19 Best Songs about Secret Love

Songs about secret love are a popular theme in music, as they tap into the universal experience of wanting something that you can’t have or needing to hide your true feelings. From the tender ballads of Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You” to the upbeat pop of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “This Kiss,” songs about secret love capture the excitement, frustration, and longing that comes with keeping a relationship hidden.

One of the most common reasons for secret love is societal or cultural norms that prevent certain relationships from being openly acknowledged or accepted. This can include age, race, religion, or social status differences, and the desire to keep the relationship secret is often driven by fear of rejection or judgment. Additionally, secret love can also arise in situations where one or both parties are already in committed relationships, adding an extra layer of complexity and tension to the dynamic.

Whether it’s the excitement of a new romance, the pain of unrequited love, or the fear of social judgment, songs about secret love tap into the universal human experience of wanting something that we can’t have. These songs allow listeners to reflect on their own experiences with secrecy and love, and they offer a cathartic outlet for expressing the emotions that come with keeping a relationship hidden.

1.Secret Love Song – Little Mix ft. Jason Derulo

“Secret Love Song” by Little Mix featuring Jason Derulo is a heartfelt ballad about two lovers who must keep their relationship a secret. The song’s emotional lyrics capture the pain and longing of being unable to express one’s love openly, and the soaring vocals of both Little Mix and Derulo add to the song’s power. The music video features the group performing against a stunning backdrop of London landmarks, adding to the song’s romantic atmosphere. “Secret Love Song” is a beautiful and moving song that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling emotional.

2.Secret Lovers – Atlantic Starr

“Secret Lovers” by Atlantic Starr is a classic R&B ballad about two people who are in a committed relationship but must keep it a secret from the world. The song’s smooth and soulful melody is matched by its poignant lyrics, which speak to the pain of having to hide one’s love away. The powerful vocals of Atlantic Starr’s lead singer, David Lewis, add to the song’s emotional impact. “Secret Lovers” is a timeless love song that has remained popular since its release in the 1980s and continues to be a favorite of R&B fans around the world.

3.Your Secret Love – Luther Vandross

“Your Secret Love” by Luther Vandross is a smooth R&B track about a love that must be kept hidden from the world. Vandross’s soulful vocals are perfectly suited to the song’s romantic lyrics, which speak to the thrill and danger of a secret love affair. The song’s catchy hook and upbeat rhythm make it a classic feel-good tune, perfect for dancing or simply enjoying with a loved one. “Your Secret Love” is a timeless R&B classic that showcases Vandross’s incredible talent as a singer and songwriter.

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

“She Doesn’t Have to Know” by John Legend is a seductive R&B track about a man who is in a committed relationship but finds himself drawn to another woman. The song’s smooth melody and Legend’s silky vocals perfectly capture the conflicted emotions of a man torn between his love for his partner and his desire for someone else. The lyrics speak to the thrill and danger of a secret affair, and the song’s sultry vibe makes it perfect for a romantic evening with that special someone. “She Doesn’t Have to Know” is a standout track from Legend’s debut album and remains a favorite among R&B fans.

5.Secrets – OneRepublic

“Secrets” by OneRepublic is an upbeat pop-rock track about keeping secrets and hiding one’s true feelings. The song’s catchy chorus and Ryan Tedder’s soaring vocals make it a feel-good anthem, while the lyrics speak to the power of keeping secrets and the fear of revealing one’s true self. The music video features the band performing in a stunning, surreal landscape, adding to the song’s sense of mystery and intrigue. “Secrets” is a fun and catchy pop song that will leave you humming the chorus long after it’s over.

6.Forbidden Love – Madonna

“Forbidden Love” by Madonna is a sensual dance-pop track about a love that is deemed taboo and off-limits. The song’s infectious beat and Madonna’s sultry vocals perfectly capture the thrill and danger of a forbidden love affair. The lyrics speak to the intensity of the emotions involved in such a relationship and the fear of being discovered. The music video features Madonna in a dramatic, film noir-style setting, adding to the song’s sense of mystery and intrigue. “Forbidden Love” is a classic Madonna track that remains popular with fans of her music to this day.

7.Love Story – Taylor Swift

“Love Story” by Taylor Swift is a romantic country-pop ballad that tells the story of a couple from two different worlds who fall in love. The song’s sweet melody and Swift’s heartfelt vocals make it a classic love song, while the lyrics speak to the power of true love to overcome any obstacle. The music video features Swift in a stunning period costume, adding to the song’s fairy tale-like atmosphere. “Love Story” is a timeless classic that has remained popular with fans of Swift’s music since its release.

8.Treat You Better – Shawn Mendes

“Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes is a catchy pop track about a man who sees a woman in an abusive relationship and wants to rescue her. The song’s upbeat melody and Mendes’s smooth vocals make it a feel-good anthem, while the lyrics speak to the importance of treating one’s partner with love and respect. The music video features Mendes performing against a backdrop of vibrant colors and graphic imagery, adding to the song’s energetic vibe. “Treat You Better” is a catchy and empowering pop song that encourages listeners to be kind and loving to their partners.

