28 Best Songs About Affairs and Fooling Around

Music has always been a powerful means of expression and storytelling, and some of the most compelling and memorable songs are those that explore the complexities of love, desire, and relationships. From the wistful ballads of unrequited love to the fiery anthems of passionate affairs, songs about affairs and fooling around have captivated listeners for decades.

These songs often convey the thrill and excitement of forbidden romance, while also acknowledging the pain and heartbreak that can result. They offer a glimpse into the human experience of longing, betrayal, and the consequences of our choices.

Throughout history, many famous artists have explored these themes in their music, from classic ballads like “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers to more contemporary hits like “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry. These songs capture the essence of the human experience in a way that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. They remind us of the power of music to touch our hearts and souls, and to help us make sense of our own lives and experiences.

In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic and beloved songs about affairs and fooling around, and the stories behind them. From heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat pop anthems, these songs have captured the hearts and imaginations of music lovers around the world.

1. Disclosure – Magnets feat. Lorde

“Disclosure – Magnets feat. Lorde” is an electronic dance-pop track with a dark and moody atmosphere that perfectly complements Lorde’s distinctive voice. The song tells the story of a woman who is in a secret relationship with a man who is already in a committed relationship. Lorde’s vocals beautifully convey the emotions of the woman, who is struggling to deal with the guilt and jealousy of being the other woman. The lyrics are filled with metaphors that describe the magnetic attraction between the two lovers, such as “pulling me back, Telling me no” and “We drew our own constellations”. The production is filled with pulsing synths, infectious beats, and haunting vocal samples that create a hypnotic groove, and the chorus is a catchy earworm that will get stuck in your head for days. Overall, “Magnets” is a stunning collaboration between two talented artists, and a must-listen for anyone who loves electronic music with emotional depth.

2. nA Thing Goin’ On – Coolio

“nA Thing Goin’ On” by Coolio is a laid-back hip-hop track with a smooth and jazzy feel. The song features Coolio’s signature flow and clever wordplay, as he raps about his love life and how he’s not interested in anything serious. The lyrics are playful and humorous, with lines like “I don’t want no strings, don’t want no ties, I just wanna lay you down and look into your eyes”. The production is based on a sample from the jazz classic “Feelin’ Good” by Nina Simone, which gives the track a nostalgic vibe and adds a touch of sophistication. The instrumental features a groovy bassline, mellow piano chords, and a catchy horn riff that will make you want to nod your head along. Overall, “nA Thing Goin’ On” is a fun and breezy track that showcases Coolio’s talent as a rapper and his ability to create catchy, feel-good music.

3. Heard It Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

“Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye is a classic soul track with a timeless appeal. The song tells the story of a man who hears rumors that his lover is cheating on him, and he struggles to come to terms with the possibility of losing her. Marvin Gaye’s vocals are full of raw emotion and soulful power, and he delivers each line with a sense of urgency and passion. The instrumental is built around a funky bassline, energetic drums, and lively horns that create a groove that’s impossible not to dance to. The song is a perfect showcase of Gaye’s talent as a singer and songwriter, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the greatest soul songs of all time. Overall, “Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a masterpiece of soul music that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of music lovers.

4. She Doesn’t Have To Know – John Legend

“She Doesn’t Have To Know” by John Legend is a sensual R&B track with smooth vocals and a sultry vibe. The song tells the story of a man who is in a secret affair with a woman, and he struggles with the guilt of hiding the relationship from his partner. Legend’s voice is full of emotion and vulnerability, and he sings each line with a sense of longing and desire. The instrumental is built around a slow, groovy beat that creates a sexy atmosphere that’s perfect for a late-night rendezvous. The song is a showcase of Legend’s talent as a singer and songwriter, and it’s easy to see why he’s considered one of the greatest modern R&B artists. Overall, “She Doesn’t Have To Know” is a steamy and heartfelt ballad that captures the complexity of love and the thrill of forbidden desire.

5. Say My Name – Destiny’s Child

“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child is a catchy and iconic R&B track that dominated the airwaves in the late ’90s and early 2000s. The song features intricate harmonies and a bouncy beat that invites listeners to dance along. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who suspects her partner of cheating and demands that he call out her name if he wants to prove his innocence. The song is full of attitude and empowerment, with the members of Destiny’s Child delivering each line with confidence and sass. The catchy chorus is instantly recognizable, and the song’s production and arrangement showcase the group’s vocal talent and chemistry. “Say My Name” remains a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring appeal of Destiny’s Child.

