Top 10 Best Social Distortion Songs

Social Distortion has been a staple in the punk rock scene since the late 70s, mixing raw energy with a unique blend of punk, rockabilly, and blues. With their sharp lyrics, gritty sound, and unforgettable melodies, Social Distortion has created a musical legacy that continues to resonate with fans old and new.

From the rebellious anthems to the heart-wrenching ballads, Social Distortion's catalog is filled with songs that speak to the human condition in all its messy glory. They've got tracks that make you want to smash the system, songs that soothe a broken heart, and tunes that make you feel like you can take on the world.
The Top Ten
1 Story of My Life

This is one of those songs I often find myself singing in my mind. I can't believe some people today have the nerve to say they like Cowpunk when they've never even tried listening to such exquisite music as Social Distortion. Maybe I'm wrong, but my message is clear: We need to unite as fans of punk and work harder to explore and preserve the albums and lost songs of this genre.

I used to struggle with choosing between Social Distortion masterpieces like Reach for the Sky, Story of My Life, Machine Gun Blues, or Angel's Wings. Now, my vision is clearer, and my preference is for Story of My Life. While it has a somewhat generic meaning, it also contains deep truths. It deserves to be at the top because there's nothing that can lower it from being Number 1!

2 Machine Gun Blues

The song is very charming by itself. I really love the harsh, advanced chord-guitar with all the vocals. This song is so good.

Inspiring choruses, good lyrics, and very heavy pounding guitars! This song rocks.

Great hard-pounding beat, and the video immortalized it.

3 Ball and Chain

I had never heard a masterpiece like this in my life. The truth is, I am not usually a big fan of punk-rock music, but when a friend introduced me to Social Distortion, I was skeptical at first. However, when I heard Story of My Life for the first time, I was surprised by how intelligent the song seemed, but Ball and Chain blew me away even more. The guitar is friendly, the solo is epic, and Mike Ness's voice is even better on this track.

4 Reach for the Sky
5 Don't Drag Me Down

How can this be at number 8? Great lyrics, incredible energy, and possibly my favorite guitar riff of all time. A punk rock masterpiece.

Ok, I agree that the lyrics don't make that much sense, but they do bring out emotions, especially of sadness and frustration. The leads and rhythm are truly amazing.

The lyrics make perfect sense, the riff is awesome, and this is punk rock at its finest.

6 Cold Feelings
7 I Was Wrong

When life stops me from achieving great things, I always come back to this song because its lyrics are so meaningful. I never cared much about the band, and I've never listened to any other songs from them, but this one is the exception. I can't get through a bad day without seeking refuge in these lyrics.

This is probably their best track, instead of putting "Story of My Life" in the Number 1 spot! Don't get me wrong, but there are better options to consider for Number 1, and "I Was Wrong" is a clear choice. Better drums, more powerful use of double-stomping guitars, and fresher vocal harmonies with chords!

8 Angel's Wings

These are some of the greatest rock songs ever made, but Angel's Wings has to be the one that takes the cake. This is due to its amazing harmonic guitars and the great voice that Mike Ness has in this song. It's pure fire!

This song is phenomenal! It has a great guitar solo and heartwarming lyrics that help battle a depressing day.

I almost cried for losing everything in my life, and also while listening to this masterpiece. Beautiful song.

9 Ring of Fire

This is by far one of the best cover songs I've heard. It's a great interpretation of a Cash classic, period! It adds so much character to their eponymous debut. I haven't heard every Cash cover, but I'd say this is likely among the best.

Best remake of a true classic song ever! So good!

10 Through These Eyes

I feel like Ball and Chain could be the band's best song, due to its interesting guitar melody and Mike Ness's vocal intonation. However, sometimes I think Through These Eyes is clearly the better song because its lyrics are more convincing, the drum rhythms are harder yet genuine, and the bass is incredibly punk! If you know what I mean.

This is the best example of a song that hasn't received enough praise simply because it doesn't sound as famous. Come on, people! This song captures all the pre-recording parts and creates a new ascendant drumming parade. It may not be part of the most notable '90s punk playlists, but haven't you heard the song? Aren't you supposed to be music geniuses? Sorry if I express myself like this, but I can't tolerate the fact that people today only care about the wrong side of music and ignore the real gems like this one.

The Contenders
11 Mommy's Little Monster

No votes on Mommy's Little Monster? Oh come on, what's going on? It's a decent song at least. Please, vote for it!

12 Another State of Mind

I have never been able to understand why the most outstanding songs are always ranked lower on lists. Honestly, this bothers me a lot! "Another State of Mind" is not a simple song. It even served as inspiration for Green Day to create songs like "Brain Stew" and "American Idiot." Inspiration was clearly taken from classic pieces like this one. If many people still don't agree that this is the band's best song, then I don't know what the future holds for Social Distortion's ranking lists.

13 Bad Luck

Some people like to gamble, some people like rock 'n' roll. Epic phrase!

Someone wants to play poker with me?

This is their best song, I think.

14 Prison Bound

Amazing track! It receives no support on radio or satellite radio, but it has a catchy hook and storytelling lyrics. An absolute classic - probably the best Social Distortion song out there. Plus, it marked their comeback after being out of the music scene for about five years.

Their best song. Great storytelling, sung with a lot of emotion, and it's great live too! Awesome lyrics!

One of their greatest songs in my opinion. Makes me want to go to lockdown! Plus, it tells his story.

15 So Far Away

Great song.

Awesome guitar work.

This song should have been a hit.

Wait, never mind - it can't be a hit because it has no music video.

Well, the song is still awesome!

16 Highway 101
17 Winners and Losers
18 Sick Boys
19 When the Angels Sing

Easily a top 5 song for me. Great vocals and relaxing instrumentals. I just love it!

20 Making Believe
21 Playpen
22 She's a Knockout
23 Ghost Town Blues
24 Indulgence
25 Far Behind

There are many good SD songs in the top tier, but Far Behind needs to move way up on the list! Mike Ness at his best!

We all know someone like this. Great lyrics and even better riffs.

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