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

I’m Not The Only OneSam Smith

Sam Smith – I’m Not The Only One (Official Music Video)

This song portrays a heartbreaking story of a husband who is having an affair and a wife who realizes it yet can do nothing and cannot leave him.

The lyrics and melody are deeply sorrowful, but above all, watching the music video makes you want to cry.

You Could Be HappySnow Patrol

Snow Patrol – You Could Be Happy [HD]

Whether one takes this song as whiny or as bittersweet yet beautiful depends on the listener.

The lyrics are entirely in the first person, almost like a monologue.

The band Snow Patrol has a relentless dedication to their performance in pursuit of beautiful melodies.

This song evokes the clear, deep winter snow and puts you in a poetic mood.

Teardrops On My GuitarTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Teardrops On My Guitar

A love song about a teenager’s unrequited crush.

It’s a country-pop track released when Taylor Swift was 17, and it became a hit in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

The music video features Tyler Hilton, also known for his role in the TV drama One Tree Hill.

Another LoveTom Odell

Tom Odell – Another Love (Official Video)

It’s about starting a new romance but finding yourself reminded of the previous one.

Even though there are so many things you want to do together, laugh about, and memories you want to create, the past gets in the way.

It’s a poignant song that imagines a love that was so important it still lingers.

Almost LoverA Fine Frenzy

Almost Lover

Titled with a phrase meaning “less than lovers,” this song is an unrequited-love track by the American singer-songwriter A Fine Frenzy, included on her debut album One Cell in the Sea.

True to its name, it’s a poignant ballad; its lyrics about parting with a man she had thought of as a lover are achingly resonant.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when someone you can’t forget comes to mind.

Say SomethingA Great Big World, Christina Aguilera

A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera – Say Something

If you have an unrequited love, you’ll surely relate to these lyrics.

They express feelings of sadness, heartache, and the sense that you might break.

When you compare them with your own wavering heart, this one song will surely stay close to yours.

All Out Of LoveAir Supply

Air Supply – All Out Of Love (Official HD Video)

A pop ballad that sings of the sense of loss toward a loved one.

It was released in 1980 by the Australian soft rock duo Air Supply.

It is their only song to enter the UK top charts, peaking at No.

11.