Tear-jerking Western breakup songs: recommended classics and popular hits

Don’t Say You Love MeFifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony – Don’t Say You Love Me (Lyrics)

A song included on their first album as a four-member group, ‘Fifth Harmony,’ after member Camila Cabello left in the winter of 2016.

The members have said in interviews that it’s one of their favorites and that it comes close to expressing their genuine feelings.

Kissing a FoolGeorge Michael

George Michael – Kissing A Fool (Remastered) (Official Video)

This piece really showcases how good a singer George Michael is.

This chic, jazz-tinged track dates from 1988.

Its sophisticated feel makes it seem almost like a jazz standard, but it was actually written and composed by George himself.

The lyrics perfectly fit the theme of a tear-jerking breakup song.

Heartbreak AnniversaryGiveon

GIVĒON – Heartbreak Anniversary (Official Music Video)

This is a breakup song sung by Giveon, marked by a bittersweet vocal delivery and a melody that resonates deeply.

It portrays the protagonist’s pain on the anniversary of a breakup with delicate emotional nuance, moving listeners’ hearts.

Released in March 2020, the track quickly dominated the charts and received high acclaim, including a nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards.

Anyone who has felt the sting of heartbreak that clings tighter the more you try to forget will surely relate to this song.

Somebody That I Used To KnowGotye

Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]

An Australian singer-songwriter, and at the 55th Grammy Awards this song won Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

It is said that the song was created alone in a home studio.

Gotta Go My Own WayHigh School Musical 2

High School Musical 2 – Gotta Go My Own Way

A song from the sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical.

It is sung in the scene where Gabriella, played by Vanessa Hudgens, leaves Troy, played by Zac Efron, after they grow apart.

Cry Me a RiverJulie London

Julie London – Cry Me A River

Released in 1955, this song became Julie London’s signature work.

The story is about a man who once betrayed and abandoned her, only to return and beg to reconcile; but her heart will never turn to him again, and she coldly says, “Go ahead and cry me a river.” Its wistful melody is captivating.

Now a standard, the song has been covered by numerous musicians.

SorryJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Sorry (PURPOSE : The Movement)

A song that conveys a desire to apologize to an ex-lover and a message asking for a second chance.

It is said to be about Justin Bieber’s former girlfriend Selena Gomez, and he himself did not deny it.