Lovely love song

[2026] Unfulfilled Feelings, Hearts Missing Each Other… A Collection of Western Songs About Unrequited Love

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Musicians who are attuned to the complex movements of emotion we experience in life often share their own experiences with listeners in the form of songs.

It’s not uncommon to find lyrics that describe almost the exact same experience you’ve had—so much so that it hurts to relate.

This time, we’ve picked songs that portray unrequited love and the unresolved feelings that follow a breakup, compiling them across eras and genres—from the latest hits to timeless classics.

Many of these tracks express sadness in a straightforward way, so try listening while reflecting on your own feelings.

[2026] Unrequited Feelings, Hearts at Cross-Purposes… A Collection of Western Songs About Unattainable Love (81–90)

Why Not MeEnrique Iglesias

Why Not Me?

Why Not MeEnrique Iglesias

Here’s a track by Enrique Iglesias, who emerged as a singer in 1995.

It’s a simple, mid-tempo song with a comfortable beat, but as the title suggests—Why Not Me—the repeated refrain seems to convey a painful longing, a sense of “Why isn’t it me?” It’s a song that lets you feel that bitter, aching emotion.

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#1 CrushGarbage

Garbage #1 Crush

#1 CrushGarbage

This 1996 song by Garbage portrays the unrequited love of a stalker with intense, abnormal passion.

It was also featured in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

The track reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

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sitting waiting wishingJack Johnson

jack johnson sitting waiting wishing

sitting waiting wishingJack Johnson

A song by Jack Johnson, who wears many hats as a singer-songwriter, surfer, and filmmaker.

His friend was trying hard to win over a woman named Michelle but wasn’t making any progress, so Jack wrote this song to make his friend laugh and cheer him up.

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CryKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Cry Video

CryKelly Clarkson

We would like to introduce a song by Kelly Clarkson that was also covered in the American TV drama Glee.

This slow, triplet-feel ballad surges in intensity at the chorus, as if emotions suddenly explode, directly stirring your feelings.

Not only for times when love doesn’t work out, but also for those who find it strangely difficult to cry once they become adults—I think this is a song I’d love to dedicate to them.

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El ScorchoWeezer

Weezer – El Scorcho (Director’s Cut)

El ScorchoWeezer

A 1996 song by the American alternative rock band Weezer.

It was more popular in Australia than in their home country of the United States.

The lyrics, which include phrases like “Green Day” and “Madame Butterfly,” convey the earnestness of a man experiencing unrequited love.

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