6. Saving All My Love For You – Whitney Houston

“Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston is a soulful ballad that showcases the singer’s powerful voice and emotional range. The song tells the story of a woman who is in love with a married man and is willing to wait for him to leave his wife. The track is filled with lush orchestration and a smooth melody that allows Houston’s vocals to shine. The lyrics capture the intense emotions of longing and devotion, and the song’s climax is a passionate expression of the singer’s feelings. Houston’s performance is raw and heartfelt, making “Saving All My Love for You” one of her most memorable and beloved hits. The song is a timeless classic that remains a staple of romantic playlists to this day.

7. This Kiss – Carly Rae Jepsen

“This Kiss” by Carly Rae Jepsen is a catchy pop song that combines upbeat instrumentation and infectious melodies with Jepsen’s charming vocals. The lyrics are centered around the excitement and thrill of a new romance, with the chorus expressing the desire to capture the feeling of a perfect kiss. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic production make it a fun and danceable track that is perfect for a night out or a road trip. Jepsen’s vocals are lively and playful, capturing the excitement and joy of falling in love. “This Kiss” is a feel-good anthem that will have you singing and dancing along in no time.

8. You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse

“You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse is a soulful and bluesy track that showcases Winehouse’s signature vocal style. The song is about a woman who is cheating on her partner and feels guilty about it, but cannot stop herself from continuing the affair. The lyrics are raw and honest, and Winehouse’s delivery is powerful and emotive. The production features a mix of classic soul and jazz elements with a modern twist, including a prominent horn section and a driving beat. The result is a captivating and authentic track that showcases Winehouse’s unique talent and style as a singer and songwriter.

9. My Little Secret – Xscape

“My Little Secret” by Xscape is a smooth and seductive R&B track that tells the story of a secret love affair. The song features sultry harmonies and a catchy melody that make it instantly memorable. The lyrics are provocative and secretive, with the singers admitting to keeping their affair hidden from the world. The production features a blend of classic R&B elements, including a slow and steady beat, silky smooth vocals, and atmospheric synths. The result is a timeless and sexy track that showcases Xscape’s vocal prowess and songwriting abilities, and captures the essence of 90s R&B.

10. Careless Whisper – George Michael

“Careless Whisper” by George Michael is a classic 80s ballad that features Michael’s signature soulful vocals and a memorable saxophone riff. The song tells the story of a man who has betrayed his lover by sharing his secrets with someone else, and now he regrets it. The lyrics are emotive and heart-wrenching, and Michael’s delivery is full of raw emotion. The production is lush and expansive, with a big, reverb-heavy drum sound and soaring strings that perfectly complement the melancholic tone of the song. The result is a timeless classic that showcases Michael’s talents as a songwriter and vocalist, and has become an enduring staple of 80s pop music.

11. Should’ve Said No – Taylor Swift

“Should’ve Said No” by Taylor Swift is an upbeat country-pop song that showcases Swift’s signature catchy hooks and relatable lyrics. The song tells the story of a girl who finds out her boyfriend has cheated on her and wishes she had stood up for herself instead of forgiving him. The lyrics are empowering and encourage listeners to stand up for themselves and not settle for less than they deserve. The production features a driving drumbeat, twangy guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus that’s sure to get stuck in your head. Swift’s playful vocal delivery adds to the song’s infectious energy, making it a standout track from her early career.

12. Part Time Lover – Stevie Wonder

“Part-Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder is a lively and upbeat pop-soul track that combines Wonder’s smooth vocals with funky grooves and catchy melodies. The song tells the story of a man who is in a secret relationship with a woman who already has a boyfriend, and they can only see each other occasionally. The song’s production features a lively drumbeat, playful synthesizers, and horns that add to the overall upbeat and fun feel of the track. Wonder’s vocals are full of energy and passion, making the song a joy to listen to. “Part-Time Lover” is a classic example of Wonder’s ability to combine catchy pop hooks with soulful and funky grooves.

