Breakups are undeniably one of the most painful experiences in life. But thankfully, there is plenty of music to help you on your healing journey. Today, we’re diving into some of the best breakup songs that will help you release those pent-up emotions and move forward.
No matter what you are going through, whether you feel like your whole world is ending or you feel freed, one truth remains, music makes it better.
And there are plenty to choose from. While the love-ballad genre gets a lot of attention, once you move past the makeout songs and soulmate anthems, and enter the always-welcoming world of breakup songs, you begin to realize how much variety there really is.
From heart-wrenching ballads that mourn lost love to angry heartbreak anthems that make you want to block your ex’s number, and even upbeat tracks that remind you that life goes on, the options are endless. Whether you need a cathartic cry, a burst of anger-fueled empowerment, or a twangy reminder that you’re better off, there’s a breakup song perfectly tailored to your needs.
So, grab your headphones and get ready to explore the best breakup songs that will not only resonate with your heartache but also help you emerge stronger on the other side.
Best Breakup Songs Of All Time
1. Irreplaceable, Beyoncé
Starting strong with the 2006 classic and breakup mainstay Irreplaceable by Beyoncé, this anthem tells the story of a woman who kicks out her partner after discovering his infidelity. The song delivers a powerful message of self-respect and empowerment, making it clear that she will not tolerate disrespect or being taken for granted.
Beyoncé’s confident delivery of lines like “I could have another you in a minute” and “Don’t you ever for a second get to thinking/You’re irreplaceable” underscores her self-worth and the realization that she deserves better than an unfaithful partner. If you’re struggling to recognize your worth, this is one of the best breakup songs to help you see that you deserve more.
Read More: Things I Learned From My Breakup in my 30’s
2. Someone Like You, Adele
There’s plenty of fish in the sea, and Adele agrees. So, don’t be discouraged that your last relationship did not work, something better is waiting for you. Adele’s Someone Like You captures this sentiment perfectly. It’s one of the best breakup songs to turn to when you’re ready to let go, wish your ex a lifetime of happiness, and find your own peace, even after all you’ve been through.
With poignant lines like, “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you. I wish nothing but the best for you, too,” Adele reminds us to stay hopeful and gracious.
When it feels like the pain will never end, we hope these words will serve as a comforting mantra, encouraging you to look forward to a better and brighter future.
3. New Rules, Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa is hellbent on never getting back together with that one ex, and if you are too, you are going to love this one. We’ve all been there, going back and forth with the same person, and every time it ends in the same way.
However, in her song New Rules, Dua Lipa sets up a new system for kicking someone out of her life: “One: Don’t pick up the phone. You know he’s only callin’ ’cause he’s drunk and alone. Two: Don’t let him in, you’ll have to kick him out again. Three: Don’t be his friend. You know you’re gonna wake up in his bed in the mornin’. And if you’re under him, you ain’t gettin’ over him.”
4. Green Light, Lorde
Lorde knows a thing or two about heartbreak. If you are caught in that post-breakup limbo where part of us clings to the past while another part is eager to move on, you will relate to Lorde’s one of the best songs for a heartbreak, Green Light.
The New Zealand native perfectly captures this conflicted emotion in her song Green Light. Inspired by her first “real” heartbreak, this electrifying electropop track pulses with anticipation and impatience for change and new beginnings.
Lorde sings about waiting for the “green light” to move on, symbolizing the protagonist’s deep yearning for that pivotal moment when they can fully embrace the future, unshackled from the memories of the past. It’s a raw and relatable anthem for anyone eager to leave heartbreak behind and step into a brighter tomorrow.
5. Since U Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson
When it comes to songs of strength and heartbreak, Since U Been Gone undoubtedly steals the spotlight. Kelly Clarkson’s classic pop-rock breakup jam is the ultimate sing-along anthem for anyone who has made it through heartbreak and came out stronger on the other side.
If you haven’t screamed your lungs out to the chorus at least once, you probably haven’t experienced the liberating feeling of moving on from a tough breakup. In Since U Been Gone, Clarkson powerfully declares, “But since you been gone// I can breathe for the first time// I’m so movin’ on, yeah, yeah// Thanks to you// Now I get what I want.”
Widely regarded as one of the best breakup songs of all time, Since U Been Gone is a celebration of newfound freedom and self-discovery, a perfect reminder that sometimes the end of a relationship is just the beginning of finding yourself.
So crank up the volume and let Clarkson’s empowering lyrics remind you of your own strength and resilience.
