Breakup songs in Western music that I want to sing at karaoke: world classics and popular hits

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

Without the lyrics, it sounds like a bright, upbeat song, but once the lyrics are added, it’s actually about a confident, slightly stubborn girl who’s in love with a boy who already has a girlfriend.

It’s a track that makes me a bit envious, thinking how nice it would be to be as bold and self-assured as the girl in the song.

Don’t Wanna Know(feat.Kendric Lamar)Maroon 5

Maroon 5 – Don’t Wanna Know (Official Music Video)

It’s a song about the complex feeling of asking if you’re happy after we broke up, even though I don’t really want to know.

I can also relate to the inclusion of trendy situations like ‘hashtags.

‘ Adam wearing a mascot suit in the music video made me chuckle a bit.

Stay(feat. Mikky Ekko)Rihanna

Rihanna – Stay ft. Mikky Ekko

The lyrics can be interpreted in many ways—perhaps it’s a story about a couple who have grown apart.

It’s included on Rihanna’s seventh album, Unapologetic.

The featured artist, Mikky Ekko, was unknown at the time, and this song became his first to chart.

Give You HellThe All-American Rejects

The All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell (Official Music Video)

This song isn’t just about heartbreak; it’s a track that wishes anyone who’s had something awful happen—or anyone who gets upset every time they see a certain person—could make them feel the same way.

If you went through the worst kind of breakup, blasting this song and singing along at the top of your lungs might be the best way to blow off steam.

I hate u, I love u(feat. olivia o’brien）gnash

gnash – i hate u, i love u ft. olivia o’brien (music video)

The lyrics are highly relatable for anyone who can’t get over a broken heart.

It’s quite a sad song, so it might be perfect for those who feel like crying.

Since it’s a duet between a man and a woman, it’s easy to relate to regardless of gender.

In this song, the man might actually be the one who’s more deeply hurt.

StrongerKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) [Official Video]

It’s the perfect song for anyone who’s had their heart broken, gone through something unbearably painful, or feels irritated with someone.

Listening to this track clears away the haze in your heart—it speaks for your feelings so well that it leaves you refreshed.

My EverythingAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – My Everything Ft. Choir (#OneLoveManchester Live)

It’s a song by a woman who, despite breaking up, still hasn’t been able to let go.

The title “My Everything” is also the name of the album the song appears on.

She also performed it at the charity event Stand Up To Cancer.