Nothing is more cathartic than screaming out the oh-so-relatable lyrics of Billie Eilish’s banger “Happier Than Ever” or rocking out to Olivia Rodrigo’s ultimate breakup hit “good 4 u” or singing along with Taylor Swift to her 10-minute masterpiece “All Too Well.” Whether you want a good sob sesh or need to release all that pent up rage that has been building, this curated list has the best breakup songs for every phase.
Read on for the best breakup songs and scroll to the bottom for the full Spotify playlist.
“All Too Well” by Taylor Swift
“And you call me up again just to break me like a promise / So casually cruel in the name of being honest / I’m a crumpled up piece of paper lying here / ‘Cause I remember it all, all, all / Too well.”
When it comes to breakup songs, nothing beats Taylor Swift’s highly awaited ten-minute version of her hit song “All Too Well.” Between the brilliant short film, the beautiful lyrics, and standout storytelling, Swift’s bitter breakup song is undoubtedly one that needs to be added to your playlist.
“good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo
“And good for you, it’s like you never even met me / Remember when you swore to God I was the only / Person who ever got you? / Well, screw that and screw you / You will never have to hurt the way you know that I do.”
Nothing is more infuriating than watching your ex take about five minutes to get over you? When that time comes, blast Olivia Rodrigo’s hit breakup song and scream your heart out.
“Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish
“I don’t relate to you / I don’t relate to you, no / ‘Cause I’d never treat me this shitty / You make me hate this city.”
If TikTok has taught us anything it’s that nothing is more cathartic than screaming out those lines at a Billie Eilish concert.
“Someone Like You” by Adele
“Never mind, I’ll find someone like you / I wish nothing but the best for you, too / “Don’t forget me, ” I beg / I remember you said / “Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead.”
As the queen of breakup songs, it should come as no surprise that “Someone Like You” is on this list. Featuring some of Adele’s most devastating lyrics to date, this is definitely a song to play when you need a good cry.
“drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo
“And I know we weren’t perfect but I’ve never felt this way for no one / And I just can’t imagine how you could be so okay now that I’m gone / Guess you didn’t mean what you wrote in that song about me / ‘Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street.”
As 2021s bonafide queen of breakup songs, Olivia Rodrigo’s hit album, Sour, brought fans many beloved breakup anthems, including “good 4 u” and “deja vu.” But before Sour ever hit the billboards, Olivia shattered everyone’s hearts with “drivers license”, a beautiful ballad that will have you sobbing about the one that got away. So the next time you’re out, queue up Olivia’s heartbreaking single for a melancholic drive around town.
“You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
“And every time you speak her name / Does she know how you told me / You’d hold me until you died / ‘Til you died, but you’re still alive.”
Alanis Morissette’s award-winning lead single “You Oughta Know” is the ultimate angry breakup song. From the bitter words and hate-filled lines, it is clear that Morissette infused the lyrics with her clear and unbridled anger, making it a perfect song to sing along to when you need a good scream.
“My Happy Ending” by Avril Lavigne
“All this time you were pretending / So much for my happy ending.”
When you are ready to say goodbye to the memories of your relationship, listen to “My Happy Ending” from Avril Lavigne’s sophomore album.
“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
“You had your chance, you blew it / Out of sight, out of mind / Shut your mouth, I just can’t take it / Again, and again, and again, and again.”
Kelly Clarkson is one of the reigning queens of angry breakup songs, so when you need a little scream-your-heart-out moment, “Since U Been Gone” will have your back every time.
“All I Want” by Kodaline
“But if you loved me / Why’d you leave me?”
Overflowing with vulnerability and heartache, “All I Want” is a deeply personal ballad from Kodaline about the ending of a first relationship and all the pain and anguish that comes with that. But rather than be a song simply about heartbreak, Kodaline interlaced it with a thread of hope for the future.
“Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
“You and me / We used to be together, everyday together / Always, I really feel that I’m losin’ my best friend / I can’t believe this could be the end.”
