Unrequited love breakup songs in Western music. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.

Don’t Look Back in AngerOasis

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

He openly stated that the piano intro at the beginning was blatantly copied from John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The song was apparently written for a girlfriend Noel was dating at the time, but perhaps wanting to forget that, he later said it was a song for the fans.

Very much a him-type episode.

Let Her GoPassenger

Passenger | Let Her Go (Official Video)

The striking intro has a hook so strong it makes you stop whatever you’re doing.

That husky voice carries a curious persuasiveness and keeps you listening to the very end.

The worldview, narrated with a touch of novel-like storytelling, feels simple, warm, and distinctly its own.

You’ll definitely find yourself wanting to hear more of this voice.

Carried AwayPassion Pit

Passion Pit – Carried Away (Official Video)

Passion Pit has ended up with just a single member now.

But as you can tell from the view counts on their videos, they’re still quite popular.

Their (well, it’s technically a project) songs often have a bright sound, yet the lyrics are suggestive and somewhat cynical.

This song vividly captures the feelings of a man who’s heartbroken, still very much in love with his ex, and wants to ramble on with excuses—making for very interesting lyrics.

Dark NecessitiesRed Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dark Necessities [OFFICIAL AUDIO]

According to the vocalist Anthony, it seems this song was written when he had a dramatic breakup with a girlfriend he’d dated for about two years.

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ lyrics are surprisingly poetic, with many that make you think.

Anthony may look like a cheerful guy, but in his childhood he was commended at school for writing expressive poetry.

He says he was as cute as an angel when he was a child.

Stay with meSam Smith

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

A heart-wrenching, full-on ballad that catapulted Sam Smith to fame and earned a Grammy.

Beyond the lyrics, many are captivated by his angelic voice.

Though the song itself is simple, his vocals and the gospel elements elevate it into a one-of-a-kind, moving ballad.

A truly compelling track to listen to.

You Could Be HappySnow Patrol

Snow Patrol – You Could Be Happy [HD]

Whether one takes this song as whiny or as bittersweet yet beautiful depends on the listener.

The lyrics are entirely in the first person, almost like a monologue.

The band Snow Patrol has a relentless dedication to their performance in pursuit of beautiful melodies.

This song evokes the clear, deep winter snow and puts you in a poetic mood.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

I think it’s no exaggeration to call it the most famous breakup song in the world.

You can practically hear Taylor saying, “I’m done being the convenient girl,” and it feels refreshing.

She writes her lyrics based on real experiences—most of them are breakup or heartbreak songs.

From this, you can tell that Taylor Swift is a woman who’s very active in love.