Cheating songs in Western music. The world’s forbidden love and infidelity songs.
Have you ever found yourself in a “forbidden love”? Love between adults is complicated.
An affair with someone who’s married—a relationship that should never cross the line.
And yet, that line exists close to everyone, which is precisely why it carries such a mysterious allure, doesn’t it? There are countless love songs out there, but I’ve carefully selected some Western tracks perfect for those of you intrigued by infidelity.
Most of them are in English, so if you find any you like, try doing a detailed translation into Japanese.
You’ll hear the music in a whole new way.
Infidelity Songs in Western Music: The World’s Forbidden Love and Cheating Songs (1–10)
I Know What You Did Last SummerShawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
A collaboration between Canadian singer Shawn Mendes and Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello.
It was released as a digital download in 2015.
It was inspired by Bill Withers’ 1971 track “Ain’t No Sunshine.”
UnfaithfulRihanna
An R&B ballad depicting a love triangle, betrayal, and the agony and guilt of a steamy rendezvous.
Released as a single by Rihanna in 2006.
A dark, moody track inspired by the works of the American rock band Evanescence.
I’m Not The Only OneSam Smith
Sam Smith, the British artist who achieved worldwide success with “Stay With Me.” While “I’m Not the Only One” isn’t exactly one of his major hit singles, it’s cherished among fans as a masterpiece.
The lyrics portray the feelings of a woman who pretends not to notice her partner’s infidelity for his sake.
Both the melody and the lyrics come together to create an overwhelmingly heartrending mood.
Sam Smith truly understands a woman’s heart, doesn’t he?
Dilemma ft. Kelly RowlandNelly
Even though you have someone you love, your heart gets stolen by someone else.
.
.
This duet by American rapper Nelly and singer Kelly Rowland sings of the anguish of such a forbidden love.
The male-perspective rap and the female-perspective, heartrending vocals vividly portray the painful dilemma of two people irresistibly drawn to each other.
Released in 2002 as a single from Nelly’s album “Nellyville,” the song dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks.
It won a Grammy the following year and is also included on Kelly’s solo debut album “Simply Deep.” Even knowing it’s a love that shouldn’t be, you just can’t hold back your feelings.
This song might gently accompany your heart as you struggle with those complicated emotions.
GirlfriendMichael Jackson
Contrary to its refreshing melody befitting the King of Pop, the lyrics hit hard right from the start.
Apparently, Paul McCartney originally wrote and composed it for Jackson.
With a bold attitude that says there’s no need to hide an affair—why not just make it public?—it’s a song that feels invigorating to listen to.
Go On GirlNe-Yo
This is a song by American R&B singer Ne-Yo that portrays a man who, precisely because he loves his partner, wishes happiness for the lover whose heart has changed and gently tells them, “It’s okay to go.” It shows that deep affection for the other person outweighs anger or sadness—proof of truly being in love.
The ultimate form of love, prioritizing the other’s happiness even at the cost of oneself, may be a pain only those who’ve lived it can understand.
The album that includes this track, Because of You, was released in 2007 and won at the 50th Grammy Awards.
Filled with the quiet resolve to step back for the sake of someone torn by a forbidden romance, this song will be there to comfort you when you’re thinking about what you can do for someone you care about in a situation that feels impossible.
Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbaland
If you’ve ever made an irreversible mistake and been told “it’s too late to apologize,” you’ll probably feel a deep connection to this song.
In the face of shattered trust, any words ring hollow.
That kind of hopeless situation is unbearably painful.
Produced by American hitmaker Timbaland and fused with OneRepublic’s plaintive vocals, this track tightens its grip on the listener’s heart.
Released in September 2007 from the album Shock Value, it reached number one in the charts of 16 countries and was also featured in the TV drama Cold Case.
When you realize you won’t be forgiven, all you can do may be to fully sink into that sense of powerlessness.