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

B-e-a-utifulMegan Nicole

“B-e-a-utiful” – Megan Nicole

It’s a song that portrays a girl who’s in love with the idea of love, spending her youth.

As friends around her keep finding boyfriends and girlfriends and growing happy, she’s left with the aching loneliness of feeling left behind—thinking, “My ideal guy still hasn’t appeared.”

P.S. I Hope You’re Happy ft. blink-182The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers – P.S. I Hope You’re Happy (Lyric Video) ft. blink-182

This is a song by The Chainsmokers, a New York–based DJ and singer-songwriter duo.

It’s an unrequited love song about a man who regrets breaking up with his ex and still loves her.

The mix of cheering on his ex, who has found a new love, and the lingering feelings he can’t let go of is heartbreaking, isn’t it? Perhaps it makes you feel that the next love will surely be a good one.

StoreCarly Rae Jepsen

Store

This is a song included on Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2016 EP, Emotion Side B.

Following the opening line, “I woke up next to you,” the shocking lyric, “but honestly, I wish I were next to him,” could be seen as a new take on the unrequited love song.

It’s a track where you can enjoy the contrast between the upbeat pop sound and the lyrics.

Marry MeJason Derulo

Jason Derulo – Marry Me [Official HD Music Video]

This song portrays the electrifying surge of emotion and honest feelings you experience when, among so many people, you meet the one—the person you truly want to marry.

If someone sang to you like this, of course any woman would be completely smitten.

Leave Your LoverSam Smith

Sam Smith – Leave Your Lover (Official Video)

When it comes to songs about heartbreaking unrequited love, this is the one! The person I like already has a girlfriend, but I want them to break up and come to me.

It’s a sad yet beautiful song that captures those overflowing feelings that probably won’t come true, and it’s one you’ll want to listen to over and over again.

Love On TopBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Love On Top (Official Video)

In this music video, Beyoncé’s powerful vocals and captivating dance take center stage, belting out the joy of falling in love and the beautiful world only lovers can understand.

The intense choreography will definitely make you want to try it yourself!

Leaving My Love BehindLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Leaving My Love Behind (Lyric Video)

This is an unrequited love song by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

The lyrics convey the feelings of a man who senses a change in her heart and tries to confirm whether she still loves him.

It’s a love song that makes you realize how difficult it can be to put feelings into words and confirm each other’s emotions in a relationship.

Lewis Capaldi’s heartrending vocals really pierce the heart, don’t they?