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10+ Breakup Songs To Get Over Them As Soon As Possible

By Orgesta Tolaj

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16 January 2024

breakups songs

© Shawn Mendes, SAM SMITH, & Timbaland / YouTube

Heartbreak can be one of the most challenging experiences we go through. We have all been there – feeling lost, hurt, and completely shattered after a breakup. But did you know that music has the power to heal? Get ready to kick those post-breakup blues to the curb with our carefully curated list of breakup songs.

Top 20 Breakup Songs To Help You Move On Quickly

These are our picks for the best breakup songs ever:

20. Justin Timberlake – Cry Me a River

The song is widely believed to be inspired by Timberlake’s breakup with Britney Spears, although neither artist has explicitly confirmed this. The lyrics depict a narrative of betrayal and heartbreak, with Timberlake expressing his feelings of being wronged in a relationship.

© Justin Timberlake / YouTube

“Cry Me a River” remains one of Justin Timberlake’s signature songs and is often cited as one of the standout tracks from his solo career. Moreover, the song’s impact extends beyond its initial release, and it is frequently included in retrospectives of pop and R&B music from the early 2000s.

19. DAY6 – Congratulations

“Congratulations” was released on September 7, 2015, as the debut single of DAY6. The song is part of their debut extended play (EP) titled “The Day.” It is a rock ballad that explores the theme of heartbreak and the difficulty of moving on after a breakup. Additionally, the lyrics express the pain of seeing an ex-partner move on with someone else and extend congratulations to them while dealing with the emotional turmoil.

© JYP Entertainment / YouTube

18. SZA – Kill Bill

SZA’s song “Kill Bill” is her first No. 2 single and is considered the standout track from her critically acclaimed album, SOS, known for its excellent breakup songs. Moreover, the R&B/pop star, in this song, unapologetically explores a fantasy many can relate to: the act of cold-blooded revenge on an ex-partner. The track stands out for its bold narrative and can be found on the mentioned album.

© SZA / YouTube

The song is a cleverly coded reference to Quentin Tarantino’s 2003 film, featuring Uma Thurman. SZA adapts the storyline from the film, where an ex-bride seeks revenge on her boss, and applies it to her own life with great appeal. Additionally, the song’s meaning is explored by deciphering the Tarantino references embedded in the lyrics, creating a connection between the narrative of the song and the movie.

17. BLACKPINK – Kill This Love

“Kill This Love” was released on April 4, 2019, as the title track of BLACKPINK’s second extended play (EP) of the same name. Moreover, the song’s lyrics talk about the intense and conflicting emotions of a toxic relationship. It explores the pain and empowerment that come with the decision to end a damaging love.

© BLACKPINK / YouTube

The music video for “Kill This Love” is known for its high-energy choreography, visually striking scenes, and bold fashion choices. Additionally, it gained immense popularity, breaking various records on YouTube, including the record for the most-viewed music video in the first 24 hours by a K-pop group at that time.

16. The All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell

When they see your face, hope it “Gives Them Hell”! This song was released as the lead single from The All-American Rejects’ third studio album, “When the World Comes Down,” in 2008. Moreover, the song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who is reveling in the idea of revenge and success after a breakup. It reflects the feelings of empowerment and moving on from a failed relationship.

© The All-American Rejects / YouTube

15. BEYONCE – Best Thing I Never Had

The song is an empowerment anthem that revolves around themes of self-love and moving on from a past relationship. Additionally, Beyoncé expresses gratitude for not ending up with someone who didn’t appreciate her worth.

© Beyoncé / YouTube

The music video for “Best Thing I Never Had” complements the song’s theme, featuring scenes of Beyoncé preparing for her wedding and juxtaposing them with moments from her past. Moreover, the video emphasizes the idea of growth and moving forward.

14. Ariana Grande – Thank U, Next

The lyrics reflect on Grande’s past relationships, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned from each one. It discusses personal growth, self-love, and moving forward after heartbreak. Additionally, “Thank U, Next” gained attention for its candid and empowering lyrics, addressing Grande’s ex-boyfriends and acknowledging her own resilience.

© Ariana Grande / YouTube

The music video for “Thank U, Next” pays homage to popular teen movies from the 2000s, including “Mean Girls,” “Legally Blonde,” “Bring It On,” and “13 Going on 30.” Moreover, the video features cameo appearances from actors and personalities, including Kris Jenner which contributed to its viral success.

13. Olivia Rodrigo – Driver’s License

The song narrates the emotional journey of a young person who obtains a driver’s license and reflects on the end of a past relationship. Additionally, it delves into themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, and the pain of seeing an ex move on.

© Olivia Rodrigo / YouTube

Moreover, the music video for “Driver’s License” complements the song’s music video, featuring scenes of Olivia Rodrigo driving, reflecting on the past, and expressing the emotions conveyed in the lyrics.

Fun fact: The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Olivia Rodrigo the youngest artist in history to achieve a debut single at the top of the chart.

12. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black

“Back to Black” is known for its retro-soul sound, drawing influences from Motown and classic R&B. Furthermore, it showcases Amy Winehouse’s distinctive vocal style and her ability to evoke the spirit of vintage soul music.

