Top 10 Best/Worst Breakup Songs
Courtsey of Shiv Shankar Menon Palat
When you are in the throes of a breakup hangover (see Friday’s post), sometimes you just gotta wallow. Dig deep and really FEEL the sadness. I’m not saying this is healthy; I’m just calling it like it is. And I don’t know what’s better for wallowing than a good round of breakup music.
You know you have your go-to song that will actually make you cry harder than you were before you listened to it. This song will make you wish you were dead. After listening to it, you will know for sure you will never meet anyone and will die alone. Or, it will remind you of all the terrible things your ex did and how much you hate him now. And that, my friends, is a good breakup song.
I’ve discussed this topic briefly in the past, where I gave props to Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.” It seems I’ve moved from the anger stage to more of the sadness stage of my breakup, because that song is no longer on my top 10 list. It served me well during the anger phase, but here’s my top 10 list of the best/worst breakup songs that will never fail to depress the hell out of you (in a good way).
10.
Song title: I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself
Artist: Nicky Holland
Best lines:
I just don’t know what to do with my time
I’m so lonesome for you it’s a crime
Going to a movie only makes me sad
Parties make me feel as bad
When I’m not with you
I just don’t know what to do
Catherine’s thoughts: I can’t even go to a movie by myself, I’m not strong enough. Damn it, I’m going to die a spinster. A cat lady, with three cats and considering a fourth. And I will probably die from an asthma attack because I am so allergic.
9.
Song title: What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas
Artist: The Emotions
Best lines:
‘Tis the season to be jolly
But how can I be when I have nobody
The yuletide carol doesn’t make it better
Knowing that we won’t be together
A silent night
I know it’s gonna be
Joy to the world
But it’s gonna be sad for me
What do the lonely do
At Christmas
Oh, oh, what do the lonely do
At Christmas time
Catherine’s thoughts: Holy crap, the holidays are going to suck being alone. What DO the lonely do at Christmastime?? Cry into their eggnog, probably. Thanks to Jeff for the tip on this one.
8.
Song title: I Can’t Make You Love Me
Artist: Bonnie Raitt
Best lines:
I can’t make you love me if you don’t
You can’t make your heart feel
Something it won’t
Here in the dark, in these final hours
I will lay down my heart
And feel the power if you won’t
No you won’t
Cause I can’t make you love me
If you don’t
Catherine’s thoughts: Not being loved in return stinks. Well, love stinks. That is all.
7.
Song title: At This Moment
Artist: Billy Vera and the Beaters
Best lines:
What did you think
I would say at this moment
When I’m faced with the knowledge
That you just don’t love me
Did you think I would curse you
Or say things to hurt you
’cause you just don’t love me no more
Catherine’s thoughts: Again, with the not being loved. I can’t take it!
6.
Song title: 6, 8, 12
Artist: Brian McKnight
Best lines:
Do you ever think about me?
Do you ever cry yourself to sleep?
In the middle of the night when you’re awake,
Are you calling out for me?
Do you ever reminisce?
I can’t believe I’m acting like this
I know it’s crazy
How I still can feel your kiss
It’s been six months, eight days, twelve hours
Since you went away
I miss you so much and I don’t know what to say
I should be over you
I should know better but it’s just not the case
It’s been six months, eight days, twelve hours
Since you went away
Catherine’s thoughts: I must now calculate how long it’s been since I was with my ex-fiancée. Damn you Brian McKnight.
5.
Song title: Ex-Factor
Artist: Lauryn Hill
Best lines:
I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself
As painful as this thing has been
I just can’t be with no one else
See I know what we got to do
You let go and I’ll let go too
‘Cause no one’s hurt me more than you
And no one ever will
Catherine’s thoughts: I don’t think Lauryn and her guy actually end things in this song. They just go back and forth forever and ever, and they won’t ever find happiness. That can’t be good. And “I just can’t be with no one else” is downright depressing.
4.
Song title: I Never Told You
Artist: Colbie Caillat
Best lines:
But I never told you
What I should have said
No, I never told you
I just held it in
And now,
I miss everything about you
Can’t believe that I still want you
And after all the things we’ve been through
I miss everything about you
Without you
Catherine’s thoughts: Colbie, you are right on sister. It’s amazing that you can go through hell and back and still miss and want to be with the other person.
3.
Song title: Nothing Compares To You
Artist: Sinead O’connor
Best lines:
It’s been seven hours and fifteen days
Since you took your love away
I go out every night and sleep all day
Since you took your love away
Since you been gone I can do whatever I want
I can see whomever I choose
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing
I said nothing can take away these blues
`Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares to you
Catherine’s thoughts: Remember the Things I Love About Being Single? Forget them all. None of it compares to you.
2.
Song title: I Will Always Love You
Artist: Whitney Houston
Best lines:
Bittersweet memories
That is all I’m taking with me.
So, goodbye. Please, don’t cry.
We both know I’m not what you, you need.
And I will always love you.
I will always love you.
I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of.
And I wish to you, joy and happiness.
But above all this, I wish you love.
Catherine’s thoughts: I feel weirdly non-crazy when I rock to this song. I feel like an adult. “But above all this, I wish you love” makes me feel very far along in my healing process. Until I realize, nope, not quite there yet. I will always love you, but I’m not sure I want you happy. At least not until I am. Just sayin’.
DRUM ROLL FOR THE #1 BEST/WORST BREAKUP SONG:
1.
Song title: Goodbye My Lover
Artist: James Blunt
Full lyrics because it’s just that good:
Did I disappoint you or let you down?
Should I be feeling guilty or let the judges frown?
‘Cause I saw the end before we’d begun,
Yes I saw you were blinded and I knew I had won.
So I took what’s mine by eternal right.
Took your soul out into the night.
It may be over but it won’t stop there,
I am here for you if you’d only care.
You touched my heart you touched my soul.
You changed my life and all my goals.
And love is blind and that I knew when,
My heart was blinded by you.
I’ve kissed your lips and held your head.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.
I’ve been addicted to you.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
I am a dreamer but when I wake,
You can’t break my spirit – it’s my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,
Remember us and all we used to be
I’ve seen you cry, I’ve seen you smile.
I’ve watched you sleeping for a while.
I’d be the father of your child.
I’d spend a lifetime with you.
I know your fears and you know mine.
We’ve had our doubts but now we’re fine,
And I love you, I swear that’s true.
I cannot live without you.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I’m asleep.
And I will bear my soul in time,
When I’m kneeling at your feet.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
I’m so hollow, baby, I’m so hollow.
I’m so, I’m so, I’m so hollow.
Catherine’s thoughts: This song says everything. This is the perfect break up song. Especially if you were together a really long time and actually imagined yourself having kids with the other person. Listen to this song twice, it’s enjoyable. A third time, you may need to be put in a clinic for depression. Just reading the words “I’d be the father of your child. I’d spend a lifetime with you” makes me ball. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
That’s it, folks. What do you think? Which awesomely depressing breakup songs have I missed?
Update: Check out this other list of the Top 10 Empowering Breakup Songs!
Trackbacks
- Top Break up Song « Brice Cheong
- Culturally Inept « Simply Solo: Single girl starting over – follow the journey
- Breakup Prescription « Simply Solo: Single girl starting over – follow the journey
- The Break Up Songs
- Top 10 Empowering Breakup Songs « Simply Solo: Single girl starting over – follow the journey
Simply Solo: Single girl starting over - follow the journey 
Well, breakup songs don’t allways have to be depressing:
Unhappy Anniversary – Loudon Wainwright III
“I walk and talk and get around, lie down, stand upand sit
I eat and drink and smoke and sleep, live a little bit”
Don’t think twice, it’s allright – Bob Dylan
“Goodbye is too good a word, babe
so I just say fare thee well”
Rode wijn – Bram Vermeulen
“Ik pis weer net als vroeger in de wasbak
Slapen doe ik met m’n klieren aan.
Rode Wijn, Rode Wijn.
Kom laat ons vrolijk zijn.”
“I’m peeing in the sink, just like in the old days.
I’m sleeping with all my clothes on.
Red wine, Red wine
Let’s have a joyfull time.”
LOL! You are right, breakup songs don’t always have to make you want to shoot yourself. Thanks for sharing these! I’m off to pee in the sink…
Lol please don’t XD. Think of the person who has to clean it.
Those really are very depressing…I’d never really thought too much about the lyrics of these kinds of songs until my breakup. Nothing like a breakup to ruin a good song…perhpas not ruin, but definitely make you think twice before playing it again.
The one that really got to me in the weeks following my breakup was Lady Antebellum’s I need you now. All the references to wanting to call and see him seemed to fit. I can listen to it now and not sob…progress I would say. I think I’ll avoid James Blunt for the next few years though.
You are right, these songs don’t really affect you that much until you go through a breakup and then they are so depressing to listen to. That Lady Antebellum song is a great one to add to the list! And, it is definitely progress that you don’t sob to it anymore. I think it’s progress for me that 9 out of 10 times that Goodbye My Lover comes up on my iPod rotation, I skip it, in preference for something like I’M A B by Black Eyed Peas 🙂
I’ve cried to most of these songs, ahhh the music of breakups.
LOL…yep. I don’t think you’ve properly gone through a breakup until you’ve tortured yourself with some of these songs. And I think I got 6, 8, 12 from you a long time ago!!
What Do You Care? by Patricia Conroy
Well, You called me from your new home
On the other side of town,
Just to find out how I was doing on my own,
Well just listen to the silence
When you hang up the phone,
And Darling, that’s my life since you’ve been gone.
But what do you care?
You’ve got someone with you there
And you don’t have to cry yourself to sleep…
What do you care?
How I’m doing without you here,
You’re never coming back,
So what do you care?
I still go to work at seven,
I’m usually home by five,
I guess nothing’s changed
Since you walked out my door,
I still wake up and greet each morning
With a pillow in my arms,
Till I find out I’m not dreaming anymore.
But what do you care?
You’ve got someone with you there,
And you don’t have to cry yourself to sleep…
What do you care?
How I’m doing without you here,
You’re never coming back,
So what do you care?
After all this time, You’ve got me on the line
Oh it must be more than small talk on your mind..
But what do you care?
You’ve got someone with you there,
And you don’t have to cry yourself to sleep…
What do you care?
How I’m doing without you here,
You’re never coming back,
So what do you care?
No ..you’re never coming back…
So what do you care?
Okay, Catherine – wallow for another day or two, and then pull out “So What” by Pink. See if that doesn’t make you feel better, because you are a rock star.
Thank you, Natalie! You are right, that’s a good one. And I’ll wear my hot boots too… You give good breakup advice!
I’m a fan of more empowering stuff like Melissa Etheridge’s “I’m the Only One.”
Oh that’s a good one! And you are way healthier than me… Empowering music is for the well-adjusted. I’m apparently just an emotional cutter haha 🙂
OMG!! Totally agree on Goodbye My Lover!
Haha, isn’t it the worst (and by the worst, I obviously mean the BEST)? 🙂
First time visitor and I am a big fan of lists. I like this one a lot and I have to tell you that I Can’t Make You Love Me is one of my favorites. I loved the movie it goes with too, Boxing Helena. It’s not a movie for the masses though.
On a side note, Nothing Compares To U (to me) is much better sung by the original artist, Prince. One that I would include is Michael Jackson’s She’s Out Of My Life.
Have a great day!
Thanks for reading and commenting! Ahh, I definitely need to check out the Prince version. I had no idea Sinead’s was a cover! Also, good call on She’s Out Of My Life. 98 Degrees does a good version of that song too!
I will have to check Amazon.com to listen to 98 degrees. Since Brian McKnight has been mentioned quite often, the favorite I have of his is After The Love. Amazing song. Also when you are in a break up and happy songs come on the radio, it can hurt a lot too. Great topic for a post!
