A lovely unrequited love song

[2025] Best Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music for Women

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Suddenly, but have you ever experienced unrequited love?

For those who can’t help but feel a pang in their chest when they think back to those days, or for women who are currently experiencing unrequited love, this article introduces some wonderful Western songs about unrequited love.

There are many forms of unrequited love.

Whether the feelings are straightforward or complicated, artists have shared songs shaped by their own experiences.

You’re sure to find a song that resonates with your own story of unrequited love!

Please take a look.

[2025] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music (21–30)

Anything Could HappenEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen (Official Video)

Anything Could HappenEllie Goulding

A synth-pop track released in 2012 by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding.

It became a hit around the world and reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

The music video was filmed in Malibu, California.

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Where Have You BeenRihanna

Rihanna – Where Have You Been

Where Have You BeenRihanna

It’s a song that asks, “Where are you now?” to someone who makes you happy.

In the music video, Rihanna is portrayed as Snow White, complete with seven dwarfs.

It’s a dance tune entirely different from Disney’s, but perhaps a girl’s heart is the same everywhere.

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[2025] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Unrequited Love Western Songs (31–40)

Want U BackCher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back (US Version)

Want U BackCher Lloyd

This number passionately belts out, “Come back to me!” to an ex.

It’s a cute, poppy track from teen star Cher Lloyd, who rose to fame on an idol discovery show.

In the music video, she causes trouble out of lovesickness and ends up dealing with the police—but let’s chalk that up to charm.

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OneEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – One [Official Music Video]

OneEd Sheeran

A track released in 2014 by Ed Sheeran.

It is the final track, written for his girlfriend with whom he had been in a relationship for decades since his teenage years.

An acoustic version was released on YouTube in May 2014.

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One Million BulletsSia

Sia – One Million Bullets (Official Audio)

One Million BulletsSia

When a new romance is about to begin, you can’t help but feel giddy with excitement, right? But that doesn’t seem to be the case for this protagonist.

After going through one awful relationship after another, they can’t hide their anxiety.

This song shows their resolve to overcome those feelings somehow and choose to love the other person.

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Speak NowTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Speak Now (Live on Letterman)

Speak NowTaylor Swift

A track released in 2010 by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.

It sings about feelings for a man who is about to marry another woman, and was inspired by one of Taylor’s friends.

It reached No.

8 on the charts in the United States and Canada.

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Say SomethingA Great Big World

A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera – Say Something

Say SomethingA Great Big World

It’s a story where the protagonist asks their love interest to say something, but receives no reply.

Despite the bittersweet lyrics, the beautiful vocals and harmonies are incredibly soothing, making it a song you can’t help but be enchanted by from beginning to end.

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