[2026] Heartbreaking English-language breakup songs sung by women: Tear-jerking breakup tracks to discover

SomedayMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Someday (Official HD Video)

A heartbreak song whose sorrow can only be conveyed by truly exceptional vocal prowess—it tightens your chest.

A smash hit from the 1990 debut album.

It’s a poignant track capturing a girl’s emotions as she bravely declares to the lover who left her, “You’ll regret dumping me someday!”

When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone (Official Video)

A track from Avril’s 2007 album “The Best Damn Thing,” which debuted at No.

1 in the U.S.

It’s a love song that pleads to a lover far away—or to a relationship already broken—“Do you know how much I need you right now?”

Since U Been GoneKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone (Official Video)

Kelly Clarkson, the American Idol alum and songstress who has remained at the forefront since the 2000s with her overwhelming vocal prowess.

Among her many classics, this track is especially recommended when you want to blow away the haze of heartbreak.

Rather than lamenting a finished romance, the lyrics are striking for exploding with the joy of being freed from constraints.

Included on the album Breakaway, released in November 2004, the song became a massive hit, peaking at No.

2 on the U.S.

singles chart.

It’s also known for being performed in the film Pitch Perfect.

When you want to cut lingering ties to an ex and become a new you, listening to this will surely lift your spirits.

Be sure to check it out.

I Can’t Make You Love MePriyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra – I Can’t Make You Love Me

Priyanka, an Indian actress who broke out with the overseas TV series “Quantico,” released this song in 2014; the original is by Bonnie Raitt.

It’s a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists, including Adele, Tank, and Sophie Milman.

If I Were A BoyBeyoncé

Beyoncé – If I Were A Boy

A woman betrayed by the one she loves pours her heart into a song, singing, “If I were a man, I would never betray her,” making it the most heartbreaking breakup anthem imaginable.

Beyoncé’s pensive expression in the music video is beautiful, too.

It’s a classic that has female fans singing along in unison at live shows.

Someone Like YouAdele

Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

A lingering love from my past told me they were getting married.

I put on a brave face, saying, “I’ll be fine—because I’ll find someone like you,” yet I still plead, “Please, don’t forget me.” It’s a heartbreakingly tender ballad from the 2011 smash-hit album, 21.

LoveKeyshia Cole

Keyshia Cole – Love (Alt. Version) (Official Music Video)

Keyshia’s 2005 debut album, The Way It Is, went platinum.

This song is the fourth single and became her first entry into the Billboard Top 20.

With her soulful vocals, she powerfully expresses her feelings toward the lover who betrayed her.