Honest and pure, “Don’t Speak” is one of the best breakup anthems of the 90s. And if there is one thing you can be thankful for it’s that you are not in a band with the ex who you wrote this song about. Interestingly, Stefani originally wrote this as a love song, but after being dumped by the bassist Tony Kanal, it turned into a heartbreaking ode to their relationship.
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye
“You said that you could let it go / And I wouldn’t catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know…”
Don’t waste your time on somebody who’s hung up on someone else. Kick them to the curb and turn up this banger.
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
“I might have saved a little trouble for the next girl / A-’cause the next time that he cheats / Oh, you know it won’t be on me / No, not on me.”
The cheaters of the world should be scared if they hear Carrie Underwood blaring from their ex’s stereo. Slashed tires should be the least of their worries.
“Say Something” by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
“And I will swallow my pride / You’re the one that I love / And I’m saying goodbye.”
When it comes to painfully gut-wrenching breakup songs, “Say Something” comes out on top. Make sure to have some tissues on hand because if there is ever a song that will bring a person to tears, it’s this one.
“Stay With Me” by Sam Smith
“Deep down I know this never works / But you can lay with me so it doesn’t hurt.”
Voted the best song of the year at the 2015 Grammys, “Stay With Me” is an unforgettable hit that never grows old. The best time to place this is during that moment after a one-night stand when you’re in bed wishing you weren’t alone.
“It’ll Be Okay” by Shawn Mendes
“Oh, if the future we’ve dreamed of is fading to black / I will love you either way.”
When you need to hear that everything will be okay, listen to Shawn Mendes’s vulnerable single “It’ll Be Okay.”
“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon
“You’re so vain / You probably think this song is about you.”
Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey do a beautiful rendition of Carly Simon’s hit breakup song in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. The iconic performance is a must-watch if you have yet to witness it.
“Skinny Love” by Birdy (cover)
“And now, all your love is wasted / Then who the hell was I? / ‘Cause now I’m breaking at the bridges / And at the end of all your lies.”
Listen to Birdy’s hauntingly beautiful rendition of Bon Iver’s masterful song “Skinny Love” when you are ready to have a good sob sesh. Bonus tip: queue this song up the next time you’re in the shower because no one sounds better than when they are in the shower and these lyrics deserve to be belted.
“Take A Bow” by Rihanna
“You look so dumb right now / Standin’ outside my house / Tryin’ to apologize / You’re so ugly when you cry / Please / Just cut it out.”
Don’t bother apologizing.
“Picture To Burn” by Taylor Swift
“And if you’re missing me, you’d better keep it to yourself / ‘Cause coming back around here would be bad for your health.”
When you are solidly in the anger phase of a breakup, queue up “Picture To Burn.” Taylor Swift put all her breakup rage into this killer country breakup song and it absolutely hits when you need a good ol’ scream-and-shout moment.
“Arcade” by Duncan Lawrence
“All I know, all I know / Loving you is a losing game.”
Nothing is more cathartic than belting out Duncan Lawrence’s heartbreaking lyrics while cruising around town.
“Gives You Hell” by The All-American Rejects
“And truth be told, I miss you (I miss you) / And truth be told, I’m lyin’.”
It is time to give your ex a reality check of what they missed out on.
“So What” by P!nk
“You weren’t there / You never were / You want it all / But that’s not fair / I gave you life / I gave my all / You weren’t there / You let me fall.”
Give yourself an outlet to get over your ex with a P!nk scream sesh and let out your inner rockstar.
“Let Her Go” by Passenger
“Staring at the ceiling in the dark / Same old empty feeling in your heart / ‘Cause love comes slow, and it goes so fast.”
No matter how much time flies by, “Let Her Go” is a song that we all return to at one point or another. And considering that Passenger wrote this right after a breakup, you better believe it is the perfect breakup song, especially for anyone who regrets breaking up with their significant other.
“New Rules” by Dua Lipa
“One: Don’t pick up the phone / You know he’s only callin’ ’cause he’s drunk and alone / Two: Don’t let him in / You have to kick him out again / Three: Don’t be his friend / You know you’re gonna wake up in his bed in the mornin’ / And if you’re under him, you ain’t gettin’ over him.”
