It is not ideal to dwell on thoughts of an ex, yet it often occurs at inopportune times. Sometimes you feel okay, but then the reality that they are no longer present hits you unexpectedly. Music can be cathartic and has the power to evoke every sad feeling within you by bringing them to the forefront. If you are seeking songs about heartbreak that strike a chord, here are a few recommendations.
1. "Favorite Crime" By Olivia Rodrigo
Selecting any tracks from Olivia Rodrigo's Sour album is a sure bet, but "favorite crime" in particular captures the feeling of betrayal of entrusting someone with your heart, only for them to use and abuse you without reciprocating the affection you gave. The song also touches on the complex emotions of still holding on to the hope that you meant something to them, even though they caused you pain throughout your relationship.
2. "Sandcastles" By Beyoncé
From Beyoncé's Lemonade album, which features several songs about heartbreaks and unfaithfulness, this ballad will leave you in an emotional state. It expresses unfulfilled promises, and mutual remorse and Beyoncé's powerful vocal performance accompanied by a sorrowful piano makes this song the ideal anthem to wallow in your grief.
3. "All Too Well" By Taylor Swift
Yes, we are referring to the 10-minute version of the song, with no exceptions. "All Too Well" describes a relationship between two people with a significant age gap that ultimately falls apart, and the singer's pain of never having her efforts appreciated. The song also highlights how relationships can take away one's individuality, joy, and ability to feel normal. To amplify the emotional impact, the music video is also recommended.
4. "Million Reasons" By Lady Gaga
If your breakup involved trying to justify staying with an ex who gave you countless reasons for breaking up, but you stayed for the way they made you feel, and despite giving it your all, it still wasn't enough, this song will help you navigate through those emotions.
5. "Somebody That I Used To Know" By Gotye
Another difficult aspect of breakups is the sudden transition from loving someone and having them constantly in your life to becoming strangers. The abrupt severance from a person who was a central part of your life can be incredibly painful, and this indie pop track featuring Kimbra's guest vocals perfectly captures that feeling and provides a soothing outlet for tears.
6. "The Scientist" By Coldplay
You might expect that the use of science-related imagery would make the song seem cheesy or overly geeky, but it is quite the opposite. If you have ever longed to go back to the initial phase of a relationship when everything appeared perfect, this song expresses the wish to revisit those positive emotions and for the beloved to return to "haunt" them.
7. "I'll Come Running By To You" By Sam Cooke
In search of a timeless classic? This song is from the perspective of a man who feels he has "lost everything" due to not treating his loved one with the respect they deserved. It also conveys the difficulty of wanting to start anew and having a chance to start over. This song is perfect for those who secretly (or not so secretly) wish their ex would feel that way about them.
8. "Linger" By The Cranberries
Are you hopelessly in love with your ex to the point that it is physically painful? Or did your breakup happen unexpectedly? The Cranberries' track acknowledges the longing to have your ex back in your life because you feel an intrinsic connection to them.
9. "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" By Bonnie Tyler
Another classic addition to your playlist, this song is for the nights when you keep dreaming of the moment you will be reunited in each other's arms and the intense longing for your ex-partner will cease. If you are holding out hope for a second chance at love, this song is for you.
10. "Silver Springs" By Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks' singing in this composition elevates it to a formidable entry in the category of heartbreak songs. It narrates the story of a relationship that could have flourished if only one person had reciprocated the feelings. The lyrics of the song are believed to be based on Nick's own experience of breaking up with Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham. I find the live performance of the song at Warner Brothers Studio in 1997 to be the most impactful. The vengeful section of the song sung by Nicks promises that her ex-partner will always be haunted by her memory, no matter how much time goes by.
11. "Always On My Mind" By Willie Nelson
The reason why this particular version of the song was utilized in the emotionally charged SPCA ads is due to its ability to evoke strong feelings of sorrow. Nelson's emotive singing and the supplications for pardon will leave one in tears, curled up under a blanket for extended periods.
12. "Wrecking Ball" By Miley Cyrus
When the song was first released, it quickly became a popular source for humorous imitations. However, disregarding the controversial music video, the lyrics convey the utter devastation of the heart when one feels that they will never be able to love again. According to Cyrus, the ramifications of loving someone can range from internal conflicts to feeling destroyed. I believe this to be a very accurate portrayal of the emotions involved in heartbreak.
