Tear-jerking unrequited love songs that will break your heart: timeless classics about unattainable love
Have you ever had a night when your chest tightens with the weight of feelings that can’t reach the one you love? The power of bittersweet unrequited love songs is that they gently speak the words you can’t say.
The more you think about the person you like, the more the ache grows—and even knowing the love won’t come true, you still can’t stop your feelings.
Finding a song that stays close to such a wavering heart can quietly give you a push after the tears.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wealth of gems that portray the pain of unrequited love with unflinching honesty.
We hope you’ll find the one song that resonates perfectly with how you feel right now.
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Tear-jerking unrequited love songs that will break your heart. Masterpieces about unattainable love (131–140)
Thinking of youKEISUKE
This song, packed with the worries and inner conflicts of unrequited love, is one I especially want men who are going through it to hear.
The beautiful high notes over a piano accompaniment are a highlight, but what really stands out are the lyrics.
Any man will surely find himself relating to the story woven throughout.
You know in your head that this love won’t come true, but your heart won’t listen; you’re elated and crushed by her every word and action; you start to hate yourself for being that way…
Even so, the ending—where he resolves to face this love until he’s satisfied—hits you in the chest and makes you feel like you, too, can give it everything you’ve got.
IenaiSoala
A standout track featuring lyrics that portray a bittersweet love and a pop-inspired melody.
Soala’s clear, airy vocals deepen the expression of the struggle to communicate one’s feelings.
Released in August 2022 and included on the album “LOVE,” this song resonated with many listeners and saw its streaming numbers grow.
It conveys the heartache of being treated as a one-sided crush or a mere pastime, and the pain of not being someone’s “number one,” making it a song that supports those struggling with love.
It’s especially recommended for moments when thinking about someone you like makes your chest ache, or when you’re carrying feelings you can’t put into words.
high skyUMEILO
It’s a love song looking back on the bitter memories of unrequited love.
It seems the guy in the song was strung along by a girl he liked back in his school days.
From an outsider’s perspective, you’d want to tell him to just shake off that little temptress, but at the time he was truly, deeply in love.
That feeling has cooled now, but he still cares enough to wonder, “So, do you have a boyfriend yet?”
I like you, but it seems like you don’t really like me.back number
This is a song by back number that candidly expresses the feelings of a bittersweet unrequited love.
The more the narrator thinks about the other person, the deeper they sink into it, singing of the pain of such a love.
You can really feel the ache of wanting to give up—saying “I’m not your type, am I?”—yet being unable to let go.
Released in December 2015, this track is recommended not only for those struggling with unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to look back on a past romance.
Why not listen to this song and let the feelings you’ve kept tucked away in your heart be set free?
A triangular lovesaji
A saji song that portrays the pain of unrequited love with a heart-wrenching voice and delicate words.
The aching feelings of being unable to hold back one’s love are expressed with striking directness.
Many listeners will inevitably relate to the narrator’s position—unable to become a lover yet continuing to harbor unwavering affection.
Included on their second mini-album Hanabi no Uta, released in September 2020, the track became a hit through TikTok.
The arrangement, featuring live strings, further enhances the song’s appeal.
It’s a piece that offers solace to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or unrequited love—or is struggling with it right now.
wishsumika
A love where you have to step back precisely because you care deeply about that person… just imagining it makes your heart ache, doesn’t it? This is a song by the pop-rock band sumika, released in 2019 as their ninth single.
The eyes of the one you love aren’t following you, but someone else.
And so, wishing for their happiness, you decide to walk away.
With lyrics that paint a vivid story and strike a chord, it’s a winter heartbreak song.
Lavenderthe shes gone
It’s a love ballad that portrays the pain of unrequited love.
You don’t exist in the heart of the one you love, yet the frustration and heartache of unwaveringly thinking of them tightens your chest.
You can’t help but think about that person… If you’ve ever felt that way, you’ll surely relate.
It’s filled with gratitude for someone special and a desire to cherish the bond you share above all else.
When you’re worn out by an unattainable love, this is a song you’ll find yourself wanting to hear.
Give it a careful listen.
Its gently enveloping melody and message will stay close to your heart.