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

IrreplaceableBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Irreplaceable

It’s a thrilling revenge song that boldly declares a breakup—because who needs a cheating partner? Sung by American artist Beyoncé, this track appears on her acclaimed 2006 album B’Day.

Although it was originally arranged in a country style, it ultimately transformed into a smooth R&B ballad and went on to top the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks.

The confident image of packing his things, setting them outside the door, and essentially saying, “I’ll find someone to replace you by tomorrow,” is deeply satisfying to witness.

Rather than sinking into sorrow, the protagonist recognizes her own worth and moves forward—an empowering strength that will surely give you a boost when heartbreak makes you feel like you’re losing yourself.

Ring The AlarmBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Ring The Alarm (Video)

From the blaring siren in the intro, this song by American diva Beyoncé drags you into a whirlpool of passion.

With vocals that are almost a scream, it expresses blazing jealousy and possessiveness toward a lover who’s had a change of heart for another woman.

That raw feeling of “I don’t want to give you to anyone,” precisely because of love, pierces the listener’s heart as well.

Featured on the album B’Day, released in September 2006, this track received high acclaim, including a nomination at the 49th Grammy Awards.

Still, surrendering to aimless anger can happen precisely when a love is real.

When distrust of your partner makes your heart feel like it’s going to break, letting your emotions explode—like in this song—might actually help you face forward.

I HopeGabby Barrett

Gabby Barrett – I Hope (Official Music Video)

Gabby Barrett, an American country singer who shot to stardom from a popular talent show.

Her debut hit is, contrary to its title, a biting cheating song that seethes with revenge: “Just like you betrayed me, I hope your new lover betrays you too.” Behind words that pretend to wish happiness lurks a barbed, candid truth.

This intense drama of love and hate struck a deep chord only those who’ve lived it can fully understand.

Released in July 2019 and included on her debut album Goldmine, the track got an extra boost from a remix featuring Charlie Puth and climbed as high as No.

3 on the U.

S.

charts.

When you don’t want to end your anger and sorrow in tears alone, listening to this song—while wrestling with those complicated feelings—might help soften the thorns in your heart just a little.

How Do You Sleep?Jesse McCartney, Ludacris

Jesse McCartney, Ludacris – How Do You Sleep?

It’s a track by American singer Jesse McCartney and rapper Ludacris that can be heard either as a scathing question to a lover who abandoned you or as a cry from a heart tormented by lingering attachment and jealousy.

While you spend sleepless nights, the other person seems to carry on with a new day as if nothing happened.

Haven’t we all felt that maddening unfairness and found ourselves asking, “Why?” What’s remarkable about this song is how it dares to set that helpless emotion to a danceable beat.

Included on the May 2008 album Departure, its remix reached No.

26 in the U.

S.

and was also used in the film G-Force.

It might be just the thing for nights when you’d rather dance it away than sink into sadness.

The Boy Is MineBrandy&Monica

Brandy & Monica – The Boy Is Mine (Official Video)

This is a duet by two American diva icons, Brandy and Monica.

Released in May 1998, it was included on their respective albums, Never Say Never and The Boy Is Mine.

The song portrays a tense back-and-forth as they refuse to yield over one man, each insisting, “He’s my lover.” It became a massive hit, spending 13 weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

Betrayed by someone they trusted, they confront each other as rivals who share the same pain.

From that desperate situation, the two ultimately stand firm and say goodbye to the man, conveying a strength that restores their self-respect even amid hurt.

A romance wounded by someone’s lies is something we’d all rather avoid.

CreepTLC

TLC – Creep (Official HD Video)

This is a work released in October 1994 by the American female R&B group TLC.

It vividly portrays, with striking realism, the emotions of a woman who, to fill the loneliness of being betrayed by her lover, steps into a forbidden relationship herself.

It’s said to be based on the members’ real experiences, which lends it exceptional authenticity.

The song spent four consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts and was also featured in films such as “Waiting to Exhale.” Committing the same mistake as the one who hurt you feels like a heartbreakingly tragic act of revenge, doesn’t it? When you’re tormented by a love that won’t go your way, you may find yourself resonating with these helpless feelings.

GorgeousTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Gorgeous (Lyric Video)

Feeling so mad at someone for being just too “gorgeous”!? This is a humor-filled unrequited love song sung by American artist Taylor Swift.

Set to a lively synth-pop sound, the lyrics strikingly portray being tongue-tied in front of a love-at-first-sight crush and the complicated feeling of liking someone so much it actually makes you angry.

Many people have probably experienced going blank the moment they see their crush or being swept away by their own emotions.

You could say it’s a song packed with that uncontrollable rush and flutter of the very moment love begins.