Unrequited love breakup songs from Western music. World-famous classics and popular hits.

Don’t Look Back in AngerOasis

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

He openly stated that the piano intro at the beginning was blatantly copied from John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The song was apparently written for a girlfriend Noel was dating at the time, but perhaps wanting to forget that, he later said it was a song for the fans.

Very much a him-type episode.

So SickNe-Yo

Ne-Yo – So Sick (Official Music Video)

Am I the only one who realizes that the lyrics of great Western pop songs often feature the telephone? They skillfully use the “phone” as a device to express longing and frustration.

Ne-Yo, in particular, is truly masterful at this.

As both a top-tier songwriter and producer, he’s blessed with talent and superb taste, and you can feel that vividly in this track.

Best Thing I Never HadBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Best Thing I Never Had (Video)

I don’t think a Japanese person could write this song.

It sounds like they’re thanking the person they broke up with, but they’re not at all—they’re casually throwing in words of resentment.

And yet there’s nothing messy about it, and in the end they thank God.

I think it’s interesting and a good song.

CreepRadiohead

Radiohead – Creep

A song that brought Radiohead’s existence to the wider public.

It’s relentlessly self-deprecating and suffused with a sense of despair.

At the end of the lyrics, she runs away, making it all the more heartbreaking.

The members of Radiohead aren’t very fond of this song, and they haven’t played it live at all in recent years.

People should know that even the cool Radiohead have songs like this about a hopeless guy.

GirlThe Beatles

The Beatles – Girl

The Beatles’ lyrics grow deeper with each album.

This song from their mid-period album Rubber Soul tells its story in a narrative style, letting you sink into a simple, picture-book-like world.

Throughout, it’s achingly poignant and filled with wistful melancholy, yet it’s a highly polished track that never loses its charm no matter how many times you listen.

MAGIC!Rude

MAGIC! – Rude (Official Video)

The lyrics are comical and funny.

The reggae rhythm is arranged in a pop style, making it very easy to listen to, and I’m sure many people got hooked on it.

The lyrics about wanting to get married but not getting the girlfriend’s father’s approval are just so amusing—it’s like reading a manga.

You’re beautifulJames Blunt

James Blunt – You’re Beautiful (Official Music Video) [4K]

It’s a very beautiful melody and a song that’s widely loved in 11 countries around the world.

It even became a hot topic in commercials.

But actually, it’s quite the heartbreak song.

The lyrics are about bumping into his girlfriend on the subway, and once you know that, the word “beautiful” somehow starts to feel a bit sad.

By the way, about the music video—it looks really cold.

It’s fine to watch in the heat of summer, but in winter it gives you a bit of a chill.