13. Never Again – Kelly Clarkson

“Never Again” is a powerful pop rock ballad by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released in 2007 as the lead single from her third studio album, “My December.” The song talks about a failed relationship and the emotions associated with it, as Clarkson sings about the betrayal she experienced and the heartbreak that followed. The lyrics are introspective and deeply personal, showcasing Clarkson’s raw vulnerability and strength as a vocalist. The song features an intense and emotive chorus, with Clarkson’s soaring vocals backed by driving guitar riffs and pounding drums. “Never Again” received critical acclaim for its honesty and cathartic nature.

14. Little Lies – Fleetwood Mac

“Little Lies” is a classic hit song by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. The track was released in 1987 as a single from their album “Tango in the Night.” The song is written by Christine McVie and Eddy Quintela, and produced by Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut. It features catchy melodies, vocal harmonies, and guitar riffs that are characteristic of the band’s sound. The lyrics revolve around the theme of deception in relationships and the ways in which people hide their true feelings. “Little Lies” became a chart-topping hit and a fan favorite, earning Fleetwood Mac critical acclaim and cementing their place in music history.

15. Rumour Has It – Adele

“Rumour Has It” is a song by British singer-songwriter Adele. It was released as the lead single from her second studio album “21” in 2011. The song is a blues-inspired up-tempo track that features Adele’s powerful vocals, accompanied by a strong drumbeat and handclaps. The lyrics of the song speak of a woman who is rumored to be unfaithful to her lover, and the message is one of defiance and strength in the face of gossip and betrayal. The song was a commercial success, charting high in several countries, and helped establish Adele as one of the top pop artists of the decade.

16. Irreplaceable – Beyoncé

“Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé is a sassy, up-tempo R&B track about a woman who has had enough of her cheating partner and decides to leave him. The song features a catchy melody, a strong beat, and Beyoncé’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are empowering and unapologetic, with Beyoncé confidently telling her ex that he can easily be replaced and that he should have appreciated her when he had her. “Irreplaceable” was a massive commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Beyoncé’s signature songs. Its message of self-worth and independence has resonated with listeners around the world.

17. Secret Lovers – Atlantic Starr

“Secret Lovers” by Atlantic Starr is a classic R&B love song that talks about the forbidden love between two people who are already in relationships with others. The lyrics express the intense passion and desire between the two lovers, as they try to keep their love hidden from the rest of the world. The chorus of the song features a catchy hook that emphasizes the secrecy of their love affair: “We’re secret lovers, that’s what we are, we shouldn’t be together but we can’t let go”. The song’s smooth melody and harmonies make it a timeless romantic ballad that still resonates with audiences today.

18. I’m Not The Only One – Sam Smith

“I’m Not The Only One” by Sam Smith is a heart-wrenching ballad about a relationship that has lost its spark. The lyrics describe the narrator’s pain as they watch their partner cheat on them repeatedly, yet they still find themselves unable to let go. Smith’s soulful vocals perfectly capture the emotions of betrayal and heartbreak, while the melody is both haunting and beautiful. The song’s stripped-back production puts the focus firmly on the raw emotions conveyed in the lyrics and vocals. Overall, “I’m Not The Only One” is a powerful and poignant song that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken relationship.

19. Perfume – Britney Spears

“Perfume” by Britney Spears is a poignant ballad that speaks of insecurity and longing in a romantic relationship. The lyrics depict a woman who suspects her partner of cheating on her and wears his new lover’s scent to remind him of her presence. Britney’s emotive vocals are complemented by the song’s haunting melody and simple instrumentation. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Britney’s voice soaring as she sings of her desperation to hold onto the relationship. “Perfume” showcases Britney’s growth as an artist and her ability to convey complex emotions through her music.

20. Thinking of You – Katy Perry

“Thinking of You” is a heart-wrenching ballad by Katy Perry about a past love that she just can’t let go of. The song features Perry’s powerful vocals and a melancholic melody that perfectly captures the feeling of longing and regret. The lyrics describe the pain of seeing someone you still love with someone else and the haunting memories that come with it. The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, with Perry’s emotive delivery of the lines “Cause when I’m with him I am thinking of you / Thinking of you, what you would do if / You were the one who was spending the night.” Overall, “Thinking of You” is a beautifully crafted song that showcases Perry’s talent as a songwriter and performer.