Sometimes you need rules to keep you from returning to a former ex. If you have reached that point, listen to “New Rules.” It tells you exactly what you need to do to keep your ex firmly in the ex zone.
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
“You can go your own way / Go your own way / You can call it / Another lonely day.”
Imagine being in a band with your ex and having to sing the hit breakup song your ex wrote about your relationship. That is exactly what happened when Lindsey Buckingham wrote this about his deteriorating relationship with Stevie Nicks and it is downright bitter.
“The Blackest Day” by Lana Del Rey
“It’s not one of those phases I’m going through / Or just a song, it’s not one of them / I’m on my own / On my own / On my own again / I’m on my own again.”
Lana Del Rey is a master at writing hauntingly beautiful ballads and her underrated track “The Blackest Day” is no exception. Deeply emotional and darkly atmospheric, Lana Del Rey’s mesmerizing vocals will stay on your mind long after listening to this poignant work of art.
“Stubborn Love” by The Lumineers
“It’s better to feel pain, than nothing at all / The opposite of love’s indifference.”
Written by The Lumineers, “Stubborn Love” will become your best friend the next time you’re going through a painful breakup and need to hear that your feelings are valid.
“Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake
“You don’t have to say, what you did / I already know, I found out from him / Now there’s just no chance / For you and me / There’ll never be / And don’t it make you sad about it?”
Cheaters can go and cry their ex’s a river because once those bridges are burned, they won’t be getting that second chance.
“FU” by Miley Cyrus ft French Montana
“I don’t really have much to say / I was over it the second that I saw her name.”
In the wise words of Miley Cyrus, “FU.”
“Consequences” by Camila Cabello
“Loving you was dumb, dark and cheap / Loving you will still take shots at me / Found loving you was sunshine, but then it poured / And I lost so much more than my senses / ‘Cause loving you had consequences.”
Camila Cabello has released many hits during her solo career and “Consequences” happens to be one of her most underrated breakup ballads. If you’re reminiscing about someone you lost and need to just feel, listen to this powerful song.
“Back To Black” by Amy Winehouse
“We only said goodbye with words / I died a hundred times.”
With raw emotions and heartfelt lyrics, Amy Winehouse’s legendary album Back To Black became 2007’s biggest selling album. The track “Back To Black” tells the story of a tumultuous relationship.
“Surrender” by Natalie Taylor
“We let the waters rise / We drifted to survive / I needed you to stay / But I let you drift away.”
Nothing hits harder than this masterpiece from Natalie Taylor and her husband Jon Howard. Written after experiencing some personal hardships in their relationship, the duo put all their pain, grief, and heartache into this song and gave us something incredibly special in the process.
“Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
“I heard you’re goin’ ’round playin’ the victim now / But don’t even begin feeling I’m the one to blame / ‘Cause you dug your own grave.”
When you need to release all those post-breakup frustrations, queue up Christina Aguilera and belt out those lyrics.
“U + Ur Hand” by P!nk
“You know you are high fivin’, talkin’ shit, but you’re going home alone aren’tcha?”
Nothing is better than knowing that your ex is going home alone.
“Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri
“It took so long just to feel alright / Remember how to put back the light in my eyes / I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed / Cause you broke all your promises.”
If you have yet to listen to this beautifully powerful masterpiece, now is the perfect time to start. Between Christina Perri’s powerful vocals and the emotional lyrics, this is undoubtedly one of the best breakup songs to add to your playlist.
“Hopeless Romantics” by James TW
“Don’t hold your breath / I don’t think we got much time left.”
“Hopeless Romantics” is an emotional knockout that will have you fully submerged in your feelings. For a visceral experience, pay close attention to the lyrics. The first verse will give you chills and, by the end, there is a high chance that you will be covered in goosebumps.
“you broke me first” by Tate McRae
“Took a while, was in denial when I first heard / That you moved on quicker than I could’ve ever, you know that hurt.”
For anyone who has ever put their all into a relationship only to be met with indifference, listen to Tate McRae’s hard-hitting ballad. Nothing hits closer to home than McRae’s popular single, especially if they eventually came crawling back.
