21 Songs about Loving Someone You Can’t Have

Songs about loving someone you can’t have are a common theme in music, and have been for decades. The complexity of unrequited love and forbidden relationships is something that many people can relate to, which is why these types of songs are so popular. They are often filled with emotion, longing, and heartbreak, and the lyrics can be so relatable that they feel like they were written just for you.

These songs can take on many different forms, from sad ballads to upbeat pop songs, but they all share the same underlying message: the pain and frustration of loving someone who is unattainable. Some songs express a deep longing for someone who is out of reach, while others focus on the bittersweet memories of a past love that could never be. Some songs tell the story of a secret love, while others explore the dynamics of a relationship that is kept hidden from the world. Whether you’re pining for someone who is already taken, still in love with an ex who has moved on, or simply yearning for someone who doesn’t feel the same way, these songs offer a way to express your feelings and connect with others who are going through the same thing. They can be a source of comfort and solace during difficult times, and a reminder that you’re not alone in your struggle.

1.Take This Longing – Leonard Cohen

“Take This Longing” by Leonard Cohen is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Cohen’s signature blend of poetry and music. The song features sparse instrumentation, with Cohen’s deep, gravelly voice accompanied by acoustic guitar and subtle string arrangements. The lyrics of the song are introspective and contemplative, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Cohen’s masterful use of metaphor and imagery imbue the song with a profound sense of emotional depth and sincerity. “Take This Longing” is a hauntingly beautiful piece of music that serves as a testament to Leonard Cohen’s artistic genius.

2.Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi is a heart-wrenching ballad that has captivated audiences around the world with its raw emotion and stirring melody. The song features Capaldi’s distinctive voice, which is imbued with a deep sense of vulnerability and honesty. The lyrics of the song explore the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on, capturing the essence of heartbreak with a powerful sense of authenticity. The sparse instrumentation of the song, which is centered around piano and strings, adds to the overall emotional impact of the piece. “Someone You Loved” is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Lewis Capaldi’s exceptional talent as a singer and songwriter.

3.Back To You – Selena Gomez

“Back to You” by Selena Gomez is an upbeat pop song that explores themes of love and nostalgia. The song features catchy electronic beats and Gomez’s smooth vocals, which combine to create a dynamic and infectious sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective, reflecting on a past relationship and the desire to reconnect with a former lover. The song’s playful, yet emotional tone makes it an instant crowd-pleaser, with a sound that is sure to get stuck in your head.

4.Cornerstone – Arctic Monkeys

“Cornerstone” by Arctic Monkeys is a brooding rock ballad that showcases the band’s signature blend of evocative lyrics and gritty guitar riffs. The song features a haunting melody and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Alex Turner, whose dark, melancholic tone perfectly captures the essence of the song’s introspective lyrics. The song’s lyrics are imbued with a sense of yearning and regret, exploring the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on. “Cornerstone” is a powerful and evocative song that showcases Arctic Monkeys’ exceptional songwriting and musicianship.

5.I Want the One I Can’t Have – The Smiths

“I Want the One I Can’t Have” by The Smiths is a classic alternative rock song that showcases the band’s distinctive blend of driving guitars, pounding drums, and Morrissey’s emotive vocals. The song features a dynamic sound that perfectly captures the essence of the band’s rebellious, outsider spirit. The lyrics of the song are introspective, exploring the pain of unrequited love and the desire to be with someone who is unattainable. The song’s raw, honest tone and evocative imagery make it a timeless classic in the annals of alternative rock.

6.I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bon Iver

“I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bon Iver is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that showcases the band’s exceptional musicianship and Justin Vernon’s emotive vocals. The song features a sparse instrumentation, with a piano and a restrained guitar providing a gentle backdrop for Vernon’s vocals. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotionally charged, exploring the pain of lost love and the realization that you can’t force someone to love you. The song’s evocative imagery and poignant melodies make it a deeply moving and heartfelt piece of music that showcases Bon Iver’s exceptional artistry.

7.Just My Imagination – The Temptations

“Just My Imagination” by The Temptations is a classic soul song that showcases the group’s exceptional vocal harmonies and masterful musicianship. The song features a smooth and soulful sound, with sweeping strings, gentle guitar strums, and the Temptations’ signature harmonies combining to create a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and romantic, exploring the power of imagination and the role it plays in our desires and relationships. “Just My Imagination” is a timeless classic that showcases The Temptations’ exceptional artistry and enduring legacy in the world of soul music.

8.Layla – Eric Clapton

“Layla” by Eric Clapton is an iconic rock song that has captivated audiences around the world with its blistering guitar riffs and evocative lyrics. The song features a dynamic and energetic sound, with Clapton’s signature guitar work and soaring vocals combining to create a powerful and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on. The song’s iconic guitar riff, which has become one of the most recognizable in the history of rock music, perfectly captures the essence of the song’s raw and honest emotions. “Layla” is a timeless classic that showcases Eric Clapton’s exceptional musicianship and enduring influence on the world of rock music.

9.Why Don’t You Love Me? – Beyoncé

“Why Don’t You Love Me?” by Beyoncé is an infectious and upbeat pop song that showcases the artist’s exceptional vocal range and dynamic sound. The song features a catchy beat and a powerful vocal performance by Beyoncé, whose emotive delivery perfectly captures the essence of the song’s lyrics. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to understand why a partner might not reciprocate your feelings. The song’s playful, yet poignant tone makes it an instant crowd-pleaser and a testament to Beyoncé’s exceptional artistry.