Thanks, I haven’t heard After The Love before. The title alone tells me it’s good, and that Brian McKnight knows his stuff. Haha. You are right about that – I hadn’t thought about it, but those damn people on the radio talking about how in love they are or how happy they are can go to hell. Definitely not helpful. Maybe the answer is to just listen to talk radio until you’ve recovered?? 🙂
Actually, it’s the Prince version that is the cover, he wrote it originally for Sinead. I hope you are back on track with love and life and yesterday has become a fond memory. Thanks for a good post, it really helped me today.
…and I should probably contribute with a few songs too:
Pictures of you, The Cure
I Grieve, Peter Gabriel (brilliant)
Everybody Hurts, REM (can’t believe I didn’t see that one anywhere here…)
The Scientist, Coldplay
Autumn Leaves, (Eva Cassidy version)
Exit Music and Karma Police by Radiohead might be slightly off topic, but still makes you want to go into fetal position and stay there until the storm passes.
Again – thanks!
Thanks for the shout out on your list. Brian McKnight is the king of break up songs. Let’s not forget, “One Last Cry.”
This is a good one too! That Brian McKnight. With his songs, you’d swear relationships never work out!
Just pulled the lyrics for “One Last Cry,” and while the whole thing is pretty depressing, the first part got to me. The part about “I gave my best to you” …
My shattered dreams and broken heart
Are mending on the shelf
I saw you holding hands, standing close to someone else
Now I sit all alone wishing all my feeling was gone
I gave my best to you, nothing for me to do
But have one last cry
Chorus:
One last cry, before I leave it all behind
I’ve gotta put you outta my mind this time
Stop living a lie
I guess I’m down to my last cry
These songs got me through rough times. They are more empowering, then reflective:
Leona Lewis’ “Better in Time” (beautiful song that was my mantra the first CDB breakup)
Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter” (esp this last breakup)
Lily Allen’s “Smile”
Avril Lavigne’s “My Happy Ending”
Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable”
Pink’s “So What”
And my all-time favorite song to belt out at karaoke is Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”
Perhaps I need to do another post about songs that will actually help you recover from a breakup (rather than just dwell and wallow in it)? Because I definitely have Better in Time on my list (I’ve been listening to this like it’s my job these days), Fighter and Before He Cheats. I also strangely like I Saw The Sign by Ace of Base: “I am happy now living without you, I’ve let you go. Oh oh.” These are all good songs to help you feel empowered and like everything is going to be OK. I haven’t heard Smile, My Happy Ending or Irreplaceable, so definitely going to have to check those out tonight. Thanks for the suggestions!
UPDATE: Love Happy Ending. Just didn’t know that was what it was called. Thanks again 🙂
for younger people im going to add!!
Taylor swift 15
Taylor Swift You Belong With Me
Taylor Swift permanent marker
(DAMN i cant believe T.S. isnt on here)
Taylor Swift – Baby, Don’t You Break My Heart Slow
Oh Cat, I don’t know you but I want to tutor you in being single. Because I’m really REALLY good at it 😉 And sweetheart single does not equal lonely. it really doesn’t.
But as to breakup songs “One” by U2 always gets me when I’m going through a breakup but it doesn’t even feel like a break up song when I’m not.
“Did I ask too much?
More than a lot?
You gave me nothin’
Now it’s all I got”
Haha, I would LOVE for you to be my tutor! Need any help I can get, LOL. You are right, single does not equal lonely. Sometimes it feels that way, but I don’t think it always has to be the case. Sometimes it is pretty darn fun. As long as you aren’t listening to any of this crap! This blog post was more about how sometimes, you have to embrace the sadness and sort of swim in it. Only for a day or two 🙂
I haven’t heard One before, but I’m checking it out tonight! I liked the lyrics you shared, thanks.
Hell yeah, I love me some Lauryn Hill “Ex Factor.” I also like Neo’s “So Sick of Love Songs.”
xoxo,
Lucky
Oh, will have to check that one out! Thanks for the tip.
I think that wallowing is one of the stages of break-ups so it’s natural to spend a bit of time there. The songs that spring to mind for me seem to be for wallowing rather than moving on! My ipod keeps picking “Miss You Like Crazy” by Natalie Cole:
“No matter what I say or do
There’s just no getting over you…”
..and the one which really gets me is “I Cried For You” by Katie Melua:
“In many years they may forget
This love of ours, or that we met,
They may not know how much you meant to me.”
Thanks for helping me feel justified in my wallowing :). Miss You Like Crazy is such a good one. I hadn’t heard of the Katie Melua song, but don’t you worry, I’m heading to iTunes tonight to check it out! Thanks for the input.
I’m thinking, Why stop at break up songs, how about break up movies? Gives you much more time to wallow and eat ice cream. Nothing like a totally unrealistic Hollywood chick flick to make you feel like crap after a break up.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m generally a happy and upbeat person, but I do believe some self-limited wallowing can be beneficial.
Right after my traumatic break up, I stayed in my PJ’s, and watched an entire television series (I think it was four or five seasons?) on disc in two days before I was even able to muster the strength to step foot out of my door. Then I went and got some food, wasn’t sure I could stand seeing any other people, so went back home and watched DVD’s for another two days. I think the wallowing helped, because eventually I couldn’t stand myself or the wallowing and I had to re-enter society.
Girl, you are on to something here. Break up movies would be soooo good. Must include The Way We Were. And you are right, that is prime ice cream eating and wallowing time. I think you are right on.
What television series did you watch in your PJ’s? I have watched Felicity. All four seasons. About one and a half times. 🙂
Congrats on your reentrance into society. I agree, some self-limited wallowing can do wonders.
If you REALLY want to want to kill yourself, ok, not really, but feel like shit. It’s the breakup of Edward and Bella from New Moon, when she’s REALLY depressed. ya… talk about knowing THAT feeling.
Possibility by Lykke Li
There’s a possibility
There’s a possibility
All that I had was all I gon’ get
There’s a possibility
There’s a possibility
All I gon get is gone with your step
So tell me when you hear my heart stop,
You’re the only who knows
Tell me when you hear my silence
There’s a possibility
I wouldn’t know
Know that when you leave
Know that when you leave
By blood and by mean
You walk like a thieve
By blood and by mean
I fall when you leave
Wow that one sounds great! So many good breakup songs that I never knew about. I should be all set for my next breakup hangover, for sure!
Catherine –
First, let me qualify my response by stating that I have a strong distaste for sad, even though I understand that grieving is one useful means of unpacking one’s emotional baggage–so that it will fit neatly in the overhead bin on your next flight on Love Air. Now that that’s out of the way . . .
Mad = “Scarred But Smarter” by Drivin’ N Cryin’–I don’t know all the words, but they do talk about justice for the broken-hearted–and the title tells the rest. Best listened to in a car. On your favorite stretch of little-travelled road.
Sad = Dire Straits’ “Making Movies”–all of it. How can you go wrong with “Tunnel of Love” and “Romeo and Juliet”?
Hope some of your readers enjoy the 80s flashbacks!
LOL on Love Air. Thanks for the song suggestions. Never heard of any of them (maybe cause I was born in 85!?), but I am taking note for the next road trip for sure! Thanks 🙂
Picture me rollin’ by tupac. For obvious reasons ;-). I kid I kid. I’d think women would like “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce. Oh wait, that’s right, you did say you were over the anger stage. Carry on then
LOL. Irreplaceable is a good one. Don’t you worry, I visit the anger stage pretty frequently. I like to give all the stages equal love, going backward and forward, never quite healing. 🙂 JK
Hmmmm, I guess the songs picked by anyone will depend on how they are feeling or what phase they are at from recovering. But I love the ones that affirm your stength even during the tough times of a breakup. Ultimately you will move on from this one a stronger person than before. One song that come to mind is one by Vertical Horizon “I’m Still Here”, which ironically can apply to any relationship that has gone wrong, you don’t know why, it just happened. Doesn’t just apply for significant others either….
I found the pieces in my hand
They were always there
It just took some time to understand
You gave me words I just can’t say
So if nothing else
I’ll hold on while you drift away
Cause everything you wanted me to hide
Is everything that makes me feel alive
Cities grow
Rivers flow
Where you are, I’ll never know
But I’m still here
If you were right and I was wrong
Why are you the one that’s gone
I’m still here
Still here
I’d love to see a piece on a list of songs that help you move on from a breakup. Definitely love “So What” by Pink, that’s also one of my favourites.
Thanks for this! Never heard this one, but the lyrics are great. I love the “Where you are, I’ll never know. But I’m still here. If you were right and I was wrong, why are you the one that’s gone?” Got me thinking 🙂
And I’ve added to my list of blog ideas to develop a top 10 list of empowering songs that help you move on from a breakup. I think it could help some people. Just as soon as I get out of the sadness I’ll be right on that. LOL! But “So What” will definitely be on that list!
Awesome List! Lauryn Hill just has a way of ripping your heart out. Sigh!
She certainly does :). Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Mr. Smiths thoughts.
10. I go to movies by myself all the time. I can sneak in water, snacks and whatever I want. Plus I can pass gas at a movie by myself and not worry about it. And if you have four cats you might as well call it quits. Unless to bat for the other side.
9. WTF! You are listening to Christmas songs in September. What are you my 74 year old dad with the Time-Life Christmas series?!?!
8. Love does stink. See 10.
7. Love yourself. At least you know where the good spots are. 🙂
6. All I can say is Brian McKnight. Who the hell is that?! Don’t listen to him.
5. Lauryn also has some good stuff here…..”You let go and I’ll let go.” Perfect
4. I can tell you what I miss about everyone I ever loved. I can also detail all the crap that made us not be together.
3. Ummmm. You’re going to listen to Baldie. Look in the mirror…nothing compares to YOU.
2. Of course you want him to be happy. The one person I thought I was going to marry is now engaged. I am just glad she found someont to put up with her. 🙂
1. Ok. I am soooooooooo disappointed here. I was totally thinking it was going to be Heartbreak Hotel. Thanks for going the horribly depressing route.
With all my cynicism… My song for total annihilation of your emotions is Langhorne Slim “I love you but goodbye.”
LOL … loved your commentary on my commentary. All we learned here is that you are more mature and emotionally capable than me. Thanks for bragging. Haha.
Sorry, I wanted to include Heartbreak Hotel but somehow, it’s just not quite depressing enough to make my top 10. It’s a good one though, and definitely a regular on the wallowing playlist!
Off to listen to your song suggestion …
trying to follow you on twitter but cant find your name
It’s @cgryp
Even worse than a break up song is when you come across your wedding song, or what would be your wedding song had the ass not ripped your heart out. You not only come across the song but you see yourself walking down the aisle. The song begins, Kev & Matt are walking you, then the lyrics begin, you are passed off to your loving uncle, then there is this crazy drum that starts in the background and you are walking down the aisle with your dad to the man who was supposed to be your baby daddy, anyways, not that I have thought those things or anything, lol.
FYI, I Am For You by Lisa Tucker:
“If we live forever
time would never change how we love,
no river could run between us,
you’re never alone,
I’m yours til I’m gone,
the beat of my heart is for you,
and this drum can make us dance until the day it stops.
We can toast and celebrate us til the end of time,
this page is the beginning
of a book that’s never ending
true story”
Girl, you are telling me. I still have what would have been our first dance song in my iPod. Why don’t I just delete it? Every once in awhile it comes up on shuffle. I don’t listen to it (I might lose it if I do), but the fact that I leave it there to endlessly remind me is the epitome of emotional cutting. And in case you were wondering, it’s “Feels Like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk.
We both need to forget these songs exist … don’t you think?