“thank u, next” by Ariana Grande
“I’ve got so much love (love) / Got so much patience (patience) / I’ve learned from the pain (pain) / I turned out amazing (turned out amazing).”
In the wise words of Ariana Grande, “thank u, next.”
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
“Ah, so he calls me up and he’s like, “I still love you” / And I’m like, I’m just, I mean this is exhausting, you know? / Like we are never getting back together, like, ever.”
If your ex is not getting it through their head that you are done with the relationship, drop them a link to Taylor Swift’s beautifully titled song and be sure to emphasize the title.
“Dancing On My Own” by Calum Scott
“So far away, but still so near / The lights come on, the music dies / But you don’t see me standing here.”
Calum Scott’s emotional rendition of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” on Britain’s Got Talent went on to become one of his most well-known tracks. Whether you’re going through a breakup, in a relationship, or are happily single, you’ll be feeling every heartbreaking emotion listening to Scott’s raw vocals.
“abcdefu” by Gayle
“I was into you, but I’m over it now / And I was tryin’ to be nice / But nothing’s getting through, so let me spell it out / A-B-C-D-E, F-U.”
When it comes to angry breakup songs, Gayle knows exactly what she is doing.
“July” by Noah Cyrus
“I’ve done a lot of things wrong / Loving you being one / But I can’t move on.”
In her hauntingly beautiful single “July,” Noah Cyrus speaks about heartbreak and toxic relationships. If you have ever had trouble walking away from an unhealthy relationship toxic, I recommend listening to “July.” Cyrus put her all in this ballad and it undoubtedly deserves a place on your breakup playlist.
“Rolling In The Deep” by Adele
“Think of me in the depths of your despair / Make a home down there, as mine sure won’t be shared.”
“Rolling In The Deep” is undoubtedly one of the best breakup anthems of the 2010’s, so you cannot go wrong with Adele’s hit when you are angry and need to sing it out.
“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
“I put you high up in the sky / And now, you’re not coming down / It slowly turned, you let me burn / And now, we’re ashes on the ground.”
Miley Cyrus hit the world with a wrecking ball when she released this smash hit.
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
“It took all the strength I had not to fall apart / Kept trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart / And I spent oh-so many nights just feeling sorry for myself / I used to cry / But now I hold my head up high.”
No matter how bad the breakup, you will survive. If you need to hear that, you can listen, or scream along, to Gloria Gaynor’s epic breakup anthem. Not only will it feel cathartic but it might just end up helping you to move on from a bad breakup.
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
“Now my baby’s dancing / But she’s dancing with another man.”
Whether or not you have ever been in a relationship, “When I Was Your Man” will speak to you in one way or another and have you reminiscing about someone who you failed to appreciate until it was too late.
“Don’t” by Ed Sheeran
“But then I jumped right in a week later, returned / I reckon she was only looking for a lover to burn.”
In Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Don’t,” the singer and songwriter recounts his time with an ex and the ultimate downfall of their relationship. In short, don’t be a dud and mess around on Ed.
“Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
“For all the times that you made me feel small / I fell in love, now I feel nothin’ at all / I never felt so low and I was vulnerable / Was I a fool to let you break down my walls?”
“Love Yourself” is the perfect breakup song to listen to when you realize you are better off on your own.
“Let It Go” by James Bay
“I used to recognize myself / It’s funny how reflections change / When we’re becoming something else / I think it’s time to walk away.”
If your relationship is on the rocks and you’re feeling weighed down, “Let It Go” may be one of the best breakup songs to help you gain some clarity and let go of some of those negative feelings.
“Never Again” by Kelly Clarkson
“Never again will I hear you / Never again will I miss you / Never again will I fall to you, never / Never again will I kiss you / Never again will I want to / Never again will I love you, never!”
Once upon a time, “Never Again” was my favorite song. At seven, I was singing, and I say singing very loosely, my unbroken heart out to those hard-hitting lyrics as if someone just stomped all over my poor, unsuspecting heart.
“Forget You” by CeeLo Green
“And although there’s pain in my chest / I still wish you the best / With a “Forget you” (ooh, ooh, ooh).”
