[2025] A roundup of classic and popular Western songs about jealousy

Natalie Don’tRAYE

RAYE – Natalie Don’t (Official Video)

This is a striking song by RAYE, the acclaimed British artist who won six awards at the 2024 BRIT Awards, featuring the anguished cries of a woman who fears losing the one she loves.

The track portrays raw jealousy and desperation as she pleads with a woman named “Natalie,” begging her, “Please don’t take him.” Despite its uptempo sound, the lyrics evoke a modern-day Jolene.

Knowing that the story is based on RAYE’s real-life experience makes it all the more poignant.

Released in July 2020 on the mini-album Euphoric Sad Songs, it’s a song many might relate to when they feel overwhelmed by anxiety in love.

Dilemma ft. Kelly RowlandNelly

Nelly – Dilemma (Official Music Video) ft. Kelly Rowland

Even though you have someone you love, your heart gets stolen by someone else.

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This duet by American rapper Nelly and singer Kelly Rowland sings of the anguish of such a forbidden love.

The male-perspective rap and the female-perspective, heartrending vocals vividly portray the painful dilemma of two people irresistibly drawn to each other.

Released in 2002 as a single from Nelly’s album “Nellyville,” the song dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks.

It won a Grammy the following year and is also included on Kelly’s solo debut album “Simply Deep.” Even knowing it’s a love that shouldn’t be, you just can’t hold back your feelings.

This song might gently accompany your heart as you struggle with those complicated emotions.

KateBen Folds Five

Ben Folds Five – Kate

Ben Folds Five is a rock trio formed in North Carolina, USA.

They are currently on hiatus, and the frontman, Ben Folds, is pursuing a solo career.

This song, which depicts admiration, obsession, and jealousy toward a girl named “Kate,” was released as a single in 1997.

Cry Me A RiverJustin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake – Cry Me A River (Official Video)

A track included on American artist Justin Timberlake’s solo debut album, Justified.

Released in November 2002, the song centers on a man’s cold resolve after discovering his lover’s betrayal.

In contrast to its solemn sound reminiscent of Gregorian chant, the lyrics portray an icy thirst for revenge.

Said to be based on the songwriter’s real experience, the words vividly capture the pain of love turning into hatred, earning the song a Grammy Award in 2004.

The stance of declaring “It’s too late” embodies condensed, profound despair.

It’s a song that makes you keenly feel the outcome of a forbidden love and the unhealed wounds of the betrayed—its cruelty laid bare.

I Should Have CheatedKeyshia Cole

Keyshia Cole – I Should Have Cheated (Official Music Video)

This is a heart-wrenching ballad sung by American R&B singer Keyshia Cole.

It portrays a woman’s emotions as she is constantly suspected of cheating by her lover and, unable to prove her innocence, laments that she might as well have truly betrayed him.

The despair and anger of not being believed gradually morph into a forbidden desire, capturing the very moment love is corroded by suspicion.

The song comes from the acclaimed 2005 album “The Way It Is” and won at the 20th Soul Train Music Awards.

Anyone who has suffered from unfair accusations will likely deeply relate to that helpless feeling.

Call Your GirlfriendRobyn

Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend

This song offers a fresh perspective: the woman who has become his new lover advises him, “Call your ex and break up with her gently.” Sung by Swedish artist Robyn, the track might at first sound like a victor’s declaration from the one who “won” him over, but beneath that is a curious compassion for the woman who’s being left behind.

Released as a single from the acclaimed album Body Talk in April 2011, it was also nominated for a Grammy in 2012 and is known for its use in the TV series Riverdale.

It captures the complex emotions of the point of no return in a love that inevitably hurts someone.

Its raw depiction of that moment may leave your chest tight with feeling.

FoolishAshanti

Ashanti – Foolish

This R&B classic captures the frustration and unbreakable attachment of being unable to leave an unfaithful lover.

It’s performed by Ashanti, a powerhouse American singer and Grammy winner.

Even when you know you’re being cheated on, even as you blame yourself for being foolish, you still can’t stop loving them.

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Have you ever found yourself stuck in that kind of messy relationship? If trying to forget only makes you think about them more, then, like this song suggests, letting yourself sink fully into the melancholy might actually help you confront your own feelings.

Released in February 2002, this track achieved the remarkable feat of spending 10 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as a single from the acclaimed album “Ashanti.”