17 Best Songs About Unrequited Love to Help You With the Heartache

Unrequited love is a universal experience that has inspired countless artists to create some of the most heart-wrenching and beautiful songs in music history. Whether you have fallen for someone who does not feel the same way, or you have had your heart broken by an unattainable love, the pain of unrequited love can be overwhelming and all-consuming. Fortunately, there are many songs that capture the depth and complexity of this emotional state, and can help you process your feelings and find solace in the shared experiences of others.

In this list, we have compiled 17 of the best songs about unrequited love, spanning a range of genres and eras. From classic ballads to modern pop hits, these songs explore the highs and lows of unrequited love, and offer comfort and catharsis to those who are struggling with the pain of a one-sided romance. Whether you are in the midst of a crushing crush or are reflecting on a past love, these songs are sure to help you navigate the complex emotions of unrequited love and find a sense of hope and healing.

1.“You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift

“You Belong With Me” is a popular song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2009. The song tells the story of a girl who is secretly in love with her male friend, who is in a relationship with someone else. The protagonist believes that she would be a better match for him than his current girlfriend, and tries to convince him to see her as a potential romantic partner. The song’s lyrics are relatable and heartfelt, capturing the feeling of unrequited love and longing for someone who seems out of reach. Its upbeat melody and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and enduring hit in Swift’s discography.

2.“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by The Police

“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” is a classic song by British rock band The Police, released in 1981. The upbeat track is known for its catchy melody, playful lyrics, and pop-infused reggae sound. The song is a celebration of the magic that a particular person brings to the singer’s life, highlighting the small but meaningful ways they make every day special. The use of synthesizers and layered vocal harmonies gives the song a polished and energetic feel, while the clever lyrics add a touch of whimsy and charm. “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” has become a beloved staple of classic rock radio and remains a fan favorite to this day.

3.“Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley

“Waiting in Vain” is a soulful and romantic song by Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley, released in 1977. The track is characterized by its smooth reggae rhythm, with Marley’s signature soulful voice lending a sense of longing to the lyrics. The song tells the story of a man waiting for the love of his life to return to him, despite being unsure of whether she feels the same way. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I don’t want to wait in vain for your love,” is an emotional plea for the love and affection that the singer so desperately desires. “Waiting in Vain” remains a classic and timeless piece of Marley’s discography, and is widely regarded as one of his most iconic songs.

4.“Bad Religion” by Frank Ocean

“Bad Religion” is a haunting and emotionally charged song by American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean, released in 2012. The track is characterized by its sparse, piano-led instrumental and Ocean’s introspective and vulnerable lyrics. The song tells the story of a man seeking solace and advice from a taxi driver, pouring out his heart and confessing his deepest fears and desires. The title of the song is a reference to the idea of love being like a “bad religion,” something that can be all-consuming and difficult to escape from. “Bad Religion” showcases Ocean’s raw and emotive vocal style, and is a standout track on his critically acclaimed album “Channel Orange.”

5.“Hello” by Lionel Richie

“Hello” is a classic love song by American singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, released in 1984. The ballad is characterized by its smooth and soulful sound, with Richie’s distinctive vocals delivering the heartfelt lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who is longing to be with the woman he loves, and who reaches out to her in the hopes of making a connection. The famous opening line, “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” has become an enduring pop culture reference, while the song’s romantic sentiment and memorable melody have made it a beloved classic. “Hello” remains a standout track in Richie’s extensive discography, and is considered one of his most iconic songs.

6.“Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne

“Stacy’s Mom” is a catchy and irreverent song by American rock band Fountains of Wayne, released in 2003. The track is characterized by its upbeat pop-rock sound, with playful lyrics that tell the story of a young man’s crush on his friend’s mother. The song’s memorable chorus, which features the repeated refrain “Stacy’s mom has got it goin’ on,” has become an enduring pop culture reference. The song’s cheeky and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, coupled with its catchy melody and infectious energy, have made it a fan favorite and enduring hit for over two decades. “Stacy’s Mom” remains a beloved and nostalgic piece of early 2000s pop culture.

7.“I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt

“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a poignant and heart-wrenching song by American singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, released in 1991. The ballad is characterized by its raw and emotional lyrics, which convey a sense of desperation and longing for a love that is unattainable. The song’s gentle piano and guitar instrumentation, coupled with Raitt’s soulful and expressive vocals, give it a haunting and mournful quality. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I can’t make you love me if you don’t,” is a bittersweet acknowledgement of the limitations of human emotion and the pain of unrequited love. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is widely regarded as a classic and timeless piece of Raitt’s discography, and remains a beloved and emotionally resonant song to this day.

8.“To Be With You” by Mr. Big

“To Be With You” is a power ballad by American rock band Mr. Big, released in 1991. The song is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies, which lend the track a romantic and dreamy quality. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is pining for the love of his life, and who longs to be with her despite the obstacles in their way. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Hold on little girl, show me what he’s done to you,” has become an enduring classic, and its gentle melody and emotional sentiment have made it a beloved piece of 90s pop culture. “To Be With You” remains a fan favorite and an iconic part of Mr. Big’s discography.

