Cheating songs in Western music. The world’s forbidden love and infidelity songs.

What Goes Around…Comes AroundJustin Timberlake

What Goes Around…Comes Around (Official Video)

Not only is Justin involved in music, but he also acts and runs his own fashion brand.

With this song, he won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards.

There are various theories about the origins of the song, but the truth is unclear.

It’s a track that rather persistently voices resentment toward a lover who betrayed him.

“What you do will always come back to you someday.” Let’s be careful so we don’t end up proving that true.

Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Official Music Video)

The debut single by the American rock band The Killers.

Although it had low recognition at the time of its initial release, it became a breakout hit with a re-release the following year.

In the UK, it even ranked among the top 15 most-downloaded rock songs.

It’s an upbeat track that sings of a man’s jealousy and torment as he suspects his lover of cheating.

Dilemma ft. Kelly RowlandNelly

Nelly – Dilemma (Official Music Video) ft. Kelly Rowland

Even though you have someone you love, your heart gets stolen by someone else…

This duet by American rapper Nelly and singer Kelly Rowland sings of the anguish of such a forbidden love.

The male-perspective rap and the female-perspective, heartrending vocals vividly portray the painful dilemma of two people irresistibly drawn to each other.

Released in 2002 as a single from Nelly’s album “Nellyville,” the song dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks.

It won a Grammy the following year and is also included on Kelly’s solo debut album “Simply Deep.” Even knowing it’s a love that shouldn’t be, you just can’t hold back your feelings.

This song might gently accompany your heart as you struggle with those complicated emotions.

Secret Love SongLittle Mix ft. Jason Derulo

Little Mix – Secret Love Song (Official Video) ft. Jason Derulo

The collaboration song “Secret Love Song” by Little Mix and Jason Derulo portrays a forbidden romance between a man and a woman who can’t be together in public.

Rather than a song about regretting an affair, it focuses on the couple’s love despite the relationship being forbidden.

While songs like this often depict more mature relationships, this one presents a relatively youthful love story.

It was also commercially successful, winning the Teen Choice Award for Love Song.

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House Of CardsRadiohead

Radiohead – House of Cards

Radiohead is a rock band respected around the world.

Their song “House of Cards” is a classic that portrays a man’s feelings as he approaches a woman who’s already with someone.

While the theme is infidelity, it’s also a song that expresses pure love for the other person, resulting in beautifully crafted lyrics.

The melody still has a solid rock feel, so rock fans will enjoy it too.

If you’re curious, definitely give it a listen!

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IrreplaceableBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Irreplaceable

It’s a thrilling revenge song that boldly declares a breakup—because who needs a cheating partner? Sung by American artist Beyoncé, this track appears on her acclaimed 2006 album B’Day.

Although it was originally arranged in a country style, it ultimately transformed into a smooth R&B ballad and went on to top the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks.

The confident image of packing his things, setting them outside the door, and essentially saying, “I’ll find someone to replace you by tomorrow,” is deeply satisfying to witness.

Rather than sinking into sorrow, the protagonist recognizes her own worth and moves forward—an empowering strength that will surely give you a boost when heartbreak makes you feel like you’re losing yourself.

Ciao AdiosAnne-Marie

Anne-Marie – Ciao Adios [Official Video]

This song portrays the mindset of a strong woman who, upon discovering her lover’s betrayal, doesn’t just grieve but declares, “I won’t waste any more time on you,” and walks away.

Sung by British singer-songwriter Anne-Marie, the track stands out for its protagonist decisively cutting ties over a breezy, dancehall-inspired beat.

Released in February 2017, the song reached No.

9 on the UK charts and was included on the acclaimed album Speak Your Mind.

If you’re feeling down after being cheated on, listening to this track can blow away the sadness and give you the courage to move forward with strength.

It just might push you to stop dwelling on the past and take a step forward as a new version of yourself.