Unrequited love songs just resonate differently, don’t they? Is there a more poignant ache than yearning for someone who doesn’t reciprocate those feelings? It’s a universally felt pang – lying awake at night, ceiling-gazing, with one-sided love anthems playing in your mind. It’s a unique flavor of heartache, a blend of longing and loneliness.
Perhaps you find yourself drawn to songs about loving someone you simply cannot have, or maybe you lean on breakup tracks to navigate the choppy waters of an unwanted separation. Or, perhaps there’s an unspoken admiration for someone, a crush kept at bay by circumstance. Whatever the reason, while unrequited love manifests uniquely for everyone, its intensity is undeniable. In fact, this shared experience might be a common thread we unknowingly share with our beloved musicians. You might not be on a first-name basis with Taylor Swift, but chances are her melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics about forbidden love have been a companion through your own emotional landscapes. Why pen your own verses about unattainable affection when countless artists have already given voice to these very sentiments?
Turning to songs about rejection can be incredibly validating – suddenly, you’re not alone in this emotional rollercoaster. And you can find these anthems across the musical spectrum, from the effervescence of pop to the raw grit of rock. In many ways, songs about loving someone you can’t have practically constitute their own genre, wouldn’t you agree?
We’ve curated a selection of essential Songs About Unrequited Love to enrich your ‘Love Hurts/Love Stinks’ playlist. They are the perfect sonic companions to guide you – or a friend – through these emotionally turbulent times. Turn up the volume and let those feelings flow.
1. “You’re Losing Me,” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift masterfully captures the slow burn of realizing your efforts in a relationship are one-sided, a poignant track for anyone feeling unseen and unheard.
2. “Good Thing,” by Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s soulful voice conveys the bittersweet realization that sometimes, being alone is a ‘good thing’ when the love you desire is out of reach.
3. “Weightless,” by Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks’ gentle and introspective style perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being insignificant to the person you adore, feeling ‘weightless’ in their world.
4. “Dawns,” by Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan’s raw and honest lyrics often explore heartache, and “Dawns” likely delves into the melancholic acceptance of a love that isn’t meant to be, perfect for those introspective moments.
5. “Emily I’m Sorry,” by Boygenius
Boygenius, known for their emotionally charged and narrative-driven songs, likely offers a track in “Emily I’m Sorry” that navigates the complexities and apologies within unrequited affection.
6. “All I Want,” by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s raw and powerful vocals in “All I Want” scream the desperation and longing that comes with unrequited love, a relatable anthem for young hearts.
7. “I Love You,” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s haunting and ethereal voice brings a unique depth to the simple yet profound words “I Love You,” highlighting the vulnerability of expressing love that may not be returned.
8. “Midnight Rain,” by Taylor Swift
Another Taylor Swift gem, “Midnight Rain,” likely explores the allure of someone unattainable, the kind of love that feels like a captivating yet destructive storm.
9. “Jaded,” by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’s “Jaded” probably tackles the weary acceptance that comes after repeated attempts at love are met with indifference, a feeling of being hardened by unreciprocated affection.
10. “I’m a Mess,” by Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne’s pop-punk energy mixed with vulnerability in “I’m a Mess” likely resonates with the chaotic emotions and self-doubt that can accompany unrequited love.
11. “Loser,” by Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth’s “Loser” might explore the self-deprecating thoughts and feelings of inadequacy that can surface when you feel like you’re not ‘enough’ for someone you desire.
12. “Daylight,” by Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ “Daylight” could represent the hope and longing for a love that feels just out of reach, like chasing the fleeting beauty of daylight.
13. “So Good,” by Halsey
Halsey’s “So Good” may depict the frustration and confusion of unrequited love, questioning why someone you perceive as perfect doesn’t see you in the same light.
14. “When I’m Alone,” by Post Malone
Post Malone’s “When I’m Alone” might delve into the solace and sadness of solitude when love is unreturned, finding comfort in your own company despite the heartache.
15. “Is There Someone Else?,” by The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s “Is There Someone Else?” perfectly captures the paranoia and insecurity of wondering if the person you desire is already captivated by another, a common fear in unrequited love.
16. “Me, Myself & I,” by 5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer’s “Me, Myself & I” could be about finding independence and self-reliance when romantic love is absent or unreturned, focusing on self-love instead.
17. “I’d Lie,” by Taylor Swift
Going back to Taylor Swift, “I’d Lie” is a classic example of teenage pining, the secret crush and the internal conflict of wanting to express feelings but holding back.