10.Ever Fallen In Love – Buzzcocks

“Ever Fallen in Love” by Buzzcocks is a classic punk rock song that has become an anthem for the genre. The song features a fast and frenzied sound, with driving guitars, pounding drums, and Pete Shelley’s distinctive vocals combining to create a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain and confusion of falling in love and the rollercoaster of emotions that ensues. “Ever Fallen in Love” is a timeless classic that showcases the Buzzcocks’ exceptional musicianship and enduring influence on the world of punk rock music.

11.Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head) – Powfu

“Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head)” by Powfu is a melancholic yet catchy lo-fi hip hop song that has become a viral hit on social media. The song features a simple beat, a gentle guitar riff, and Powfu’s introspective and emotive vocals, creating a sound that is both laid-back and heartfelt. The lyrics of the song are introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life. “Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head)” is a testament to the power of social media in promoting independent artists and a reflection of the zeitgeist of the current generation.

12.November Rain – Guns N’ Roses

“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses is an iconic rock ballad that has become a classic of the genre. The song features a grandiose and sweeping sound, with soaring guitar solos, intricate piano melodies, and Axl Rose’s signature vocal style creating a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on. The song’s epic and cinematic quality perfectly captures the essence of the band’s larger-than-life persona, making “November Rain” a timeless classic in the world of rock music.

13.Gumboots – Paul Simon

“Gumboots” by Paul Simon is a joyful and rhythmic song that blends African rhythms with Simon’s signature folk-pop style. The song features a lively and upbeat sound, with energetic guitar riffs, driving percussion, and Simon’s distinct vocals creating a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are celebratory and colorful, capturing the spirit and energy of South African gumboot dancing. “Gumboots” is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people from different parts of the world.

14.Waiting in Vain – Bob Marley

“Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley is a classic reggae ballad that has become an anthem for the genre. The song features a laid-back and melodic sound, with gentle guitar riffs, intricate basslines, and Marley’s emotive vocals combining to create a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to move on. “Waiting in Vain” is a testament to Marley’s exceptional songwriting skills and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his music.

15.Just a Friend – Biz Markie

“Just a Friend” by Biz Markie is a classic hip hop song that has become a beloved and enduring hit. The song features a catchy and upbeat sound, with a simple drumbeat, a funky bassline, and Markie’s distinctive, half-spoken, half-sung vocals creating a dynamic and memorable sound. The lyrics of the song are humorous and playful, telling the story of a man who falls for a woman but finds out she is not interested in him romantically. “Just a Friend” is a testament to Markie’s ability to blend humor and pathos in his music and his lasting influence on the hip hop genre.

16.Just Friends – Connell Cruise

“Just Friends” by Connell Cruise is a pop ballad that showcases the singer’s emotive vocals and songwriting skills. The song features a simple yet effective sound, with acoustic guitar, piano, and Cruise’s soulful voice combining to create a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to move on. “Just Friends” is a testament to Cruise’s exceptional songwriting skills and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his music.

17.Dreaming with a Broken Heart – John Mayer

“Dreaming with a Broken Heart” by John Mayer is a poignant and soulful ballad that showcases the singer’s emotive vocals and exceptional guitar skills. The song features a gentle and melodic sound, with acoustic guitar, piano, and Mayer’s rich voice combining to create a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on. “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” is a testament to Mayer’s exceptional songwriting skills and his ability to connect with his listeners on a deep and personal level.

18.Shiver – Coldplay

“Shiver” by Coldplay is an energetic and anthemic rock song that has become a fan favorite. The song features a dynamic and upbeat sound, with driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Chris Martin’s soaring vocals creating a powerful and memorable sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to move on. “Shiver” is a testament to Coldplay’s exceptional songwriting skills and their ability to create music that resonates with people around the world.

19.The Girl of My Best Friend – Elvis Presley

“The Girl of My Best Friend” by Elvis Presley is a classic rock and roll song that has become a beloved and enduring hit. The song features a catchy and upbeat sound, with a simple drumbeat, a jangling guitar, and Presley’s distinctive, emotive vocals creating a dynamic and memorable sound. The lyrics of the song are playful and romantic, telling the story of a man who falls for the girl of his best friend and struggles to deal with his feelings. “The Girl of My Best Friend” is a testament to Presley’s ability to capture the essence of youthful love in his music and his lasting influence on the rock and roll genre.

20.You Don’t Know Me – Ray Charles

“You Don’t Know Me” by Ray Charles is a soulful and romantic ballad that showcases the singer’s exceptional vocal skills. The song features a gentle and melodic sound, with piano, strings, and Charles’ rich voice combining to create a dynamic and evocative sound. The lyrics of the song are introspective and emotional, exploring the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on. “You Don’t Know Me” is a testament to Charles’ exceptional songwriting skills and his ability to connect with his listeners on a deep and personal level. The song has become a timeless classic and a testament to Charles’ enduring legacy in the world of music.

21.You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift

“You Belong with Me” is a hit song by Taylor Swift, from her second studio album, “Fearless.” The song’s catchy and upbeat melody, coupled with Swift’s relatable lyrics and heartfelt vocals, have made it a fan favorite and a pop culture classic. The song tells the story of a girl who has feelings for her male best friend, who is dating someone else. Through the song, Swift expresses her hopes and desires to be with the guy, emphasizing the depth of their friendship and shared interests. “You Belong with Me” has become an anthem for those who have ever been in the friend zone, and its upbeat sound and empowering lyrics have made it a staple at proms, parties, and karaoke nights all over the world.