21. Cry Me A River – Justin Timberlake

“Cry Me A River” is a pop and R&B song by American singer Justin Timberlake. The song was released in 2002 as the second single from his debut studio album, “Justified.” The lyrics describe the emotions of a man who has been betrayed by his lover and how he is moving on from the relationship. The song is known for its catchy melody and Timberlake’s powerful vocals. The music video for “Cry Me A River” also gained attention for its storyline, featuring a Timberlake lookalike in a cheating scandal with a Britney Spears lookalike. The song has since become a classic of early 2000s pop music.

22. Secret Love – Little Mix

“Secret Love” by Little Mix is a vibrant pop song that tells a story of forbidden love. The song features catchy hooks, pulsating beats, and lush harmonies that showcase the group’s vocal prowess. The lyrics describe a relationship that is kept hidden due to the fear of judgement from others. The chorus is particularly memorable with its upbeat melody and empowering message of taking a stand for love. The song is an anthem for anyone who has ever kept a love hidden away and is afraid to express their true feelings.

23. Can’t Do a Thing (to Stop Me) – Chris Isaak

“Can’t Do a Thing (to Stop Me)” by Chris Isaak is a classic rockabilly song with a modern twist. The upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and Isaak’s smooth vocals create an irresistible energy that will have you tapping your feet and bopping along in no time. The lyrics speak of a confident and determined attitude towards love, with lines like “I’m gonna chase you down, till you’re mine” and “I’ll be on your trail like a hound” showcasing the singer’s persistence. The song’s combination of vintage and contemporary elements make it a timeless hit that will get you grooving every time you hear it.

24. Last Name – Carrie Underwood

“Last Name” is an upbeat country song by American singer Carrie Underwood. The song tells the story of a woman who has a wild and crazy night in Las Vegas, wakes up the next morning with a wedding ring and no memory of the previous night’s events. She then spends the rest of the song trying to figure out how she ended up married and what to do about it. Underwood’s powerful vocals and the catchy chorus make this song a fan favorite, and it showcases her ability to deliver a fun and sassy performance.

25. Girlfriend – Michael Jackson

“Girlfriend” is a classic pop song by the legendary musician Michael Jackson, released in 1980. The upbeat track features a catchy melody and lyrics about a man who is vying for the affections of a woman who is already in a relationship. The song has a danceable rhythm and showcases Jackson’s vocal range and signature style of singing. “Girlfriend” became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, and solidifying Jackson’s status as a pop icon. The song remains a beloved classic in his discography and continues to be played and enjoyed by fans worldwide.

26. Call Your Girlfriend – Robyn

“Call Your Girlfriend” by Robyn is a catchy electro-pop song that tells the story of a woman who has fallen in love with someone who is already in a relationship. The song features upbeat synth-pop instrumentation and infectious melodies, creating a sense of urgency and longing. Through her lyrics, Robyn encourages her love interest to be honest with his current partner and to choose to be with her instead. The song’s production, which includes layered vocal harmonies and a pulsing beat, adds to its infectious and danceable quality, making it a favorite of many pop music fans.

27. 4AM – Melanie Fiona

“4AM” is a soulful R&B ballad by Canadian singer Melanie Fiona. The song depicts the emotions of someone who is struggling to cope with the end of a relationship, feeling lonely and unable to sleep at 4 in the morning. Fiona’s smooth vocals beautifully convey the pain and heartache of the situation, with lyrics that are relatable to anyone who has experienced a difficult break-up. The melody is haunting and atmospheric, with a slow beat that builds towards the end of the song. “4AM” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Fiona’s incredible vocal talent.

28. Follow Me – Uncle Kracker

“Follow Me” by Uncle Kracker is a catchy pop-rock song with a laid-back vibe that was released in 2000. The song tells a story of a man who is trying to convince a woman to leave her boyfriend and be with him instead. The melody is simple yet infectious, with a guitar riff that stays with you long after the song ends. Uncle Kracker’s smooth vocals add to the song’s charm, and the chorus is instantly recognizable. “Follow Me” is a feel-good song that is perfect for driving with the windows down or singing along to at a party.