Jealousy, that green-eyed monster, is a powerful emotion that has fueled countless dramas, both in life and in art. It’s no surprise then that songwriters across genres and generations have tapped into this potent feeling, crafting songs that explore its many facets. Whether it’s the sting of betrayal, the ache of unrequited love, or the gnawing feeling of insecurity, jealousy resonates deeply within the human experience. So, if you’re looking to soundtrack your own moments of envy or simply want to explore this complex emotion through music, look no further. Here are some of the best songs ever written about jealousy, each offering a unique perspective on this universal feeling.
John Lennon Photo: Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, representing songs about jealousy
The Killers – Mr. Brightside
“Mr. Brightside,” the anthemic debut single from The Killers, is a raw and immediate portrayal of jealousy in the heat of the moment. Frontman Brandon Flowers penned the song after walking in on his girlfriend cheating, a visceral experience that fueled the song’s angst and enduring popularity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of denial and pain, as the narrator is forced to confront the reality of infidelity. The music video, with its Moulin Rouge! inspired visuals, further emphasizes the turbulent emotions of a love triangle, making “Mr. Brightside” a quintessential jealousy anthem for the 21st century.
Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know
Alanis Morissette‘s iconic “You Oughta Know” is a masterclass in post-breakup bitterness and jealousy. While Alanis has remained tight-lipped about the specific inspiration, rumors have long swirled around actor Dave Coulier as the subject of her ire. Regardless of its target, the song’s power lies in its unflinching honesty and raw emotion. Fueled by Dave Navarro’s searing guitar and Flea’s funky bassline, “You Oughta Know” unleashes a torrent of jealous rage directed at an ex and his new love, becoming a defining song of 90s alternative rock and female empowerment.
Reel Big Fish – I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend Too
Taking a more lighthearted, ska-infused approach to jealousy is Reel Big Fish with “I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend Too.” Released on their debut album Everything Sucks, this song showcases the band’s signature blend of catchy melodies and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. While the title is overtly possessive and envious, the upbeat tempo and humorous delivery prevent it from sounding genuinely threatening. Instead, it captures a more playful, almost adolescent form of jealousy, making it a fun and relatable track for anyone who’s ever had a crush on someone else’s partner.
Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl
Rick Springfield‘s 1981 smash hit, “Jessie’s Girl,” is a classic tale of unrequited desire and envy directed at a friend. The song’s instantly recognizable guitar riff and Springfield’s earnest vocals perfectly capture the pining and frustration of wanting someone you can’t have. Inspired by a real-life stained glass class and a friend named Gary (and “Jessie”), the song is a testament to the often-awkward and sometimes painful experience of jealousy in everyday life. The enduring mystery of the real “Jessie” only adds to the song’s legendary status.
Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better
Shawn Mendes offers a more compassionate take on jealousy with “Treat You Better.” Released as the lead single from his second album, the song isn’t about romantic rivalry in the traditional sense, but rather about witnessing someone you care about in a potentially unhealthy relationship. The jealousy here stems from a desire to protect and offer a better alternative, tinged with a hint of romantic interest. The music video’s inclusion of the National Domestic Violence hotline underscores the song’s message of concern and care, giving a more mature and socially conscious dimension to the theme of jealousy.
Pink Floyd – Green Is the Colour
Pink Floyd delves into the more symbolic and subtle aspects of jealousy with “Green Is the Colour.” Appearing on their soundtrack album More, the song uses the color green, traditionally associated with envy, as a central motif. The gentle, pastoral instrumentation and David Gilmour’s ethereal vocals create a dreamlike atmosphere, hinting at a quiet, underlying current of jealousy. The song’s beauty lies in its understated approach, suggesting that jealousy can be a subtle but pervasive emotion that colors our perceptions. The whimsical whistle, performed by Nick Mason’s then-wife, adds an unexpected and slightly melancholic touch.
Paula DeAnda – When It Was Me
Paula DeAnda‘s “When It Was Me” captures the sting of comparison and the particular brand of jealousy that arises when an ex seems to be treating their new partner better than they treated you. Co-written by Ne-Yo, the song is a relatable exploration of insecurity and the feeling of being undervalued in a past relationship. DeAnda’s smooth vocals convey a sense of wistful regret and a longing for the same level of affection she sees her ex giving someone else, highlighting the painful sting of feeling replaced and overlooked.
