Breakup songs in Western music that I want to sing at karaoke: world classics and popular hits

abcdefuGAYLE

GAYLE – abcdefu (Official Music Video)

Texas-born GAYLE captured global empathy with the anger and disappointment she poured into a song she wrote in the thick of her teenage years about an ex-boyfriend.

Released as her major-label debut in August 2021, the track channels intense emotions toward a former lover through alphabet-based, sarcastic wordplay, while keeping a touch of humor by making an exception only for her beloved dog—an honest, down-to-earth sensibility that shines through.

Known as a track from the EP “A Study of the Human Experience Volume One” and nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, it reminds us of the importance of releasing pent-up feelings.

It’s a song to play when you’re reeling from heartbreak or when you just need to vent your true feelings to someone.

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars

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

It’s a song about regretting after a breakup, thinking “If only I had done this, if only I had done that.” I’m not sure if there are really men who think they were that much at fault, but if the other person felt that way, a woman might feel a little happy.

It also makes me a bit curious about why such a kind person had to break up with his girlfriend.

Tonight I’m Getting Over YouCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Tonight I’m Getting Over You

This is a track from KISS, the album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen, who had a huge hit with Call Me Maybe.

It’s a breakup song about ending things tonight, but the rhythm itself is refreshing and gives you the feeling of being in a club.

Forget YouCeeLo Green

Cee Lo Green – Forget You

It’s a song by a guy who sees the person he likes with another man.

There’s also a version from Glee where the New Directions all sing it, but that one is changed to a female perspective instead of a male one, so I recommend that version too.

Lonely DancersConan Gray

Conan Gray – Lonely Dancers (Official Music Video)

This song portrays people trying to heal hearts burdened by bittersweet heartbreak on the dance floor.

It’s striking how it stays close to those carrying loneliness and emotional pain, finding a sense of unity and solace by dancing together.

Released in February 2024 as the fourth single from Conan Gray’s third studio album, Found Heaven, it has drawn attention through performances such as at the 2023 Global Citizen Festival.

It may be the perfect track for those who can’t break free from the pain of a breakup or who are trying to take a step forward.

Its touching vocals and melody are sure to soothe your heart.

Sit Still, Look PrettyDaya

Daya – Sit Still, Look Pretty

This is a song I recommend for strong women who know who they are.

Rather than becoming the kind of woman who appeals to girly men, I want to be someone who bends the world to her will.

It’s a song that expresses that feeling.

Becoming the cute girl your boyfriend likes is fine, but it might also be great to become a cool woman who stays true to herself.

New ManEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – New Man [Official Audio]

It’s a track from Ed Sheeran’s latest album.

Fitting for a new song, Instagram makes an appearance in the chorus.

The lyrics vividly depict him checking his ex-girlfriend’s Instagram and wavering over whether to hit Like or not, so much so that it feels like watching a movie.