· Alex Harris · Trending
Healing Heartache: A Comprehensive Guide to 135 Unforgettable Songs for Mending Unrequited Love
Unrequited love is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. The feeling of loving someone who doesn’t love you back or know you exist This feeling of longing, rejection, and hopelessness can crush your spirit and break your heart.
But you’re not alone. Many people have faced unrequited love at some point in life, and many artists have expressed their emotions through music. Music can be a powerful tool for healing, as it can help you process your feelings, cope with your pain, and find comfort and hope.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to 135 unforgettable songs for mending unrequited love. Whether you need a sad song to cry to, a hopeful song to inspire you, or a cathartic song to vent to, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also categorised the songs according to different stages of unrequited love, from denial to acceptance, so you can find the right song for your mood.
So grab your headphones, curl up on your couch, and let these songs soothe your soul.
Here are 135 songs for healing heartache:
Denial
At this stage, you refuse to accept that your love is unrequited. You convince yourself that there’s still a chance, that they’ll eventually see how much you care, and that they’re just playing hard to get. You ignore the signs that they’re not interested or that they’re interested in someone else. You hold on to false hope and unrealistic expectations.
Some of the songs at Denial stage of Unrequited Love:
1. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift
This is a pop rock song released in 2008 as the third single from her second studio album Fearless. It’s a catchy country-pop anthem about unrequited love and the longing for someone who is taken. Taylor’s lyrics are catchy and relatable and the storytelling paints a vivid picture of high school crushes and being the girl next door. Some of the memorable lines are: “But she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts, She’s Cheer Captain and I’m on the bleachers, If you could see that I’m the one who understands you, You belong with me, you belong with me“The song’s relevance to unrequited love is clear because it depicts the typical situation of having a crush on someone who is already with someone else. The song also explores the themes of friendship, jealousy, and self-esteem.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Swift said that she was inspired to write the song after overhearing a friend of hers talking to his girlfriend on the phone. She said, “He was completely on the defensive, saying, ‘No, baby…I had to get off the phone really quickly…I tried to call you right back…Of course I love you. More than anything! Baby, I’m so sorry.’ She was just yelling at him! I felt so bad for him at that moment.”
Swift also said that she related to the song because she had experienced unrequited love herself. She said, “I think everyone has that person who they wonder what it would be like if they ever dated them. I had that situation going on.”
The song features a reference to one of Swift’s favorite bands, The All-American Rejects. In the first verse, she sings, “I’m listening to the kind of music she doesn’t like.” In the music video, she is seen wearing a T-shirt with the band’s logo.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Selena Gomez, Kidz Bop Kids, Glee Cast, and Weezer. It has also been parodied by The Midnight Beast and Sesame Street.
2. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye
This is an indie pop song that features singer Kimbra from New Zealand. The song is about a bitter breakup, where the narrator feels betrayed and forgotten by his former lover. The song expresses his frustration and resentment, as well as his confusion and nostalgia.
The song was written and recorded by Gotye at his parent’s house in Australia. It was inspired by his own experiences with past relationships, as well as a Brazilian bossa nova song called Seville by Luiz Bonfá, which he sampled in the track. It was released on July 5, 2011, as the second single from Gotye’s third studio album, Making Mirrors.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Gotye said that he wrote the song in a “very spontaneous” way and that it took him only six hours to finish it. He said, “I wrote it on a very old nylon string guitar that I had lying around. I think it was an old guitar that my mom bought at a garage sale for $40 or something.”
Kimbra said that she was initially hesitant to collaborate with Gotye because she didn’t want to be seen as just a “featured artist”. She said, “I wanted to be involved in the production side of things and have more creative input.” She also said that she improvised her part in the song and that she tried to convey a sense of “empowerment” and “dignity” in her vocals.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Pentatonix, Walk Off the Earth, Ingrid Michaelson, Rita Ora, and Darren Criss.
It has also been parodied by Weird Al Yankovic, Key & Peele, Teddie Films, and Sesame Street.
