Foreign breakup songs with great lyrics. Beautiful, memorable messages that stay with you.
This is a playlist of breakup songs in Western music with beautiful lyrics.
It features many ballads with relatively relaxed tempos, making the English easier to catch when listening.
You can use the lyric sheets to study English, or let the music heal the wounds of a broken heart.
Breakup songs in Western music with great lyrics. Memorable, beautiful messages (1–10)
When You’re GoneAvril Lavigne
This work, captivating with its poignant, heart-stirring melody and lyrics, is a power ballad that portrays a parting from a loved one.
The lyrics, which make one keenly feel the importance of what has been lost, resonate with many listeners.
It is included on Canadian artist Avril Lavigne’s third album, The Best Damn Thing, released in June 2007.
The music video depicts breakups among couples from various generations, beautifully expressing the song’s world.
As a song that stands by those who have experienced heartbreak or separation from someone dear, it is sure to be a source of comfort.
Wrecking BallMiley Cyrus
A pop ballad released in 2013 by Miley Cyrus.
It is said to have been inspired by the problems she was facing at the time with her boyfriend, actor Liam Hemsworth.
It was sampled in Vee Tha Rula’s 2015 track “Tidal Wave.”
thank u, nextAriana Grande
This song by American pop star Ariana Grande sings about the lessons she learned from past relationships.
While expressing gratitude to her exes, she conveys the importance of personal growth.
Released in November 2018, it became a massive hit, spending seven consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
The music video drew attention for its parodies of popular films.
It’s a recommended track for anyone looking to move on from heartbreak and step forward.
Ariana’s powerful vocals and uplifting message resonate deeply.
From the Dining TableHarry Styles
A delicate, heart-piercing acoustic ballad that tenderly sings of loneliness and the pain of heartbreak.
Harry Styles from the UK candidly chronicles everything from a solitary morning scene to his feelings for an ex-lover.
Released in May 2017, the song closes out his solo debut album, “Harry Styles.” Layered harmonies and warm guitar tones gently embrace lingering attachment and regrets.
It’s perfect for quiet, introspective nights or for soothing the wounds of a breakup.
In June 2023, it was certified Gold by the RIAA, and it continues to be cherished as a song that stays close to aching hearts.
IDGAFDua Lipa
A powerful message of self-affirmation that firmly rejects the clingy advances of an ex resonates deeply.
British artist Dua Lipa brilliantly captures the feelings of a woman who rises from sorrow and moves forward.
Combined with her deadpan vocal style, a core strength comes through.
Released in January 2018 and included on the album “Dua Lipa,” the work’s music video—shot over 22 hours—drew attention for its concept of two versions of herself facing each other.
As a song that gives you the courage and determination to value yourself, it’s sure to support anyone looking to recover from the pain of a breakup.
because i liked a boySabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter delivers a song packed with the heartfelt cries of a young person walking alongside the ache of a bittersweet heartbreak.
As a leading pop star of a new generation in America, she weaves her own experiences into emotions that mirror the pain of love everyone has felt.
Featured on her album “emails i can’t send,” this masterpiece was released by Island Records in July 2022.
Even as she suffered from online slander, her voice beautifully expressing pure feelings of love resonates deeply.
Embracing the hearts of those who have gone through heartbreak or struggle with being misunderstood, this track offers comfort and empathy—and is sure to give you courage for tomorrow.
abcdefuGAYLE
Texas-born GAYLE captured global empathy with the anger and disappointment she poured into a song she wrote in the thick of her teenage years about an ex-boyfriend.
Released as her major-label debut in August 2021, the track channels intense emotions toward a former lover through alphabet-based, sarcastic wordplay, while keeping a touch of humor by making an exception only for her beloved dog—an honest, down-to-earth sensibility that shines through.
Known as a track from the EP “A Study of the Human Experience Volume One” and nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, it reminds us of the importance of releasing pent-up feelings.
It’s a song to play when you’re reeling from heartbreak or when you just need to vent your true feelings to someone.