Songs About Unrequited Love Unrequited love is universally felt, and it sounds so relatable to every listener. It defines the pain, longing, and complication of loving a person who never feels the same about you. Be it timeless classics or contemporary hits, songs over unrequited love have formed the soundtrack for many people’s emotional journeys. This playlist contains some of the best songs about unrequited love that will help you express and process your feelings.
Amy Winehouse, “Tears Dry themselves
Amy Winehouse soaks “Tears Dry On Their Own” with her voice of soul in the theme of unrequited love. The song shows that when there is love on one side, it hurts yet takes courage to move on. When Winehouse says, “He goes down, the sun goes down,” she has perfectly captured at what point one realizes a person actually lets go, even when it hurts.
“Back to December” by Taylor Swift
With her reputation for confession-like songwriting, Taylor Swift is good at portraying the minutest details of love and heartbreak. “Back to December” is one Track heartily apologetic to an ex-boyfriend but at the same time shows the pain of unreturned love. The lyrics, “It turns out freedom’s nothing but your lack,” bring out the regret and longing that usually accompanies unreciprocated emotion. It acts as a reminder of the vulnerability one is faced with and the introspective moments put into perspective when coming to terms with a lost love.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt
One of the most iconic songs ever done about unrequited love, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt is simply a soul-talk track. Poignant lyrics showcase in this song the pain it is to love someone where feelings are not mutual. Raitt delivers a soulful performance, to say the least, with a haunting piano accompaniment that makes this track a must-listen for anyone who’s suffered under the torture of unreciprocated love. It’s a testament to raw emotion that love cannot be force onto another person.
“Creep” by Radiohead
Creep” by Radiohead became an anthem to any of those feelings of being out of place or just not good enough for what one desires. The song is fill with self-hate and despair, correctly epitomizing the pain of wanting someone who does not return the feeling. Lines such as “I’m a creep, I’m a freak” really pinpoint that feeling of immaturity often accompanied by unrequited love. This is an exceptionally powerful declaration of vulnerability and longing that resonates with listeners.
“Every little thing she does is magic” by the police.
The upbeat melody of “Every Little Thing Makes a Magic” contrasts, ironically, with the conflicting love theme of the song. Generally, this song portrays a love-struck fellow who can’t express himself properly. It says, “I resolve to call her up a thousand times a day, and ask her if she’ll marry me the old-fashioned way.” It speaks of hesitation and engendered fear of refusal that usually goes with one-sided love.
“You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift
Another Taylor Swift classic that crosses into the realm of unreciprocated love is “You Belong to Me.” The song is told from the perspective of the narrator, who says they feel they are a better fit for their love than the one they are with now. The lyrics reek of longing and despair, such as, “If you could see that I’m the one who understands you.” As such, this is an aspirational anthem for those that kind of know that the love will come.
“Lila” – Derek and the Dominoes
“Lila,” written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon and performed by Derek and the Dominos, is an impassioned plea toward unreturned love. Sung out of infatuation with Patty Boyd, then married to his friend George Harrison, the lyrics speak to the intensity and desperation that often accompany unrequited feelings. The iconic guitar riff and emotional delivery make “Lila” timeless in the Unrequited Love genre.
“Someone Like You” by Adele
Adele’s instant hit, “Someone Like You”, was a heart rending echo for any who have experience the pain of loving and not being love in return. “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you”, she’s resignedly uttering words that in a bittersweet tone, life goes on until love is return. Her commanding voice and depth of delivery make this song a cathartic experience in working one’s unwanted feelings.
“Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley
Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley is a soulful reggae ballad about frustration while waiting for love that might never be return. The line goes, “It’s your love that I’m waiting on,” which really describes the waiting and hoping that are always linked with unrequite love. His soothing voice and rhythm make this song a comforting yet melancholic track for those in pain while waiting for love not to come.
“Hello” – by Lionel Richie
“Hello” by Lionel Richie represents one of those ultimate songs when it comes to unrequited love. The song is straightforward and yearning in its lyrics, with Richie crooning, “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” Perhaps even more weighted upon the theme of yearning for an unreachable love was the music video that accompanied this song, where Richie longingly desires someone who does not even notice him. It’s a soft, soulful ballad that has remained timeless for its relatable message.
“Linger” by The Cranberries
“Linger” by the Cranberries is one of those hauntingly beautiful tracks that describe unreturned love. Lines such as, “Were you lying all the time? Was it just a game to you?” speak of that very confusion and heartache when a person realizes one does not feel the same. Dolores O’Riordan’s unique voice adds to it an extra layer of emotion, making this song a poignant reflection on love’s complexities.
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield is an ultimate track of the 80s, fully capturing the feelings that arise when being in love with somebody who is taken. The energetic beat clashes with the angst-ridden lyrics, “I wish that I had Jessie’s girl,” which unmistakably indicate frustration due to unreturned love. The song is an anthem for anyone who’s experience that feeling for someone unattainable.
“Chasing Pavements” by Adele
Another powerful Adele ballad, “Chasing Pavements,” reflects the pointlessness of pursuing a love that’s never meant to be. The -lyrics flow in like, “Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements?”-thus completely picturing the indecision and frustration of such attendant feelings when love is one-side. Adele’s emotional delivery makes this song a go-to for anyone grappling with unreturned feelings.
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Conclusion: A Soundtrack for the Lovelorn
Unrequited love is one of the most intricate emotions in this world, and putting words into it can be rather difficult. These songs provide a medium for processing those emotions, whether through crying, singing along, or just reflecting on some of the lyrics. From soulful ballads by Adele and Bonnie Raitt to the rock anthems of Radiohead and The Police, there’s a song for every stage of unrequited love. While this pain is universal, loving someone who doesn’t love you back, it is here that music can make us feel less lonely, even in our misery.
