Heartbreaking breakup songs by female Western artists—tear-jerking breakup tracks. World classics and recommended popular songs.

Love Is a Losing GameAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Love Is A Losing Game

This is an achingly poignant masterpiece by Amy Winehouse, the singer from England.

True to its title, “Love Is a Losing Game,” it sings of the futility of a love you know will never be rewarded, no matter how hard you try.

Even after giving everything, you’re left behind in the end, with a crushing sense of defeat and helplessness.

Anyone who’s worn themselves down in a barren, one-sided love will feel the sting of this hopeless situation all too well.

Her voice—deep and tinged with resignation—doesn’t console so much as it quietly stays beside the pain.

It’s a song that seeps into your heart on nights when you’re burdened with sorrow that has nowhere to go.

If I Were A BoyBeyoncé

Beyoncé – If I Were A Boy

A woman betrayed by the one she loves pours her heart into a song, singing, “If I were a man, I would never betray her,” making it the most heartbreaking breakup anthem imaginable.

Beyoncé’s pensive expression in the music video is beautiful, too.

It’s a classic that has female fans singing along in unison at live shows.

LoveKeyshia Cole

Keyshia Cole – Love (Alt. Version) (Official Music Video)

Keyshia’s 2005 debut album, The Way It Is, went platinum.

This song is the fourth single and became her first entry into the Billboard Top 20.

With her soulful vocals, she powerfully expresses her feelings toward the lover who betrayed her.

Almost Over YouSheena Easton

Sheena easton – Almost over you – 1983

A songstress from Scotland who burst onto the UK pop scene like a comet in 1980 with her debut single, Modern Girl.

The lyrics may sound positive—“I think I can forget about you”—but her heart is still full of sorrow.

It captures the feelings of a grown woman.

drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license (Official Video)

It’s rare to find a song that portrays the pain of heartbreak this vividly.

Released in January 2021 by American artist Olivia Rodrigo, this work is an emotion-rich ballad that contrasts the joy of getting a driver’s license with the sorrow of losing a lover.

It poignantly sings of the protagonist’s feelings as the partner who once promised forever is gone, and she drives past her ex’s house alone.

The song set historic streaming records on Spotify and spent eight consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It continues to be loved by many as a track that deeply resonates with those who have experienced heartbreak or are facing a turning point in life.

Rolling in the DeepAdele

Adele – Rolling in the Deep (Official Music Video)

A masterpiece that powerfully voices anger and sorrow born from deep love.

Written candidly by the British artist Adele from the emotions she felt after breaking up with her former lover, this work was released in November 2010 and topped the charts in 12 countries worldwide.

In the United States, it held the Billboard Hot 100’s number-one spot for seven consecutive weeks, marking Adele’s first-ever U.

S.

number-one single.

The lyrics, portraying the feelings of a betrayed lover, are infused with anger, disappointment, and resolve, beautifully balanced by Adele’s soulful vocals and gospel-inspired sound.

As a song that comforts those suffering heartbreak and those trying to move forward, it continues to be cherished by many.

I’m a MessBebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha – I’m A Mess [Official Music Video]

It’s a moving song by American artist Bebe Rexha that sings of the strength to accept oneself even while carrying the loneliness of being left by a loved one.

Included on her album “Expectations,” released in June 2018, it resonated with many listeners.

The wavering of a heart trying to embrace itself as it is—despite self-denial and anxiety—strikes a chord alongside her powerful vocals.

Born from facing her own psychological struggles, the piece is also memorable for the episode that it was completed in just two hours after an offhand remark in the studio.

Winner of a BMI Pop Award, the song continues to be highly regarded as a track that stands by those suffering from heartbreak and self-doubt.