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

Lily (My one and only)The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins – Lily (My one and only)

A track by the American alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.

It is included on the 1995 album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

The album was nominated for a Grammy Award and was selected by Rolling Stone as one of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

I Want The One I Can’t HaveThe Smiths

The Smiths – I Want The One I Can’t Have

A track by the British rock band The Smiths.

It is included on the 1985 album Meat Is Murder.

The album was a hit in the United States, New Zealand, and various European countries, and was selected by Rolling Stone for its list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Song to the SirenTim Buckley

Tim Buckley – Song to the Siren

A track released in 1970 by American singer-songwriter Tim Buckley.

It is one of his most famous tracks and has been recorded by many artists, including Pat Boone.

The version by This Mortal Coil was used in the 1997 film Lost Highway.

Someone Like YouAdele

Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

It’s a bittersweet ballad that recalls a former lover I once adored.

I believe everyone has someone they can’t forget, or someone who holds a special place in their heart.

This song carries the wish to one day meet someone with whom I can fall just as deeply in love and share the very same feelings again.

I Dont’t Want To Miss A ThingAerosmith

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)

It’s a timeless classic, and I think many people can relate to it.

You can feel the feelings directed toward a loved one.

Wanting to see everything about the other person, not wanting to take your eyes off them even for a moment—there’s nothing happier than being loved that much.

It’s a wonderful masterpiece, like a story.

I’m SorryAli Gatie

Ali Gatie – I’m Sorry ( Official Music Video)

Ali Gatie, known for his sweet singing voice, released a new song in January 2024 that gently wraps the pain of heartbreak.

A heartfelt plea that admits mistakes and asks for forgiveness is expressed over a beautiful three-and-a-half-minute melody that blends pop and R&B.

The regret of losing a lover and the wish for another chance are universal themes anyone can relate to.

Many listeners will likely see their own experiences in the sleepless protagonist who stays up all night.

When your heartbreak hasn’t healed, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest WordBlue

Blue Featuring Elton John – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

They are a British dance-vocal group.

They have a mature coolness and are great singers—perhaps similar to EXILE in Japan.

It’s a song about not being able to say words of apology, no matter what.

The emotions are poured into the vocals, and listening to it can bring you to tears.