3. “Linger” by The Cranberries
This is an alternative rock song that features a string section and a jangly guitar riff. The song is about a woman who is torn between staying with or leaving a man who has cheated on her. The song expresses her mixed feelings of love and resentment, as well as her regret and doubt.
The song was written by Dolores O’Riordan and Noel Hogan, and produced by Stephen Street. It was released on February 15, 1993, as the second and final single from the band’s debut studio album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
O’Riordan said that she wrote the song when she was 18 years old and that it was based on her first serious relationship. She said, “It was about this guy I fancied for years but he never seemed to like me back.”
Hogan said that he came up with the guitar riff for the song while he was messing around with his brother’s guitar. He said, “I just started playing these chords over and over again. I recorded it onto a tape and gave it to Dolores.”
The song was originally released as a demo in 1990 under the band’s original name, The Cranberry Saw Us. It was later re-recorded and re-released in 1993 with a different arrangement and production.
4. “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick
This is a power-pop song that features a catchy chorus and a guitar solo. The song is about a man who is desperately in love with a woman who doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. The song expresses his longing and frustration, as well as his willingness to do anything to win her over.
The song was written by Rick Nielsen, and produced by Tom Werman. It was released in September 1977, as the first single from the band’s second studio album, In Color. However, the original studio version of the song did not chart in the US or the UK.
The song became a hit after a live version from the band’s album Cheap Trick at Budokan was released in 1979. The live version had a faster tempo and a more energetic performance, which appealed to the audience.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Nielsen said that he wrote the song as a parody of pop songs that were popular at the time. He said, “I just wanted to make fun of all those songs that say ‘I love you baby’ and ‘I need you baby’.”
The band said that they were surprised by the success of the live version of the song, as they didn’t think it was one of their best songs. They said, “We never thought it would be a hit. We just thought it was a good album track.”
The song has been covered by many artists, including Letters to Cleo, Dwight Yoakam, Lindsay Lohan, Chris Isaak, and KSM. It has also been featured in many movies, TV shows, and video games, such as 10 Things I Hate About You, That ’70s Show, Guitar Hero II, and Rock Band 4.
5. “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie
A hip-hop story about unrequited love and the dreaded “friend zone.” The humorous lyrics discuss a one-sided romantic attraction that the other person doesn’t reciprocate. The song expresses his suspicion and frustration, as well as his hope and disappointment.
The song was written, produced, and performed by Biz Markie. It was released in September 1989, as the lead single from his second studio album, The Biz Never Sleeps. The song was based on an experience that Markie had with a groupie.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Markie said that he wrote the song after he met a woman at one of his shows who gave him her number. He said, “I called her while I was doing laundry one day and some dude picked up the phone.”
Markie also said that he sang the chorus himself because he couldn’t find anyone else to do it. He said, “I couldn’t afford to pay anybody. I just did it myself.”
The song features a sample of You Got What I Need by Freddie Scott, which Markie originally heard on a rap show hosted by Mr. Magic. Markie said, “I was like, ‘Wow, that sounds incredible.’ I just took it and freaked it.”
6. “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith
A soulful ballad about the pain of unrequited love and infidelity. The lyrics express the heartache of loving someone who’s cheating on you. The song expresses his pain and anger, as well as his denial and acceptance.
The song was written by Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes, and produced by Steve Fitzmaurice and Jimmy Napes. It was released on May 26, 2014, as the fifth single from Smith’s debut studio album, In the Lonely Hour. The song was inspired by Smith’s own experience with unrequited love, as well as his friend’s situation with a cheating partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Smith said that he wrote the song in one hour with Napes and that it was one of the easiest songs to write. He said, “It just flowed out of me.”
Smith also said that he wanted to make a song that was universal and relatable to anyone who has been hurt by love. He said, “I think everyone can think of that one person who they love or have loved who they know they couldn’t be with.”
The song features a sample of Can’t We Try by Teddy Pendergrass and Lisa Fischer, which Smith heard on a radio show hosted by Zane Lowe. Smith said, “I just fell in love with it.”
7. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
This is a rock song that features a distorted guitar and a profane chorus. The song is about a woman who confronts her ex-lover who has moved on with another woman. The song expresses her rage and bitterness, as well as her sarcasm and irony.
The song was written by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, and produced by Ballard. It was released on July 6, 1995, as the lead single from Morissette’s third studio album, Jagged Little Pill. The song was inspired by Morissette’s own experience with a breakup, as well as her frustration with the music industry.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Morissette said that she wrote the song in 15 minutes with Ballard and that it was one of the first songs they worked on together. She said, “It was a very cathartic experience.”
Morissette also said that she wanted to make a song that was honest and raw and that she didn’t care about the radio or the critics. She said, “I just wanted to write something that I could relate to.”
The song features a bass solo by Flea and a guitar solo by Dave Navarro, both from the band Red Hot Chili Peppers. They agreed to play the song after meeting Morissette at a party.
8. “Someone Like You” by Adele
This is a piano ballad that features a simple melody and a powerful chorus. The song is about a woman who tries to cope with the end of a relationship and hopes to find someone like her ex-lover. The song expresses her sadness and nostalgia, as well as her acceptance and forgiveness.
The song was written by Adele and Dan Wilson, and produced by Wilson. It was released on January 24, 2011, as the second single from Adele’s second studio album, 21. The song was inspired by Adele’s own experience with a breakup, which also influenced most of the album.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Adele said that she wrote the song in one night with Wilson and that it was one of the most personal songs she ever wrote. She said, “It was my reaction to being told that my life was going to be boring and lonely and rubbish.”
Adele also said that she wanted to make a song that was honest and raw and that she didn’t care about the charts or the critics. She said, “I just wanted to write something that I could be proud of.”
The song was the first pure-piano ballad to ever top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. It also became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.
9. “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
This is an acoustic pop song that features a guitar and a trumpet. The song is about a man who dumps his girlfriend who was selfish and manipulative. The song expresses his disdain and indifference, as well as his sarcasm and confidence.
The song was written by Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, and Benny Blanco, and produced by Blanco. It was released on November 13, 2015, as the third single from Bieber’s fourth studio album, Purpose. The song was inspired by Bieber’s own experience with a breakup, which also influenced most of the album.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Bieber said that he wrote the song with Sheeran and Blanco in a matter of hours and that it was one of his favorite songs on the album. He said, “It’s just me and a guitar. That’s how I started, playing on the street with a guitar.”
Bieber also said that he wanted to make a song that was honest and real and that he didn’t care about the charts or the critics. He said, “I just wanted to write something that I could be proud of.”
The song features a trumpet solo by Philip Beaudreau, who also played on Rihanna’s “Higher”. Beaudreau said that he recorded his part in one take and that he didn’t know it was for Bieber until later.
10. “Creep” by Radiohead
This is an alternative rock song that features a distorted guitar and a profane chorus. The song is about a man who feels insecure and alienated, and who is obsessed with a woman who is out of his league. The song expresses his self-loathing and desperation, as well as his admiration and envy.
The song was written by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, and Phil Selway, and produced by Paul Q. Kolderie and Sean Slade. It was released on September 21, 1992, as the second single from the band’s debut studio album, Pablo Honey. The song was inspired by Yorke’s own experience with unrequited love, as well as a song by The Hollies called The Air That I Breathe.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Yorke said that he wrote the song when he was drunk and infatuated with a girl he met at a club. He said, “I was just so fucked off that night. I just wanted to hit somebody.”
Greenwood said that he played the guitar noise before the chorus because he hated the song and wanted to ruin it. He said, “I thought it was crap. It was so bad I tried spoiling it.”
The song features a sample of The Air That I Breathe by The Hollies, which Yorke heard on a radio show hosted by John Peel.
Yorke said, “I loved it so much I ripped it off.” The band later had to credit Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood as co-writers of Creep.
11. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon
A power ballad about the overwhelming feelings of love and the inability to resist them. The song first appeared on the 1984 album Wheels Are Turnin’ and was written by lead singer Kevin Cronin. The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks from March 9 to March 23, 19851.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been friends with a woman for a long time, but has developed romantic feelings for her over time. He is afraid to confess his love, but he can’t fight this feeling anymore and decides to tell her how he feels. The song expresses the stage of denial in unrequited love, as the man is in denial about his true feelings for his friend and hopes that she will reciprocate them.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was inspired by Cronin’s relationship with his future wife Lisa, whom he met when she was dating one of his friends.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as The Lego Batman Movie, Stranger Things, Supernatural, Glee, and Family Guy.
The song was covered by various artists, such as Russell Brand for the movie Rock of Ages, Sara Evans for the album Not That Far From Bethlehem, and Dan Smith from Bastille for the 2019 John Lewis Christmas advert.
REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 and took its name from the REO Speed Wagon, a truck manufactured by the REO Motor Car Company.
REO Speedwagon is one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, with over 40 million records sold worldwide.
12. “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain
This is a country-pop song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain, released as the third single from her third studio album, Come On Over (1997). The song was written by Twain and Robert John “Mutt” Lange and produced by Lange. The single reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 19981.
The lyrics tell the story of a couple who have overcome challenges and doubts in their relationship and are still in love after many years. The song expresses the stage of denial in unrequited love, as the singer is in denial about the possibility of losing her partner and believes that they are still the one for her.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was inspired by Twain’s relationship with Lange, whom she married in 1993 and divorced in 2010 after he had an affair with her best friend.
The song was nominated for four Grammy Awards in 1999, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, and won two awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Notting Hill, Dawson’s Creek, Glee, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Twain is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide.
Twain is also known for her crossover appeal, as she has successfully blended country, pop, rock, and folk genres in her music.
13. “I Don’t Believe You” by Pink
This is a pop song by the American singer Pink, released in 2008. The song is about a woman who does not believe that her lover has broken up with her. The lyrics express her confusion and disbelief towards him, such as “I don’t believe you / When you say don’t come around here no more / I won’t remind you / You said we wouldn’t be apart.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is in denial and hopes that he will change his mind and come back to her.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Max Martin, who also produced it and played guitar on it.
The song’s music video features Pink and her real-life husband at the time, Carey Hart, acting out their relationship troubles.
The song was nominated for the award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2010 Grammy Awards.
14. “Losing You” by Solange
This is a soul song by the American singer Solange, released in 2012. The song is about a woman who feels that her relationship is falling apart and that she is losing her lover. The lyrics describe how she tries to hold on to him and pretend that everything is fine, such as “Tell me the truth boy / Am I losing you for good? / We used to kiss all night / But now there’s just no use.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is in denial and refuses to accept that he does not love her anymore.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Dev Hynes, who also produced it and played keyboards on it.
The song’s music video was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, and features Solange dancing with local people and wearing colorful outfits.
The song was ranked as one of the best songs of 2012 by various publications, such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Spin.
15. “Ashes and Wine” by A Fine Frenzy
This is a folk song by the American singer A Fine Frenzy, released in 2007. The song is about a woman who is haunted by the memories of her ex-lover and wishes that he would come back to her. The lyrics express her longing and regret towards him, such as “Is there a chance? / A fragment of light at the end of the tunnel? / A reason to fight? / Is there a chance you may change your mind? / Or are we ashes and wine?” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is in denial and hopes that he still has feelings for her and that they can rekindle their romance.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was written by Alison Sudol, who performs under the name A Fine Frenzy, and Lukas Burton, who also produced it.
The song’s music video features A Fine Frenzy playing the piano and singing the song in a dark room filled with candles and photographs.
The song was featured in the TV shows Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and Pretty Little Liars.