© AmywinehouseVEVO / YouTube

The song is a poignant and emotionally charged song that delves into themes of heartbreak and the aftermath of a failed relationship. Additionally, the lyrics reflect Winehouse’s personal experiences and the challenges of love and loss.

11. BTS – Fake Love

The song explores the theme of love and betrayal. The lyrics convey the disappointment and heartbreak that can come from realizing a love that was believed to be genuine is, in fact, fake. Additionally, “Fake Love” addresses the complexities of relationships and the struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of deception.

© HYBELABELS / YouTube

The music video for “Fake Love” features visually stunning and symbolic imagery, incorporating elements of surrealism and fantasy. Moreover, BTS is also known for its visually appealing and cinematic music videos, and “Fake Love” is no exception, adding a layer of depth to the song’s narrative.

10. One Republic – Apologize

The lyrics of “Apologize” convey themes of regret, heartbreak, and the desire for forgiveness. The song reflects on mistakes made in a relationship and the longing for a second chance. Moreover, the Timbaland remix of “Apologize” achieved massive commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time and helped OneRepublic gain international recognition.

© Timbaland / YouTube

9. Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive

The song is an empowerment anthem that conveys themes of resilience and overcoming heartbreak. It tells the story of personal strength and determination to move on after a breakup. Additionally, the lyrics encourage a positive outlook and celebrate the ability to survive and thrive despite challenges.

© Gloria Gaynor / YouTube

The song won the Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording in 1980. Furthermore, this category was introduced to recognize achievements in the disco genre during the peak of its popularity.

8. Biz Markie – Just a Friend

The song is known for its comedic and lighthearted approach to storytelling, blending hip-hop with elements of R&B and funk. “Just a Friend” tells the humorous story of a man who falls for a woman, only to find out that she considers him just a friend. Additionally, the song is particularly noted for its catchy chorus, where Biz Markie sings off-key, and for its relatable and amusing lyrics.

© UPROXX VIDEO / YouTube

7. Shawn Mendes – Stitches

“Stitches” explores themes of heartbreak and the emotional pain that comes with a breakup. The lyrics depict the physical and emotional wounds left behind by a past relationship. Moreover, the music video for “Stitches” features Shawn Mendes performing the song while scenes of a tumultuous relationship are intercut. The visual narrative complements the theme of the song.

© Shawn Mendes / YouTube

6. Kanye West – Blame Game

“Blame Game” was released on November 9, 2010, as a part of Kanye West’s critically acclaimed album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Additionally, the song features guest vocals from John Legend and a sample of Avril 14th by Aphex Twin.

© Kanye West / YouTube

“Blame Game” explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of relationships. The song delves into the aftermath of a breakup and the emotional toll it takes on both parties. The lyrics include a spoken-word outro by comedian Chris Rock, adding a layer of introspection and humor to the narrative.

5. Sam Smith – Stay With Me

“Stay with Me” tackles love, longing, and the desire for a deeper connection. Sam Smith uses the lyrics to depict a moment of vulnerability, where the narrator seeks companionship and reassurance after a one-night stand. Moreover, the song is also characterized by its instantly recognizable and soul-stirring chorus, with Sam Smith passionately singing, “Oh, won’t you stay with me? ‘Cause you’re all I need.”

© SAM SMITH / YouTube

4. Passenger – Let Her Go

“Let Her Go” explores themes of love, loss, and the realization of the value of something only after it’s gone. The lyrics also tell the story of a man who reflects on a past relationship and the mistake of not appreciating what he had until it was lost.

© Passenger / YouTube

The music video for “Let Her Go” features scenes of everyday life and travel, complementing the reflective and contemplative nature of the song. Moreover, the video’s simplicity aligns with the song’s themes.

3. Kelly Clarkson – Since You’ve Been Gone

The song was written by Max Martin and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, with Max Martin also handling the production. The collaboration contributed to the song’s infectious and radio-friendly appeal. It is known for its energetic and anthemic pop-rock sound, featuring elements of power pop. It marked a departure from Clarkson’s earlier pop sound and showcased a more rock-oriented direction.

© Kelly Clarkson / YouTube

“Since You’ve Been Gone” is an empowering breakup anthem that explores themes of liberation and newfound strength after ending a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and independence.

2. Gotye – Somebody That I Used to Know

We haven’t heard of this icon for a while, but this song will always be engraved in our heads. The song deals with the aftermath of a breakup and the emotional complexity that comes with it. Gotye reflects on the end of a relationship, expressing feelings of betrayal, confusion, and the process of moving on.

© gotyemusic / YouTube

The lyrics present a dual perspective, with Gotye narrating his side of the story, and Kimbra responding to the ex-girlfriend’s point of view. This unique structure adds depth to the narrative.

1. Adele – Someone Like You

“Someone Like You” is a soulful ballad characterized by Adele’s powerful and emotive vocals. It falls within the genres of pop and adult contemporary. “Someone Like You” tackles heartbreak, regret, and the difficulty of moving on after a failed relationship. The lyrics reflect on the emotional aftermath of a breakup and the hope of finding someone new.

© Adele / YouTube

What is your favorite breakup song that will always lift up your mood?

You might also want to read: These Iconic Songs of The 1980s Will Have You Dancing

Orgesta Tolaj

Your favorite introvert who is buzzing around the Hive like a busy bee!

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