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

ImaginationShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – Imagination (Official Audio)

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter who’s won popularity with his sweet looks and catchy musical style.

This is a hidden gem included on the deluxe edition of his debut album, Handwritten, which drew attention when he was 16.

The song revolves around an achingly sad unrequited love: being unable to confess your feelings to the person you like and becoming their lover only in your imagination.

His crystalline vocals and the gentle tones of the acoustic guitar portray the protagonist’s pure, single-minded feelings, tightening your chest.

Released in April 2015, this emotional track is one you’ll want to hear if you’re holding onto a love you know will never come true.

WeightlessArlo Parks

Arlo Parks – Weightless (Official Video)

This is a song by Arlo Parks from the UK that portrays the pain of a one-sided love where you’ve given too much.

Even after giving everything to the other person, all you get in return is a small kindness.

The emptiness of such an unreciprocated relationship is expressed through a light beat and a delicate voice.

Prioritizing the other person’s feelings so much that your own heart is treated as if it were weightless—that’s one of love’s dilemmas.

But losing sight of who you are would surely be sad.

Doesn’t listening to this song make you feel like starting by taking care of yourself first?

Always Been YouJessie Murph

Jessie Murph – Always Been You (Official Video)

This is a heart-wrenching love song sung by Jesse Murph, an American singer-songwriter drawing attention for her genre-defying musicality.

It portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love—realizing that no matter how you compare them to others, it’s always been “you” in my heart.

The more you try to forget, the more their smile and voice stick in your mind—a familiar experience in love.

Through her husky, soulful vocals, the unstoppable longing and the frustration of being unable to confess come through with piercing clarity.

The fusion of country and pop further dramatizes and colors these pure emotions.

IrresponsibleKiana Ledé

Kiana Ledé – Irresponsible (Official Music Video)

This song by American R&B singer Kiana Ledé conveys her aching emotions.

Carried by a melancholic melody, it tells the story of a heart shattered by the irresponsibility of someone she trusted.

The despair of realizing that the flirtatious signals that made her believe the feelings were mutual were nothing but her own misunderstanding is truly painful.

The way she wavers between blaming the other person and being unable to let go of her feelings is something anyone who has experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.

Kiana Ledé’s soulful voice seems to envelop and soothe this unbearable suffering.

Just a Friend to YouMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Just a Friend To You (Vevo Presents)

“Just a Friend to You,” sung by American artist Meghan Trainor.

Though its cheerful ukulele tones feel comforting, the song actually tells a bittersweet story of unrequited love—wishing to be more than “just friends.” You want to be lovers, but the other person only sees you as a friend… By pairing those frustrating feelings with an unapologetically bright melody, the poignancy hits even deeper.

Many of us know that sweet-yet-bitter experience of laughing beside the person we love as their “best friend,” while crying on the inside.

Let this song help you breezily get through the helpless ache of a one-sided crush!

Better NowPost Malone

Post Malone – Better Now (Official Video)

This is a song by American artist Post Malone about the lingering feelings for a former lover.

Even while putting on a brave face and saying “I’m fine without you,” the heart can’t help but keep thinking of that person—many of us have probably felt that way.

Despite its upbeat melody, the lyrics lay bare a painfully straightforward longing that tightens the chest.

An unforgettable love can be agonizing, but the experience of loving someone that deeply will surely help you grow.

Listen to “Better Now,” accept your feelings just once, and take your next step forward.

FeelingsJohn Newman

John Newman – Feelings (Lyric Video)

This song by John Newman from England expresses feelings that keep growing even though you know they won’t come true.

Set to an electronic dance sound, it portrays a bittersweet unrequited love, singing “I can’t stop how I feel about you.” Even if your head understands that this love is a mistake, your heart won’t listen—a dilemma anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.

Despite the powerful, uplifting melody, the heart-wrenching lyrics leave a deep impression.

If you’re struggling with these uncontrollable feelings, listen to this track and turn your hidden emotions into positive energy!