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

Just A FriendBiz Markie

Biz Markie – Just A Friend (Official Video)

A track released in 1989 by American hip-hop artist Biz Markie.

It was inspired by Freddie Scott’s 1968 track “(You) Got What I Need.” It has been used in many forms of media, including a 2009 Heineken TV commercial.

To Be With YouMr. BIG

Mr. Big – To Be With You 4K Video

A soft rock ballad released in 1991 by the American hard rock band Mr.

Big.

It sings about an unrequited crush on a close friend and was written by lead vocalist Eric Martin when he was 10 years old.

It reached No.

1 on charts around the world.

Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon

GIVĒON – Heartbreak Anniversary (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Giveon that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

Thoughts of a lost love resurface on anniversaries, conveyed through his rich baritone voice.

Delicate metaphors—like balloons and keepsakes left behind—are woven throughout, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in March 2020, it garnered worldwide attention and was even nominated for a Grammy the following year.

It will strike a chord with those who can’t quite recover from a breakup or who feel like reflecting on a past romance.

With Giveon’s voice by your side, you’ll find time to face your own feelings.

IrresponsibleKiana Ledé

Kiana Ledé – Irresponsible

This song by American R&B singer Kiana Ledé conveys her aching emotions.

Carried by a melancholic melody, it tells the story of a heart shattered by the irresponsibility of someone she trusted.

The despair of realizing that the flirtatious signals that made her believe the feelings were mutual were nothing but her own misunderstanding is truly painful.

The way she wavers between blaming the other person and being unable to let go of her feelings is something anyone who has experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.

Kiana Ledé’s soulful voice seems to envelop and soothe this unbearable suffering.

Better NowPost Malone

Post Malone – Better Now

This is a song by American artist Post Malone about the lingering feelings for a former lover.

Even while putting on a brave face and saying “I’m fine without you,” the heart can’t help but keep thinking of that person—many of us have probably felt that way.

Despite its upbeat melody, the lyrics lay bare a painfully straightforward longing that tightens the chest.

An unforgettable love can be agonizing, but the experience of loving someone that deeply will surely help you grow.

Listen to “Better Now,” accept your feelings just once, and take your next step forward.

Just a Friend to YouMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Just a Friend To You (Vevo Presents)

“Just a Friend to You,” sung by American artist Meghan Trainor.

Though its cheerful ukulele tones feel comforting, the song actually tells a bittersweet story of unrequited love—wishing to be more than “just friends.” You want to be lovers, but the other person only sees you as a friend… By pairing those frustrating feelings with an unapologetically bright melody, the poignancy hits even deeper.

Many of us know that sweet-yet-bitter experience of laughing beside the person we love as their “best friend,” while crying on the inside.

Let this song help you breezily get through the helpless ache of a one-sided crush!

WeightlessArlo Parks

Arlo Parks – Weightless (Official Video)

This is a song by Arlo Parks from the UK that portrays the pain of a one-sided love where you’ve given too much.

Even after giving everything to the other person, all you get in return is a small kindness.

The emptiness of such an unreciprocated relationship is expressed through a light beat and a delicate voice.

Prioritizing the other person’s feelings so much that your own heart is treated as if it were weightless—that’s one of love’s dilemmas.

But losing sight of who you are would surely be sad.

Doesn’t listening to this song make you feel like starting by taking care of yourself first?