The Best Breakup Songs That Perfectly Sum Up Every Type Of Heartbreak
By Emily Filkin
We’ve all been there. We’ve had our hearts broken by someone who, we were late to learn, wasn’t worth our energy. In those moments, all we need is a bomb soundtrack to play in the background as we come to terms with our feelings. These songs have the power to do just that.
When the wounds are fresh, and all you can do is hurt:
“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia
Notable lyrics: “Nothing’s fine, I’m torn/ I’m all out of faith/ This is how I feel”
“Breakeven” by the Script
Notable lyrics: “‘Cause when a heart breaks, no, it don’t break even”
Wanting to go back to when everything was alright:
“The Scientist” by Coldplay
Notable lyrics: “Nobody said it was easy/ No one ever said it would be so hard”
Feeling that the other party is completely callous:
“Heartless” by Kanye West
Notable lyrics: “Somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul/ To a woman so heartless”
“Barely Breathing” by Duncan Sheik
Notable lyrics: “Don’t know who I’m kidding/ Imagining you care”
Making the right, but difficult, choice for yourself:
“The Last Time” by Taylor Swift (feat. Gary Lightbody)
Notable lyrics: “This is the last time I’m asking you why/ You break my heart in the blink of an eye”
When you’re crazy mad, and just want to send a big “fuck you!”:
“Fuck You” by Cee-Lo Green
Notable lyrics: “I see you drivin’ ‘round town with the girl I love/ and I’m like/ ‘Fuck you!’”
“Gives You Hell” by All-American Rejects
Notable lyrics: “And truth be told I miss you/ And truth be told I’m lying”
When you still care, and want to wish them the best:
“Someone Like You” by Adele
Notable lyrics: “Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?”
Embracing your independence:
“It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay” by Whitney Houston
Notable lyrics: “I’d rather be alone than unhappy”
Showing off just how much you are over it:
“Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé
Notable lyrics: “You must not know about me/ I could have another you in a minute”
“Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
Notable lyrics: “You think you broke my heart, oh, girl for goodness’ sake”
Finally moving on:
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye (feat. Kimbra)
Notable lyrics: “Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing”
“Take a Bow” by Rihanna
Notable lyrics: “Now it’s time to go/ Curtains finally closing”