18. “Kids Are Born Stars,” by Lauv
Lauv’s “Kids Are Born Stars” might explore the feeling of being ordinary or overlooked while the person you admire seems extraordinary and unattainable, like a star.
19. “All For You,” by Cian Ducrot
Cian Ducrot’s “All For You” likely embodies the selfless aspect of unrequited love, being willing to give everything even if nothing is returned.
20. “TV,” by Billie Eilish
Another Billie Eilish track, “TV,” could be a commentary on observing the person you desire from afar, like watching them on a screen, always just out of reach.
21. “You Belong With Me,” by Taylor Swift
A quintessential unrequited love anthem, “You Belong With Me” perfectly captures the yearning for someone to see past superficial attractions and recognize a deeper connection.
22. “If,” by Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s “If” explores the fantasy and desire for a relationship that is not currently a reality, a song about longing and imagining ‘what if’.
23. “Stephen,” by Kesha
Kesha’s “Stephen” might be a playful yet poignant take on the friend zone, a lighthearted approach to the sting of unrequited affection.
24. “Little Bit (Remix),” by Drake ft. Lykke Li
Drake and Lykke Li’s collaboration “Little Bit (Remix)” likely delves into the cautious approach to love, holding back a ‘little bit’ for fear of vulnerability and unrequited feelings.
25. “Memphis,” by Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s “Memphis” could represent a specific place or memory associated with unrequited love, a location holding sentimental value and heartache.
26. “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” by Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt’s soulful delivery of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is the ultimate acceptance anthem, acknowledging the painful truth that love cannot be forced.
27. “It Takes A Muscle,” by M.I.A.
M.I.A.’s “It Takes A Muscle” might be an unconventional take, perhaps about the emotional strength required to endure unrequited love or to move on.
28. “Heartless,” by Kanye West
Kanye West’s “Heartless” captures the bitterness and pain of feeling emotionally discarded by someone you deeply cared for.
29. “Bad Religion,” by Frank Ocean.
Frank Ocean’s “Bad Religion” uses powerful metaphors to describe the feeling of desperation and almost spiritual yearning in unrequited love, seeking solace in something beyond reach.
30. “Need Ur Luv,” by Charli XCX
Charli XCX’s “Need Ur Luv” is a direct and pleading expression of desire, highlighting the intense need for reciprocation in love.
31. “Crush,” by Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore’s “Crush” is a classic pop song about the giddy and nervous feelings of having a crush, but the undercurrent of uncertainty about reciprocation makes it fit the theme.
32. “Just a Friend,” by Biz Markie
Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend” humorously yet sadly narrates the friend zone experience, a lighthearted take on the disappointment of unrequited romantic interest.
33. “So Into You,” by Tamia
Tamia’s “So Into You” expresses deep infatuation, the kind where you are completely consumed by your feelings for someone, even if they are unaware or uninterested.
34. “Adore,” by Cashmere Cat ft. Ariana Grande
Cashmere Cat and Ariana Grande’s “Adore” might explore the intensity of admiration that borders on obsession, a feeling common in intense unrequited crushes.
35. “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Joan Jett’s powerful vocals in “I Hate Myself for Loving You” express the frustration and self-blame that can accompany loving someone who causes you pain.
36. “Wicked Game,” by Chris Isaak
Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” is a sensual and melancholic portrayal of love’s darker side, the ‘wicked’ nature of desire and the pain it can bring, especially in unrequited scenarios.
37. “Foolish Games,” by Jewel
Jewel’s “Foolish Games” is a raw and emotional ballad about the cycle of hope and disappointment in unrequited love, the ‘foolish’ games we play with our hearts.
38. “Lovefool,” by The Cardigans
The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” is deceptively upbeat while expressing desperation for love, a plea to be chosen, even if it seems foolish or undignified.
39. “Make You Feel My Love,” by Adele
Adele’s rendition of “Make You Feel My Love” is a powerful promise of unconditional love and support, even if that love is not returned in the same way, showcasing the selfless aspect of unrequited feelings.
40. “Jar of Hearts,” by Christina Perri
Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts” is about emotional boundaries and self-protection after experiencing unrequited love, becoming guarded to avoid further heartache.
41. “Losing My Religion,” by R.E.M.
R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” uses metaphor to describe obsession and fixation, a feeling of being consumed by an unattainable desire, questioning faith and reason in love.
42. “Habits (Stay High),” by Tove Lo
Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” while not explicitly about unrequited love, captures the coping mechanisms people develop to deal with heartbreak and loneliness, often turning to unhealthy habits.
