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

Say You Love MeJessie Ware

Jessie Ware – Say You Love Me (Official Music Video)

Here’s a track by Jessie Ware, who began her career in the UK in 2012.

While many of her songs feature melodies and lyrics that reach out to people, this one gives quite an introspective impression in both its sound and words.

It’s the kind of song where the emotions aren’t openly expressed outwardly, yet inwardly—at the core—they’re being turned over and held within oneself.

Losing My ReligionR.E.M.

R.E.M. – Losing My Religion (Official HD Music Video)

A song by the American alternative rock band R.

E.

M.

, notable for its mandolin riff.

It was released as a single in 1991.

Singing about merciless love, the track became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching No.

4 on the Billboard charts.

With or Without YouU2

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

A 1987 song by the Irish rock band U2, it is said to be loved by people of all ages around the world.

Written about conflicting emotions, the song is often recalled when one reflects on and struggles with unrequited love.

A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me”Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy – A Little Less Sixteen Candles A Little More “Touch Me”

This song, which sings about a relationship where love exists but things never work out, was released in 2006 by the American rock band Fall Out Boy.

The music video incorporates parodies of various horror films.

Teardrops On My GuitarTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Teardrops On My Guitar

This song, which expresses feelings toward a boy who never notices her crush, always treats her as just a friend, and talks to her about his girlfriend, is based on Taylor Swift’s own experiences in high school.

After its release as a single in 2007, she was contacted by Hardwick, the classmate who had been the “boy” in the lyrics, but Taylor turned him down.

Miss You Like CrazyThe Moffatts

Miss You Like Crazy – The Moffats

Here’s an introduction to “Miss You Like Crazy” by The Moffatts.

When the chorus kicks in, the song feels so reassuring it’s almost like a gentle push on your back, and it brings a sense of calm.

The unique charm of this track is hard to put into words—you’ll just have to listen to it yourself to understand.

ShiverColdplay

Coldplay – Shiver (Official Video)

A song by Coldplay that is said to be heavily influenced by American singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley.

Inspired by vocalist Chris Martin’s feelings for his girlfriend, the track portrays a one-sided, almost stalker-like intense love.