Top 10 Best Karma Songs
#10: “Karma” (2019)
Marina
Malagrino Karma
“Love + Fear,” the fourth studio album by Welsh singer Marina was a double album that sought to explore the eponymous emotions through music. Appearing on the “Fear” portion, this song deals with the concept of karma through the lens of the Me Too movement. Apparently, without even realizing it, Marina drew inspiration from the shocking revelations about Harvey Weinstein while writing the tune. The singer describes the subject as someone with money and influence, whose wealth definitely won’t save them when karma comes knocking. Featuring a tropical-style beat and Marina’s signature expressions, “Karma” was praised by some critics for being infectious and reminiscent of her earlier work.
#9: “Karma Killer” (1998)
Robbie Williams
British singer Robbie Williams landed his first UK number-one hit with the lead single off his album “I've Been Expecting You”. The album also produced this deliciously wicked track which Williams himself has referred to as an anthem for people who “absolutely detest somebody”. The inspiration for “Karma Killer” reportedly came from Williams’ former manager, who is said to have exploited him and the rest of his band. Musically, the song is built around a driving bassline and atmospheric guitar riffs that create a sense of foreboding. The omen comes in the lyrics, which explicitly describe the singer’s true feelings towards the subject. Remind us never to get on the bad side of Robbie Williams.
#8: “You Get What You Give” (1998)
New Radicals
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Unlike many other songs about karma, this one looks at things from a more positive perspective. Basically the only single released by alt rock group New Radicals before their disbandment, “You Get What You Give” tells you all you need to know with its title. Here, the band encourages their listeners to dream big and put in the effort to see those dreams become a reality. They also touch on a variety of themes, including the media, politics and social issues, in a way that grabbed the attention of music legends like Joni Mitchell and the Edge. New Radicals’ message is still as relevant today as it was back in 1998, and the song remains a timeless anthem for dreamers and doers everywhere.
#7: “Karma” (2023)
Taylor Swift
The concept of karma has appeared multiple times throughout Taylor Swift’s discography - from her hit single “Look What You Made Me Do” to the music video for “The Man”. Although fans initially speculated that Swift would release an album titled “Karma,” that eventually came in the form of a single on 2022’s “Midnights”. The song takes a humorous look at the concept, listing all the good ways karma would manifest for her, as opposed to her adversaries. Like many of her similarly-themed songs, fans were quick to form theories about who the lyrics were directed at. But Swift has kept mum about the subject of the track, if any, seemingly giving way for “Karma” to do all the work for her.
#6: “Karma Police” (1997)
Radiohead
Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, Radiohead’s “OK Computer” birthed this haunting standout track. The song tells the story of different people being pursued by the “Karma Police” for their perceived misdeeds. This is further emphasized by the music video, which shows a man being chased down a deserted road by a mysterious figure in a car. While that may all seem pretty straightforward, the lyrics of the song are written in a way that is cryptic and open to interpretation, resulting in a sense of anxiety and paranoia. However, to the members of the band, it’s a light-hearted song with a comedic tone. If only we could all see life through the eyes of Radiohead.
#5: “Karma” (2004)
Alicia Keys
There probably is no better serving of karma than when the person who wronged you is right in the same position they once put you in. Right from its opening, we can tell that this song is about a broken relationship and the fallout from it. “Karma” follows a former lover who once deserted the narrator, and is rejected when he returns for a second chance. Lyrically, Alicia Keys seems to be grappling with the idea that although we might wish for karma to be swift, it often takes its sweet time to manifest. Released as the final single from her sophomore album, “Karma” may not have been a smash hit, but it remains a testament of Keys’ brilliant songwriting.
#4: “Karma's Payment” (1997)
Modest Mouse
What if you could live your life doing good deeds, in hopes that karma would sort you out later? Well, that seems to be just how the narrator in this Modest Mouse song gets by. Long before they found mainstream success in 2004, Modest Mouse released a nine-song EP that heralded their eventual sound and identity. The closer track on the EP, “Karma’s Payment,” follows the narrator, as he deserts a man who helps him out of car trouble, only to get “jacked in a really bad way” afterwards. Apparently, he sees this as repayment for his actions. “Karma’s Payment” is an early exploration into the experimental sounds and melancholic mood that will show up in Modest Mouse’s later works.
#3: “What Goes Around... Comes Around” (2006)
Justin Timberlake
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The third single off Justin Timberlake’s sophomore album, “What Goes Around... Comes Around” was regarded by many as a sequel to his 2002 hit “Cry Me a River”. However, according to Timberlake, the song had nothing to do with his former girlfriend, pop star Britney Spears. Instead, it was inspired by a friend of his, who was heartbroken by his ex-lover. Timberlake sings from this friend’s perspective, narrating his experience and assuring the woman that she’d get her just desserts, in the exact same way she served it to him. Featuring impressive production from Timbaland and an impeccable vocal performance from Timberlake, “What Goes Around… Comes Around” soared to the top of the charts, giving the singer his third consecutive number-one single.
#2: “Karma Chameleon” (1983)
Culture Club
English pop band Culture Club scored one of the biggest hits of their career when they released this absolute earworm in 1983. Written by the band’s frontman Boy George, “Karma Chameleon” was reportedly inspired by his then-secret relationship with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss. Just like the title describes, the song is directed at someone who changes their behavior, depending on the situation, and the karmic justice that awaits them. Although it took a while to win them over, Boy George eventually convinced the rest of the band to record the song. That proved to be a wise decision, as “Karma Chameleon” became a massive crossover hit for Culture Club, becoming their only number-one single in the U.S.
#1: “Instant Karma!” (1970)
John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Written and recorded in just one day, “Instant Karma!” is about as instant a song as you can get. Seemingly opposed to the idea that karma is delivered over the course of one’s lifetime, John Lennon wrote this tune about a more immediate form. In this way, the singer likened the concept of karma to the idea of instant coffee. The song was released just ten days after it was recorded, at a tumultuous time for Lennon’s band the Beatles, who dissolved less than a year later. For Lennon, however, this became an instant smash hit, reaching the top 5 in the U.S., UK and multiple other countries.
