Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: A Collection of Heartbreaking Classics [2025]

Baby I Love UChe’Nelle

Che’Nelle – “Baby I Love You” (Full English version)

This is Che’Nelle’s big hit in Japan; she’s also known for being pro-Japanese.

She sings straightforward, single-minded feelings like “If you’re with me, I can do anything” over a calm, steady rhythm.

The lyrics are appealing for how they voice a cute sentiment that many women can relate to.

A Thousand YearsChristina Perri

Christina Perri – A Thousand Years [Official Music Video]

A heartrending unrequited-love song that portrays love transcending time.

Its melody, where aching sorrow and burning passion intertwine, resonates deep in the heart.

Christina Perri’s delicate yet powerful vocals make this an especially moving track that elevates the feeling of love.

Released in October 2011, it was written for the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.

Centered on the theme of eternal love, it expresses both the ache of waiting for the one you love and the hope that love brings.

It’s a supportive song we’d love those in unrequited love to hear—you just might find a bit of courage.

Pretty brown eyesCody Simpson

[Vietsub+Lyrics] CODY SIMPSON – Pretty Brown Eyes

A bittersweet unrequited-love song by Cody Simpson! Mesmerized by a girl’s brown eyes at first sight, he longs to talk to her and spend time together.

Set to a poppy, catchy melody, it vividly captures young people’s view of love.

Released in April 2013, the track is included on the album Surfers Paradise.

It was certified Gold in Canada, selling over 40,000 copies.

It’s a recommended song not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to empathize with people in love.

Because You Loved MeCéline Dion

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion Live in Memphis

A timeless hit that moved hearts around the world with its powerful expression of love and gratitude.

Released in February 1996 and featured on the album “Falling into You,” this song was also included on the soundtrack of the film “Up Close & Personal.” Céline Dion’s overwhelming vocal prowess brilliantly conveys profound gratitude to those who have offered support.

It stirs the heart with feelings for the person who stood by you in weakness and spoke on your behalf when you’d lost your voice.

The track dominated charts in many countries, spending six consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100.

It’s a perfect song for those feeling the ache of unrequited love or wishing to express deep appreciation to someone special.

Again I go unnoticedDashboard Confessional

Dashboard Confessional – Again I go unnoticed

This song is about a man’s hopeless feelings toward a relationship that has ended.

It was included on the second album by the American emo band Dashboard Confessional, The Place You Have Come to Fear the Most, released in 2001.

Stepping StoneDuffy

Duffy – Stepping Stone

A 2008 single release from the debut album Rockferry.

It’s a personal song by Duffy about her feelings for a man who isn’t her lover.

The music video was directed by Sophie Muller.

Watching You Watch HimEric Hutchinson

Eric Hutchinson – Watching You Watch Him [Official Music Video]

This song delicately portrays the heartache of unrequited love.

Through lyrics and melodies that tug at the heart, it expresses the sadness and inner conflict of a protagonist watching the person they love have their heart stolen by someone else.

Featured on Eric Hutchinson’s April 2012 album “Moving Up Living Down,” this track draws you in with its poppy, catchy sound while conveying the ache of longing through its vocals.

Anyone who’s ever fallen for someone but couldn’t express their feelings will likely find themselves relating to it.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those struggling with the pain of unrequited love.