Well, at the risk of stating the obvious (and also because I just heard this in the car a few hours ago – go, 80s Mix CD!) – I’d have to add Greg Kihn’s obviously-titled “The Breakup Song.” They don’t write ’em like that anymore! Sure, it’s all about breakups, but it’s so incredibly bouncy and poppy and catchy, it’s (I daresay) better therapy than a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. That chorus alone will end up stuck in your head for days after, and by then you’ll have forgotten all about the ex.
Haha, that’s a good addition! Thanks. Although, I’m not positive there is ANYTHING out there better than a pint of Ben & Jerry’s…. 🙂
It’s funny to run across this list, because over the past year I’ve sort of collected (or at least not been able to forget) quite a few breakup songs. It’s been a little over a year since my ex left me, and although I’m moving forward it is necessary to cry like a baby from time to time 🙂
Blue October – Graceful Dancing “Now here we are, Your sunset reigns, Like a bullet hole, Trees only seems for hanging, A moon is a target range And rivers seem only for drowning…You got to keep graceful dancing” It’s actually a very great song, bittersweet, even when you don’t want to wake up and face the day, you just have to keep pushing on.
Gary Allen – Smoke Rings in the Dark “The loneliness within me, Takes a heavy toll, ‘Cause it burns as slow as whiskey through an empty aching soul, And the night is like a dagger, Long and cold and sharp, As I sit here on the front steps, Blowing smoke rings in the dark” Okay, so it’s a country song, so being depressing is mandatory, but it does it in a very relatable way.
Vertical Horizon – Grey Skied Morning “And it may take some time to, Patch me up inside, But I can’t take it so I, Run away and hide, And I may find in time that you were always right.” The music and vocals to this song are perfect. It was always a favorite song of mine, but has a new meaning after the downfall.
Stay Or Leave – Dave Mathews “Stay or leave, I want you not to go, But you should, It was good, as good goes, Stay or leave, I want you not to go, But you did” This song sort of reflects on how perfect life can be for a short period of time, you get lost in love and nothing else
seems to matter, then one day realize it is all just a fading memory
There’s plenty of other songs, but for bot our sake I’ll end there!
LOVE that a guy says it’s necessary to cry like a baby sometimes. Rock on!! 🙂 Umm, how have I never heard any of these songs? Must. Update. Ipod. Now. Thanks for sharing with us 🙂 Good luck with the breakup…
I just found your blog and love it. I get it’s a few months late but here’s my contribution:
Best/Worst Break-Up Song> Music When the Lights Go Out by The Libertines
Thanks for the song addition, Elizabeth! I’ll definitely have to check it out. I’m thinking of writing a new post that is about uplifting breakup songs…. cause sometimes you don’t need a depressing one, you need one to make you feel better 🙂
Thanks for reading and commenting!
On the Brian McKnight train, I have to go with the first song I ever heard of his “One Last Cry.” I also like Tracie Spencer’s “Unbelievable”. To quote it briefly: I have a pain that burns so deep/so deep I cannot breathe.” That’s hurting right there. “Another is Already Missing You” by Eddie & Gerald Levert. It’s pretty much a listing of all the things he’s going to miss about this woman who is leaving him, even though she isn’t gone yet, alternating with begging her to stay. Good moping song is Toni Braxton’s Stupid or Unbreak My Heart. All time best though, is “I’m Going Down” both the original by Rose Royce and Mary J. Blige’s Remake.
The saddest Christmas songs ever: Luther Vandross, “Every Year, Every Christmas” and Gerald LeVert’s “Christmas Without My Girl.”
I love sad break up songs…then again, I’m not going through I break up.
I love sad breakup songs too… Breakup or no breakup. We’ve all been through it at some point, so we can definitely identify! Thanks for sharing all these songs – great add ons to the list!
Chicago’s “Look Away”.
When we both agreed as lovers We were better off as friends
That’s how it had to be Yeah, that’s how it had to be
I tell you I’m fine But sometimes I just pretend
Wish you were holdin’ me
Wish you were still holdin’ me, oh, oh
I just never thought That I would be replaced so soon
I wasn’t prepared To hear those words from you
I know I wanted to be free
Yeah, baby, this is how we wanted it to be
But…If you see me walkin’ by
And the tears are in my eyes
Look away, baby, look away
Don’t look at me
I don’t want you to see me this way
Oops I meant to submit this in respect of the OTHER list- but I got distracted by this one! 🙂
Haha, no worries! I moved it 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
I gotta add two of my faves to this list: “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt (this was *the* breakup song when I was in High School)
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/2969/
and “With Or Without You” by U2, which is a little more personal:
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/10206/
Eternallyemo – awesome additions! I have no idea how I forgot “Don’t Speak”…that was my high school breakup song too! LOL
with you on Bonnie. I’d humbly suggest considering “The Breakup Song” by the Greg Kihn Band. Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba!
Great addition! Thank you!
My Immortal – Evanescence, one of the most depressing songs ever written, I feel.
And I’ll be checking out some of the songs on this list now because I’ve never heard them before and I’m in a mood to wallow right now! 😉
Cheers!
Enjoy the wallowing – but not for too long! You gotta snap out of it after 3 days – tops. Don’t worry, you are allowed to wallow about once a month. Yes, I made up these rules. 🙂
lol 🙂
I had to book mark this site because i love all the music that is getting posted!
I am also the really emotional type so i have tons of these break up songs.
When You’re Gone – Avril Lavigne
Won’t Even Start – David Choi
Broken – Lifehouse
Yesterday – The Beatles
How Much It Hurts – John Mayer
Caseys Song – City and Colour
The Scientist – Coldplay
Lost – Jesse Labelle
Don’t Leave Now – Jesse Labelle
Black Keys – Jonas Brothers (i know i know lol dont judge =P)
Come Home – One Republic
Breakeven – The Script
Lonley Day – System of a Down
The Best I’ve Ever Had – Vertical Horizon
Thanks, Matthew! I haven’t heard some of these so I’ll have to check them out should I need a good breakup song. Thanks for the additions!!
=)
All the songs people are suggesting are amazing =) we all need to just wallow every once a while. Here a few recent ones that spring to my mind. Iwill try to make it as short as possible:P
1. a fine frenzy- almost lover: ”Did I make it that easy, to walk right in and out of my life?”
2. pink – I don’t believe you: ”I don’t believe you when you say don’t come around here no more”
3. Duffy -I’m scared(although the guy in the song died): ”Dust gathers on my stereo, cause I can’t bear to hear the radio”
4. Katy perry-I’m still breathing: ”I’m still breathing, but we’ve been dead for a while”
5. Shakira- illegal: ”you said you would love me untill you die, and as far as I know you’re still alive”
6. Christina perri – the lonely: ”2am, where do I begin, crying off my face again”
7. Christina perri – tragedy: ”If you could envision the meaning of a tragedy. You might be surprised to hear it’s you and me.”
8. Kasey Chambers- not pretty enough: ”Am I not pretty enough?Is my heart too broken?
Do I cry too much?Am I too outspoken?Don’t I make you laugh?Should I try it harder?Why do you see right through me?”
9. The pretty reckless-nothing left to lose: ”Lost between Elvis and suicide. Ever since the day we died, well I’ve got nothing left to lose.”
10.the pretty reckless- you: ”You don’t want me, no. You don’t need me. Like I want you, oh. Like I need you.”
11.Maria Mena-sorry:”I just poured my heart out, there’s bits of it on the floor. And I take what’s left of it and rinse it under cold water and call him up for more”
12.Shontelle -t-shirt: ”In bed I lay, with nothing but your t-shirt on”
13. Kate voegele -unfair: ”We where worlds apart and you see it was so much easier to be, cause now I know what we can’t have and it’s so unfair”
14. ani difranco -untouchable face:”I could make you happy you know, if you weren’t already”
OMG! I officially love both these lists! Another new one to add to this list would be:
Rolling In The Deep – Adele
“The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I cant help feeeling
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL!!
Great addition Shawny! I haven’t heard that song before but I LOVE the last line. Thanks for sharing!
Again, awesome list.
Suggestions:
**Ani DiFranco – in her rare wallow-y moments, she really knows how to pack a punch. These make me cry every time without fail:
“Superhero” is one of my favourite songs of all time, but…:
[yeah you’ve been gone exactly two weeks
two weeks and three days
and now i’m a different person
different in so many ways
tell me what did you like about me
don’t say my strength and daring
‘cuz now i think i’m at your mercy
and it’s my first time for this kind of thing
i used to be a superhero
i would swoop down and save me
from myself
you are like a phone booth
that i somehow stumbled into
and now look at me
i am just like everybody else
i am worse than everybody else ]
“Done Wrong” deserves full lyrics:
[the wind is ruthless
the trees shake angry fingers at the sky
the people hunch their shoulders
hold their collars over their earsand run by
it’s a cold rain
it’s a hard rain
like the kind that you find in songs
i guess that makes methe jerk with the heartache
here to sing youabout how i’ve been done wrong
and i am sitting, watching
out the window of the coffee shop
and i am waiting, waiting
waiting for it to let up
i am rocking like a cradle
warming my hands with the cup in between
i am leaning over the table
holding my face over the steam
and before it gets so cold
that the rain turns to snow
there’s just a couple things
i’d like to know
like how could you do nothing
and say, i’m doing my best
how could you take almost everything
and then come back for the rest
how could you beg me to stay,
(From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/a/ani-difranco-lyrics/done-wrong-lyrics.html)
reach out your hands and plead
and then pack up your eyes and run away
as soon as i agreed
it just all slips
away so slowly
you don’t even notice till you’ve lost a lot
i’ve been like one of those zombies
in vegas
pouring quarters into a slot
and now i’m tired
and i am broke
and i feel stupid and i feel used
and i’m at the end of my little rope
and i am swinging back and forth
about you
before it gets so cold
that the rain turns to snow
there’s just a couple things
i’d like to know
like how could you do nothing
and say, i’m doing my best
how could you take almost everything
and then come back for the rest
how could you beg me to stay,
reach out your hands and plead
and then pack up your eyes and run away
as soon as i agreed]
…as does “Adam and Eve”
[Tonight you stooped to my level,
I am your mangy little whore,
now you’re trying to find your underwear,
then your socks, and then the door.
And your trying to find a reason
why you have to leave.
But I know its cause you think you’re Adam
you think I’m Eve.
You rhapsodize about beauty
my eyes glaze
everything I love is ugly
I mean really, you would be amazed.
Just do me a favor,
it’s the least that you can do.
Just don’t treat me like I am
something that’s happened to you.
Cause I am,
I am truly sorry about all this.
You put a tiny pin prick
in my big red balloon,
and as I slowly start to exhale,
that’s when you leave the room.
And I did not design this game.
I did not name the stakes,
I just happen to like apples
and am not afraid of snakes.
But I am,
I am truly sorry about this.
And I envy you,
your ignorance.
I hear that its bliss.
So I let go the ratio
of things said to hings heard,
as I leave you to your garden,
and the beauty you preferred.
And I wonder what of this will have meaning
for you when you’ve left it all behind.
I think I’ll even wonder if you meant it at the time.]
