Tear-jerking unrequited love songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks

I Can’t Make You Love MeBonnie Raitt

I Can’t Make You Love Me (Live)

Titled with the heartrending phrase “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” this song is one of American singer Bonnie Raitt’s signature tracks.

It conveys the sorrow of unrequited love—being able to be with the man she loves, yet unable to make him love her in return.

A staple on lists of timeless international classics, it has been widely covered by many artists.

I Want You to Want MeCheap Trick

Cheap Trick – I Want You to Want Me (from Budokan!)

It’s a bit old, but it’s a classic song for American graduation proms.

With an up-tempo country-rock feel, it’s a track that anyone nursing a crush can relate to, expressing the desire to “want me” in a very straightforward way.

Listening to it makes you realize how refreshing it would be to convey your feelings as directly as the lyrics do, and somehow it leaves you feeling invigorated.

A Thousand YearsChristina Perri

Christina Perri – A Thousand Years [Official Music Video]

A heartrending unrequited-love song that portrays love transcending time.

Its melody, where aching sorrow and burning passion intertwine, resonates deep in the heart.

Christina Perri’s delicate yet powerful vocals make this an especially moving track that elevates the feeling of love.

Released in October 2011, it was written for the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.

Centered on the theme of eternal love, it expresses both the ache of waiting for the one you love and the hope that love brings.

It’s a supportive song we’d love those in unrequited love to hear—you just might find a bit of courage.

Because You Loved MeCéline Dion

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion Live in Memphis

A timeless hit that moved hearts around the world with its powerful expression of love and gratitude.

Released in February 1996 and featured on the album “Falling into You,” this song was also included on the soundtrack of the film “Up Close & Personal.” Céline Dion’s overwhelming vocal prowess brilliantly conveys profound gratitude to those who have offered support.

It stirs the heart with feelings for the person who stood by you in weakness and spoke on your behalf when you’d lost your voice.

The track dominated charts in many countries, spending six consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100.

It’s a perfect song for those feeling the ache of unrequited love or wishing to express deep appreciation to someone special.

CrushDavid Archuleta

David Archuleta – Crush (Official Video)

“Can’t you feel the same way?” This is David’s smash hit that captures the feelings of a boy in a bittersweet one-sided love.

It’s a moving song that every boy going through his youth can relate to.

His clear, crystalline vocals never get old no matter how many times you listen.

Still Falling for YouEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Still Falling For You (From “Bridget Jones’s Baby” Original Soundtrack)

As the title “Falling for You” suggests, Ellie Goulding’s distinct, pure voice sings about meeting him and falling deeper and deeper in love.

It’s the kind of song that makes many women want to sink into the feelings of a one-sided crush while listening.

It was also featured in the beloved, down-to-earth heroine film Bridget Jones’s Diary, and I think it’s one of those songs women want to hear at the very moment they fall in love.

Wait For YouElliott Yamin

Elliott Yamin – Wait For You

This is one of Elliott’s signature songs, a big hit in Japan as well.

It’s a track about a mature, unrequited love—still loving her and thinking about her even after the breakup.

The lyric “I’m waiting for you” and his beautiful, tear-inducing vocals make you want to listen again and again.