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

Somebody That I Used To KnowGotye

Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]

I recommend this for people who want to listen to breakup songs but aren’t into overly elaborate lyrics.

The words are pretty straightforward, and the episodes are quite specific.

I’m sure these episodes are based on real experiences.

Once you understand the meaning, you’ll find yourself laughing.

TenderBlur

Blur – Tender (Official Music Video)

Speaking of Blur, this is the song.

It’s well known that it was sent to his girlfriend, Justine.

While they usually write cynical lyrics and twisty pop songs, this one is relatively straightforward and hits you directly.

With its grand gospel elements, it more than showcases the breadth of their musicality.

AlwaysBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Always (Official Music Video)

Even a handsome guy like Jon Bon Jovi sings clingy, lovesick songs like this one, which makes him feel more relatable.

As a piece of music it’s excellent too—a cool track featuring his soaring vocals.

The music video is also brimming with Jon’s charm.

Always Been YouJessie Murph

Jessie Murph – Always Been You (Official Video)

This is a heart-wrenching love song sung by Jesse Murph, an American singer-songwriter drawing attention for her genre-defying musicality.

It portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love—realizing that no matter how you compare them to others, it’s always been “you” in my heart.

The more you try to forget, the more their smile and voice stick in your mind—a familiar experience in love.

Through her husky, soulful vocals, the unstoppable longing and the frustration of being unable to confess come through with piercing clarity.

The fusion of country and pop further dramatizes and colors these pure emotions.

My Happy EndingAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – My Happy Ending (Official Video – Clean)

A track packed with contrasts of calm and intensity, featuring a hard, Avril-like intro.

A few years after this song, she would get married, only to divorce soon after—ending up just like the song suggests.

By the way, Avril appears in nearly 100% of her music videos.

It makes perfect sense to showcase that adorable charm, and I’m sure she’s confident about it too.

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man [Japanese Subtitled Ver.]

A master craftsman of pop music who’s hugely popular in Japan and has even appeared on Music Station.

This song is a gentle ballad, yet it’s very pop from start to finish and extremely easy to listen to.

And the lyrics—get ready to cry! The heartrending wish for her happiness comes through so powerfully that it’s well worth a listen.

You’ll surely realize that Bruno Mars is far more than just a crowd favorite.

Just a Friend to YouMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Just a Friend To You (Vevo Presents)

“Just a Friend to You,” sung by American artist Meghan Trainor.

Though its cheerful ukulele tones feel comforting, the song actually tells a bittersweet story of unrequited love—wishing to be more than “just friends.” You want to be lovers, but the other person only sees you as a friend… By pairing those frustrating feelings with an unapologetically bright melody, the poignancy hits even deeper.

Many of us know that sweet-yet-bitter experience of laughing beside the person we love as their “best friend,” while crying on the inside.

Let this song help you breezily get through the helpless ache of a one-sided crush!