16. “Comeback” by Ella Eyre
This is a pop song by the British singer Ella Eyre, released in 2014. The song is about a woman who tells her ex-boyfriend that he will regret leaving her and that he will want her back someday. The lyrics express her confidence and sassiness towards him, such as “You’ll be begging on your knees for me / Yeah one day you’re gonna see / That I’m gone gone gone gone gone gone gone / And I bet you’ll want me back.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is in denial and believes that he will realize his mistake and come crawling back to her.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Claude Kelly, who also wrote songs for Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, and Britney Spears.
The song’s music video features Ella Eyre getting revenge on her ex-boyfriend by trashing his car, his house, and his clothes.
The song was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry.
17. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
This is a ballad by American singer Elvis Presley, released in 1961 as the closing track of his album Blue Hawaii and as a single. The song was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss and published by Gladys Music, Inc. The melody is based on Plaisir d’amour, a popular French love song composed in 1784 by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini.
The song’s lyrics are tender and romantic, expressing the vulnerability and devotion of being in love. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who confesses that he can’t help falling in love with his partner and asks for her blessing. Some of the classic lines are:
Wise men say only fools rush in // But I can’t help falling in love with you // Shall I stay? Would it be a sin // If I can’t help falling in love with you // Like a river flows surely to the sea // Darling, so it goes some things are meant to be // Take my hand, take my whole life too // For I can’t help falling in love with you
The song’s genre is pop, with influences from doo-wop and soul. It has a slow tempo and a simple sound, featuring piano, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is clear, as it portrays the feeling of being hopelessly and irresistibly drawn to someone. The song also explores the themes of fate, destiny, and surrender.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was originally recorded for Presley’s 1961 film Blue Hawaii, in which he sings it to his co-star Joan Blackman. It was also featured in his 1968 NBC television special, Elvis, also known as the Comeback Special.
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching #1 on the UK Singles Chart and #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also certified platinum by the RIAA for selling over one million copies.
The song has become one of Presley’s most popular and enduring songs, being ranked among the greatest songs ever by Rolling Stone , NME , Time , and others. It was also selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2002.
The song has been covered by many artists, including UB40, A*Teens, Andrea Bocelli, Haley Reinhart, Twenty One Pilots, Pentatonix, and Ed Sheeran.
18. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney
This is a ballad released in 1992 as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the film The Bodyguard, in which she starred. The song was written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton in 1973 for her album Jolene. The song was produced by David Foster and Houston herself.
The song’s lyrics are heartfelt and emotional, expressing the farewell of a woman who is leaving her lover but still loves him. The song is sung from the perspective of a woman who tells her partner that she will always love him and wish him well, even though they can’t be together. Some of the powerful lines are: If I should stay // I would only be in your way // So I’ll go, but I know // I’ll think of you every step of the way // And I will always love you // I will always love you // You, my darling, you // Bittersweet memories // That is all I’m taking with me // So goodbye, please don’t cry // We both know I’m not what you need
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is clear, as it portrays the pain and sacrifice of letting go of someone who is still loved. The song also explores the themes of dignity, gratitude, and selflessness.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and holding the top spot for a record-breaking 14 consecutive weeks. It was also #1 in 20 other countries and sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
The song won two Grammy Awards in 1994: Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song but lost to A Whole New World from Aladdin.
The song has been covered by many artists, including LeAnn Rimes, Dolly Parton, Ariana Grande, the Glee cast, and Pentatonix.
19. “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt
This is a pop rock song by released in 2005 as the third single from his debut album Back to Bedlam. The song was written by Blunt, Sacha Skarbek, and Amanda Ghost and produced by Tom Rothrock. The song was inspired by Blunt’s encounter with his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend on the London Underground.
The song’s lyrics are melancholy and bitter, expressing the regret and frustration of seeing someone you love with someone else. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who sees a beautiful woman on a crowded train but realises that he will never be with her. Some of the memorable lines are: My life is brilliant // My love is pure // I saw an angel // Of that I’m sure // She smiled at me on the subway // She was with another man // But I won’t lose no sleep on that // Cause I’ve got a plan // You’re beautiful // You’re beautiful // You’re beautiful, it’s true // I saw your face in a crowded place // And I don’t know what to do // Cause I’ll never be with you
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is obvious, as it portrays the feeling of being hopelessly and helplessly attracted to someone who is out of reach. The song also explores the themes of obsession, jealousy, and loneliness.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching #1 in 10 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. It was also nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2007: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
The song’s music video was directed by Sam Brown and features Blunt singing on a snowy cliff while taking off his clothes and throwing them away. The video has over 679 million views on YouTube.
