Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the 80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
Heartbreak songs are often poignant and lyrical, with many featuring beautiful melodies.
They’re very captivating.
Among them, Western songs—mostly in English—can be even more enjoyable if you listen while checking a translation site.
The real charm lies in thinking about the singer’s feelings and interpreting the expressions that a straightforward Japanese-to-English translation can’t fully capture.
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Breakup songs in Western music that were hits in the '80s. World-famous classics and popular tracks (11–20)
Missing YouJohn Waite
The song says “I ain’t missing you,” meaning “I don’t want to see you,” but in truth he’s dying to see her and just putting on a brave face.
The lyrics feel a bit feminine for a man, but I suppose there are men like that too.
Broken WingsMr. Mister
In the lyrics, the line “Take broken wings and learn to fly” — ‘remove your wounded wings and learn to take off’ — gives the feeling of “our relationship may be broken, but let’s try again,” doesn’t it? I also love how this song starts with the bass line.
Every Rose Has Its ThornPoison
Speaking of roses, they’re beautiful flowers with thorns, right? These lyrics compare her to a rose, saying that he’s been hurt by her thorns and left in tatters.
Maybe he’s trying to say that even though he’s been hurt, she’s still as beautiful as a rose.
Come back to meJanet Jackson
When it comes to women’s dance music from the ’80s, Janet Jackson is what comes to mind, but this breakup song has such a gentle tone that the loneliness of heartbreak gradually seeps through.
The whispered line in the middle—“Please come back, I’m so lonely”—is the kind that brings tears to your eyes.
Immaculate LoveSoft Cell
The English title “Tainted Love” means a soiled or corrupted love.
The lyrics are about wanting to escape from this love and bring it to an end, and there’s also a part that says he has come to dislike her yet still loves her.
It’s a delicate state of mind.
Foolish BeatDebbie Gibson
Debbie Gibson’s idol-like voice is adorable, and it’s amazing how solid her vocal ability is.
At the end of the song, it shifts to a slightly brighter tone, which conveys a feeling of moving forward positively even after a heartbreak.
Heartbreak songs in Western music that were hits in the ’80s: World-famous and popular tracks (21–30)
Careless WhisperGeorge Michael
These are lyrics about someone who cheated but doesn’t want to give up on his girlfriend.
In romantic relationships, it’s common that even if the one who cheated regrets it, the person who was betrayed finds it very hard to forgive.
The content of the lyrics is unfortunate, but the song itself is wonderful.