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.
- [Unattainable Love] A love song about two people who feel the same way but can’t be together
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- Unrequited Love in Western Music: A Collection of Heart-wrenching Classics [2026]
- [Once More…] A lingering-attachment song: a song about a love you can’t forget
- Foreign breakup songs with great lyrics. Beautiful, memorable messages that stay with you.
- [Empathetic & Tear-Jerking] A love song about an unrequited romance
- Unrequited love breakup songs from Western music. World-famous classics and popular hits.
- [Adultery Song] A forbidden song about an affair that sings of an impossible love
- Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2026]
- A classic song about a forbidden love
- Ranking of Western Love Songs [2026]
- [2026] Recommended for women! A roundup of Western unrequited love songs
- [Love Songs] A roundup of classic and latest hits about love that can’t be honest
[2026] Unrequited Feelings, Hearts Out of Sync… A Collection of Western Songs About Impossible Love (1–10)
Love YourselfJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” which was a huge hit in 2015.
Even if you don’t understand the words, the melody alone lets you know, “Oh, this must be a heartbreak song.” I think it captures the feeling of an unrequited love beautifully through its melody.
Since Justin Bieber isn’t the type of singer known for powerhouse vocals, a quieter melody like this really brings out his individuality.
From the intro to the very end, the piece maintains a consistent world and atmosphere.
Ocean EyesBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish’s hit song “Ocean Eyes.” When the chorus kicks in, you might expect a typical emotional ballad, but unexpectedly, R&B-style vocal runs make an appearance.
From the way the effects are applied to the overall song structure, it’s a track that makes the most of her individuality.
The mood of heartbreak is beautifully conveyed in the melody.
From gritty electropop to emotional breakup songs like this one, she can sing it all—very much what you’d expect from Billie Eilish.
If I Can’t Have YouShawn Mendes

His love songs are now extremely popular among teens.
Since he’s also a fashion model, his activities attract a lot of attention! The song he sings here is about unrequited love, but its powerful melody is really cool.
He’s sometimes compared to Justin Bieber, who’s also from Canada, but his own charm will surely be revealed more and more from here on out.
Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez’s breakup song “Lose You to Love Me.” It’s a piece that depicts the feelings of a woman who chooses to end the relationship herself.
It starts off quietly, but it’s the kind of song where the voltage steadily rises.
Since there’s almost no groove, it retains a calm impression even as the intensity builds.
From the second chorus, dynamic backing vocals come in, yet it still doesn’t feel overwhelming to listen to.
The melody seems like it would be soothing to hear before going to sleep.
Drivers LicenseOlivia Rodrigo

Born in 2003, Olivia Rodrigo is one of today’s most talked-about young singer-songwriters.
Her January 2021 release “drivers license” is a masterpiece that poignantly yet powerfully sings of heartbreak.
Even as a debut single, Olivia’s voice, which guides listeners through a swirl of emotions, and the gentle piano melody create a song that truly resonates.
It’s especially recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or who feel a connection to expressing their emotions through music.
Olivia’s sincere lyrics and moving melody are sure to reach many hearts.


![[2026] Unfulfilled Feelings, Hearts Missing Each Other… A Collection of Western Songs About Unrequited Love](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/oyEuk8j8imI/maxresdefault.webp)
