[Empathetic & Tear-Jerking] A love song about an unrequited romance
Even when you know it’s a hopeless love and your feelings won’t be returned, you still can’t stop your heart—it’s just impossible, isn’t it?
Your head says it might be no good, but your heart won’t follow so easily, and your feelings only grow stronger.
For you who feel this way, here are love songs that sing of the aching emotions of unrequited love—songs I want you to hear.
Some are from a woman’s perspective, some from a man’s, but whichever you listen to, your chest will surely tighten, and you may find yourself relating as if the song were about you.
Soothe the feelings you can’t tell anyone by listening to tracks from those in the same situation.
- [Unattainable Love] A love song about two people who feel the same way but can’t be together
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- A classic song about a forbidden love
- Unattainable Love: A Heartbreaking Love Song About Falling for a Married Person
- "A Love Song I Can't Tell Anyone" — a love song you can relate to when times are tough
- [Songs of Infidelity] A collection of forbidden love songs about unattainable romance
- An empathy song to listen to when you’re hurting and feel like a 'convenient woman'
- Bittersweet love songs to listen to when the person you like already has a girlfriend or boyfriend
- “I Want to See You”: A love song that makes you cry when you listen to it while you can’t meet
- Unrequited love songs that strike a man's heart. Love songs from a male perspective that really hit home.
- A song of forbidden love. A love song about feelings that can't be stopped.
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
- Songs About Age-Gap Love: A Curated Selection of Exquisite Love Songs
[Empathy & Tearjerker] Love Songs About Unrequited Love (61–70)
I didn’t want to know, if it meant losing it.atarayo
This piece delicately portrays the turmoil of a woman who realizes that every “word” from the lover she’s supposed to be in love with is a flimsy lie.
She wants to believe but can’t; she doesn’t want to lose them, yet being together only makes it hurt more.
These tangled emotions resonate alongside Atarayo’s urbane sound.
Released in January 2022 and included on their first album, “In the Polar Night, the Moon Remains Silent,” the song emerged from a collaboration with Junwaidan.
It’s a highly relatable track that offers solace to those exhausted by the effort of trusting a partner, and to those who had no choice but to part ways with someone they love.
That’s not fair…arekunn
Are-kun’s song, which beautifully portrays aching love and suffering, has deeply moved many listeners.
While harboring intense feelings for the other person, the work delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by ambiguous behavior.
Released in August 2021 as an advance track from the album “Breath,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.
Confused and hurt by the other person’s vague kindness, yet unable to suppress her feelings—this piece offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to anyone who bears the pain of an unrequited love.
I can’t bring myself to hate (you/it).ren
A work that sings of emotions born in the space between loss and lingering attachment.
Even when cornered into a situation where they can’t help but depend on the other person, their love is so deep they can’t even bring themselves to hate them.
Ren’s clear, translucent vocals capture that aching feeling beautifully.
The lyrics vividly portray the subtle, complex emotions hidden deep in the heart, creating a worldview that truly resonates.
Released in September 2021, this piece is also known as Ren’s debut song.
Its delicate, acoustic guitar–driven arrangement enhances the poignancy of the vocals.
It’s a song that stays with you when you’re suffering from lingering attachment or obsession toward someone you love, or when you love them so much you can’t let go.
impure loveDomura Riu
A gem of a love song by Riu Domura that powerfully conveys the pain and poignancy of a love you can’t tell anyone about.
It delicately portrays the feelings of a woman who, despite having been with the one she loves, ends up feeling even more alone.
Depicting the struggle of a woman who suffers in a convenient relationship yet cannot cut off her feelings for the other person, the track was released in January 2024, later included on the album “Irregular Diary,” and has become a fan favorite performed live.
It’s a song we especially recommend to those who have been hurt by love or are currently tormented by an unrequited relationship.
Because it won’t reach / Because it doesn’t reachHirai Ken
The film “50 First Kisses” portrays a heartrending love story.
Ken Hirai wrote “Todokanai Kara” as its theme song.
The lyrics speak on behalf of the film’s protagonist, depicting a deep love that will never reach the other person.
Many lines tie directly to the movie, so you’ll relate even more if you listen after watching it.
That said, it’s still moving enough to stir your heart even if you haven’t seen the film.
The live version included on the CD features an even more passionate performance, so be sure to check that out as well.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced songs that sing about a love you can’t stop, even when you know better. I know all too well how you end up feeling the same way over and over, deciding to give up, only for your feelings of love to win out in the end. May these love songs from similar situations gently soothe and calm your heart.