2025: Heartbreak songs in Western music — tearjerkers to listen to when love ends
The more precious the relationship, the more painful the sorrow when it comes to an end.
Of course, some people choose to part ways on a positive note, and everyone’s feelings after a breakup are different.
In this article, we introduce classic Western songs that can help you face forward and take a new step after heartbreak, as well as sad songs that will sink right down with you.
From the latest hits and popular tracks to timeless breakup anthems, we offer a wide-ranging selection that crosses eras and genres.
If you’ve found this article right in the midst of heartbreak, you’re sure to discover the songs you need.
[2025] Heartbreak Songs in Western Music: Tearjerkers to Listen to After Love Ends (1–10)
Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez
When it comes to Selena Gomez, many people are likely to recall her relationship with Justin Bieber.
Beginning around 2010, their long-running relationship was a dramatic one marked by repeated breakups and reconciliations until early 2018.
But in “Lose You To Love Me,” which was released in 2019 and reached No.
1 on the US Billboard chart, Selena’s painfully raw feelings after the definitive end of the relationship are made clear.
Reading lyrics that convey a sentiment like “I had to hate you to love me,” you can’t help but feel a gnawing sense of sorrow.
For Selena herself, and for listeners who have gone through similar experiences, we can only hope to find a glimmer of hope in the beautiful, almost therapeutic melody.
HappierEd Sheeran
Despite having a title that means “happier than ~,” the fact that the song ends up being about a breakup feels distinctly British to me.
It’s a track by Ed Sheeran—one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time—featured on his 2018 album ÷.
The lyrics, carried by a characteristically beautiful Ed melody, portray raw lingering attachment and regret toward an ex.
The line “You look happier than before” is especially heartrending, isn’t it? Perhaps it’s a sentiment one can eventually overcome, but humans often can’t neatly rationalize such feelings.
The music video, featuring puppet figures, also has a melancholic and suggestive tone, so be sure to check that out as well.
Love the way you lieEminem
Eminem, who has released numerous works that have gone down in music history and achieved record-breaking sales, continues to lead not only the music scene but pop culture at large, transcending the bounds of hip-hop.
“Love The Way You Lie,” which showcases Eminem’s masterful storytelling—different from his outspoken, aggressive image and imbued with overwhelming realism—was released in 2010 with the popular singer Rihanna as a guest.
The lyrics depict a man and a woman trapped in a dangerous relationship yet refusing to part, and are said to allude to each of Eminem’s and Rihanna’s past relationships.
If you feel you can relate to the lovers’ state of mind described in this song based on your own experiences, you may want to proceed with caution.
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MapsMaroon 5
Centered around frontman Adam Levine, known for his captivating falsetto, Maroon 5 continues to score massive hits worldwide, armed with a sophisticated sound and a rich musical vocabulary.
Among their many songs that revolve around the theme of breakups, today let’s highlight “Maps,” released in 2010.
It’s a masterpiece that lets you fully savor Adam’s exquisite falsetto, yet the protagonist’s relentless pursuit of someone he’s lost is painfully bittersweet.
Thinking that a “map” leading back to “you” probably doesn’t exist in reality only deepens the sorrow.
Blank SpaceTaylor Swift
This song portrays the tumult of romance with humor and irony.
Taylor Swift cleverly turns the way the media treats her on its head, exaggerating the image of a woman who dates a lot.
The lyric about writing a new lover’s name on a “blank space” symbolizes the cycle of relationships.
Released in November 2014, it spent seven consecutive weeks at number one in the U.
S.
It received high praise from critics and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
It’s a recommended track for those who’ve experienced heartbreak and want to take a closer look at themselves.
StrangersLewis Capaldi
A heart-stirring song where sadness and hope intertwine.
While delicately portraying the pain of heartbreak and a sense of loss, the lyrics also offer a glimpse of anticipation for new encounters—leaving a lasting impression.
The simple, piano-centered arrangement and Lewis Capaldi’s emotive vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Included in the expanded edition of the album “Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent,” released in January 2024, this track is recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or are at a turning point in life.
The story that begins with a nostalgic song playing in a bar is sure to strike a chord with many.
Love YourselfJustin Bieber
A song that wryly sings about a past romance you’d rather forget.
Justin Bieber’s wistful vocals brilliantly capture the complex feelings toward a self-centered ex.
The gentle sound of the acoustic guitar contrasts with the lyrics’ biting irony, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in December 2015, the track reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100.
It’s recommended for those looking to recover from heartbreak and prioritize themselves.
Listening quietly on your own while reflecting on a past love might be just right.