43. “Leave Your Lover,” by Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s “Leave Your Lover” directly addresses the painful situation of loving someone who is already committed to another, the plea to abandon their current relationship for you.
44. “Over My Head,” by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s “Over My Head” might represent the confusion and feeling lost in unrequited love, the sense of being overwhelmed by emotions you can’t control or understand.
45. “Creep,” by Radiohead
Radiohead’s “Creep” is the ultimate anthem for feeling inadequate and unworthy of someone’s love, the self-deprecating thoughts that arise in unrequited affection.
46. “Almost Lover,” by A Fine Frenzy
A Fine Frenzy’s “Almost Lover” beautifully captures the bittersweet pain of a relationship that never quite materialized, the lingering ache for what ‘almost’ was.
47. “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover,” by Sophie B. Hawkins
Sophie B. Hawkins’ bold and sensual “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” is a direct expression of desire and longing, leaving no room for subtlety in wanting someone who may not be available.
48. “The Heart Wants What it Wants,” by Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez’s “The Heart Wants What it Wants” is about accepting the irrationality of love and desire, acknowledging that feelings can persist even when they are unrequited or illogical.
49. “You’re Beautiful,” by James Blunt
James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” while seemingly romantic, carries an undercurrent of unrequited observation, admiring someone from afar and recognizing they may never be yours.
50. “Jessie’s Girl,” by Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” is the classic tale of jealousy and longing, desiring someone who is already in a relationship, a quintessential unrequited love scenario.
51. “A Thousand Years,” by Christina Perri
Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” expresses timeless and enduring love, even if it’s one-sided, a commitment to loving someone eternally regardless of reciprocation.
52. “Black,” by Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam’s “Black” is a raw and emotionally intense song about loss and unrequited love, the deep pain of seeing the person you love with someone else.
53. “I’m Not That Girl,” by Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel’s “I’m Not That Girl” from Wicked poignantly portrays the feeling of being overlooked and not being ‘the chosen one,’ watching the person you love with someone else who seems ‘better’.
54. “Without Me,” by Halsey
Halsey’s “Without Me” reflects on a relationship where one person feels their efforts were unappreciated, realizing their worth and acknowledging the lack of reciprocation.
55. “Everything You Want,” by Vertical Horizon
Vertical Horizon’s “Everything You Want” is about realizing that what you desire may not be what’s good for you, or that the person you want is unattainable or wrong for you.
56. “Dancing on My Own,” by Robyn
Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” is the iconic image of watching the person you love with someone else from the sidelines, finding a way to cope with the pain through self-expression.
57. “Put You in a Song,” by Keith Urban
Keith Urban’s “Put You in a Song” might be a more possessive take on unrequited love, wanting to capture and hold onto the essence of the person you desire, even if they are not yours.
58. “Can’t Keep on Loving You,” by Elliott Yamin
Elliott Yamin’s “Can’t Keep on Loving You” is about reaching a breaking point, realizing the emotional toll of unrequited love and deciding to step away for self-preservation.
59. “Shiver,” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s “Shiver” expresses intense infatuation and nervousness around the person you love, feeling overwhelmed by their presence and the fear of rejection.
60. “Liability,” by Lorde
Lorde’s “Liability” explores the feeling of being ‘too much’ or a burden in relationships, perhaps stemming from experiences of unrequited love where one feels unwanted or undesirable.
61. “Damn Good Friends,” by Elle Varner
Elle Varner’s “Damn Good Friends” could be about the bittersweetness of being ‘just friends’ with someone you have deeper feelings for, recognizing the value of the friendship while still longing for more.
62. “Baby,” by Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris
Justin Bieber’s “Baby” captures the youthful innocence and intensity of first crushes and puppy love, often characterized by unrequited feelings and awkwardness.
63. “Surrender,” by Billy Talent
Billy Talent’s “Surrender” might be a more angsty and rebellious take on surrendering to unrequited love, perhaps about giving up the fight or accepting defeat in love.
64. “Are You Happy Now,” by Michelle Branch
Michelle Branch’s “Are You Happy Now” could express resentment and questioning the happiness of the person who rejected you, a touch of bitterness in the face of unrequited feelings.
65. “Tiny Vessels,” by Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab for Cutie’s “Tiny Vessels” often uses metaphor to describe fragile emotions and relationships, perhaps about the delicate and easily broken nature of hope in unrequited love.
66. “You Don’t Know Me,” by Ray Charles
Ray Charles’ “You Don’t Know Me” is a classic expression of hidden feelings, yearning for someone to see the real you and recognize the depth of your unspoken love.