No one says it better than CeeLo Green.
“Be Alright” by Dean Lewis
“But it’s not the fact that you kissed him yesterday / It’s the feeling of betrayal, that I just can’t seem to shake / And everything I know tells me that I should walk away / But I just wanna stay.”
When composing “Be Alright” into existence, Dean Lewis may have written the lyrics with his past breakups in mind, but the song itself can be applied to anyone struggling with a breakup. Though the future may seem bleak at first, it is important to surround yourself with friends and family and to remember that things will work out in the end.
“Somebody Else” by The 1975
“Our love has gone cold / You’re intertwining your soul with somebody else.”
Post-breakup, there comes a time when your ex moves on with somebody else, and having a front-row seat to that development can be confusing, especially when you miss having that person in your life. That’s where The 1975’s unique hit “Somebody Else” comes into play. When you no longer want to be with someone romantically, but don’t want to see them with somebody else, this song will become your BFF.
“The Heart Wants What It Wants” by Selena Gomez
“Save your advice, ’cause I won’t hear / You might be right, but I don’t care / There’s a million reasons why I should give you up / But the heart wants what it wants.”
When Selena Gomez released “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” she gave us an intimate peek into her side of the breakup and shattered everyone’s hearts with her moving lyrics and heartfelt music video.
“Stay” by Rihanna ft Mikky Ekko
“Cause when you never see the light / It’s hard to know which one of us is caving.”
When you’re looking to feel all the feels, put on Rihanna and Mikky Ekko’s heart-wrenching single “Stay.” Prepare to ugly cry your way into the following morning.
“when the party’s over” by Billie Eilish
“Once we’ve both said our goodbyes / Let’s just let it go / Let me let you go.”
Although “when the party’s over” may seem like a somber track filled with anguish and heartbreak, Billie Eilish doesn’t see it as a sad song, but more of a story about someone who is fed up with their partner’s toxic behavior and is ready to end things. With that said, Eilish’s masterpiece undoubtedly deserves a place on your breakup list, especially for anyone who is ready to say goodbye to their relationship. And be sure to watch the visually stunning music video. Drenched in creativity and open to limitless interpretations, it is a work of art.
“Fingers Crossed” by Lauren Spencer-Smith
“All you did was prove me wrong / When you said you loved me / Well, you must’ve had your fingers crossed.”
If all your friends are pointing out red flags, it’s safe to say that you might be better off without the walking red flag. Kick ‘em to the curb and find someone who treats your right… or live it up as a single gal.
“Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé
“So since I’m not your everything (irreplaceable) / How about I’ll be nothing? / Nothing at all to you.”
The next time you’re going through a breakup, be sure to turn up Beyoncé’s killer breakup anthem.
“Easy On Me” by Adele
“I know there is hope in these waters / But I can’t bring myself to swim / When I am drowning in this silence.”
In Adele’s latest album 30, the British songwriter penned one of her most vulnerable tracks to date, “Easy On Me.” Written after the breakdown of her marriage, Adele is brutally honest in her delivery, especially when it comes to pinpointing her own flaws and pitfalls. However, it is the undercurrent of hope and self-acceptance that makes this truly remarkable piece and further shows how much she has grown since the release of 19.
“Same Old Love” by Selena Gomez
“You left in peace, left me in pieces.”
If you’re sick of that same old love, you’ll appreciate Selena Gomez’s relatable lyrics.
“Champagne Problems” by Taylor Swift
“One for the money, two for the show / I never was ready, so I watch you go.”
Taylor Swift is a master of her craft, especially when it comes to constructing unforgettable bridges. Based on a fictional couple, “Champagne Problems” tells the story of longtime college sweethearts and the night their relationship dissolves seconds after a proposal.
“Potential Breakup Song” by Aly & AJ
“We got along, we got along, we got along until you did that / Now all I want is just my stuff back / Do you get that? / Let me repeat that / I want my stuff back.”
The “Potential Breakup Song” is the perfect breakup anthem to listen to when you need a pick-me-up.
“If the World Was Ending” by JP Saxe & Julia Michaels
“If the world was ending / You’d come over, right?”