“School Night”:
[she went over to his apartment
clutching her decision
and he said, did you come here to tell me goodbye?
so she built a skyscraper of procrastination
and then she leaned out the twenty-fifth floor window
of her reply
and she felt like an actress
just reading her lines
when she finally said
yes. it’s really goodbye this time
and far below was the blacktop
and the tiny toy cars
and it all fell so fast
and it all fell so far
and she said:
you are a miracle but that is not all
you are also a stiff drink and i am on call
you are a party and i am a school night
and i’m lookin’ for my door key
but you are my porch light
and you’ll never know, dear
just how much i loved you
you’ll probably think this was
just my big excuse
but i stand committed
to a love that came before you
and the fact that i adore you
is but one of my truths]
**Beth Orton, “Wish I never saw the sunshine”. Yeah. No prizes there.
**Damien Rice – “9 Crimes”, “Rootless Tree” and “Volcano” get me every time.
**Joni Mitchell. Yes it’s a cliché, but let’s face it, can you really beat her classic album “Blue”. Considering it’s about the loss of Graham Nash, the love of her life, and that she nearly burned out making it, you cannot go wrong. Usual suspects include “Blue” and of course, “A Case Of You”. Her next album, “For the Roses” is possibly just as good if not better (in general as well as for current purpose!), but the double bill of “Lesson in Survival” and “Let the wind carry me” is unmissable. Try “Amelia” and the title track from the jazzier “Heijira”. And as Love, Actually made abundantly clear, “Both Sides, Now” from “Clouds” can be tragic and uplifting and cathartic all at the same time.
**Kate Rusby. Let’s face it, folk covers heartache in inimicable style, and the Barnsley Nightingale has the kind of voice to break a heart made of stone. Her album “Awkward Annie” has some classics – try “Bitter Boy” and “Planets”
[I can see,
The planets are aligning for me,
But I cannot read them,
For the future’s gone,
And all behind me.
Chorus:
Through this world,
I am wandering, wandering,
A soft breeze blowing,
I am wandering now,
Through this world,
I am wandering, wandering,
These are the days I live now.
You said, turn around
So I cannot see your tears falling,
You don’t make me proud,
Now I see there is
A new day dawning.]
Other classics for it are “I am stretched on your grave” and “Annan Waters” from “Hourglass”; “Let the cold wind blow” and “Who now will sing me lullabies” from “Little Lights”; and the titular track from “Underneath the Stars”. Her latest album “Make the Light” has a couple of potentials in there as well.
**”Persuasion” by Muireann Nic Amhlaiobh always makes me tear up:
[Blind romance
There’ll be no half measures given half a chance
But we never learn
Trusting in the fire while the cruel flames burn
We need to rebuild
What was never there
What got left behind
After all the foolish things that we’ve been through
I could always make a start on something new
And I’ll always be someone who’s open to
Persuasion]
** Sarah McLachlan “Wait”, “Fallen”, “Ice”, “Do What You Have To Do”, and “Full of Grace”:
[It’s better this way, I say,
Having seen this place before,
Where everything we say and do,
Hurts us all the more.
It’s just that we stayed, too long,
In the same old sickly skin,
I’m pulled down by the undertow,
I never thought I could feel so low,
And oh darkness I feel like letting go.
If all of the strength and all of the courage,
Come and lift me from this place,
I know I could love you much better than this,
Full of grace.]
**Slipknot “Snuff”. You won’t know it’s them, really. And speaking of Corey Taylor, try Stone Sour’s “Zzyxz Rd.” and “Bother”. I shock people frequently when I play it to them and then tell them the singer is that guy from Slipknot.
**Stephan Eicher “Clear My Throat”. I’d say “Venez Danser” as well, but it’s in French so be warned.
** Speaking of French, if you can speak it, I defy ANYONE to listen to Jacques Brel’s “Ne me quitte pas” and come out of it dry-eyed.
**Taylor Swift is amazing at these. “White Horse”, “Breathe”, “You’re Not Sorry” (especially for me since my ex was abusive), “Cold As You”, “Back to December” and actually “Innocent” – it’s a forgiveness song, but just try listening to it when you’re getting to that stage of mourning and forgiving your ex.
**Dochas, “I Ho Ro’s Na Hug Oro Eile and Aye Fond Kiss”. Don’t let the Gaelic put you off, the second half of this will break your heart, and deserves full lyrics:
[Ae fond kiss, and then we sever
Ae farewell, and then forever
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and goans I’ll wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him
Me nae cheerful twinkle lights me,
Dark despair around benights me.
I’ll ne’er blame my partial fancy:
Nothing could resist my Nancy
But to see her was to love her
Love but her, and love for ever.
Had we never loe’d sae kindly,
Had we never loe’d sae blindly,
Never met – nor never parted –
We had ne’er been broken-hearted.
Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest
Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever
Ae farewell, alas, for ever
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee.]
**Alter Bridge “Watch Over You” (it’s half love song, half breakup), “In Loving Memory” (written for someone who’s passed away, but from experience, it works for both), “Down To My Last” and “Shed My Skin”.
**John Martyn “May You Never”, “Bless The Weather” (also works when loved up, which is why it hurts when you’re not), “Couldn’t Love You More” (likewise), “Sweet Little Mystery” (a proper breakup song), and “Hurt in Your Heart”.
And finally, how is **Alanis Morisette not on here for “Simple Together”, “That I would be good”, “Sorry to Myself”, “That Particular Time” and off her latest album “Flavours of Entanglement” (something of a return to the form of “Jagged Little Pill”), “Not As We”, “Torch” and “Tapes” have seen far more air time than I care to admit. In fact, that album is pretty much a mainstream-y answer to Ani DiFranco’s album “Dilate”.
WOW! So many additions and you put so much thought into this. Thank you!! That one line “like how could you do nothing and say, i’m doing my best, how could you take almost everything, and then come back for the rest” really struck me. Beautiful. And it feels so true to me. Thanks again.
I love “more like her” by Miranda Lambert, makes me cry every time. Turns out my ex had a wife and a girlfriend, but I still loved him and stupidly want him back, although I know I’m not stupid enough to do it!
I keep hearing about Miranda Lambert, but I’ve neer heard her. I gotta check it out!
I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been through. I’m glad you are trying to get away – you deserve better!
That song my Miranda Lambert makes me insane!!! OMG, I get mad, angry, hurt, upset… I cry, scream, yell… PFFT I just stumbled across this site lookin for brokenhearted breakup songs that gets you going, AND BOY DID THIS PLACE DO JUST THAT!! LOL
by*
“Black” by Pearl Jam has always makes me cry since I listened to it after a break-up in High School. The tone of the song is sad but the final lyrics throw me over the edge.
“The Chaconne” by Dessa is another song that just has a extremely somber tone although it’s not about breaking up it is quite depressing especially when she sings “I don’t suppose you’d tell the truth, so I won’t ask you anymore.” Ugh.
PolyinSTL,
That line IS depressing. And … I’ve definitely felt that way before. Thanks for the additions!
I’m not a huge fan of her but Kate Nash’s ‘Nicest Thing’ is the song guaranteed to make me cry after a breakup. It has very simple lyrics but usually those work the best when you’re at your most vulnerable!
You definitely need those songs sometimes! Thanks for sharing.
Nothing better to help along my self-pity than “Wake Up Alone” by Amy Winehouse:
I stay up, clean the house
Least I’m not drinkin
Run around just so I don’t have to think about thinkin
That silent sense of content
That everyone gets
Just disappears soon as the sunsets…
And “Tell Him” by Lauryn Hill. Real heart-breaker.
Thanks for these! Man, Lauryn Hill is really good with the breakup songs for sure. Ex Factor is hard to get through with a dry eye!
I like your post! Very interesting xD
I even checked the songs on YouTube!
Too bad I’m too over the bad loves I’ve had to be able to relate to the songs now O:
finaleproject,
I don’t say too bad – I say YAY for being in a good place that you don’t have to relate to these songs! Good luck to you 🙂
“If You’re Gonna Leave” by Emerson Hart (lead singer of Tonic): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpbTNjXJhL8
The whole song is made of “you’re better off without me.”
The verse that always gets me the most:
“We can stand on reason
We can fight about all the things
This isn’t forever
This is more than a wedding ring
But do you understand it, baby,
When you say “It’s over, it’s done”?”
This might have fit better on the “empowering” song list, but I think I’ve done a fair share of wallowing to this song.
Great addition. Thanks for sharing – i had only heard one Tonic song before this and it’s good to see more of them on these lists!
May I suggest Creep by Radiohead? Oh wait, that one is for a differently themed relationship (if you’d call it that) >_>. Fun blog to read! All the best with whatever you’re after!
Thank you so much!
Another awesome post 🙂 I love that Whitney song… other favorites are probably Dionne Warwick’s “I know I’ll never love this way again…” and Adele’s “Someone Like You.”
Valerie,
Ohhh Adele’s Someone Like You is a great addition to this list. Thank you!
Nice list. I don’t know why, but Heat Of The Moment(Asia) always makes me cry
Hmm. Not familiar with that one. Thanks for sharing 🙂
sometimes you just need to listen to really sad love songs and bawl your eyes out to help the process along. Its worse when its the same person who makes you cry over and over
Dreadlady,
That’s bad – when it’s the same person. At some point though, you have to look out for yourself and stop the abuse (even if it’s not physical abuse, someone hurting you over and over has got to be some kind of emotional abuse). Sending happy vibes your way that you can get past this and enjoy some happy songs soon 🙂
try taylor swift’s “last kiss”.
or, even better, listen to a love song that you remember made you feel good during your relationship for the ultra “depress the hell out of you” experience.
Haha, good point. Listen to a song that has significance for the two of you and just cry, cry, cry… LOL 🙂
Few more adds 😛
1) Basically anything from The Script…really, great break-up songs. Here a list:
– Nothing
-Long gone and moved on
-Exit wounds
-Breakeven
-Talk you down
2) Imelda May- Too sad to cry.
”I’m too sad to cry, you won’t find a tear in my eye
My baby’s gone and hurt me so
I’m way too sad to cry”
Thanks for the additions! 🙂 You rock!
Earl thomas conley- What I’d Say.
Colbie’s I Never Told You.. should be way higher. That songs makes me want to drive my car off a cliff or just curl up and cry for a year. Oh man.
Yeah that song is rough. Don’t drive off a cliff!! 🙂
I have a few from the hip hop side…
Diddy – Dirty Money – Loving You No More ft. Drake
Jamie Foxx – Fall For Your Type ft. Drake
Trey Songz – “Can’t Be Friends”
Bruno Mars – Grenade
Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
lol, these are all up on my facebook page right now. Love sucks.
Faith,
Sorry if you are going through a rough breakup :(. But thanks for the hip hope additions, helps round out the list!
Fall for your type is the story of my life!!
Oh my gosh…these songs are SO depressing…but sometimes the suicidal act of drowning in sadness and all these music is just the antidote for you to bounce right back!
Listening to some of these made me thought of my ex again…but I know it was a right thing to break up so it doesn’t pain as much anymore…
One song I would add to the list would be Britney’s “Where are you now”.
“I can’t go on as long as I believe/ Can’t let go when I keep wondering/ Where are you now, what have you found/ Where is your heart, when I’m not around/ Where are you now, you gotta let me know/ Oh baby, so I can let you go”
Amongthestars,
Did you check out the empowering break up song list? Not quite so depressing. May help you 🙂
Thanks for the addition!!
My favorite, curl up and cry breakup song is “Goodbye to love” by the Carpenters.
I’ll say goodbye to love
No one ever cared if I should live or die
Time and time again the chance for love
has passed me by
And all I know of love
is how to live without it
I just can’t seem to find it.
So I’ve made my mind up I must live
my life alone
And though it’s not the easy way
I guess I’ve always known
I’d say goodbye to love.
There are no tomorrows for this heart of mine
Surely time will lose these bitter memories
And I’ll find that there is someone to believe in
And to live for something I could live for.
All the years of useless search
Have finally reached an end
Loneliness and empty days will be my
only friend
From this day love is forgotten
I’ll go on as best I can.
What lies in the future
is a mystery to us all
No one can predict the wheel of fortune
as it falls
There may come a time when I will see that
I’ve been wrong
But for now this is my song.