67. “Teardrops on My Guitar,” by Taylor Swift
Another early Taylor Swift hit, “Teardrops on My Guitar” is the epitome of teenage pining, watching your crush from afar and imagining a different reality.
68. “Not Your Cinderella,” by Payton Rae
Payton Rae’s “Not Your Cinderella” is a declaration of independence and self-worth, refusing to wait for a fairytale ending or for someone to ‘rescue’ you, moving on from unrequited expectations.
69. “No Idea,” by Big Time Rush
Big Time Rush’s “No Idea” might be a more lighthearted and confused take on not understanding someone’s feelings or mixed signals, navigating the uncertainty of a crush.
70. “Waiting in Vain,” by Bob Marley
Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain” is a patient yet hopeful song about waiting for love to be reciprocated, a testament to enduring hope despite unrequited feelings.
71. “Layla,” by Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s “Layla” is a passionate and desperate plea for love, inspired by unrequited desire and capturing the intensity of longing.
72. “Notice Me,” by Alli Simpson
Alli Simpson’s “Notice Me” is a direct and youthful plea for attention and recognition from a crush, wanting to be seen and acknowledged by the person you admire.
73. “Let It Go,” by James Bay
James Bay’s “Let It Go” is about the difficult decision to release someone you love, accepting that the relationship is not working and choosing to move on, despite lingering feelings.
74. “I Don’t Know How to Tell You This,” by Faith Ling
Faith Ling’s “I Don’t Know How to Tell You This” perfectly captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of confessing unrequited feelings, the struggle to articulate unspoken love.
75. “Tell Him,” by Celine Dion featuring Barbara Streisand
Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand’s duet “Tell Him” is a powerful call to action, encouraging boldness in expressing love and urging someone to confess their feelings before it’s too late.
76. “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” by Al Green
Al Green’s soulful voice in “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” explores the universal question of healing after heartbreak, seeking solace and recovery from lost or unrequited love.
77. “Have You Ever,” by Brandy
Brandy’s “Have You Ever” questions the depth of someone else’s experience with love and pain, wondering if they have ever felt the sting of unrequited affection as deeply as you have.
78. “Dreaming with a Broken Heart,” by John Mayer
John Mayer’s “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” is a poetic depiction of heartbreak seeping into dreams, the inescapable nature of pain when love is lost or unreturned.
79. “How Do I Get There,” by Deana Carter
Deana Carter’s “How Do I Get There” might express the confusion and feeling lost after love, wondering how to navigate life and find your way back to happiness after unrequited love.
80. “Not Over You,” by Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw’s “Not Over You” is a straightforward admission of lingering feelings, acknowledging that time hasn’t erased the love and the pain of unrequited affection.
81. “Could’ve Been,” by H.E.R. featuring Bryson Tiller
H.E.R. and Bryson Tiller’s “Could’ve Been” reflects on missed opportunities and regret, wondering about ‘what could have been’ if the relationship had been reciprocated or pursued.
82. “Chasing Pavements,” by Adele
Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” is about the futility of pursuing a love that is clearly going nowhere, realizing when it’s time to stop trying and accept the unrequited nature of the affection.
83. “Not In That Way,” by Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s “Not In That Way” is a heartbreaking ballad about being loved platonically by someone you desire romantically, the pain of being close but not in the way you long for.
84. “You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are,” by Keaton Henson
Keaton Henson’s emotionally raw “You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are” might express the pain of feeling unappreciated and overlooked by the person you love, believing they are unaware of the depth of your feelings and their value.
85. “Can I Be Him,” by James Arthur
James Arthur’s “Can I Be Him” is a poignant wish to be the person the one you love desires, longing to be ‘him’ and to be the recipient of their affection.
86. “All to Myself,” by Marianas Trench
Marianas Trench’s “All to Myself” could be about possessiveness and the desire to keep someone all to yourself, even if that desire is unrealistic or unrequited.
87. “Bleeding Love,” by Leona Lewis
Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” is a powerful metaphor for being deeply wounded by love, willing to endure pain for the sake of love, even if it’s unrequited and hurts.
88. “When I Was Your Man,” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” is a regretful reflection on past relationships, realizing the value of someone only after losing them or when it’s too late, wishing you had been a better partner.
89. “Better Now,” by Post Malone
Post Malone’s “Better Now” deals with the aftermath of a breakup or unrequited love, trying to convince yourself (and maybe the other person) that you are better off now, even if it’s not entirely true.
90. “I Won’t Give Up,” by Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up” is a message of perseverance in love, choosing to keep loving someone even when faced with challenges or unrequited feelings, holding onto hope.