The Cars – My Best Friend’s Girl
The Cars‘ “My Best Friend’s Girl” is a new wave classic that explores the classic scenario of romantic rivalry between friends. Ric Ocasek, the song’s writer, claimed it wasn’t based on personal experience but rather a universally relatable situation. The song’s driving beat and catchy chorus mask a darker undercurrent of jealousy and possessiveness. The narrator’s desire for his best friend’s girl is presented with a detached coolness that is characteristic of The Cars’ sound, but the underlying emotion of envy is unmistakable, making it a staple of 70s rock radio.
John Lennon – Jealous Guy
John Lennon‘s “Jealous Guy,” from his seminal Imagine album, is perhaps the most direct and confessional exploration of jealousy on this list. Originally conceived as “Child of Nature,” the song evolved into a deeply personal reflection on Lennon’s own struggles with possessiveness and insecurity in relationships. His vulnerable vocals and the song’s melancholic melody create an atmosphere of introspection and regret. “Jealous Guy” is not just a song about jealousy; it’s an apology and a признание of vulnerability, making it a timeless and emotionally resonant ballad. Roxy Music’s cover after Lennon’s death further cemented the song’s status as a powerful and poignant exploration of this complex emotion.
Beyoncé – Ring the Alarm
Beyoncé unleashes a fiery and assertive form of jealousy in “Ring the Alarm.” The second single from her B-Day album, this track is a declaration of possessiveness and a warning to any potential rivals. Beyoncé’s powerful vocals and the song’s aggressive beat convey a sense of fierce protectiveness over her partner and a refusal to share his attention. “Ring the Alarm” is not about insecurity but about dominance and control, showcasing a different, more assertive manifestation of jealousy. Its Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance is a testament to Beyoncé’s commanding delivery.
Michael Jackson ft. Paul McCartney – The Girl Is Mine
Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney‘s duet, “The Girl Is Mine,” offers a playful and lighthearted take on romantic competition. As the lead single from Thriller, the song’s massive success belies its relatively simple premise: two friends playfully arguing over who loves the same woman more. Despite the theme of rivalry, the song is ultimately about friendship and camaraderie, reflecting the real-life bond between Jackson and McCartney. “The Girl Is Mine” demonstrates that jealousy doesn’t always have to be negative; it can also be a source of friendly banter and playful competition.
Nirvana – Lounge Act
Nirvana‘s “Lounge Act,” from Nevermind, provides a glimpse into Kurt Cobain’s personal anxieties and relationship dynamics. Written about his then-girlfriend Tobi Vail, the song expresses Cobain’s discomfort with commitment and his fear of losing his independence. The jealousy in “Lounge Act” is more introspective and self-directed, stemming from Cobain’s own insecurities and reluctance to fully invest in a relationship. The song’s raw energy and Cobain’s signature angst make it a quintessential Nirvana track, even if it’s a less obvious “jealousy song” compared to others on this list.
Weezer – No One Else
Weezer‘s “No One Else,” from The Blue Album, is a satirical and somewhat unsettling portrayal of male possessiveness and control. Rivers Cuomo wrote the song from the perspective of an overly jealous and controlling boyfriend who wants his girlfriend all to himself. Intended as satire, the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody ironically contrast with its darker lyrical content. “No One Else” serves as a cautionary tale about the toxic side of jealousy, highlighting how it can manifest as controlling behavior and unreasonable demands.
The Police – Every Breath You Take
The Police‘s “Every Breath You Take” is a song that, despite its romantic veneer, is deeply rooted in jealousy and surveillance. Written by Sting during a period of personal turmoil, the song’s seemingly loving lyrics take on a sinister meaning when viewed through the lens of jealousy and control. Sting himself acknowledged the song’s darker undertones, linking it to themes of “Big Brother, surveillance, and control.” “Every Breath You Take” is a chilling reminder of how jealousy can morph into obsessive behavior and a desire to monitor and possess another person.
Nina Simone – That’s Him Over There
Nina Simone brings her signature soulful intensity to “That’s Him Over There,” a track from her 1959 album The Amazing Nina Simone. The song captures the poignant moment of encountering a former lover with someone new and feeling a pang of jealousy and regret. Simone’s emotive vocals convey a deep sense of longing and a wistful contemplation of what might have been. “That’s Him Over There” is a classic portrayal of the quiet, melancholic jealousy that lingers after a relationship has ended, a reminder of past love and lost possibilities.
Lou Reed – Satellite of Love
Lou Reed‘s “Satellite of Love,” from his Transformer album, offers a quirky and somewhat unexpected take on jealousy. The song, produced by David Bowie, is about a man who becomes jealous of his girlfriend’s attention being diverted by a satellite launch. This unusual scenario highlights the often-irrational nature of jealousy, how it can be triggered by even the most unexpected things. Reed’s deadpan delivery and the song’s glam-rock energy create a unique and memorable exploration of envy in the modern age. Bowie’s backing vocals on the final chorus add an extra layer of star power to this already iconic track.