And it’s goodbye to love
I’ll say goodbye to love.
( 1972 )
The lyrics are sad enough on their own but Karen Carpenter’s soulful, sweet voice makes it even more sad.
Ohhh an oldie! Thanks so much for your addition, Angel!
My goodness, I listened to all of these too!
These songs are the soundtrack to my broken heart right now.
Breakeven – The Script
Back For Good – Take That
It Must Have Been Love – Roxette
What Hurts The Most – Rascal Flatts
Just A Dream – Nelly
Forget Me Not – Lucie Silvas
Best I Ever Had – Gary Allan
Lovekiller – Darin
Just reading the lyrics doesn’t really do justice to the song, you really need to hear it/see the videoclip to understand just how broken this poor man is. But I love the simplicity of it.
This blood is on your hands
Now no one can save my heart
And the scar you left can’t be repaired
The knife is in your hands
Is that a smile on your face
It’s so clear to me
You’re a lovekiller
You’re a love lovekiller
You’re a lovekiller
You’re a murderer
You’re a cold blooded murderer
Baby never did I think you could,
Be such a cold blooded murderer
You’re a lovekiller you’re a murderer
Ask For More – Billie The Vision and the Dancers
I love this song for a break up because when you love and trust someone, you never expect things to end cruelly.
I took it hard you see.
It cut right through me.
The intention was worse but I’m alive.
I have a smoke on the balcony.
Whatever happened to you and me.
The truth was not a part of the conflict.
So I grab my suitcase,
I grab my blue shoes too
and I grab my Live at Budokan.
I lose you in a accident.
This is not a good good bye.
Didn’t I deserve a fair farewell.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
I thought I could ask for more from you.
Skinny Love – Birdy
And I told you to be patient
And I told you to be fine
And I told you to be balanced
And I told you to be kind
And now all your love is wasted
When who the hell was I?
And now I’m breaking at the britches
And at the end of all your lies
Who will love you?
Who will fight?
Who will fall far behind?
I Can’t Break It To My Heart by Delta Goodrem.
This is my favourite(?) depressing break-up song. Probably along with Breakeven, there’s nothing that gets me crying so hard I can’t breathe. It’s great for that initial period of denial, when you just can’t accept that things are over.
Is it just me?
Did I commit a crime?
I won’t believe that loving you
Is just a waste of time
Or was it in my head?
I’m reading into things that you never said
’cause i still don’t have the answers
To why we couldn’t work it out
I wanna think it’s something that I did
So i can turn it back around
But if I still believe you love me
Maybe i’ll survive
So I tell myself you’re coming home
Like you’ve done a million times
And if it’s alright
I’ll still be loving you
’cause I can’t break it to my heart
Thanks so much for this list! I must say, I have listened to Goodbye My Lover quite a few times recently, but I’d never heard the Colbie Caillat song before. It’s definitely the kind of break up song that I fall for, one of those ones that leave you feeling absolutely shattered. I’m hoping that if I push through, I’ll reach a point when I’m just too exhausted to cry anymore. And then I can move on to the uplifting break-up songs. I’ve already got the playlist waiting.
another song that should be on this list is from a band not known to many. it’s called Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy. This song will make you cry during a break up for sure and let you release all the tears.
Adele– Remember me. That gets me every time.
Me too 🙂
Catherine, I ran across this list and found it very helpful. I like your neat little comments as I can relate to most all of them. This was a great list and thinking for the next 10 days, I may post one of each song. I see that you were in a break up with your ex-fiancee some time ago, I hope that you have healed since then and found happiness. I seem to make the same mistake in taking her back, and then I get RUN OVER AGAIN and AGAIN. When do we ever learn? Or do we ever. Thanks for the list. Now I am gonna go and find that bottle of tequila. 8^) Mark
A couple more good sad breakup song is Goodbye Waves and Driveways by the Rocket Summer, Drunk Again by Reel Big Fish, and (on a slightly angrier note) Right as Rain by Adele.
Thanks for these, Marissa :). I love ADELE!!
I know what yall mean i broke up with my girl this morning she said that we just needed to take a brake for a while i dont git it please some one tell me why they all ways have to leave you so up set.
Sorry to hear that Dustin – it seems these things usually happen for a reason. It’ll get better – just try to take care of yourself and look toward the future.
Jann Arden – Insensitive
How do you numb your skin
After the warmest touch
How do you slow your blood
After the body rush
How do you free your soul
After you’ve found a friend
How do you teach your heart
It’s a crime to fall in love again
Jann Arden – Will You Remember Me
when I fade
will you search for me
even with pain?
will you remember me?
Ambrosia – How Much I Feel
Sleep alone and late at night I’m dreaming
Of the togetherness that seems to be leavin’ me
I give it all and then I give some more
If you’ll only love me like you have before
Girl, take hold of my hand and all will be forgiven
My Chemical Romance – I Don’t Love You
When you go
Would you have the guts to say
“I don’t love you like I loved you yesterday”
Paul Young – Every Time You Go Away
Hey, if we can solve any problem
Why do we lose so many tears
Oh, so you go again
When the leading man appears
Always the same thing
Can’t you see
We’ve got everything goin’ on and on and on?
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
Seether/Amy Lee – Broken
‘cause I’m broken when I’m open
And I don’t feel like I am strong enough
‘cause I’m broken when I’m lonesome
And I don’t feel light when you’re gone away
The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There’s so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
Rise Against – Blood To Bleed
“I don’t love you anymore” is all I remember you telling me
Never have I felt so cold
But I’ve no more blood to bleed
‘Cause my heart has been draining into the sea
Shinedown – Second Chance
I’m not angry,
I’m just saying
Sometimes goodbye is a second chance
Skylar Grey – Love The Way You Lie
Now there’s gravel in our voices
Glasses shattered from the fight
In this tug of war you always win
Even when i’m right
Cos you feed me fables from your head
With violent words and empty threats
And it’s sick that all these battles are what keeps me satisfied
Thank you, Anklebiters. You’ve done a great job fleshing out this list! 🙂
You’re welcome…I’ll post more as I hear them…from Oldies to Cow Music to Alternative and everything in between….
Azure Ray – November
So I’m waiting for this test to end
So these lighter days can soon begin
I’ll be alone but maybe more carefree
Like a kite that floats so effortlessly
I was afraid to be alone
Now I’m scared that’s how I’d like to be
…such a sad break up song in this video…
Michelle Featherstone – Perfect
I see you across a crowded room
I see you across a crowded room
I see you across a crowded room
And I’m paralyzed
I’m paralyzed
‘Cause you’re perfect
I wonder if I’ll ever get to talk to you
I wonder if I’ll ever get to talk to you
I wonder if I’ll ever get to talk to you
When I’m paralyzed
I’m paralyzed
‘Cause you’re perfect
When you leave tonight
Your lovely smile and the way you shine
It won’t be mine
If all I get is just one day
I’ll have to say in every way
You’re perfect
I wonder if you’ll notice that you’ve changed my life
I wonder if you’ll notice that you’ve changed my life
I wonder if you’ll notice that you’ve changed my life
And I’m paralyzed
I’m paralyzed
‘Cause you’re perfect
When you leave tonight
Your lovely smile and the way you shine
It won’t be mine
If all I get is just a day
I have to say in every way
You’re perfect
You’re perfect
Epiphany by Staind is an excellent one, however it’s a good one for loved ones who have passed. This is the song I played when my grandmother passed because we were not on good terms i never got to say sorry 😦
Listen to ‘In the Living Years’- Mike & The Mechanics 🙂
Words I Couldn’t Say – Rascal Flatts.
A good song for someone who missed their chance and couldn’t hold on.
When she wakes up and finds me gone- Tim McGraw
This is how I was left. Just poof, gone no explanation, no warning and a lot of lies.
Get your tissues ready….
Dutch artist Anouk had a great song “Michel”
“We walked the street to the beat
Hand in hand you and me
Smiling faces so in love
Hoping that they all could see
That we belonged together you and me against the world
But we found out the hard way cause it wasn’t meant to be”
Was one of my favorites when I was a teenager
Bruno Mars – It Will Rain
‘I just don’t know what to do with myself’; – Dusty Springfield did it better than Nikki Holland
Cutting Crew – I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight
Thanks for helping me out…didn’t know that it would hurt so much to break up even though you are still in love…wasn’t just the right time for us…
Oh, and do not forget: Neil Young – Only love can break your heart
Sade – Still In Love With You
I think I’ll fall to pieces
If I don’t find something else to do
This sadness never ceases,
Oh, I’m still in love with you
And my headache keeps on reeling
Is got me in a crazy spin
Darling, darling, is this the end?
Still in love with you,
They say time has a way of healing,
Dries all the tears from your eyes,
Darling is this this empty feeling
That my heart can’t disguise!
After all that we’ve been through
I drown my best but it’s no use
I guess I just keep loving,
Is this the end?
Still in love with you
Still in love with you
Now it’s all over, boy
There’s something I think you should know
Baby, baby, think it over,
Just one more time before you go
Call on me, baby
If there’s anything I can do for you
Please, call on me, baby
Help me see this through
Still in love with you
Still in love with you
Still in love with you
only 18, but someone better tell me this gets better fast. 2 years to the trash. carrie underwood “someday when I stop loving you” absolutely kills me.
I haven’t been through all the comments so I am not sure if anyone else mentioned this but another great break up song is “If You’re Not The One” by Daniel Beddingfield. If this was already mentioned, please disregard.
During my breakup I had a good cry to Ben Harper’s “Another Lonely Day”:
yesterday seems like a life ago
cause the one I love
today I hardly know
you I held so close in my heart oh dear
grow further from me
with every falling tear
it wouldn’t have worked out any way
so now it’s just another lonely day
further along we just may
but for now it’s just another lonely day
It just has the saddest sound as well. Cathartic.
Chris Rea – Fool If You Think It’s Over
Dyin’ flame, you’re free again
Who could love, do that to you
All dressed in black, he won’t be comin’ back
Look, save your tears
Got years and years
The pains of seventeen’s
Unreal they’re only dreams
Save your cryin’ for the day
Fool if you think it’s over
‘Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it’s over
I’ll tell you why
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the mornin’ sun
Fool if you think it’s over
It’s just begun
Miss Teenage Dream, such a tragic scene
He knocked your crown and ran away
First wound of pride, and how you cried and cried
But save your tears, got years and years
Fool if you think it’s over
‘Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it’s over
I’ll tell you why…
I’ll buy you first good wine
We’ll have a real good time
Save your cryin’ for the day
That may not come
But anyone who had to pay
Would laugh at you and say
Fool if you think it’s over
‘Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it’s over
I’ll tell you why
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the morning sun
Fool if you think it’s over
It’s just begun
this song by Whitney Houston “why does it hurt so bad” is a really good song to listen to once in a while
Why does it hurt so bad
Why do I feel so sad
Thought I was over you
But I keep crying
When I don’t love you
So why does it hurt so bad
I thought I had let you go
So why does it hurt me so
I gotta get you outta my head
It hurts so bad
Oh it hurts so bad baby
My life’s been better
Since the day I left you boy
I must admit life’s been kind to me
I went and did the things I said I would boy
I found someone who loves me for me
Haven’t had much drama since the day that we split boy
My heart’s never been more at ease
And when I think of all the things you put me through
Leaving you has been the best thing for me
I totally forgot about that one! It’s a really good addition, thanks!
Ramzi – Never Meant To Break Your Heart
Lyrics on screen…
You know I got one song its Diane Vickers The boy who murderd love. Great song just not sure what categorie it is but hell It’s been three months since my break up of 2 years and he still tries to talk to me. Hope the songs good for ya’ll 2
I’m sorry, but “At this moment” makes me cringe more than anything else. Billy Vera’s styling borders on being a parody, and “…when I’m faced with the knowledge..” is probably the clumsiest line of all time.