The song has been criticised for being overplayed and annoying by some listeners and critics. Blunt himself has admitted that he hates singing the song live because it’s too high-pitched for him.
The song has been covered by many artists including Boyce Avenue, Glee Cast, Weird Al Yankovic, David Archuleta, and Postmodern Jukebox.
20. “All of Me” by John Legend
This a R&B song released in 2013 as the third single from his fourth studio album, Love in the Future. The song was written by Legend and Toby Gad and produced by Dave Tozer and Legend himself. The song was dedicated to Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen, whom he married shortly before the song’s release.
The song’s lyrics are romantic and heartfelt, expressing the unconditional love and acceptance of a partner. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who tells his partner that he loves all of her, including her flaws and imperfections. Some of the touching lines are: What would I do without your smart mouth? // Drawing me in and you kicking me out // You’ve got my head spinning, no kidding // I can’t pin you down // What’s going on in that beautiful mind? // I’m on your magical mystery ride // And I’m so dizzy, don’t know what hit me // But I’ll be alright // Cause all of me // Loves all of you // Love your curves and all your edges // All your perfect imperfections // Give your all to me // I’ll give my all to you // You’re my end and my beginning // Even when I lose I’m winning
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is not very obvious, as it focuses more on mutual and reciprocated love. However, the song could be interpreted as a message of gratitude and admiration for someone who is deeply loved. However, the song could be interpreted as a message of gratitude and admiration for someone who is deeply loved. The song also explores the themes of vulnerability, commitment, and intimacy.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming Legend’s first #1 single in the US. It was also #1 in 18 other countries including UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
The song won two Grammy Awards in 2015 for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015 for its use in the film Selma, but lost to Glory by Common and Legend himself.
The song’s music video was directed by Nabil Elderkin and features Legend and Teigen’s actual wedding footage from their ceremony in Lake Como, Italy. The video has over 2.2 billion views on YouTube.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Boyce Avenue, Glee Cast, Jasmine Thompson, Pentatonix, and Postmodern Jukebox.
21. Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
This is a pop song by Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, released in 2018 as the third single from his debut extended play Breach and later included on his debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. The song was written by Capaldi, Tom Barnes, Pete Kelleher, Ben Kohn, and Sam Roman, and produced by TMS.
The song was inspired by Capaldi’s breakup with his girlfriend and his grandmother’s death.The song’s lyrics are sad and emotional, expressing the grief and loneliness of losing someone you love. The song is sung from the perspective of a man who feels lost and broken after his partner left him and who misses the way she supported him. Some of the poignant lines are: “I’m going under and this time I fear there’s no one to save me // This all or nothing really got a way of driving me crazy // I need somebody to heal, somebody to know // Somebody to have, somebody to hold // It’s easy to say but it’s never the same // I guess I kinda liked the way you numbed all the pain // Now the day bleeds into nightfall // And you’re not here to get me through it all // I let my guard down and then you pulled the rug // I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved“.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is clear, as it portrays the feeling of being heartbroken and abandoned by someone who was once loved. The song also explores the themes of dependency, regret, and coping.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching #1 in 10 countries including UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2020 but lost to Bad Guy by Billie Eilish.
The song’s music video was directed by Phil Beastall and features actor Peter Capaldi (Lewis’ distant relative) as a widower who receives his late wife’s heart transplant. The video has over 183 million views on YouTube.
The song has been praised for its raw and honest lyrics and vocals by critics and fans alike. Capaldi himself has described the song as “the most personal thing” he has ever written.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Camila Cabell, Boyce Avenue, GleeCast, Pentatonix, and Postmodern Jukebox.
22. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
This is a romantic ballad by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released on March 3, 2017 as the fourth single from his third studio album ÷ (Divide). The song was written by Sheeran and produced by him and Will Hicks. It peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, as well as in several other countries.
The lyrics of “Perfect” express Sheeran’s love and admiration for his girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn, whom he met when they were both students at Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham, Suffolk. He sings about how he found his soulmate and how they are perfect for each other.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between Sheeran’s idealised vision of his relationship and the reality of someone who does not feel the same way. The song can be seen as a stage of denial, where Ed Sheeran refuses to accept that his love might not be reciprocated. He focuses on the positive aspects of his partner and their connection while ignoring any signs of trouble or rejection.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Sheeran revealed that he wrote “Perfect” for Seaborn after they reconnected in 2015, when she was working on Wall Street. He said: “I went on tour again, and then I went to Taylor Swift’s 4th of July party. I was texting [Seaborn], and she was like, ‘I’m in Rhode Island at a 4th of July party,’ and I was like, ‘So am I.’ I kinda said to Taylor, ‘Can I invite one of my old schoolmates?’ The rest is history.”
Sheeran also said that he wanted to write the best love song of his career with “Perfect”. He said: “I tried to write the best love song that I could that was 100% me. I didn’t want it to be watered down or generic; I wanted it to be very personal and about me.”
The music video for “Perfect” was directed by Jason Koenig and filmed in Hintertux, Austria. It stars Sheeran and American actress Zoey Deutch as a couple who enjoy a ski trip together. The video had over 3.3 billion views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song has several remixes and alternate versions, including a duet with Beyoncé titled “Perfect Duet,” a collaboration with Andrea Bocelli titled “Perfect Symphony,” and an acoustic version titled “Perfect (Acoustic).”
The song won two Grammy Awards in 2018: Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Song Written for Visual Media (for its inclusion in the animated film Ferdinand).
23. “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey
This is an R&B and pop song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It was released on March 15, 2005, as the second single from her tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi. The song was written by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, Johntá Austin, Darnell Bristol, Kenneth Edmonds, Sidney DeWayne, and Bobby Womack. It was produced by Carey, Dupri, and Seal. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, becoming one of the longest-running number-one songs in history.
The lyrics of “We Belong Together” express Carey’s anguish and desperation after a breakup with her lover. She sings about how she misses him and how they belong together. She references several songs that remind her of him, such as “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” by Bobby Womack and “Two Occasions” by The Deele.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between Carey’s longing for her ex and his indifference or absence. The song can be seen as a stage of bargaining, where Carey tries to convince herself and him that they can still make it work. She focuses on the past memories and the emotional bond they had, while ignoring the reasons why they broke up.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Carey revealed that she wrote “We Belong Together” in one day with Dupri and Seal in Atlanta. She said, “We were just sitting there bouncing off ideas. And then I heard this melody, and I was like, ‘That’s it.’ And then we just wrote it really quickly.”
Carey also said that she wanted to write a song that was universal and timeless with “We Belong Together”. She said, “I wanted to make a record that people could relate to for years to come. A song that you hear on the radio and you’re like, ‘That’s my song.’”
The music video for “We Belong Together” was directed by Brett Ratner and filmed in Los Angeles. It stars Carey and actor Wentworth Miller as a couple who are about to get married, but Carey realises that she still loves her ex-boyfriend (played by Eric Roberts). The video had over 500 million views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song won three Grammy Awards in 2006: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Album (for The Emancipation of Mimi). It also won two Billboard Music Awards in 2005: Hot 100 Single of the Year and Hot 100 Airplay Single of the Year.
The song has been covered by several artists, such as Ariana Grande, Boyz II Men, Gavin DeGraw, and Randy Jackson.
24. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
This is a pop and adult contemporary song by Canadian singer Celine Dion. It was released on November 24, 1997, as the main theme for the film Titanic. The song was composed by James Horner and Will Jennings. It was produced by Horner, Walter Afanasieff, and Simon Franglen. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over 18 million copies sold worldwide.