Whether your relationship ended because your paths were taking you both in opposite directions or you simply fell out of love, Julia Michaels and JP Saxe’s emotionally charged single will blanket your mind in nostalgia and have you wondering whether your ex would come over if the world was ending.
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
“Jealousy, turning saints into the sea / Swimming through sick lullabies, choking on your alibis.”
Imagine having a song written about your cheating exploits and hearing it at every single party you attend after that. Talk about the perfect revenge.
“Hold On” by Chord Overstreet
“Hold on, I still want you / Come back, I still need you.”
For me, “Hold On” will forever be intertwined with The Vampire Diaries. If you have yet to watch TVD, know that you’ll be in for a world of pain and anguish by the last episode, especially when paired with this heartrending song from Chord Overstreet.
“Slide Away” by Miley Cyrus
“Move on, we’re not 17 / I’m not who I used to be / You say that everything changed / You’re right, we’re grown now.”
Sometimes you simply grow up and drift apart, something Miley Cyrus speaks about in “Slide Away.”
“Without Me” by Halsey
“Gave love ’bout a hundred tries (hundred tries) / Just running from the demons in your mind / Then I took yours and made ’em mine (made ’em mine) / I didn’t notice ’cause my love was blind.”
Bad breakups can be difficult, especially when you make sacrifice after sacrifice only to be cheated on and thrown to the curb. If you need an outlet to vent your frustrations, queue up Halsey’s pop hit “Without Me” and let out all of that anger.
“I miss you, I’m sorry” by Gracie Abrams
“Do you remember happy together? / I do, don’t you?”
In this emotional ballad from breakout artist Gracie Abrams, we watch as Abrams attempts to wade through the medley of emotions residing within her mind following a bad breakup.
“Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” by P!nk
“You think I’m just too serious / I think you’re full of shit / My head is spinning, so / Blow me one last kiss.”
When you need a good scream sing sesh, turn up P!nk’s hit “Blow Me (One Last Kiss).”
“i hope ur miserable until ur dead” by Nessa Barrett
“The damage is done, movin’ on if I’m ready or not.”
In “i hope ur miserable until ur dead,” Nessa Barrett makes it clear that she has no room for toxic relationships in her life.
“Falling” by Harry Styles
“What am I now? What am I now? / What if I’m someone I don’t want around?”
Following a difficult breakup, you’re bound to experience a rollercoaster of highs and lows. When you feel like you’re free-falling back into the low stage of grief, I recommend listening to “Falling,” a deeply vulnerable track from Harry Styles.
“Happier” by Olivia Rodrigo
“So find someone great, but don’t find no one better / I hope you’re happy, but don’t be happier.”
When you’re in that stage where you wish your ex all the best, but still hope that they aren’t happier than when they had been with you, queue up Olivia Rodrigo’s impassioned ballad “Happier.”
“The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
“I had all and then most of you / Some and now none of you / Take me back to the night we met.”
Lord Huron’s hauntingly beautiful track “The Night We Met” packs an immense emotional punch that leaves you feeling both melancholic and nostalgic, even if you do not have a specific person in mind.
“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
“You’re a little late / I’m already torn.”
Natalie Imbruglia’s rendition of “Torn” is the song to blast with the windows down when you need to release all the pent-up emotions that have been building up.
“Maniac” by Conan Gray
“Tell all of your friends that I’m crazy and drive you mad / That I’m such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath / And tell them you hate me and dated me just for laughs / So, why do you call me and tell me you want me back? / You maniac.”
Some ex’s love telling stories. If you have one of those ex’s, you’ll feel right at home listening to Conan Gray’s relatable lyrics.
“Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill
“Loving you is like a battle (it’s like a battle) / And we both end up with scars.”
For an introspective track about a toxic relationship, I recommend listening to Lauryn Hill’s emotional hit “Ex-Factor.”
“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor
“It’s been seven hours and 15 days / Since you took your love away.”
Breakups can be difficult and Sinéad O’Connor exemplifies that by simply stating the number of hours and days that have passed since her ex became her ex. If you are at that stage of the breakup, “Nothing Compares 2 U” might be able to speak to you in ways other songs cannot.
