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

Out of LoveAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara – Out Of Love

Alessia Cara’s classic “Out of Love” captures the feelings of a woman who’s been dumped by her boyfriend.

In the verses and pre-chorus, it portrays a strong woman holding back her sorrow.

When the chorus hits, the lyrics turn to asking why he fell out of love, revealing the lingering attachment she can’t shake.

The song beautifully expresses both the vulnerability and strength of a woman facing heartbreak.

The chorus has an incredibly delicate melody, which further highlights the quality of the lyrics.

It’s a wonderful breakup song that conveys the pain of an unattainable love.

UnfaithfulRihanna

Rihanna – Unfaithful (Official Music Video)

For those looking for a slightly deranged breakup song, I recommend “Unfaithful.” The lyrics are basically an orthodox breakup song, but the chorus ends with the chilling line, “I don’t want to be a murderer.” It portrays the feelings of a woman who catches the person she loves with another woman—raw and terrifying, right? (lol) The melody is also heavy, matching the lyrics perfectly.

Call me maybeCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe

We’d like to introduce this song by Carly Rae Jepsen, which became an explosive hit thanks in part to tweets from Justin Bieber.

Many people have probably heard the strings and melody in the chorus somewhere before, and you can tell that the song places a lot of emphasis on the chorus in its overall structure.

This track, in particular, has a very girlish vibe—an uplifting, happy song that makes you feel her fluttering excitement.

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.

If I Let You GoWestlife

Westlife – If I Let You Go (Official Video)

Here’s a recommendation from Westlife, an Irish vocal group active until 2012.

The song has a bright, Western pop feel, but the lyrics are something like: “I’m scared of rejection if I get too close, so I can’t get too close—but when I imagine days like this with you…” It really seems to capture the feelings of unrequited love quite accurately.

Distance And TimeAlicia Keys

Distance and Time

A gem of a ballad by Alicia Keys from the United States, quietly included on the acclaimed masterpiece The Element of Freedom, released in December 2009.

It portrays physical distance and the passage of time standing in the way, as if testing the hearts of lovers.

Even as they feel the frustration and loneliness of being unable to meet, a calm yet steadfast love presses upon the heart, assuring that their bond never wavers.

Anyone who has experienced a long-distance relationship will know all too well the mix of aching sadness and tenderness.

Don’t you feel that, if you listen closely to the gentle tones of her piano, it makes you believe that no matter how far apart you are, your hearts remain connected?

StanEminem

Eminem – Stan (Long Version) ft. Dido

Eminem is supported by heads all over the world.

His track “Stan” is actually based on a true story.

The lyrics center on a male superfan, and the song is staged to feel like his fan letters turned directly into rap verses.

Overwhelmed by his obsessive love for Eminem, he ends up tying up his girlfriend and attempting a murder-suicide.

In reality, the story was inspired by a female superfan who, after not receiving a reply to her fan letter from Eminem, reportedly left a suicide note and took her own life.

It’s a perfect fit for a love that can never be fulfilled, but the lyrics are pretty grotesque (lol).