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

LiabilityLorde

Lorde – Liability

A piano ballad of aching beauty sung by Lorde, the New Zealand artist with a singular worldview.

Over a quiet piano, she delivers a whisper-soft confession of self-loathing and loneliness—“I’m a liability to someone”—that tightens around the heart.

Many of us have felt that painful distance from someone we love, or the anxiety that our very presence might be a burden.

On nights when those inescapable emotions threaten to overwhelm you, doesn’t this song feel like a gentle companion murmuring, “You’re not alone”? A gem that transforms pain into beauty.

BoyfriendJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Boyfriend

The title “Boyfriend” carries the meaning in the chorus of “If I were your boyfriend, I’d never let you go.” With lyrics characteristic of Justin and a one-sided-love theme from a male perspective, it’s a song that not only guys but girls can relate to as well.

RiskNEW!Gracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams – Risk (Official Music Video)

A song by Gracie Abrams that cheers on unrequited love, capturing both the risk and exhilaration of stepping into romance.

It portrays the precarious yet sweet impulse of being drawn to someone you barely know.

Nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy, she enlisted Aaron Dessner as producer; the track was released ahead of the album The Secret of Us in May 2024.

The lyrics vividly depict a protagonist who recognizes they’re rushing in but can’t stop their feelings.

In contrast to its uplifting pop melody, the words blend heartache with resolve.

It’s a piece that will surely give a push to anyone hesitating to take that first step in love.

Ocean EyesBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes (Official Music Video)

Released independently in 2015, “Ocean Eyes” is the song that put Billie Eilish’s name on the map.

It’s about unrequited love for a partner with eyes like the ocean.

The romance with someone whose eyes evoke the deep sea’s mysterious illusions blends with Billie Eilish’s transparent, airy vocals to create a unique world of its own.

It’s astonishing to think she was just 14 when the track came out.

Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo – Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)

Ne-Yo, an American artist who showcases his rich talents widely as a singer-songwriter and producer.

This song is a love confession from a man to a woman whose heart has been hurt and closed off—he wants to teach her what true love is by loving her and bring back her smile.

It’s striking how he repeatedly sings “Let me love you,” conveying the man’s strong feelings throughout the track.

Love You Like A Love SongSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like A Love Song

You’ll find yourself hooked on its catchy chorus, “I love you like a love song,” and Selena’s deep vocals as you listen.

The song’s slow, easy-to-sing tempo is also popular.

Japanese appears in the music video, so be sure to take a close look.

I’m a MessBebe Rexha

I’m a Mess

American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha is known not only as a vocalist but also for writing many songs.

This track is included on her 2018 album Expectations, released as a singer.

Her distinctive voice and candid, straightforward lyrics about seeking love are likely to hook many listeners after just one play.