Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

Unrequited Love Song: A heartrending love song dedicated to you who are going through a painful romance

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

When you have an unrequited crush and feel like “it hurts, I want to cry,” you want to listen to songs that share those feelings, right?

In this article, we’ll introduce “tear-jerking unrequited love songs” we recommend just for you.

From the latest hits to timeless classics, every track is a gem with heartrending lyrics that sink deep into your heart.

“If I confess, we can’t go back to how we were.” “I know I should give up, but I still like you.” “We broke up, but I can’t bring myself to hate you.”

If you’re hurting from unrequited love in any of these ways, please give these songs a listen.

[Unrequited Love Songs] Heart-wrenching love songs for you going through a painful romance (11–20)

You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn

You’re the one who let me fall for you / Arekun [Official Music Video]

You let me do as I please, and yet...arekunn

Arekun-san’s moving song brilliantly portrays the complexity and bittersweetness of love.

The lyrics capture the intertwining emotions of anger and sadness toward the person you’ve fallen for, resonating with many listeners.

Released in September 2020, the track has surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.

In September 2021, it was also included on the major-label debut album “Breath.” It’s a perfect song for those experiencing the pain of unrequited love or lingering feelings.

By listening, you may be able to sort out your emotions or find a sense of empathy.

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I quit my dependency.matsuri

Dependence, I quit. / Matsuri (Official Music Video)

I quit my dependency.matsuri

A song by singer-songwriter Matsuri that portrays the feelings of a woman who draws a line under a dependent love and chooses to move forward on her own.

Released digitally in October 2020, the track captures a genuine, lived-in determination to break free from a dependence so strong it makes you lose yourself.

The interplay between the doubt—“Is this really okay?”—and the resolve—“I can’t go on like this”—resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a heartbreak song that leaves a warm afterglow, especially for those who can’t quite let go even after a breakup.

For anyone struggling with a relationship or hesitating before an important decision, this song will gently give you the push you need.

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I didn’t want to know, if it meant losing it.atarayo

Atarayo – “I Didn’t Want to Know, If It Meant Losing You” (Music Video)

I didn’t want to know, if it meant losing it.atarayo

A melancholy song from Atarayo themed around heartbreak.

It captures a longing so strong you’d rather not know the truth, yet still can’t bear to lose what you have.

Featured on their first album “In the Polar Night, the Moon Remains Silent,” the track was created from an episode selected out of more than 10,000 submissions and was released as a digital-only single in January 2022.

It portrays the fear of losing someone even while knowing the lie, expressed through Atarayo’s characteristically delicate lyrics and sound.

It’s a song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of heartbreak or who have experienced parting with someone dear.

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wrapTENSONG

TENSONG “Matoi (Wrapped In)” [Official Music Video]

wrapTENSONG

A heartrending breakup song that portrays the end of unrequited love.

The regret of never confessing and the inability to forget the other person resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in July 2021 and widely discussed on social media, the song draws on vocalist Takabō’s real experiences to express, through simple yet profound lyrics, what it means to cherish feelings for someone unforgettable as precious memories.

It also carries messages about the importance of acknowledging one’s feelings of love and understanding gender diversity, making it a song that offers solace to those struggling with the conflicts of romance.

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Unrequited loveAimer

Aimer “Kataomoi” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL ver.)

Unrequited loveAimer

A bittersweet love song sung by Aimer, a songstress of the new era.

Even if many people don’t understand me, I just want you—only you—to know who I am.

I think many listeners can relate to these lyrics.

At first glance the feeling may seem self-centered, but it’s surely something everyone carries.

It’s a lovely song that conveys sincere, unwavering affection.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

When it comes to love songs, back number instantly comes to mind! This track, sung by the band that’s become synonymous with romance, was used as the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” The lyrics, vocals, melody, and guitar sound—all of it overflows with heartbreak, and it tightens your chest as you listen.

If you’re looking for unrequited love songs, you can’t leave their music out!

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[Unrequited Love Songs] Heart-wrenching love songs for you who are going through a painful romance (21–30)

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism’s “Pretender” sings about how the narrator might not be worthy of being the important person’s partner, yet his deep affection for her overflows, evoking the ache of unaligned feelings.

The final line isn’t an explicit declaration of love, but it’s striking and takes your breath away, doesn’t it?

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