11 Best Songs about Wanting Someone so Badly it Hurts

Love is a powerful emotion that can leave us feeling vulnerable, elated, and sometimes frustrated. Wanting someone who is out of reach or unattainable is a common experience that has inspired countless songs throughout music history. These songs are just a few examples of how music can capture the complex emotions of wanting someone who is out of reach. Whether it’s the excitement of a new crush or the pain of unrequited love, these songs remind us that we are not alone in our desire for connection and companionship.

1. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) – The Beatles

“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is a haunting and intense song by English rock band The Beatles, released in 1969. The song features a heavy and repetitive melody, with John Lennon’s vocals delivering the lyrics that speak to the obsession and longing of an intense love. The chorus, “I want you, I want you so bad, it’s driving me mad, she’s so heavy,” is a message of raw and powerful emotion, conveying the intensity of the desire and need for the subject of the song. “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is a unique and powerful song that has become a cult classic among Beatles fans.

2. I Want You – Bob Dylan

“I Want You” is a classic love song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in 1966. The song features a catchy melody with Dylan’s signature poetic lyrics, expressing his intense desire for his lover. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, with Dylan declaring that he wants his lover like “the sun wants the day” and “the trees want the breeze”. The song’s simple yet powerful message of love and longing has resonated with generations of listeners, making it a beloved classic in Dylan’s extensive discography. “I Want You” showcases Dylan’s talent as both a songwriter and performer, with his distinctive voice and guitar playing complementing the song’s romantic sentiment.

3. You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift

“You Belong With Me” is a catchy and relatable song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2008. The song features a fun and upbeat melody, with Swift’s sweet vocals delivering the lyrics that speak to the angst and longing of unrequited love. The chorus, “But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts, she’s cheer captain and I’m on the bleachers, dreaming about the day when you wake up and find that what you’re looking for has been here the whole time,” is a message of hope and determination, reminding listeners to never give up on the pursuit of true love. “You Belong With Me” is a fun and charming song that has become a fan favorite in Swift’s extensive discography.

4. I Want You – Marvin Gaye

“I Want You” is a smooth and soulful song by American singer Marvin Gaye, released in 1976. The song features a seductive and catchy melody with Gaye’s trademark silky vocals. The lyrics express his passionate desire for his lover, with Gaye pleading “I want you, the right way, I want you, but I want you to want me too”. The song’s sensual groove and romantic message make it a standout track from Gaye’s extensive career. “I Want You” is a testament to Gaye’s talent as a singer and songwriter, with his smooth voice and romantic lyrics capturing the essence of desire and longing in a way that only he could.

5. I Want You – Kings of Leon

“I Want You” is an upbeat and energetic song by American rock band Kings of Leon, released in 2008. The song features a catchy guitar riff and lead singer Caleb Followill’s raspy vocals. The lyrics express the narrator’s longing for his lover, with lines like “I want you, it’s not a secret, I try to hide it but I can’t delete it”. The song’s driving rhythm and intense energy make it a standout track from the band’s album “Only by the Night”. “I Want You” showcases Kings of Leon’s rock and roll sensibilities and their ability to create infectious and memorable songs.

6. I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt

“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a poignant and emotional song by American blues singer Bonnie Raitt, released in 1991. The song features a slow and melancholic melody, with Raitt’s soulful vocals delivering the lyrics that speak to the heartbreak and pain of unrequited love. The chorus, “I can’t make you love me if you don’t, you can’t make your heart feel something it won’t,” is a message of acceptance and resignation, reminding listeners that love cannot be forced or manipulated. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a moving and powerful song that has become a timeless classic, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of unrequited love.

7. I Wanna Be Your Lover – Prince

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” is a funky and upbeat song by American singer-songwriter Prince, released in 1979. The song features a catchy groove and Prince’s signature falsetto vocals. The lyrics express Prince’s desire to be with his lover, with him singing “I wanna be your lover, I wanna be the only one that makes you come running”. The song’s infectious rhythm and playful lyrics make it a standout track from Prince’s extensive discography. “I Wanna Be Your Lover” showcases Prince’s talents as a multi-instrumentalist and his ability to create irresistible pop hits with a funky edge.

8. Like I Want You – Giveon

“Like I Want You” is a smooth and soulful song by American singer-songwriter Giveon, released in 2020. The song features a rich and atmospheric melody, with Giveon’s deep and velvety vocals delivering the lyrics that speak to the longing and intensity of desire. The chorus, “I want you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, like I want you,” is a message of unbridled passion and vulnerability, conveying the intensity of the subject’s desire and need for the object of their affection. “Like I Want You” is a powerful and seductive song that showcases Giveon’s unique and captivating talent as a vocalist.

9. Only Want You (feat. 6LACK) – Rita Ora

“Only Want You” is a sultry and alluring song by British singer Rita Ora, featuring American rapper 6LACK, released in 2019. The song features a smooth and seductive melody, with Ora’s powerful vocals delivering the lyrics that speak to the depth of her desire and devotion to a lover. The chorus, “I only want you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh,” is a message of pure and unadulterated love, conveying the intensity of the subject’s feelings and commitment to the object of their affection. “Only Want You” is a sexy and captivating song that showcases Ora’s exceptional vocal range and talent as a performer.

10. I Want Your Love – Chic

“I Want Your Love” is a disco classic by American band Chic, released in 1978. The song features a funky and upbeat rhythm with Nile Rodgers’ iconic guitar riffs and lead singer Alfa Anderson’s soulful vocals. The lyrics express the narrator’s desire for their lover’s affection, with lines like “I want your love, I need your love, I’ll share my dreams and make you see that I want you”. The song’s catchy melody and infectious groove make it a standout track from Chic’s discography and a beloved staple of the disco era. “I Want Your Love” showcases Chic’s talent as musicians and their ability to create dance floor anthems that still resonate with audiences today.

11. Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield

“Jessie’s Girl” is a catchy and memorable song by Australian musician Rick Springfield, released in 1981. The song features a driving guitar riff and Springfield’s strong vocals. The lyrics express the narrator’s desire for his friend’s girlfriend, with lines like “I wish that I had Jessie’s girl, where can I find a woman like that?”. The song’s relatable subject matter and catchy melody made it an instant hit, becoming one of Springfield’s signature songs and a staple of 80s rock radio. “Jessie’s Girl” showcases Springfield’s talent as a songwriter and his ability to create memorable pop-rock hits.