9.Saving All My Love For You – Whitney Houston

“Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston is a soulful ballad about a woman who is in love with a married man and is willing to wait for him to be with her. The song’s emotional lyrics and Houston’s powerful vocals make it a classic love song, while the music video features Houston performing in a glamorous, vintage setting. “Saving All My Love For You” is a timeless classic that showcases Houston’s incredible talent as a singer.

10.Rewrite the Stars – Zac Efron ft. Zendaya

“Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron ft. Zendaya is a romantic pop ballad from the movie “The Greatest Showman”. The song’s gentle melody and the chemistry between Efron and Zendaya make it a touching love song, while the lyrics speak to the power of love to overcome any obstacle. The music video features Efron and Zendaya performing a mesmerizing dance routine against a stunning backdrop of stars and fireworks, adding to the song’s romantic atmosphere. “Rewrite the Stars” is a beautiful love song that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

11.This Kiss – Carly Rae Jepsen

“This Kiss” by Carly Rae Jepsen is an upbeat pop song about the thrill of a new romance. The song’s catchy chorus and Jepsen’s bubbly vocals make it a feel-good anthem, while the lyrics speak to the rush of excitement that comes with falling in love. The music video features Jepsen in a colorful, playful setting, adding to the song’s youthful energy. “This Kiss” is a fun and catchy pop song that will leave you feeling happy and upbeat.

12.Lie About Us – Avant

“Lie About Us” by Avant is a soulful R&B ballad about a couple whose relationship is on the rocks because of one partner’s infidelity. The song’s smooth melody and Avant’s emotive vocals make it a classic R&B slow jam, while the lyrics speak to the pain and heartbreak of betrayal in love. The music video features Avant and his love interest in a dramatic, black and white setting, adding to the song’s sense of intensity and emotion. “Lie About Us” is a powerful love song that speaks to the complexities of relationships and the importance of trust and honesty.

13.My Little Secret – Xscape

“My Little Secret” by Xscape is a sultry R&B track about a secret affair. The song’s smooth melody and the group’s harmonies make it a classic slow jam, while the lyrics speak to the excitement and secrecy of a forbidden love. The music video features Xscape in a moody, atmospheric setting, adding to the song’s sense of intensity and sensuality. “My Little Secret” is a timeless R&B classic that showcases Xscape’s incredible talent as a group.

14.Magnets – Disclosure feat. Lorde

“Magnets” by Disclosure feat. Lorde is an atmospheric electronic track about a secret love affair. The song’s haunting melody and Lorde’s haunting vocals make it a captivating listen, while the lyrics speak to the passion and danger of a hidden romance. The music video features Lorde in a moody, noir-inspired setting, adding to the song’s sense of mystery and intrigue. “Magnets” is a haunting and atmospheric electronic track that will leave you feeling mesmerized.

15.Me and Mrs. Jones – Billy Paul

“Me and Mrs. Jones” by Billy Paul is a soulful ballad about an extramarital affair. The song’s smooth melody and Paul’s emotive vocals make it a classic R&B slow jam, while the lyrics speak to the taboo and intensity of a forbidden love. The music video features Paul performing in a romantic, vintage setting, adding to the song’s sense of nostalgia and longing. “Me and Mrs. Jones” is a timeless classic that showcases Paul’s incredible talent as a singer.

16.Don’t Stand So Close to Me – The Police

“Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by The Police is a new wave track about the taboo and danger of a teacher-student relationship. The song’s driving beat and Sting’s intense vocals make it a standout track, while the lyrics speak to the complexity and taboo of a forbidden love. The music video features The Police performing in a dark, moody setting, adding to the song’s sense of danger and intensity. “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” is a powerful and provocative track that explores the dangers of crossing boundaries in love.

17.Somewhere Only We Know – Keane

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane is a melancholy piano-driven ballad about a secret place where two lovers can be alone. The song’s delicate melody and Tom Chaplin’s haunting vocals make it a poignant listen, while the lyrics speak to the sanctuary and comfort of a hidden romance. The music video features Chaplin wandering through a misty forest, adding to the song’s sense of introspection and longing. “Somewhere Only We Know” is a beautiful and tender ballad that will tug at your heartstrings.

18.Beautiful Liar – Beyonce ft. Shakira

“Beautiful Liar” by Beyonce ft. Shakira is an uptempo Latin-infused pop track about a complicated relationship. The song’s driving beat and the two artists’ powerful vocals make it a catchy and energetic listen, while the lyrics speak to the duplicity and tension of a love that is both passionate and deceitful. The music video features Beyonce and Shakira performing in a steamy, exotic setting, adding to the song’s sense of sensuality and intensity. “Beautiful Liar” is a dynamic and thrilling pop collaboration that showcases the strengths of both artists.

19.Diary – Alicia Keys

“Diary” by Alicia Keys is a soulful R&B ballad about the joys and struggles of a relationship. The song’s beautiful melody and Keys’ powerful vocals make it a standout track, while the lyrics speak to the complexity and depth of love. The music video features Keys performing in a stripped-down, intimate setting, adding to the song’s sense of vulnerability and honesty. “Diary” is a heartfelt and introspective track that showcases Keys’ incredible talent as a singer and songwriter.