“Beggin’ On Your Knees” by Victorious
“I know I’m being bitter / But I’mma drag you under / ‘Cause you just don’t, don’t deserve happy ever after.”
If there is one thing Victorious did right, it was their breakup songs.
“traitor” by Olivia Rodrigo
“Guess you didn’t cheat, but you’re still a traitor.”
Olivia Rodrigo’s lyrics are so painfully beautiful that it is impossible to not wallow away while listening to her heartbreakingly tragic album. And if you’re happily single, prepare to grieve your metaphorical breakup.
“Lose You To Love Me” by Selena Gomez
“We’d always go into it blindly / I needed to lose you to find me / This dancing was killing me softly / I needed to hate you to love me.”
When you need to say goodbye to an emotional chapter of your life, listen to Selena Gomez’s introspective single “Lose You To Love Me.” Between “The Heart Wants What It Wants” and this masterpiece, be prepared to shed some tears.
“Apologize” by OneRepublic
“You tell me that you’re sorry / Didn’t think I’d turn around / And say / That it’s too late to apologize.”
If you’re looking for a timeless breakup song that is packed with nostalgia, look no further than OneRepublic’s legendary hit “Apologize.”
“Supercut” by Lorde
“Cause in my head in my head, I do everything right / When you call when you call, I’ll forgive and not fight / Because ours are the moments I play in the dark / We were wild and fluorescent, come home to my heart.”
Someone Great introduced me to this mesmerizing track from Lorde and I have been a fan of the song ever since. Written about a past breakup, Lorde opens up and acknowledges how there are times when she wishes she could go back but knows that breaking up was for the best even though there are times when it seems like the happy moments outweigh the bad.
“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton
“Don’t leave me in all this pain / Don’t leave me out in the rain / Bring back the nights when I held you beside me.”
If you have ever been blindsided by a breakup, Toni Braxton’s unforgettable track “Un-Break My Heart” may be one of the most relatable breakup songs for you.
“Over My Head (Cable Car)” by The Fray
“And suddenly I become a part of your past / I’m becoming the part that don’t last / I’m losing you and it’s effortless / Without a sound we lose sight of the ground / In the throw around.”
Although this song is actually about a fight between the lead singer Isaac Slade and his brother Caleb, who played bass for The Fray, “Over My Head (Cable Car)” can be interpreted in many ways, making it a great song to listen to when going through a breakup.
“Happier” by Ed Sheeran
“’Cause baby, you look happier, you do / I knew one day you’d fall for someone new / But if he breaks your heart like lovers do / Just know that I’ll be waitin’ here for you.”
Watching the love of your life fall in love with someone else is hard. But seeing that they’re happier than they were with you is downright painful. Ed Sheeran captures those feelings and emotions perfectly in his heartbreaking ballad “Happier.”
“You Were Meant For Me” by Jewel
“Dreams last so long / Even after you’re gone / I know that you love me / And soon you will see / You were meant for me / And I was meant for you.”
If you have yet to watch that scene from The Office where Pam and Roy dance to “You Were Meant For Me,” it will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
“Ghost Town” by Benson Boone
“The streets are empty / Where love once was but it’s faded away.”
When you need some assistance in saying goodbye to a toxic relationship, “GHOST TOWN” may be the perfect song to help you heal and move forward. Between Boone’s chilling vocals and accurate lyrics, you’ll have this playing on repeat.
“Another Love” by Tom Odell
“I wanna sing a song, that’d be just ours / But I sang ’em all to another heart / And I wanna cry, I wanna fall in love / But all my tears have been used up.”
When you’re with someone new, but can’t stop thinking about “another love,” look no further than Tom Odell’s emotional ballad “Another Love.” Not only will this song resonate with you, but it might also help to relieve the pain and heartache.
“Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers
“I hate you for what you did / And I miss you like a little kid.”
Devastatingly raw and beautifully complex, “Motion Sickness” is a masterfully written track that is the perfect blend of heartbreak and betrayal.