I always listen to I’d Rather by Luther Vandross….esp if you were the one who broke up w. someone and thought it was a mistake afterwards but it’s too late…
I thought sometime alone
was what we really needed
you said this time would hurt more than it helps
but I couldn’t see that
I thought it was the end
of a beautiful story
and so I left the one I loved at home to be alone (alone)
and I tried to find
out if this one thing is true
that I’m nothing without you
I know better now
and I’ve had a change of heart
I’d rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else
I’d rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself
I’d rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I’d rather have the one who holds my heart
whoo-oo-oo-oo yeah
And then I met someone
and thought she could replace you
we got a long just fine
we wasted time because she was not you
we had a lot of fun
though we knew we were faking
love was not impressed with our connection built on lies, all lies
so I’m here cause I found this one thing is true
that I’m nothing without you
I know better now
and I’ve had a change of heart
I’d rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else
I’d rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself
I’d rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I’d rather have the one who holds my heart
who holds my heart
Or..We Can’t Be Friends by Deborah Cox. Not sure if it’s the worst depressing song to make the list but it def should be on someone’s break up list
I went by Mother’s, saw your car there
To her you’re still family, and it don’t seem fair
For everyone to just go on
And I’ve tried and I can’t do it
‘Cause I’m still torn
I’ve tried to think of you
As just another love in my past
That didn’t last
But it’s not that simple baby
We can’t be friends
We can’t be friends
We can’t be friends
‘Cause I’m still in love with you
You may see me staring
Or catch me in a daze
May see me hang my head
When you come my way
Don’t get too close to me
And expect me to behave
I might just steal a kiss
If you come near my face
What I’m trying to say
We can’t be friends
We can’t be friends
We can’t be friends
‘Cause I’m still in love with you
Anouk – Nobody’s Wife
I’m sorry for the times that I made you scream
For the times that I killed your dreams
For the times that I made your whole world rumble
For the times that I made you cry
For the times that I told you lies
For the times that I watched and let you stumble
It’s too bad, but that’s me
What goes around comes around, you’ll see
That I can carry the burden of pain
‘Cause it ain’t the first time that a man goes insane
When I spread my wings to embrace him for life
Suckin’ out his love, ’cause I,
I’ll never be nobody’s wife
I’m sorry for the times that I didn’t come home
Left you lyin’ in that bed alone
Was flyin’ high in the sky when you needed my shoulder
You’re like a stone hangin’ round my neck, see
Cut it loose before it breaks my back, see
I’ve gotta say what I feel before I grow older
I’m sorry but I ain’t gonna change my ways
You know I’ve tried but I’m still the same
I’ve got to do it my own way, yeah It’s too bad, but hey, that’s me
What goes around comes around, you’ll see
That I can carry the burden of pain
‘Cause it ain’t the first time now that a man goes insane
When I spread my wings to embrace him for life
Suckin’ out his love, I,
I’ll never be nobody’s wife
It’s too bad, but hey, that’s me
What goes around comes around, you’ll see
That I can carry the burden of pain
‘Cause it ain’t the first time, oh no, that a man goes insane
‘Cause when I spread my wings to embrace him for life
Suckin’ out his love, I,
I’ll never be nobody’s wife
I’ll never be, never be, never gonna be
Never gonna be, never gonna be nobody’s wife
Nobody, yeah, nobody, yeah, no, no
I’ll never gonna be, never gonna be, never gonna be
Never gonna be, never gonna be, never gonna be
These should be added to every miserable about love playlist:
Gulp. Just thinking about them makes me tear up. These are all epic/.
Another great one is “Almost Lover” by A Fine Frenzy. It says it all for every one of those “nearly” relationships.
Elizabeth & the Catapult – Thank You For Nothing
Thank you for everything
Thank you for nothing
My brother, there is no inbetween
Never one without the other
I may not know anything
But I think I’m onto something
For every door opening,
There’s another one slowly closing
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for leaving
Thank you for promising
And then promptly forgetting
For the gifts that were given
Just to be taken for granted
Studied indifference
Care turned to careless
Once disenchanted
For the glass that was filled
Then just as easily broken
Thank you for everything and thank you for nothing
Thank you for nothing
Thank you for trusting me
And then biting the bullet
Thank you for laughing out loud
Even when you don’t mean it
They say hurting is growing
If you believe when you say it
Jake Coco – Broken Hearts and Fairy Tales
Life is so frustrating, and it’s getting over rated.
A broken heart, a fairytale it’s all the same to me.
But I don’t wanna be just waiting patiently
For life to come and take me away….take me away.
So I’m sitting here in silence,
And I’m pretty sure that violence
Is the only form of love I’ll ever know.
But I guess that goes to show even those filled up with hope
Have less than you can tell meets the eye.
And you lead me on and on and on again
And on and on and on again, you do.
You lead me on and on and on again
It’s always on and on and on again
I hope to God this hurts you too.
Life is so degrading, and I’m pretty sure I hate it.
I gotta get myself out of this town.
Before I’m broken down, lying shattered on the ground,
For all the world to see who I am.
You lead me on and on and on again
You lead me on and on and on again, you do.
You lead me on and on and on again
On and on and on again, you do
You lead me on and on and on again
It’s always on and on and on again
I hope to God this kills you too.
I wish I never loved you
I wish I didn’t care.
I wish I never loved you
I wish I didn’t care
Blue October – Hate Me
I have to block out thoughts of you, so I don’t lose my head
They crawl in like a cockroach leaving babies in my bed
Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I’m alone
Playing movies in my head that make a porno feel like home
There’s a burning in my pride, a nervous bleeding in my brain
An ounce of peace is all I want for you, Will you never call again?
And will you never say that you loved me just to put it in my face
And will you never try to reach me, it is I that wanted space
Hate me today.
Hate me tomorrow.
Hate me so you can finaly see what’s good for you.
I’m sober now for 3 whole months, one accomplishment that you helped me with.
The one thing that always tore us apart is the one thing I won’t touch again.
In my sick way I want to thank you for holding my head up late at night
While I was busy waging wars on myself, you were trying to stop the fight
You never doubted my warped opinions on things like suicidal hate.
You made me compliment myself when it was way too hard to take
So I’ll drive so far away that I’ll never cross your mind
And do whatever it takes in your heart to leave me behind
Hate me today.
Hate me tomorrow.
Hate me for all the things i didn’t do for you.
Hate me in ways, yeah, yeah ways hard to swallow.
Hate me so you can finally see what’s good for you.
And with a sad heart I say bye to you and wave
Kicking shadows on the street for every mistake that I have made
And like a baby boy I never was a man
Until I saw your blue eyes cry and I held your face in my hand
And then I fell down yelling “Make this go away!”
Just make her smile come back and shine just like it used to be
And then she whispered “How can you do this to me?”
Hate me today.
Hate me tomorrow.
Hate me for all the things I didn’t do for you.
Hate me in ways, yeah ways hard to swallow.
Hate me so you, you can finally see what’s good for you.
I don’t know if you’ll see this comment… but oh god just found this when I googled “depressing breakup songs” to get some inspiration for a creative writing assignment. (Yes, kind of sad but true.) Number one is a true killer. Not even in my sad phase, I’m more in the closure stage of grief but it was waaaay too true to not shed a tear! Just wanted to say thanks for the list, and especially for your amazing commentary which made me laugh while I bawl my eyes out!!! I appreciate it 🙂
Ingrid Michaelson – Maybe
I don’t wanna be the one to say goodbye
But I will, I will, I will
I don’t wanna sit on the pavement while you fly
But I will, I will, oh yes I will
Maybe in the future, you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back around
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back
Oh, the only way to really know is to really let it go
Maybe you’re gonna come back, you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back to me
I don’t wanna be the first to let it go
But I know, I know, I know
If you have the last hands that I want to hold
Then I know I’ve got to let them go
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back around
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back
Oh, the only way to really know is to really let it go
Maybe you’re gonna come back, you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back
I still feel you on the right side of the bed
And I still feel you in the blankets pulled over my head
But I’m gonna wash away, I’m gonna wash away
Everything till you come home to me
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back
In the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back around
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back
The only way to really know is to really let it go
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back around
Maybe in the future you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back
The only way to really know is to really let it go
Maybe you’re gonna come back, you’re gonna come back
You’re gonna come back to me, you’re gonna come back to me
You’re gonna come back to me
P!nk – I Don’t Believe You
I don’t mind it, I don’t mind at all
It’s like you’re the swing set and I’m the kid that falls
It’s like the way we fight, the times I’ve cried, we come to blows
And every night the passion’s there so it’s gotta be right, right?
No I don’t believe you
When you say don’t come around here no more
I won’t remind you
You said we wouldn’t be apart
No, I don’t believe you
When you say you don’t need me anymore
So don’t pretend to not love me at all
I don’t mind it, I still don’t mind at all
It’s like one of those bad dreams when you can’t wake up
Looks like you’ve given up, you’ve had enough
But I want more, no I won’t stop
Because I just know you’ll come around, right?
No I don’t believe you
When you say don’t come around here no more
I won’t remind you
You said we wouldn’t be apart
No, I don’t believe you
When you say you don’t need me anymore
So don’t pretend to not love me at all
Just don’t stand there and watch me fall
’cause I, ’cause I still don’t mind at all
It’s like the way we fight, the times I cry, we come to blows
And every night the passion’s there so it’s gotta be right, right?
No I don’t believe you
When you say don’t come around here no more
I won’t remind you
You said we wouldn’t be apart
No, I don’t believe you
When you say you don’t need me anymore
So don’t pretend to not love me at all
I don’t believe you
What about guardian angel (acoustic) by red jumpsuit apparatus that song makes me tear up every time!
how do I by Leann Rhimes is great if you’re in deep depression
We dated for two years. And then we took a break. That was a year ago. He since dated someone else for a few months. He came here over spring break, saying that he was done with her. He took me out to the dock and we slow danced in the rain and he kissed me. Things have been beautiful. Until about 4 hours ago when he said he didn’t mean anything he said, and he loves the other girl, and that he doesn’t feel anything for me. This past year, I had finally got over him. And now I have fallen back twice as hard. I’m glad I found this website. Time for some wallowing songs.
Wow, Jessica. I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. That sounds miserable. But you are going to make it through. Take care of yourself.
First time visitor, and let me just say, this is a fantastic blog. Your writing is so authentic and tounches us all.
Anyway, my contributions are ‘Who Am I To Say’ by Hope, and ‘I Know It’s Over’ by The Smiths, you know, bigging up the British thang.
I’ll be shocked if no one’s mentioned Hope so far. It’s a tear jerker.
Red – Already Over
You never go
Your always here \
Under my skin
I cannot run away
Fading slowly
I’d give it all to you
Letting go of me
Reaching as I fall
I know it’s already over now
Nothing left to lose
Loving you again
I know it’s already over, already over now
My best defense, running from you
I can’t resist, take all you want from me
Breaking slowly
I’d give it all to you
Letting go of me
Reaching as I fall
I know it’s already over now
Nothing left to lose
Loving you again
I know it’s already over, already over now!
You’re all I’m reaching for
It’s already over
All I’m reaching for!
It’s already over now
I’d give it all to you
I offer up my soul
It’s already over, already over now!
Give it all to you
Letting go of me
Reaching as I fall
I know it’s already over now
Nothing left to lose
Loving you again!
I know it’s already over now!
It’s already over now!
I know it’s already over, already over
Mindy Smith – Lost Love
It’s been a long hot summer,
And I’m still trying to leave you alone.
But it’s just getting hotter the more I try to let you go.
