Tear-jerking Western breakup songs: recommended classics and popular hits

Cry Me a RiverJulie London

Julie London – Cry Me A River

Released in 1955, this song became Julie London’s signature work.

The story is about a man who once betrayed and abandoned her, only to return and beg to reconcile; but her heart will never turn to him again, and she coldly says, “Go ahead and cry me a river.” Its wistful melody is captivating.

Now a standard, the song has been covered by numerous musicians.

SorryJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Sorry (PURPOSE : The Movement)

A song that conveys a desire to apologize to an ex-lover and a message asking for a second chance.

It is said to be about Justin Bieber’s former girlfriend Selena Gomez, and he himself did not deny it.

What’s NewLinda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt – What’s New (Original Video)

A breathtakingly beautiful song that you can’t help but listen to intently.

“What’s New” is a famous jazz standard.

While Helen Merrill’s version is well known, this 1983 rendition by Linda Ronstadt is also compelling.

It’s a bittersweet piece about running into an old lover by chance and asking, “Have you changed since then?”

Shout Out to My ExLittle Mix

Little Mix – Shout Out to My Ex (Official Video)

A girl group formed from the TV program X Factor.

This song is said to be about Zayn, formerly of One Direction, whom member Perrie Edwards was even engaged to.

It also appears that the lyrics mention Zayn’s ex-girlfriend, Gigi Hadid.

That Girl Disappeared (She’s Out Of My Life)Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson – She’s Out of My Life (Official Video – Upscaled)

A song by the “King of Pop,” Michael, released in 1980.

It was included on the previous year’s album Off the Wall and became the fourth single from it.

The song was originally prepared for Frank Sinatra, and for Michael—who was still in his early twenties at the time—it was quite a mature ballad.