“Let It Go” by James Bay
“I used to recognize myself / It’s funny how reflections change / When we’re becoming something else / I think it’s time to walk away.”
Let a breeze sweep away all that negative energy swirling around you and, for good measure, play “Let It Go.” Be sure to type in James Bay though. Otherwise, you may find yourself looking up the track from Frozen and although that may be fun to belt out, it’s no James Bay.
“Should’ve Said No” by Taylor Swift
“You should’ve said, “No” / Baby, and you might still have me.”
It’s as easy as a simple “NO.”
“Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa
“Walk away, you know how / Don’t start caring about me now.”
If there is anyone who can help you walk away from your ex with a little pep to your step, it is Dua Lipa.
“The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script
“Some try to hand me money, they don’t understand / I’m not broke – I’m just a broken-hearted man / I know it makes no sense but what else can I do? / How can I move on when I’m still in love with you?”
Whether you’re brokenhearted or high on serotonin, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” will always be one of the best heartbreak songs to jam out to.
“I Hope” by Gabby Barrett
“I hope she’s wilder than your wildest dreams / She’s everything you’re ever gonna need / And then I hope she cheats / Like you did on me.”
If you’re feeling vengeful, Gabby Barrett’s country breakup hit is the perfect song to play on repeat.
“Jealous” by Labrinth
“It’s hard for me to say, I’m jealous of the way / You’re happy without me.”
Laden with raw emotion and pain, Labrinth’s low and sorrowful vocals and soulful lyrics will grab your attention and speak to you on an entirely different level than other breakup songs.
“Bruises” by Lewis Capaldi
“I’ve been told, I’ve been told to get you off my mind / But I hope I never lose the bruises that you left behind.”
Nothing hurts worse than when the person you loved becomes nothing more than a memory. In “Bruises,” Capaldi laments how he hopes to never forget his ex or the memories, “the bruises,” that she left behind.
“Truth Hurts” by Lizzo
“You tried to break my heart / Oh, that breaks my heart / That you thought you ever had it / No you ain’t from the start.”
If you have boy problems, Lizzo has some songs for you. “Truth Hurts” is a breakup anthem that will bring you one step closer to getting over your ex.
“The Scientist” by Coldplay
“Nobody said it was easy / No one ever said it would be this hard / Oh, take me back to the start.”
Coldplay’s tearful hit “The Scientist” rings with vulnerability and unimaginable heartache. If you need a good cry sesh, let Chris Martin’s melancholic vocals enshroud your mind.
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael
“We could have been so good together / We could have lived this dance forever / But now, who’s gonna dance with me? / Please stay.”
Iconic, melodious, and unforgettable, “Careless Whisper” is the type of song to play at full blast with the windows down while belting out that masterful bridge. And if you ever made a terrible mistake that cost you the love of your life, George Michael’s lyrics will undoubtedly hit deep.
“Moral of the Story” by Ashe
“Some mistakes get made / That’s alright, that’s okay”
If there is one message to take away from Ashe’s brilliant breakup song “Moral of the Story” it’s that mistakes will be made and “that’s alright, that’s okay.” What matters is that you learn from those mistakes and make better decisions going forward.
“you should be sad” by Halsey
“No, you’re not half the man you think that you are / And you can’t fill the hole inside of you with money, drugs, and cars.”
In this introspective country-pop song track, Halsey expresses her frustrations over a past relationship.
“Leave (Get Out)” by Jojo
“I wanted you right here with me / But I have no choice you’ve got to leave / Because my heart is breaking / With every word I’m saying.”
Jojo’s nostalgic throwback “Leave (Get Out)” is a 2004 hit overflowing with teenage angst and heartfelt emotions. If you need to reconnect with all those teenage emotions, queue up Jojo’s masterpiece.
“Back To December” by Taylor Swift
“And then the cold came, the dark days / When fear crept into my mind / You gave me all your love and all I gave you was goodbye.”
When it comes to foolproof breakup songs, Taylor Swift knows what she’s doing, but rarely does she release one where she apologizes to a past flame. Emotional and heartfelt, “Back To December” is a mesmerizing hit overflowing with poignant lyrics and moving vocals.