10 Rock Songs About Kicking Someone Out

Feature Photo: Geoffrey Clowes / Shutterstock.com

Our 10 Rock Songs About Kicking Someone Out presents a showcase of songs that ultimately celebrate finally getting rid of that one person who’s just bringing you down. There’s nothing better than mustering the courage to kick someone out of your house who has done you wrong. This list of songs is offered as encouragement if you’re facing that challenge. We hope it helps inspire and empower you to take the steps you need to reclaim your space and peace of mind.

# 10 – Hit The Road Jack – The Animals

We open up our 10 Rock Songs About Kicking Someone Out list with the fabulous song entitled “Hit the Road Jack.” The song was written by Percy Mayfield, who first recorded an a cappella demo in 1960. Ray Charles had a huge hit with it in 1961, taking the song all the way to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. While we all love the Ray Charles version, we thought it would be a little more interesting for classic rock fans to hear this very cool, slippery version done by The Animals. Their recording appeared on the 1966 album Animalism. Listen to the organ playing on this track—it’s phenomenal.

# 9 – You Better Run – Pat Benatar

The classic rock tune “You Better Run” was originally written by Eddie Brigati and Felix Cavaliere of The Young Rascals. It was released in 1966 and became a top twenty hit in the United States, peaking at number twenty on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the version that we always like the most was Pat Benatar’s cranking version, released in 1980 on her second album Crimes of Passion. Benatar’s version peaked at number forty-two on the Billboard Hot 100, but it has always remained one of our favorite Pat Benatar album tracks.

# 8 – Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac

In the number eight spot on our 10 Rock Songs About Kicking Someone Out list is the classic by Fleetwood Mac, “Go Your Own Way.” Originally penned by Lindsey Buckingham, “Go Your Own Way” was released in December 1976 as the lead single from Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album. I think the title of this song pretty much sums up what it’s all about. As everyone knows, there was immense inner turmoil going on in the band, especially between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks and between Christine McVie and John McVie. Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood would later begin an affair during the Rumours tour in 1977. It was a total mess, but it made for some great music.

# 7 – Get Out Of My Life, Woman – Lee Dorsey

“Get Out of My Life, Woman” by Lee Dorsey really does get straight to the point. Written by Allen Toussaint and released in late 1965, the song became a hit in 1966, reaching number five on Billboard’s R&B chart and number forty-four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s infectious groove and clear message made it a popular choice for cover versions by many rock and roll artists, including the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Iron Butterfly, and the Jerry Garcia Band. However, many would argue that there is no better version than the original performed by Lee Dorsey.

# 6 – Don’t Come Around Here No More – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

When Tom Petty sang the lyrics “I don’t feel you anymore, You darken my door” in “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” it was a clear signal that the relationship was over. Co-written by Tom Petty and Dave Stewart, the song was released in 1985 as the lead single from Southern Accents. The song is particularly memorable for its accompanying MTV video, which took inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. The video was both cool and slightly eerie, and it received a lot of airplay when the song was first released. It’s truly sad that we lost Tom Petty on October 2, 2017; he was a unique talent and is definitely missed.

# 5 – Get Out Of My House – Kate Bush

At the halfway point on our 10 Rock Songs About Kicking Someone Out list is a song by the breathtaking Kate Bush. “Get Out of My House” appeared on her 1982 album The Dreaming. While the song’s title directly suggests Kate kicking someone out of her home, it’s really a metaphor for something else. This track is more about getting rid of a lover and pushing them far away. If you listen to the lyrics closely—”Get out of my house, I wash the panes, Get out of my house, I clean the stains away”—you’ll see she is being quite personal here. This is brilliant stuff and probably not for everyone. Those screams at the end will cut right through you.

# 4 – Kiss This – The Struts

Have you ever heard of the Struts? The Struts are a fantastic example of a modern rock band with a classic rock vibe. They truly embody the spirit of old-school rock ‘n’ roll. With a mix of influences like The Rolling Stones, Mott the Hoople, The Black Crowes, and a touch of glam rock, The Struts offer a rich, vibrant sound that feels both fresh and reminiscent of rock’s golden era. Their energetic performances and catchy tunes have certainly turned heads in the rock community.

For a list like 10 Rock Songs About Kicking Someone Out, a song by The Struts could definitely be a highlight. A track that fits this theme is “Kiss This” by The Struts. Released as a single in 2014 and included on the band’s debut album Everybody Wants, it’s a defiant, upbeat anthem about saying goodbye to a bad relationship with confidence and a bit of swagger. The lyrics, “So kiss this one more time ’cause I’m gone for good,” perfectly capture the theme of kicking someone out. It’s a great track not only to showcase the band’s style but also to introduce their music to those who may not be familiar with it.

# 3 – Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) – Mötley Crüe

“Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)” by Mötley Crüe masterfully starts off with a tone that’s sort of sweet and caring, but the second half of the song bluntly shifts to a straightforward message of “get the F out.” It’s really intriguing how the song encapsulates these contrasting sentiments. The track appeared on the band’s 1989 album Dr. Feelgood and was released as a single in 1990. It’s hard to believe the album is now more than three and a half decades old. Time really flies, doesn’t it? Where does the time go, my friends?

# 2 – Let The Door Knob Hit Ya – Buddy Guy

Just off the top spot on our 10 Rock Songs About Kicking Someone Out list is one that really just makes you feel good, if you know what I mean. “Let the Door Knob Hit Ya” was released on Buddy Guy’s 2010 album Living Proof. Every line leading up to the hook in this song is just so perfectly crafted. It’s Buddy Guy’s killer playing, slick vocals, and those incredibly cool howls that have really sold us big time on this one.

# 1 – Goodbye To You – Scandal

You know we had to end up with this one. “Goodbye to You” by Scandal is the perfect breakup song. There really is no better tune for kicking someone out of your house and out of your life, saying goodbye forever, than this classic song sung by Patty Smyth. It was another lifetime when this song was released back in 1982 as the band’s debut single and appeared on the self-titled Scandal EP. No one knew who this band was; nobody had heard of Patty Smyth before, but there she was on MTV, usually once every hour, just blowing our minds and leaving us wanting more.