9.“Grenade” by Bruno Mars

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“Grenade” is a powerful and emotive song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, released in 2010. The track is characterized by its powerful vocal performance and driving beat, which lend the song a sense of urgency and passion. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is willing to do anything to prove his love to his partner, even going so far as to take a grenade for them. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’d catch a grenade for ya,” is a powerful declaration of love and devotion, and its raw emotional intensity has made it an enduring hit and fan favorite. “Grenade” remains a standout track in Mars’ discography, and is widely regarded as one of his most iconic songs.

10.“Just a Friend to You” by Meghan Trainor

“Just a Friend to You” is a sweet and upbeat pop song by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor, released in 2016. The track is characterized by its cheerful melody, bright instrumentation, and Trainor’s playful and engaging vocal delivery. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is interested in a man who only sees her as a friend, and who is trying to convince him to see her in a different light. The song’s catchy chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’m not just a friend to you,” is a fun and flirty expression of desire and attraction, and its energetic and upbeat sound has made it a beloved and popular track in Trainor’s extensive discography.

11.“Not in That Way” by Sam Smith

“Not in That Way” is a powerful and emotional ballad by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith, released in 2014. The track is characterized by its delicate instrumentation, featuring gentle piano and strings, which complement Smith’s soulful and expressive vocal performance. The lyrics tell the story of unrequited love, with Smith singing about his feelings for a friend who does not share his romantic interest. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’m not in love, but I will if you want me to,” is a poignant and bittersweet expression of unfulfilled longing, and its heartfelt and vulnerable sound has made it a standout track in Smith’s discography. “Not in That Way” remains a beloved and emotionally resonant song to this day.

12.“Layla” by Eric Clapton

“Layla” is a classic rock song by English musician Eric Clapton, released in 1970. The track is characterized by its iconic guitar riff, which is instantly recognizable, and its powerful and emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is hopelessly in love with a woman, but who is unable to be with her. The track’s signature electric guitar solo, which builds to a soaring climax, is a memorable and enduring part of the song’s legacy, and has made it one of Clapton’s most famous and beloved compositions. “Layla” remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day, and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre.

13.“Why Can’t This Be Love” by Van Halen

“Why Can’t This Be Love” is an upbeat and energetic rock song by American band Van Halen, released in 1986. The track is characterized by its driving rhythm, featuring a lively drumbeat and soaring guitar riffs, which are complemented by lead vocalist Sammy Hagar’s powerful and emotive performance. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is searching for a meaningful and lasting love, and who is frustrated by his inability to find it. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Why can’t this be love,” is an anthemic and catchy expression of desire and longing, and its lively sound has made it a fan favorite and enduring classic of 80s rock.

14.“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen

“Call Me Maybe” is a fun and infectious pop song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen, released in 2011. The track is characterized by its upbeat and catchy melody, featuring a bouncy synthesizer riff and Jepsen’s bright and cheerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who meets a man she is attracted to, and who gives him her number in the hopes that he will call her. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me maybe,” is a playful and flirty expression of romantic interest, and its infectious sound has made it a hit and a cultural touchstone of the early 2010s. “Call Me Maybe” remains a beloved and iconic pop song to this day.

15.“Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon

“Everything You Want” is an emotive and poignant rock song by American band Vertical Horizon, released in 1999. The track is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar and piano melody, which builds to a soaring crescendo during the chorus, and by lead vocalist Matt Scannell’s powerful and emotional performance. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is in love with a woman who does not reciprocate his feelings, and who longs for her to see him in a different light. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “He’s everything you want, he’s everything you need,” is a heartfelt and bittersweet expression of unfulfilled desire, and its stirring sound has made it a beloved and enduring classic of 90s rock.

16.“Just My Imagination” by The Temptations

“Just My Imagination” is a soulful and romantic ballad by American vocal group The Temptations, released in 1971. The track is characterized by its gentle and dreamy melody, featuring lush strings and harmonious vocals, and by lead singer Eddie Kendricks’ wistful and emotive performance. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has an imaginary love affair with a woman, and who longs for her to be real. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “It was just my imagination running away with me,” is a tender and nostalgic expression of love and longing, and its poignant sound has made it one of The Temptations’ most enduring and beloved hits.

17.Jubel by Klingande

“Jubel” is an upbeat and summery dance track by French electronic music producer Klingande, released in 2013. The track is characterized by its catchy saxophone riff and bouncy house beat, as well as its use of tropical and Caribbean sounds, which give it a laid-back and beachy vibe. The track has little to no lyrics and relies on the saxophone melody to create a hypnotic and joyful mood. “Jubel” is a feel-good song that has become a popular anthem for outdoor festivals and pool parties, thanks to its infectious beat and catchy melody. Its uplifting sound has made it a fan favorite and a beloved classic of the electronic dance music genre.