Cheating songs in Western music. The world’s forbidden love and infidelity songs.

Ring The AlarmBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Ring The Alarm (Video)

From the blaring siren in the intro, this song by American diva Beyoncé drags you into a whirlpool of passion.

With vocals that are almost a scream, it expresses blazing jealousy and possessiveness toward a lover who’s had a change of heart for another woman.

That raw feeling of “I don’t want to give you to anyone,” precisely because of love, pierces the listener’s heart as well.

Featured on the album B’Day, released in September 2006, this track received high acclaim, including a nomination at the 49th Grammy Awards.

Still, surrendering to aimless anger can happen precisely when a love is real.

When distrust of your partner makes your heart feel like it’s going to break, letting your emotions explode—like in this song—might actually help you face forward.

traitorOlivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo – traitor (Official Video)

If your ex starts a new romance right after your breakup, is that a “betrayal”? Even if there wasn’t any cheating, the fact that their heart already belonged to someone else while they were still with you can be incredibly painful.

Olivia Rodrigo, an American singer-songwriter, delicately captures those directionless emotions in her song.

Featured on the acclaimed 2021 May release SOUR, the track debuted at No.

9 on the U.

S.

singles chart despite being an album cut.

You can’t help but empathize with the quiet reproach of a partner’s change of heart.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone who can’t accept how a relationship ended and is left with unresolved feelings.

What Goes Around…Comes AroundJustin Timberlake

What Goes Around…Comes Around (Official Video)

Not only is Justin involved in music, but he also acts and runs his own fashion brand.

With this song, he won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards.

There are various theories about the origins of the song, but the truth is unclear.

It’s a track that rather persistently voices resentment toward a lover who betrayed him.

“What you do will always come back to you someday.” Let’s be careful so we don’t end up proving that true.

Secret Love SongLittle Mix ft. Jason Derulo

Little Mix – Secret Love Song (Official Video) ft. Jason Derulo

The collaboration song “Secret Love Song” by Little Mix and Jason Derulo portrays a forbidden romance between a man and a woman who can’t be together in public.

Rather than a song about regretting an affair, it focuses on the couple’s love despite the relationship being forbidden.

While songs like this often depict more mature relationships, this one presents a relatively youthful love story.

It was also commercially successful, winning the Teen Choice Award for Love Song.

House Of CardsRadiohead

Radiohead – House of Cards

Radiohead is a rock band respected around the world.

Their song “House of Cards” is a classic that portrays a man’s feelings as he approaches a woman who’s already with someone.

While the theme is infidelity, it’s also a song that expresses pure love for the other person, resulting in beautifully crafted lyrics.

The melody still has a solid rock feel, so rock fans will enjoy it too.

If you’re curious, definitely give it a listen!

Take Her Place (feat. A R I Z O N A)Don Diablo

Don Diablo ft. A R I Z O N A – Take Her Place | Official Music Video

Take Her Place (feat.

A R I Z O N A) is a collaboration between Don Diablo, the popular DJ from the Netherlands, and the New Jersey–based electro-pop band A R I Z O N A.

It’s crafted with an immersive, captivating melody.

The song portrays the feelings of a man who truly falls for another woman despite already having a girlfriend.

While it deals with the theme of cheating, it’s not overly dark.

Be sure to give it a listen!

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

Avril Lavigne, a singer-songwriter well known in Japan.

Many people probably associate her with a bright, pop image, don’t they? Her song “Girlfriend,” however, tackles a different theme from her usual image—infidelity.

The lyrics depict a woman boldly hitting on a guy who already has a girlfriend, with a very condescending attitude.

The track was also a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.