Unrequited Love in Western Music: A Collection of Heart-wrenching Classics [2026]

Two Out Of Three Ain’t BadMeat Loaf

Meat Loaf – Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad (PCM Stereo)

The title “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad” means “two out of three isn’t bad,” a humorous line often used in examples like “He’s tall, handsome, and unbelievably boring.” Jim Steinman, Meat Loaf’s songwriter, quoted this phrase to depict the elusive nature of love.

Leave Your LoverSam Smith

Sam Smith – Leave Your Lover (Official Video)

When it comes to songs about heartbreaking unrequited love, this is the one! The person I like already has a girlfriend, but I want them to break up and come to me.

It’s a sad yet beautiful song that captures those overflowing feelings that probably won’t come true, and it’s one you’ll want to listen to over and over again.

Love On TopBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Love On Top (Official Video)

In this music video, Beyoncé’s powerful vocals and captivating dance take center stage, belting out the joy of falling in love and the beautiful world only lovers can understand.

The intense choreography will definitely make you want to try it yourself!

Leaving My Love BehindLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Leaving My Love Behind (Lyric Video)

This is an unrequited love song by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

The lyrics convey the feelings of a man who senses a change in her heart and tries to confirm whether she still loves him.

It’s a love song that makes you realize how difficult it can be to put feelings into words and confirm each other’s emotions in a relationship.

Lewis Capaldi’s heartrending vocals really pierce the heart, don’t they?

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Without YouNilson

Without you Nilson

It’s a song that expresses deep regret over a breakup.

The lyrics are very straightforward, making it an incredibly, incredibly heartbreaking piece.

Please try translating it into Japanese once—you’ll feel a profound sadness.

And Nilsson’s gentle singing voice will make it all the more poignant.

Need Ur LuvCharli XCX

Charli XCX – Need Ur Luv (Audio)

A song included on the album “Sucker,” released in 2014 by British singer-songwriter and actress Charli XCX.

As a producer, American artist Rostam Batmanglij—known for Vampire Weekend and Discovery—participated in the track.

LaylaDerek and the Dominos

Layla – Derek and the Dominos

A passionate and dramatic song Eric Clapton wrote about his feelings for Pattie, who was then George Harrison’s wife.

It was inspired by a book of Persian poetry.

In 1992 on MTV Unplugged, he performed a slower acoustic version, which was later released as a single.