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

Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI)Bailey Zimmerman

Bailey Zimmerman – Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI) [Official Music Video]

American singer Bailey Zimmerman, who shot to stardom from posting on TikTok.

In this track, which features The Kid Laroi, he portrays the deep sense of loss and helplessness that follows a breakup.

It’s that feeling like half of you has been ripped away and you no longer know which way to go—an experience many can relate to.

Despite its uptempo, synth-forward sound, the protagonist’s pain, frozen in place, comes through and tightens your chest.

The song is included on the album “Different Night Same Rodeo,” released in August 2025.

It’s a breakup song that gently says, “You’re not alone,” to hearts that feel hopelessly lost.

Don’t Forget MeDermot Kennedy

Dermot Kennedy – Don’t Forget Me (Audio)

This is a track from the album “Sonder,” sung by Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy, who was also nominated for the BRIT Awards in 2020.

In this song, his wistful vocals portray the fear of fading from an ex-lover’s memory and the heartfelt plea, “Please don’t forget me.” The desire for one’s presence to remain in the other person’s heart even after parting is a feeling anyone who’s experienced heartbreak can relate to.

Rather than forcing yourself to forget, immersing yourself in honest emotions like those in this song may actually help you sort out your feelings and take the next step forward.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

A signature song by the British rock band Oasis.

It was also used as the ending theme for the film BECK, so many of you have probably heard it.

Depending on how you interpret the lyrics, this song could be seen as a heartbreak ballad.

“Don’t look back in anger,” meaning “don’t look back with anger” or “don’t blame yourself,” reveals a glimpse of a woman’s kindness as she suggests that the breakup isn’t your fault.

i love youBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – i love you (Live At The Greek Theatre)

Billie Eilish made a sensational album debut in 2019 and, while still a teenager, set a historic record at the 62nd Grammy Awards by winning five categories, including all four of the major ones.

Without a doubt, she’s poised to continue leading the music scene into the 2020s and beyond.

Here, I’d like to introduce her acoustic ballad masterpiece “i love you,” a song that feels like her delicate, fragile teen emotions crystallized into music.

The lyrics depict a complex state of mind that begins with denial—“That’s not true”—and because she delivers them so calmly, never raising her voice, they resonate all the more deeply.

Many listeners will likely feel a stab of pain yet find themselves relating to lines like “I don’t want to, but I love you.”

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

When I’m heartbroken and wondering why, listening to this song makes me feel like maybe I was just unlucky, and it lightens my heart a little.

It’s a song that, though it makes me feel really down, somehow helps me look forward.

I felt it was a song that could make things even a little easier emotionally.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

I really love the flowing melody of this song.

The way it starts from the intro is irresistible.

And Cyndi Lauper’s voice is just perfect—so perfect! There was a time I had it on heavy rotation.

Please give it a listen.

Love Is a Losing GameAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Love Is A Losing Game

This is an achingly poignant masterpiece by Amy Winehouse, the singer from England.

True to its title, “Love Is a Losing Game,” it sings of the futility of a love you know will never be rewarded, no matter how hard you try.

Even after giving everything, you’re left behind in the end, with a crushing sense of defeat and helplessness.

Anyone who’s worn themselves down in a barren, one-sided love will feel the sting of this hopeless situation all too well.

Her voice—deep and tinged with resignation—doesn’t console so much as it quietly stays beside the pain.

It’s a song that seeps into your heart on nights when you’re burdened with sorrow that has nowhere to go.