I don’t want to feel this blue.
I want to be over you.
I don’t want to feel this blue.
But I do.
It’s been a hard year this fall,
And I still don’t know where you’re running from.
And the sky keeps on spinning.
The stars are running and hiding from the sun.
I don’t want to feel this blue.
I want to be over you.
I don’t want to feel this blue.
But I do.
But love lost if the heart needs a reason to cry for,
If the heart needs a reason to lie for lie for, to lie for
There’s no better reason but love lost.
Love lost if the heart needs a reason to try for
If the heart needs a reason to die for, to die for
There’s no better reason than love lost
It’s been a while since I’ve saw you
I still don’t know what you’re running for
Guess you were looking around for something better
Or something more
Don’t want to feel this blue.
I want to be over you.
I don’t want to feel this blue.
The love lost if the heart needs a reason to cry for
If the heart needs a reason to lie for, to lie for
There’s no better reason than love lost
Love lost if the heart needs a reason to try for
If the heart needs a reason to die for, to die for
There’s no better reason than love lost
Love lost if the heart needs a reason to cry for
If the heart needs a reason to lie for, to lie for
There’s no better reason than love lost
Oh love lost if the heart needs a reason to try for
If the heart needs a reason to die for, to die for
There’s no better reason than love lost
It’s been a long hot summer
And I’m still trying to leave you alone.
But it’s just getting hotter the more I try to let you go.
Don’t want to feel this blue
I want to be over you
I don’t want to feel this blue
But I do
Breakeven-the script
Payphone-maroon 5
Agree about the script. not just breakeven though. for the first time and man who can’t be moved are pretty sad too
Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri
Jake Coco – Let It Go
For what it’s worth I hope you’re happy
For what it’s worth I hope you smile
I hope you find the kind of love your hearts been needing for a while
For all the answers that we’re seeking
And all the trouble that we find
It only goes to show that everything is jaded in our eyes
So if it’s over, then its over
Gotta let it go
When it’s over, it’s over
Just let it go
What other way is there to put this
What other words are there to say
Seems like I’ve lost my mind 1000 times and now it’s here to stay
How many times can we believe it
How many moments can we spare
I’ve seen the angles and the changes have me running like I’m scared
So if it’s over, then its over
Gotta let it go
When it’s over, it’s over
Just let it go
So sit down and think about the love and doubt we threw away just yesterday
The hope and cheer, the fear we used to get us through the night
Hindsight is always blurred, we learned and lost, but made it out alive….
So if it’s over, then its over
Gotta let it go
When it’s over, it’s over
Just let it go
Royal Wood – Don’t Fall Apart
It’s with a veil she gives her heart
Is she afraid that they’ll fall apart?
It’s with a word whispered alive
The depths of his heart
There it confides
Swallowed in fear and handled in doubt
Afraid that he can’t go on without
Will they miss the rose if blind to the bloom?
Darkness for light and shadows to lose
The beacons for them
The calling of stars
A pleading for two
Don’t fall apart
They met at the gate late afternoon
The mouths of the trees whispered the news
Shoes underfoot and souls lit alive
Unsure of themselves but feeling the tide
Will they miss the rose if blind to the bloom?
Darkness for light and shadows to lose
The beacons for them
The calling of stars
A pleading for two
Don’t fall apart……do…
It’s with a lock they offer their souls
Guarding the ghosts from so long ago
Will they miss the rose if blind to the bloom?
Darkness for light and shadows to lose
Yes will they miss the rose if blind to the bloom?
Darkness for light and shadows to lose
The beacons for them
The calling of stars
A pleading for two
Don’t fall apart
Okay well i think that END OF THE ROAD by BOYS TO MEN is pretty damn good too and gets the point across…makes me cry
This is probably an unknown artist to most, but the lyrics are so beautiful.
-Amber Rubarth, “Your Gonna Love This Song”
“And my eyes turned green like they do when I’m cryin and my heart it went to blue cuz you told me that I might not be what you need…
Mike Schmid – Wave Goodbye
When it’s time to go
Say so and I’ll know
When it’s time to go
When it’s time to leave
Don’t grieve for me
When it’s time to leave
Just wave goodbye
Just wave goodbye
Don’t hold on to my hand
Just be kind and understand
But don’t hold on to my hand
Don’t look me in the eye
And I won’t cry
Don’t look me in the eye
Just wave goodbye
Just wave goodbye
Cause everything dies
Sometime
No more making plans
We’ve washed our hands
No more making plans
We’ll have no use for words
They’ve all been heard
We’ll have no use for words
Just wave goodbye
Just wave goodbye
Just wave goodbye
Cause everything dies
Everything dies
So just wave goodbye
When it comes to break-up songs, you can always rely on rock bands to produce some truly crushing ballads. Poison’s ‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’ are probably two of the most simultaneously depressing and brilliant break-up ballads I’ve ever heard!
Anouk – I Don’t Wanna Hurt
We’re breaking things we can’t repair
none of us will take them blame
no nothing can be done this time
All the memories that we’ve made
I threw them all away
There’s no need to talk it over
Don’t let me get you down let’s just move on
i am setting you free
Cause i dont wanna hurt no more
i don’t wanna make you go
through one more rainy day
No i don’t wanna hurt no more
Strange enough i always knew
i’m taking off today
Don’t wanna hurt no more
Darkness you left in my soul
do we know how much we’ve lost?
Will the moon be shining as bright as before
And as i’m singing this song
the tears went up in my eyes
And i will always wonder
why i will never have the life i wanted now i’m letting it go
Cause i don’t wanna hurt no more
i don’t wanna make you go
through one more rainy day
No i don’t wanna hurt no more
There’s not much more to say
cause it’s to late now
i won’t hurt no more..
So i’ll wait till morning comes
you made it clear it has been only pain loving me
things that we don’t do for love i am setting you free
Cause i don’t wanna hurt no more
i don’t wanna make you go
through one more rainy day
No i don’t wanna hurt no more
Strange enough i always knew
i’m taking off today
I’m letting you go…
“I must now calculate how long it’s been since I was with my ex-fiancée. Damn you Brian McKnight.” Rofl~ I hope you did not really counted the days down 😉
Hi! I found your blog while Google-ing “moving on songs” =) My ex broke up with me about two weeks ago, so I’m still going through the motions… the first week was awful, just awful. There wasn’t a day that I didn’t burst into tears at least two or three times. This week has already been much better; thank goodness for friends, right? =) My break-up song list includes Jann Arden (Sensitive), Leona Lewis (Better in Time), Don Henley (Heart of the Matter), Bonnie Raitt (I Can’t Make You Love Me), Maroon 5 (Goodnight Goodnight), Kelly Clarkson (Already Gone, Behind These Hazel Eyes), Adele (Someone Like You), etc. Singing them at the top of my lungs is SO cathartic.
Hi. I am Nishu, from Nepal. Recently broke up with my girlfriend and was searching for some break up songs. Aah.. and you have a very nice list. Thanks.
I wrote about it too, in my website, and it got even more worse, she blocked me even from facebook. And that we’re from different countries, I just cant get in touch with her. Well, some mutual friends, but no help at all.
And maybe you should also add the song Two Steps Behind by Deff Leppard and wow!!, the best one – You Were My Everything by Aviation. You have a nice blog. I hope to keep in touch with you.
Greetings from Nepal 🙂
I LOVE the fact that ‘Goodbye My Lover is Number One’ Songs don’t get more depressing than that. I still love it 😛
Night Ranger – Goodbye
As the sun hides his head
For another night’s rest
And the wind sings
The same old song
And you on the edge
Never close, never far
Always there when I needed a friend
Yet it’s hard living life
On this memory-go-round
Always up, always down
Spinning ’round and ’round and ’round
And all this could be
Just a dream so it seems
I was never much good at goodbye
There once was a time
Never far from my mind
On the beach, on the 4th of July
I remember the sand
How you held out your hand
And we touched for what seemed a lifetime
Now it’s hard
Leaving all this behind me now
Like a schoolboy so lost
Never found until now
And all this could be
Just a dream so it seems
I was never much good at goodbye
Yet it’s hard
Living life on this memory-go-round
Always up, always down
Turning ’round and ’round and ’round
And all this could be
Just a dream so it seems
I was never much good at goodbye
And all this could be
Just a dream so it seems
I was never much good at goodbye
Goodbye
Switchfoot – You Lyrics in video….
Scorpions – Still Loving You
Time, it needs time
To win back your love again.
I will be there, I will be there.
Love, only love
Can bring back your love someday.
I will be there, I will be there.
Fight, babe, I’ll fight
To win back your love again.
I will be there, I will be there.
Love, only love
Can break down the walls someday.
I will be there, I will be there.
If we’d go again
All the way from the start,
I would try to change
The things that killed our love.
Your pride has build a wall, so strong
That I can’t get through.
Is there really no chance
To start once again?
I’m loving you.
Try, baby try
To trust in my love again.
I will be there, I will be there.
Love, your love
Just shouldn’t be thrown away.
I will be there, I will be there.
If we’d go again
All the way from the start,
I would try to change
The things that killed our love.
Your pride has build a wall, so strong
That I can’t get through.
Is there really no chance
To start once again?
If we’d go again
All the way from the start,
I would try to change
The things that killed our love.
Yes I’ve hurt your pride, and I know
What you’ve been through.
You should give me a chance
This can’t be the end.
I’m still loving you.
I’m still loving you,
I need your love.
I’m still loving you.
Still loving you, baby..
Dokken – Alone Again
I’d like to see you in the morning light
I like to feel you when it comes to night
Now I’m here and I’m all alone
Still I know how it feels, I’m alone again
Tried so hard to make you see
But I couldn’t find the words
Now the tears, they fall like rain
I’m alone again without you
Alone again without you
Alone again without you
I said ‘Stay’ but you turned away
Tried to say that it was me
Now I’m here and I’ve lost my way
Now I know how it feels, I’m alone again
Tried so hard to make you see
But I couldn’t find the words
Now the tears, they fall like rain
I’m alone again without you
Alone again without you
Alone again without you
Alone again without you
I tried so hard to make you see
But I couldn’t find the words
Now the tears, they fall like rain
I’m alone again without you
Alone again without you
Alone again, alone again
Alone again without you
Lissie – I’m Alone
I turned my back
You were gone in a flash
Like you always do
You’ve always gone off somewhere else
And when the phone rang
And I thought it was you
And I sprung like a kid who’s just got out of school
But it’s almost always never you, never you
I screamed like a child my insides went wild
When I’m alone with you
You make me feel, you make me feel
When I’m alone with you
You are the one, you are the one
When I’m alone with you
You make me feel, you make me feel
When I’m alone with you
You are the one, you are the one
And when I reach out and I only grab air
And it kills me to think that you never did care
And it’s hopeless
You’ve always run off somewhere else
I’m throwing a tantrum
Why are you such a phantom?
When I’m alone with you
You make me feel, you make me feel
When I’m alone with you
You are the one, you are the one
When I’m alone with you
You make me feel, you make me feel
When I’m alone with you
You are the one, you are the one
Reminds me of home
When you’re around me
Next time you leave, don’t go without me
No oh no
When I’m alone with you
You make me feel, you make me feel
When I’m alone with you
You are the one, you are the one
Delta Goodrem- I can’t break it to my heart!
“If it’s okay
I’ll leave the bed light on
And place your water glass where it belongs
And if alright
I’ll lie awake at night
Pretending i’m curled up at your side
See i’m circling these patterns
Living out of memories
I’m still a long way from accepting it
That there’s just no you and me
But if i still believe you love me
Maybe i’ll survive
So i tell myself you’re coming home
Like you’ve done a million times
And if it’s alright
I’ll still be loving you
’cause i can’t break it to my heart….”
