
You were everything I wanted / But I just can’t finish what I’ve started

12. Yellowcard – “Ocean Avenue”

Lmaooooo this song. It makes me cringe that I still know all the lyrics. Blessed.

Best angsty lyrics:
There’s a piece of you that’s here with me / It’s everywhere I go, it’s everything I see

13. Sugarcult – “Bouncing Off The Walls”

This song just makes me happy. Idk. Don’t ask questions.

Best angsty lyrics: And my heart’s beating out of my chest / And this town is still making me sick / And every penny from my last paycheck / I’ve blown it on you

14. Avril Lavigne – “I’m with You”

Okay, there was just no way I could have this list and not stick good ol’ Avril somewhere. I distinctly remember singing/screaming this song with my best friend when we were too young to swear, but we let that DAMN fly free.

Best angsty lyrics:
Isn’t anyone trying to find me? / Won’t somebody come take me home?