2025: Heartbreak songs in Western music — tearjerkers to listen to when love ends

StrongerKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) [Official Video]

A song that makes you stronger.

Personally, I think it’s a song I want women to listen to.

I believe women are truly strong beings.

It’s a song that helps you forget about worthless guys and makes you feel ready to push forward again starting tomorrow.

Please Don’t Fall In Love With MeKhalid

Khalid – Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me (Visualizer)

This is a passionate bachata number packed with the full allure of Latin music.

Produced by DJ Khalid and featuring Yogo, the track was released in May 2018.

It conveys the thrill of falling in love and the bittersweet feelings for a beloved person, carried by lively rhythms and a luscious melody.

It might be a bit intense for those fresh from a breakup, but it’s perfect for anyone ready to overcome the pain of love and step into something new.

It also works great as dance music, making it a good pick-me-up.

Fingers CrossedLauren Spencer Smith

Lauren Spencer-Smith – Fingers Crossed (Lyric Video)

Lauren Spencer Smith is a Canadian singer-songwriter who rose to popularity thanks to TikTok.

If you use TikTok, you’ve probably heard one of her songs at least once.

Among her works, the heartbreak song I especially recommend is “Fingers Crossed.” Its realistic lyrics depicting young love and heartbreak, combined with a catchy sound, helped propel her even further on TikTok.

When She Was MineLawson

Lawson – When She Was Mine

It’s not that shop with the blue sign.

A breakup song that was a hit in the UK.

When she was mine.

What once felt normal—having her by my side—now, she’s no longer there.

Let your heart be moved by the bittersweet melody beneath its refreshing tone.

I’d Rather Leave While I’m In LoveRITA COOLIDGE

I’d Rather Leave While I’m In Love

This song conveys the feelings of a woman who, despite loving someone, has resolved to say goodbye and walk away.

It says that the best way to part is to say goodbye while you still love each other, though that’s not easy to understand.

It Is What It isRachel Chinouriri

Rachel Chinouriri – It Is What It Is (Official Visualiser)

Rachel Chinouriri is a London-born indie pop artist known for her delicate, warm vocals.

Featured on her debut album, “What A Devastating Turn Of Events,” released in May 2024, this track is a moving number themed around heartbreak.

It portrays the process of accepting an ending and candidly sings about lost love.

While rooted in indie pop, the song also carries alternative elements, with an emotive, warmly textured sound that is truly captivating.

Though centered on heartbreak, it conveys a message of hope, liberation, self-acceptance, and forward momentum—making it a profoundly affecting piece.

CreepRadiohead

Radiohead – Creep

As one of Radiohead’s signature songs, Creep remains enduringly popular.

Even people who aren’t into rock have probably heard it.

Among the breakup songs we’re featuring here in Western music, this one has a distinctly unusual vibe.

That’s because it’s a breakup song told from the perspective of a weirdo guy (lol).

The lyrics really lean into how unlikeable he is: when he tries to approach the person he likes, he just scares them off.

It’s a pure love song in a sense, but phrases like “creepy” and “weirdo” in the lyrics give it a uniquely painful quality that sets it apart from other breakup songs.