One of the most depressing break up songs I have ever heard.
I cried my eyes out on this one 😥
After 5 years together, he cheats on me. Its just so depressing. Everything you did for the past 5 years, was with him. Now i cant even go to a movie or a grocery store without feeling that bitter loneliness and wishing he was here even though it hurts so much that you cant look at him the same way anymore. You just had to let him go.
My song on repeat now, Broken Strings – James Morrison ft Nelly Furtado.
Cheap Trick’s “The Flame” is excellent!
Another night slowly closes in,
And I feel so lonely.
Touching heat freezing on my skin,
I pretend you still hold me.
I’m going crazy, I’m losing sleep.
I’m in too far, I’m in way too deep over you.
I can’t believe you’re gone.
You were the first, you’ll be the last.
Wherever you go, I’ll be with you.
Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
Whenever you need someone
To lay your heart and head upon.
Remember: after the fire, after all the rain,
I will be the flame.
I will be the flame.
Watching shadows move across the wall,
I feel so frightened.
I wanna run to you, I wanna call,
But I’ve been hit by lightening.
Just can’t stand up for fallin’ apart.
Can’t see through this veil across my heart, over you.
You’ll always be the one.
You were the first, you’ll be the last.
Wherever you go, I’ll be with you.
Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
Whenever you need someone
To lay your heart and head upon.
Remember: after the fire, after all the rain,
I will be the flame.
I will be the flame.
I’m going crazy, I’m losing sleep.
I’m in too far, I’m in way too deep over you.
You’ll always be the one.
You were the first, you’ll be the last.
Wherever you go, I’ll be with you.
Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
Whenever you need someone
To lay your heart and head upon.
Remember: after the fire, after all the rain,
I will be the flame.
I will be the flame.
Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
Wherever you go, I’ll be with you.
And whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
One Two – Without You
I can read your f*cking mind
Going dark from time to time
See the writing on the wall
We can’t be saved we knew it after all
How’s my heart supposed to beat?
How’s my heart supposed to beat?
How’s my heart supposed to beat, without you?
Summer rain was pouring down
We forgot the world around
Staying up to count the stars
And we believed, we believed the world was ours
How’s my heart supposed to beat?
How’s my heart supposed to beat?
How’s my heart supposed to beat, without you?
How’s my heart supposed to beat?
How am i gonna make it through?
How’s my heart supposed to beat, without you?
I can read your f*cking mind
How’s my heart supposed to beat?
How’s my heart supposed to beat?
How’s my heart supposed to beat, without you?
This is a really, really amazing list. A lot of my favorites are on here. “One” by U2 really got me through a tough one. And…..ok, don’t judge…..but “Leaving on a Jet Plane “Puff the Magic Dragon” by Peter Paul and Mary came on by accident yesterday and I just broke down in tears……
Oh……and Garbage has a couple of tracks that are perfect for a sullen, sorrowful, self-pitying, unshowered wallow. “Cup of Coffee” is the best.
My boyfriend and I just called it quits today. He went out of town to go back to work and I’m left to pack up myself and my daughter and move out.
The first song that came to mind for me when it happened was Maroon 5’s Payphone.
I’m at a pay phone tryin’ to call home, all of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone, baby it’s all wrong, where are the plans we made for two
If happy ever afters did exist, I would still be holding you like this
All those fairy tales are full of shit
One more fucking love song I’ll be sick
Try these ones :-
Unbeautiful – Lesley Roy
Highway Don’t Care – Tim McGraw (ft Taylor Swift & Keith Urban)
My boyfriend dumped me by deleting me off of skype and facebook.
Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekzHIouo8Q4
Same bed, but it feels just a little bit bigger now
Our song on the radio, but it don’t sound the same
When our friends talk about you all that it does is just tear me down
Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name
And it all just sound like
Hmmm too young, too dumb to realize
That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have gave you all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cause all you wanted to do was dance
Now my baby is dancing, but she’s dancing with another man.
My pride, my ego, my needs and my selfish ways
Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out my life
Now I never, never get to clean up the mess I made
And it haunts me every time I close my eyes
It all just sounds like
Too young, too dumb to realize
That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have gave all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cause all you wanted to do was dance
Now my baby is dancing, but she’s dancing with another man.
Although it hurts I’ll be the first to say that I was wrong
Oh, I know I’m probably much too late
To try and apologize for my mistakes
But I just want you to know
I hope he buys you flowers, I hope he holds your hand
Give you all his hours when he has the chance
Take you to every party cause I remember how much you loved to dance
Do all the things I should have done when I was your man
Do all the things I should have done when I was your ma!
Mikky Ekko – Feels Like The End
Closing up shop and locking doors
Turning up lost in some unknown
“Don’t wait…,” you say.
You say “…they’ve gone home.”
Sleep with the lights off when you’re alone.
Silence so mighty you go deaf;
bombs are going off inside your chest.
I know you wanted to be loved,
but you’re bleeding left alone… so, so, so alone…
singing where does time go from here?
It feels like the end
It feels like the end
Darkness swallows a dying star.
Makes no difference what you’re running from.
The voices follow you
voices follow you
voices follow you into the dark…
singing where does time go from here?
It feels like the end
It feels like the end.
It feels like the end.
The end.
The end.
It feels like the end.
Mariah McManus – Shame On You
I wish for little things
Promises we didn’t keep
Say its not happening
But I’m not so blind that I can’t see
Ohhhhhhh…. Ohhhhhh…
Shame on you,
You pull a string
And now everything’s unraveling
Watched it fall, did nothing at all
Shame on you, Shame on me too
Drew a line and called it trust
Oh we gave it all, but not enough
Was it something that I said,
Oh that kept us hanging by a thread
Ohhhh…. by a thread
Shame on you,
You pull a string
And now everything’s unraveling
Watched it fall, did nothing at all
Shame on you, Shame on me too
It took us too far,
It took us too long,
To finally see where we were going wrong
Shame on you,
You pull a string
And now everything’s unraveling
Watched it fall, did nothing at all
Shame on you, Shame on me too
Rise Against – Wait For Me
Do you see the world in different colors?
Do you see the world in black and gray?
Alone in your thoughts
How many others have stood where you stand
Where you stand today?
I’ve stood where you stand
But all, can you…
Wait for me now?
Take off this crown
To break all these vows
Don’t you know?
Wait for me now
The airs running out
Wait for me, wait for me
Wait for me, wait for me now
The promise of safe return undelivered
The ocean is wider than I first guessed
When roads disappeared, I followed the rivers
But somehow got in over my head
So deep I felt taken
Wait for me now
Take off this crown
To break all these vows
Don’t you know?
Wait for me now
The airs running out
Wait for me, wait for me
Wait for me, wait for me now
A lost dream of what could have been
A house on fire, a tangled web
The key turns to find the locks have changed
In time to hear the back door slam
A sound that to this day I can’t forget
The colors drained to black and gray
Oh…
Wait for me now
Take off this crown
To break all these vows
Don’t you know?
Wait for me now
The airs running out
Wait for me, wait for me
Wait for me, wait for me now
Sunway – Broken Hearts
Sorry, no lyrics…
Rose Cousins – Go First
I want you to go first
It’s only getting worse
Either way it’s gonna hurt
But I want you to go first
I need you to leave
I’m not the one to make you happy
There’s no room to breathe
I need you to leave
I could hold you all night
And it wouldn’t make it right
I have held you all day
It doesn’t go away
It’s when I hold you close
That’s when it hurts the most
I have stayed too long
Everything I do is wrong
I am not that strong
I have stayed too long
I could hold you all night
And it wouldn’t make it right
I have held you all day
It doesn’t go away
It’s when I old you close
That’s when it hurts the most
I want you to go first
Let the memory disperse
Either way it’s gonna hurt
But I want you to go……
My Immortal – Evanescence
Gravity – Sara Bareilles
These got me every single time, like Goodybye my Lover
Hi. I just want to share some Filipino (Pinoy) heartbreak/breakup songs. You might find these interesting as well.
1. Let Me Be The One (Jimmy Bondoc)
“let me be the one to break it up so you won’t have to make excuses,
we don’t need to find a setup where someone wins and someone loses,
we just have to say our love was true but has now become a lie,
so I’m telling you I love you one last time and goodbye…”
2. Someday (Nina)
“someday, someone’s gonna love me, the way I wanted you love me
someday, someone’s gonna take your place
one day I’ll forget about you, you’ll see, I won’t even miss you
someday, someday..”
3. Tell Me (Side A)
“tell me, where did I go wrong? What did I do to change your mind completely?
when I thought this love would never end
but if this love’s not ours to have, I’ll let it go with your goodbye..”
4. ‘Til My Heartaches End (Ella Mae Saison)
“I was afraid this time will come
I wasn’t prepared to face this kind of hurting from within
I have learned to live my life beside you
Maybe I’ll just dream of you tonight and if in to my dreams you’ll come and teach me once again, I’ll just keep on dreaming ’til my heartaches end..”
Rihanna – Stay
P!nk – Just Give Me A Reason
All of this songs are well written and very emotional songs for about the breakup,Really liked this all of songs and appreciated with your thoughts, Thanks for this beautiful post.
Dealing with Breakup Depression
Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to
say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more very soon!
Thank you so much
I laughed and I cried!
When it comes to break up songs, for me, its always the sad country songs that get me… i dont know what it is about them.
For a depressing break up song try almost lover by a fine frenzy and for a funny break up song that works in other situations besides break up is pray for by jardon and the long road to love. I probably butchered the spelling but don’t judge me I’m dyslexic and a bad speller in general.
yea they are depressing and sad they make think of the one im in love with
I agree breakup songs aren’t suppose to b depressing
Just came across this today. I was surprised not to see “Song for a Blue Guitar” by Red House Painters. The lyrics tell a sad story, but the harmony between Mark Kozalek and the female singer is just gorgeous.
When everything we felt failed
And some music soft in distant sails
But it don’t sound like it did before
And I know I’m left with nothing more
Than my own soul
When pretty pictures face back
But your coats aren’t hanging on the rack
And blue water turns to
A place that I can’t get to
A place I can’t
In the room
All I feel
Is the cold that you left
Check out “This Little Girl” by Cady Groves
Ghost in this House, Alison Krauss Existence is creepy at best, and hell paid for at worst.
I can’t believe no one has thought 0f Phil Collins Against All Odds. . .
How can I just let you walk away? Just let you leave without a trace? When I stand here taking every breath with you. You’re the only one who really knew me at all.
Listen to “You Look So Good (in My Rear View Mirror) on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/i9-XORcbydQ
I just broke it off with my boyfriend of 9 years. I joined the Peace Corps and it brought out another side of him. I thought we could make it work while I followed my dream, but I was wrong. I love him so much, but I had to let him go because it became clear that was the healthiest option for us. I’ve been listening to sad songs, crying, watching musicals, reading your blog. It’s pretty fresh and I’m on such a roller coaster of emotion. This blog has been very helpful.
My input on the songs: I Will Always Love You should be #1. I actually told him I wished him love and happiness, but it just pissed him off. Maybe down the road he will appreciate it. I also am into “Moving On” by Rascal Flatts. Lots of country music allowing me to wallow in my breakup. Steeldrivers “You Put the Hurt On Me”. Love me some Beyonce to both wallow and empower myself after wallowing. If I Were A Boy followed by Irreplaceable = Good Song Combo!
I was thinking of my Ex when i was reading the post, song lyrics u knw, i found some salty water from my eyes and i couldnt help it when i busted out into a loud cry.
ooooh my ….ouuups its to painful …James blunt uve finished it all … so so so painfull…And i will bear my soul in time..
I always find King of Wishful Thinking to be the best medicine.