[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.
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- Unrequited love songs that strike a man's heart. Love songs from a male perspective that really hit home.
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[Empathy & Tearjerker] Love Songs About Unrequited Love (21–30)
AyaMy Hair is Bad
As the title suggests, this song stands out for its poignant lyrics depicting the tangled emotions of men and women and a forbidden relationship.
Over a band sound that quietly builds in heat, the words sung by Shiiki—blending resignation and affection—resonate deeply.
It’s a track included on the album “angels,” released in April 2022, and an important number that captivates audiences live.
Rather than flashy developments, it features an arrangement that lets the vocals and lyrics take center stage, portraying an adult romance with striking realism.
This work is perfect for those nursing the pain of an unrequited love or for late nights spent alone, quietly immersing yourself in music.
With its relaxed tempo that invites you to savor each word, it’s especially recommended if you want to fully immerse yourself in the song’s lyrical world.
Ti AmoEXILE
Ti Amo portrays a woman who falls in love with a man who already has a girlfriend.
It’s a song released by EXILE in 2008, with ATSUSHI as the lead vocalist.
The lyrics depict her inner conflict over whether they should break up, as well as the moment she decides to end things.
It feels like reading a story, so anyone who has had a similar experience will likely relate.
Incidentally, the title means “I love you” in Italian.
Until the day I can no longer rememberback number
A poignant ballad by back number that quietly sings of lingering feelings and a sense of loss for a former lover.
Released in October 2011 as their third single, the song is also included on the album “Superstar,” which came out the same month.
The lyrics portray the emptiness of days that keep going even after losing the most important person in the world, and the deep bond in which the two formed halves of each other.
Fear of memories of the other fading intertwines with the resignation that they will eventually be forgotten, and the realization that the time spent with the person was part of oneself wells up with aching tenderness.
A song that offers comfort to anyone who has lost someone dear.
not enoughwacci
This is a heartbreak song overflowing with poignancy, capturing the emotional turmoil of trying to sever lingering feelings for an ex.
Featured on wacci’s 2019 album Empathy, the track stands out for its lyrics written from a woman’s perspective.
Though she still has feelings, the protagonist’s struggle to choose a clean break in order to move forward is deeply affecting.
Positioned as a side story to “Betsu no Hito no Kanojo ni Natta yo,” a one-take recording was also released in 2020.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s gone from mutual love to one-sided, or who wants to move on but can’t quite bring themselves to do it.
Happy Endingback number
Produced in November 2016 as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” this piece portrays the poignant feelings of a woman who has decided to part ways.
Though her love remains, she suffers because she must leave the person she cares for.
Inside, the pain makes her want to cry, yet she puts on a brave face and pretends to be fine with a smile.
These complex emotions are expressed with delicate nuance.
Written and composed by Iyori Shimizu and co-arranged with Takeshi Kobayashi, the song reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart and was certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
It is a song that deeply resonates with those who, despite the pain of heartbreak, are trying to move forward, and with anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.
I LOVE YOUkurisu haato
This is an achingly bittersweet love song from California-born artist Chris Hart.
It portrays the piercing longing of someone wishing to be loved again like before as the relationship cools, and it tightens your chest as you listen.
Released in February 2014 as his first original single, the song also became widely known as the commercial theme for Ace JTB featuring Emi Takei.
His vocals draw out the full power of the words and melody, elevating the piece into a consummate ballad that borders on art.
On lonely nights when you just want to be loved, being wrapped in this warm yet powerful voice is sure to lighten your heart, even if only a little.
rendezvousshaitoopu
The rock band Shytone, which rose to prominence after a viral hit on social media, released a signature track in April 2023 that sings of a man’s searing emotions after a breakup.
Unable to accept parting from someone he loved deeply, he longs for an impossible reunion; the loneliness of his lover’s traces fading from everyday life is expressed through vocalist So Sasaki’s superb word choices—so moving you might be brought to tears.
The song is also known for surpassing 100 million total streams in November 2023 and is included on the album “Hors d’œuvre.” Why not entrust your heart to its somehow comforting melody that stirs up those bittersweet feelings?