[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
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- 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] A Love Song About Unrequited Love (51–60)
In loveHY
Even if you weren’t the one they chose, the fact that you loved doesn’t change… A bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment runs through this touching HY ballad.
Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025, the track is positioned as an answer song to their 2008 classic “366 Days.” It beautifully portrays emotional growth—rising from the pain of heartbreak and embracing even that experience as a cherished memory—and is also included on the album “TIME.” Set across Okinawa and Tokyo, the film unfolds a pure love story spanning 20 years, and this song superbly captures its worldview.
For those who have reached the end of a romance, or who are about to take a new step forward, this is a song that will gently give you a push.
Cinderella BoySaucy Dog
This song is included on Saucy Dog’s mini-album “Lazy Sunday,” which weaves a heart-wrenching love story that tightens the chest.
It portrays a bittersweet, inescapable dependence, even while suffering the agony of being torn apart by the other person’s lies.
Coupled with a melodious rock sound and written from a female perspective, it leaves a lingering aftertaste where sorrow and affection intermingle.
Released in August 2021, it also drew attention for its animation-style music video by Miku Masuda.
In 2022, the band appeared on Music Station.
It’s a recommended track for those struggling with complex feelings toward someone they love or seeking empathy in the subtleties of human relationships.
passing by each otherSoala
A heartrending love song by Soala that delicately portrays the clumsy emotions of falling in love.
It beautifully captures the fragile moment of parting born from the inability to be honest with the one you love.
Many will relate to the protagonist, who regrets their actions even as they recognize their excessive possessiveness and self-centered behavior.
Released in July 2023, the song drew attention with its airy vocals and comfortable R&B vibe, racking up 20 million streams in just six months.
The warm voice that seems to wrap around a troubled heart and the down-to-earth lyrics truly resonate.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who has ever caused distance by caring too much, or who is struggling with their relationship with a beloved partner.
existenceTENSONG
This is a heart-stirring song by TENSONG that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Released in December 2020, the track was created by guitarist Takuman based on his real-life experience, carefully depicting the emotions of being trapped in memories while trying to take a new step forward.
Vocalist Takabo’s high-tone voice expresses those feelings beautifully, and the deeply resonant melody line leaves a strong impression.
The music video is an animated piece created by an illustrator who was their classmate and reached 1.8 million views in eight months.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of a broken heart or who’ve experienced parting with someone important; we recommend listening to it alone on a quiet night.
[Empathy & Tearjerker] Love Songs About Unrequited Love (61–70)
What is emotion?This is LAST
The song “#Jō to wa,” which poignantly and beautifully depicts the pain of heartbreak after someone you love leaves, was created by the three-piece rock band This is LAST.
It was also used as an insert song in the romance reality show “Hanataba to Ōkami-chan ni wa Damasarenai,” resonating with many viewers.
While feeling pathetic for being unable to let go of the past, the lyrics don’t express hatred toward the ex-partner; instead, they portray an enduring affection that continues even now.
It’s a track that gently embraces those carrying the weight of a painful love.
petalback number
A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.
The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.
While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.
This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.
Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.
I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci
A love song woven with a voice that leaves a bittersweet afterglow, capturing a form of love different from a simple unrequited crush.
The emotions of a woman swaying between reason and feeling are portrayed with delicate nuance.
Though she should be satisfied with her new relationship, the frustration of being unable to sever her feelings for her ex presses on her heart.
Released digitally by wacci in August 2018, the song gradually gained popularity through word of mouth on social media, reaching 100 million total streams in June 2021.
It has sparked a major response, with many artists covering it.
This is a track that deeply resonates with anyone who feels, “I should be happy, yet I’m not fulfilled,” and who carries such complex romantic emotions.