Patty Loveless – Jealous Bone
Patty Loveless brings a country twang to jealousy with “Jealous Bone.” Originally written by Steve Bogard and Rick Giles, Loveless’s version, released in 1992, is a powerful anthem of possessiveness and the inability to let go of a partner. Sung from a woman’s perspective, “Jealous Bone” is a raw and honest portrayal of the visceral, almost physical sensation of jealousy. Loveless’s strong vocals and the song’s country-rock instrumentation create a driving and emotionally charged track about the pain and tenacity of jealous love.
The Beatles – You Can’t Do That
The Beatles‘ “You Can’t Do That,” originally a B-side to “Can’t Buy Me Love,” showcases a more possessive and arguably problematic form of jealousy. Written by John Lennon, the song expresses a desire to control a girlfriend’s interactions with other men. While a hit in its time, “You Can’t Do That” has been revisited by modern critics as reflecting a more toxic and misogynistic attitude towards relationships. It serves as a reminder that jealousy, while a common emotion, can also manifest in unhealthy and controlling ways.
Billy Fury – Jealousy
Billy Fury‘s self-titled song “Jealousy,” from his 1960 album The Sound of Fury, is a classic early rock and roll take on regret and jealousy. The song is about a man who realizes the depth of his love for his girlfriend only after mistreating her and risking losing her. Fury’s Elvis-esque vocals and the song’s driving rhythm capture the urgency and remorse of someone facing the consequences of their jealousy. “Jealousy” by Billy Fury is a reminder that sometimes, it’s only the fear of loss that makes us truly appreciate what we have.
Nick Jonas – Jealous
Nick Jonas brought jealousy into the pop mainstream with his 2014 hit “Jealous.” Reportedly inspired by his then-girlfriend Olivia Culpo, the song explores male insecurity and the feeling of being threatened by other men’s attention towards a partner. “Jealous” is a slick and contemporary pop track that acknowledges the social dynamics of jealousy in modern relationships. Its massive commercial success demonstrates the continued relevance of this emotion in popular music and culture. Olivia Culpo herself appears in the music video, adding a meta-layer to the song’s themes.
Olivia Rodrigo – jealousy, jealousy
Olivia Rodrigo tackles the specific anxieties of social media-fueled jealousy in “jealousy, jealousy,” from her record-breaking Sour album. The song directly addresses the pervasive comparison culture of online platforms and how it fuels feelings of inadequacy and envy, particularly among young women. Rodrigo’s candid lyrics and pop-punk energy resonate with a generation grappling with the pressures of social media perfection. “jealousy, jealousy” is a timely and relevant exploration of how technology amplifies and distorts our experiences of envy in the 21st century.
Gin Blossoms – Hey Jealousy
Gin Blossoms‘ “Hey Jealousy” is a jangle-pop classic with a bittersweet backstory. Written by the band’s late guitarist Doug Hopkins, the song is about wanting to rekindle a past relationship, fueled by a mix of longing and regret. The “jealousy” in the title is perhaps directed at the ex-girlfriend’s current life without him, or at the idea of her moving on. Despite its catchy melodies, “Hey Jealousy” is tinged with sadness, reflecting Hopkins’ personal struggles and his eventual departure from the band. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its relatable themes of heartbreak and the lingering pangs of past love.
YG – Jealous
YG brings a hip-hop perspective to jealousy with his 2020 track simply titled “Jealous.” From his album My Life 4Hunnid, the song flips the script on jealousy, focusing not on romantic envy but on the envy directed towards the artist himself. YG raps about the jealousy of others towards his wealth, success, and lifestyle. Produced by Paul Cabbin, Tariq Beats, and Musik MajorX, “Jealous” is a confident and boastful track that explores the darker side of success and the inevitable envy it can attract.
Chromeo – Jealous (I Ain’t With It)
Chromeo injects their signature funk and humor into “Jealous (I Ain’t With It).” This 2014 single takes a more comedic approach to the emotion, with the lyrics portraying a narrator trying to downplay his jealousy while clearly being consumed by it. The music video, featuring a jealous priest, further emphasizes the song’s lighthearted and ironic tone. “Jealous (I Ain’t With It)” is a fun and danceable track that acknowledges the absurdity of jealousy while still capturing its relatable sting.
Did we miss one of your favorite Songs About Jealousy? Let us know in the comments below.