Read More: 3 Tips For Breaking Up Without Breaking Down
6. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, Taylor Swift
A list of best breakup songs without Taylor Swift does not sound right. Singing along to Swift’s We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together as loudly as possible isn’t a replacement for therapy…but it’s close.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together is arguably one of the best breakup songs of all time to get over a heartbreak once you are ready to put the final nail in your relationship’s coffin.
The repetitive refrain of “We are never ever ever getting back together” becomes an empowering mantra for anyone who has decided to move on from a toxic or unhealthy relationship. It’s the kind of song that sticks in your head long after you’ve listened to it, making it a cathartic release for processing emotions.
7. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor
This Grammy-winning hit by Gloria Gaynor stands as the ultimate “screw you, loser – I’m over you” anthem. With lyrics like “I’ve got all my life to live / I’ve got all my love to give / And I’ll survive, I will survive” sung over a soaring melody accented by horns and strings galore, this is the epitome of disco-ball empowerment.
The song describes Gloria’s personal journey of resilience after a breakup. It tells the story of someone who was shattered and scared, but managed to piece themselves back together.
Lyrics like “Kept trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart / And I spent oh-so many nights just feeling sorry for myself / I used to cry / But now I hold my head up high” offer the perfect dose of motivation to finally say goodbye and move forward.
And if you are feeling extra salty, Cake’s 1996 cover drops in an F-bomb to spice things up.
8. Blow Me (One Last Kiss), Pink
Tired of the rollercoaster ride of an on-again, off-again relationship and ready to slam the brakes? Blow Me (One Last Kiss) by Pink is your ultimate anthem. It encapsulates the raw frustration of breakups, not just with the person but with the entire chaotic mess.
The lyrics vividly portray the struggle of clinging to a crumbling relationship, with imagery like ‘white knuckles’ and ‘another headache’ painting a picture of the physical toll it takes on one.
The recurring refrain of “I think I’ve had enough of this” serves as a bold declaration of her resolve to break free from the cycle of discord and misery. In the song’s bridge, she fiercely asserts her newfound freedom, boldly proclaiming her right to live life on her own terms, liberated from the weight of her partner’s deceit and transgressions.
One of the best breakup songs you’ll come across, Blow Me (One Last Kiss) is a fierce anthem of empowerment in the face of heartbreak, reminding you that life is worth more than being in love with someone who doesn’t value you.
Read More: Beyond Heartbreak: The Silver Linings Of Breaking Up With Your Soulmate
9. So Yesterday, Hilary Duff
It might be tough now, but soon it will be “so yesterday.” That’s Hilary Duff’s message, and it’s spot on. Sure, the pain might feel unbearable today, but in time, you’ll get over it, and someday, somewhere, everything will be okay.
“Laugh it off, let it go, and when you wake up it will seem so yesterday. Haven’t you heard that I’m gonna be okay?” sings Duff in So Yesterday.
This anthem isn’t just for romantic breakups; it’s for any heartache. Whatever has caused your pain, just laugh it off and let it go. It may sting today, but soon enough, it will be “so yesterday.” So, take a cue from Hilary and embrace the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
10. The Blackest Day, Lana Del Rey
No one captures the essence of pain quite like Lana Del Rey. In The Blackest Day, one of her most heart-wrenching and, not to mention the best breakup songs of all time, she humanizes her despair and navigates the tumultuous journey through the five stages of grief. From the denial in lines like “I don’t really wanna break up, we got it going on,” to the acceptance found in “I’m on my own again,” Del Rey masterfully chronicles the emotional rollercoaster of losing love.
Del Rey’s journey is raw and relatable, capturing the essence of longing and the reluctant acknowledgment of her new reality. Despite the heartbreak, she understands the necessity of this painful return to independence.
Her lyrical depth and haunting melodies resonate with anyone who has endured the agony of lost love, offering a bittersweet reminder that healing often begins with heartbreak.
Final Thoughts
Breaking up is one of the most miserable feelings in the world, and that is why there are so many songs about it. The key is to allow yourself to grieve, brush off the tears after a while, and move on. Hopefully, these ten best breakup songs of all time will help you realize that it was for the best, and now it is time to leave the past where it belongs – in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) –
Do sad songs help with breakup?
Yes, sad songs can help with a breakup. They allow you to process and express your emotions, making coping with the pain easier and eventually healing.
Why do I love breakup songs?
Some of us love breakup songs because they resonate with our emotions, provide a sense of validation, and offer a way to process and express our feelings. They can also create a sense of connection and understanding, making us feel less alone in our experience.
Can music heal a broken heart?
Yes, music can help heal a broken heart by providing emotional release and helping you process the grief after a breakup.
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