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

Bad ReligionFrank Ocean

Bad Religion

This is a song by American artist Frank Ocean that likens unrequited love for someone he can never be with to a “bad religion.” Structured as a confession to a taxi driver, the lyrics ache as he sings that his feelings for the other person are like a kind of faith.

Even knowing it won’t be returned, the inner conflict of loving as if in prayer will resonate painfully with anyone who’s been there.

Set against a solemn soundscape, his candid monologue conveys the helpless loneliness and sanctity of this love.

Perhaps that anguish is something no one else can truly understand.

FeelingsJohn Newman

John Newman – Feelings (Lyric Video)

This song by John Newman from England expresses feelings that keep growing even though you know they won’t come true.

Set to an electronic dance sound, it portrays a bittersweet unrequited love, singing “I can’t stop how I feel about you.” Even if your head understands that this love is a mistake, your heart won’t listen—a dilemma anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.

Despite the powerful, uplifting melody, the heart-wrenching lyrics leave a deep impression.

If you’re struggling with these uncontrollable feelings, listen to this track and turn your hidden emotions into positive energy!

FallingforyouThe 1975

The 1975 – fallingforyou

Featuring a floating, atmospheric sound and breathy, sweet vocals that leave a strong impression! This is a melancholic unrequited-love song by the popular British band The 1975.

Asking, “Is it okay for me to fall in love with you?” while already being completely captivated—aren’t there many people struggling with that kind of inner conflict in a one-sided crush? The push and pull between the fear that your feelings might be exposed and the emotions you still can’t stop is heart-wrenching.

Even if you don’t know how this love will turn out, the experience of loving someone deeply will surely help you grow.

Listen to “Fallingforyou” and gently lean into the bittersweet yet beautiful feelings of love.

Old NewsMitch James

Mitch James – Old News

“Old News,” sung by New Zealand artist Mitch James, is a bittersweet acoustic song about someone who still lingers in your heart even after a breakup.

Even though they should be “old news,” you find yourself checking in on their life or remembering them and feeling your chest tighten—anyone who’s been there will relate all too well.

You know you need to move on, but your heart won’t catch up with your head, and that frustration is real.

This song wraps those complicated emotions in his gentle voice, making you feel seen.

It’s like a quiet nudge telling you it’s okay not to force yourself to forget.

Listen to this track and take your time, at your own pace, to sort through your feelings.

Better NowPost Malone

Post Malone – Better Now (Official Video)

This is a song by American artist Post Malone about the lingering feelings for a former lover.

Even while putting on a brave face and saying “I’m fine without you,” the heart can’t help but keep thinking of that person—many of us have probably felt that way.

Despite its upbeat melody, the lyrics lay bare a painfully straightforward longing that tightens the chest.

An unforgettable love can be agonizing, but the experience of loving someone that deeply will surely help you grow.

Listen to “Better Now,” accept your feelings just once, and take your next step forward.

WeightlessArlo Parks

Arlo Parks – Weightless (Official Video)

This is a song by Arlo Parks from the UK that portrays the pain of a one-sided love where you’ve given too much.

Even after giving everything to the other person, all you get in return is a small kindness.

The emptiness of such an unreciprocated relationship is expressed through a light beat and a delicate voice.

Prioritizing the other person’s feelings so much that your own heart is treated as if it were weightless—that’s one of love’s dilemmas.

But losing sight of who you are would surely be sad.

Doesn’t listening to this song make you feel like starting by taking care of yourself first?

Baby IAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – Baby I (Official Video)

Have you ever had the experience of getting nervous in front of someone you like, and your words get stuck whenever you try to say something? It’s a bright, poppy unrequited love song in Ariana’s style, capturing the feelings of a shy girl with a cute voice and charming melody.