91. “I Think I’m Still in Love with You,” by Joyce Manor
Joyce Manor’s “I Think I’m Still in Love with You” is a raw and honest admission of lingering feelings, realizing that past love still has a hold on you, even if it’s unrequited or over.
92. “Black Cloud,” by Morrisey
Morrissey’s signature melancholic style in “Black Cloud” likely embodies the persistent gloom and sadness that can accompany unrequited love, feeling like a dark cloud is always overhead.
93. “Love Stinks,” by The J. Geils Band
The J. Geils Band’s “Love Stinks” is a humorous and cynical take on love, expressing frustration and disillusionment with romance, especially in the face of unrequited feelings.
94. “Just A Friend To You,” by Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor’s “Just A Friend To You” is a modern take on the friend zone, expressing the desire to be more than just friends and the pain of being confined to platonic boundaries.
95. “Unrequited Love,” by Yuna
Yuna’s song directly titled “Unrequited Love” likely offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the emotions and experiences specific to this kind of affection.
96. “You Are Not Alone,” by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” is a comforting and reassuring ballad, reminding listeners that they are not isolated in their pain and that someone understands their feelings of loneliness and heartbreak.
97. “Waiting Outside the Lines,” by Greyson Chance
Greyson Chance’s “Waiting Outside the Lines” might represent feeling like an outsider looking in, longing to be part of someone’s life but being kept at a distance, ‘waiting outside the lines’ of their heart.
98. “Nothin’ on You,” by B.O.B. featuring Bruno Mars
B.O.B. and Bruno Mars’ “Nothin’ on You” is a charming and complimentary song, expressing admiration and attraction, even if the feelings are not yet reciprocated or fully realized.
99. “The Girl of My Best Friend,” by Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s “The Girl of My Best Friend” is a classic tale of romantic rivalry and unrequited love, desiring someone who is already connected to someone close to you, creating a complex emotional triangle.
100. “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” by The Police
The Police’s “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” expresses infatuation and admiration that borders on idealization, seeing someone as almost magical and perfect, even if the relationship is only in your mind.
101. “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More ‘Touch Me,'” by Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy’s lengthy title hints at the angst and longing for deeper connection, wanting to move beyond innocent teenage romance and into something more intimate, perhaps facing unrequited desires in the process.
102. “Warm Blood,” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Warm Blood” might explore the intense physical and emotional reactions to a crush, the ‘warm blood’ rushing through your veins with desire, even if it’s unrequited.
103. “Closer Than You Might Believe,” by Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette’s “Closer Than You Might Believe” could be a message of hope and persistence, believing that love might be reciprocated eventually, that you are closer to their heart than they realize.
104. “Anything Could Happen,” by Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding’s “Anything Could Happen” is about embracing the unpredictable nature of love and life, holding onto hope that even unrequited feelings could transform into something unexpected and positive.
105. “Brass in Pocket,” by The Pretenders
The Pretenders’ “Brass in Pocket” is a confident and assertive song, projecting self-assurance even when facing vulnerability in love, perhaps as a way to cope with unrequited feelings by projecting strength.
106. “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” by Meat Loaf
Meat Loaf’s “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” is about compromise and acceptance in love, realizing that you might not get everything you want but that partial love or affection is still something valuable, even in unrequited scenarios.
107. “Like a Friend,” by Pulp
Pulp’s “Like a Friend” explores the comfort and closeness of friendship, even when romantic love is absent or unrequited, finding value and solace in platonic connection.
108. “Tears,” by Clean Bandit featuring Louisa Johnson
Clean Bandit and Louisa Johnson’s “Tears” is about moving on from heartbreak and unrequited love, shedding tears but ultimately finding strength and resilience to overcome the pain.
109. “Self Esteem,” by The Offspring
The Offspring’s “Self Esteem” while seemingly about relationship dynamics, can relate to unrequited love in the sense of low self-esteem making you accept less than you deserve in love, settling for unreciprocated affection.
110. “Just My Imagination,” by The Temptations
The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination” is a classic song about living in a fantasy world to cope with unrequited love, creating an imagined reality where your love is returned, even if it’s not real.
111. “Oh So Quiet,” by Björk
Björk’s “Oh So Quiet” captures the contrast between the quiet longing of unrequited love and the explosive joy of reciprocated affection, highlighting what you yearn for when love is one-sided.
Want to immerse yourself in these songs about unrequited love right now? Just hit play on our Spotify playlist and let the emotions wash over you. When you’re navigating the intensity of lovelorn feelings, these songs serve as a reminder that you are definitely not alone.
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