Tear-jerking unrequited love songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks

You sent me flyingAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – You sent me flying

A song about her feelings toward the ex-boyfriend who broke Amy Winehouse’s heart.

Amy was known for dedicating this song in concerts to “those who have loved someone who didn’t love you.” It was released in the UK as a double A-side single together with ‘In My Bed.’

I Can’t Make You Love MeBonnie Raitt

I Can’t Make You Love Me (Live)

Titled with the heartrending phrase “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” this song is one of American singer Bonnie Raitt’s signature tracks.

It conveys the sorrow of unrequited love—being able to be with the man she loves, yet unable to make him love her in return.

A staple on lists of timeless international classics, it has been widely covered by many artists.

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man (Official Music Video)

A heart-stirring piano ballad by Bruno Mars that sings of the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love—something everyone has felt.

Its lyrics, filled with regret and self-reproach toward a former lover, have resonated with many.

Included on the album “Unorthodox Jukebox” and released in December 2012, the song has become one of Mars’s signature works.

It’s a track to listen to when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reevaluate a relationship with someone important.

It will surely stay close to your heart and give you the courage to move forward.

Too MuchCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Too Much [Official Music Video]

From the very beginning—the A verse—the song straightforwardly sings about unrequited love.

“Too Much” literally means “overdoing it” or “excessive,” and many phrases are sung with a nuance like “loving too much” in the context of a one-way romance.

It’s a heartbreaking track about loving someone so much that your feelings can’t reach them.

The intro uses a wistful melody that fits the lyrics very well, so please try a side-by-side translation.

In the opening of the music video, her beloved gear—the Roland AIRA series—makes an appearance.

It’s a modern piece of equipment, but a classic.

That eerie green glow is beautiful, isn’t it?

I Want You to Want MeCheap Trick

I Want You to Want Me

Cheap Trick is a quintessential American rock band active since the 1970s.

Their first major hit was this song, which was given the Japanese title “Sweet Trap.” The song’s title, repeated many times in the lyrics, literally means “I want you to want me,” a straightforward unrequited love anthem.

Coupled with vocalist Robin Zander’s sweet voice, its poignant message resonates deeply.

Want U BackCher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back (US Version)

This is the one song I absolutely want girls with unrequited love for their ex to listen to.

“I still want you to come back,” “I get jealous of other girls”—those honest, pure feelings are so relatable.

The colorful music video is also really fun to watch.

With YouChris Brown

Chris Brown – With You (Official HD Video)

A heartfelt love anthem that expresses romantic feelings straight and true.

Over gentle guitar tones, Chris Brown’s sweet, aching vocals seep into your heart.

The honest sentiment—“If I have you, I don’t need anything else”—is sure to stir anyone with an unrequited crush.

Released in December 2007, the song appears on the album Exclusive and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard charts.

It’s a perfect pick for those struggling with love or wanting to convey their feelings to someone special.

Listen to this song and find the courage to share what’s in your heart.