[2025] Unrequited feelings, hearts out of sync… A collection of Western songs about impossible love

Tiny VesselsDeath Cab for Cutie

Tiny Vessels – Death Cab For Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie is an alternative rock band formed in the United States in 1997.

This song is included on their 2003 concept album Transatlanticism, which centers on the theme of a long-distance relationship.

The album has been highly acclaimed by many critics.

White FlagDido

Dido – White Flag (Official Video)

It’s a 2003 single by British singer-songwriter Dido and one of her signature works.

The song, which centers on being unable to accept, get over, or give up on a relationship that has ended, was written about Dido’s former boyfriend and caused quite a stir.

Why Not MeEnrique Iglesias

Why Not Me?

Here’s a track by Enrique Iglesias, who emerged as a singer in 1995.

It’s a simple, mid-tempo song with a comfortable beat, but as the title suggests—Why Not Me—the repeated refrain seems to convey a painful longing, a sense of “Why isn’t it me?” It’s a song that lets you feel that bitter, aching emotion.

#1 CrushGarbage

Garbage #1 Crush

This 1996 song by Garbage portrays the unrequited love of a stalker with intense, abnormal passion.

It was also featured in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

The track reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

sitting waiting wishingJack Johnson

jack johnson sitting waiting wishing

A song by Jack Johnson, who wears many hats as a singer-songwriter, surfer, and filmmaker.

His friend was trying hard to win over a woman named Michelle but wasn’t making any progress, so Jack wrote this song to make his friend laugh and cheer him up.

CryKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Cry Video

We would like to introduce a song by Kelly Clarkson that was also covered in the American TV drama Glee.

This slow, triplet-feel ballad surges in intensity at the chorus, as if emotions suddenly explode, directly stirring your feelings.

Not only for times when love doesn’t work out, but also for those who find it strangely difficult to cry once they become adults—I think this is a song I’d love to dedicate to them.

Goodnight GoodnightMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Goodnight Goodnight (Official Music Video)

Maroon 5’s breakup song “Goodnight Goodnight.” It’s a recommended track for those who liked the era when Maroon 5 leaned more into alternative rock.

Although it’s from their second album, you can already hear the pop influence starting to grow.

If you prefer simple melodies, this one should suit you well.

The lyrics depict a man trying to atone for his past behavior.

It’s not explicitly clear whether they got back together or he was rejected, but the lyrics feel very real—definitely worth checking out.