The lyrics of “My Heart Will Go On” express Dion’s love and devotion for her lover, who died in the sinking of the Titanic. She sings about how their hearts will go on and how they will always be together in her dreams. The song is in the key of E major and has a tempo of 99 beats per minute.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between Dion’s eternal love and her lover’s death. The song can be seen as a stage of acceptance, where Dion acknowledges her loss but also celebrates her love. She focuses on the spiritual connection and the memory they shared, while accepting the reality of their separation.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Dion initially did not want to record “My Heart Will Go On” because she felt she had done too many movie songs. She agreed to do a demo after being persuaded by her husband and manager, René Angélil. She recorded it in one take, and that version was used for the final release.
Horner also had to convince director James Cameron to use the song in the film, as Cameron felt it would be too sentimental. Horner secretly arranged with Jennings to write the lyrics and recorded a demo with Dion. He then played it to Cameron after a screening of Titanic, who was moved by it and agreed to include it.
The song won four Grammy Awards in 1999: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media. It also won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1998.
The music video for “My Heart Will Go On” was directed by Bille Woodruff and filmed in Los Angeles. It features Dion singing in a studio, intercut with scenes from Titanic. The video had over 1 billion views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Il Divo, Kenny G, New Found Glory, and Postmodern Jukebox.
25. “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys
This is a pop and teen pop song by the American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on April 12, 1999, as the lead single from their third studio album, Millennium. The song was written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson. It was produced by Martin and Kristian Lundin. It became one of the most successful songs of the late 1990s, reaching number one in more than 25 countries.
The lyrics of “I Want It That Way” are ambiguous and contradictory, as they express both desire and regret for a relationship. The songwriters have admitted that they did not pay much attention to the meaning of the words but focused on the melody and the catchy chorus.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between the singer’s wishes and the reality of their situation. The song can be seen as a stage of confusion, where the singer does not know what they want or how they feel. They express their love and their pain, but also their acceptance of the way things are.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The band initially did not like “I Want It That Way” because they felt it was too pop-oriented and did not fit their image. They recorded an alternative version with different lyrics, titled “No Goodbyes”, but decided to stick with the original after getting positive feedback from their fans and radio stations.
The song was inspired by the Swedish band Ace of Base, who were also managed by Martin. Martin said, “I wanted to make a song that had that kind of groove that they have in their songs.”
The music video for “I Want It That Way” was directed by Wayne Isham and filmed at Los Angeles International Airport. It features the band singing and dancing in an aeroplane hangar and on a runway. The video had over 900 million views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2000: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It also won two MTV Video Music Awards in 1999: Viewer’s Choice and Best Pop Video.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Charli XCX, One Direction, Ryan Adams, and Weird Al Yankovic.
26. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction
This is a pop and teen pop song by the English-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released on September 11, 2011 as the lead single from their debut studio album, Up All Night. The song was written by Savan Kotecha and Rami Yacoub. It was produced by Yacoub and Carl Falk. It became one of the most successful songs of the early 2010s, reaching number one in several countries and selling over seven million copies worldwide.
The lyrics of “What Makes You Beautiful” are about a boy trying to boost his partner’s self-esteem by proclaiming his love to them. He sings about how they don’t know how beautiful they are and how that makes them even more attractive to him.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between the singer’s admiration and his partner’s insecurity. The song can be seen as a stage of attraction, where the singer tries to impress his partner and make them feel special. He focuses on the physical and emotional qualities that make them unique while hoping they will notice him.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The band initially did not like “What Makes You Beautiful” because they felt it was too cheesy and cliché. They changed their minds after hearing the final version and seeing the fans’ reaction to it.
The song was inspired by the American band The Monkees, who were also known for their catchy pop songs and boyish charm. Kotecha said, “We wanted to do something that was fun, something that wasn’t taking itself too seriously.”
The music video for “What Makes You Beautiful” was directed by John Urbano and filmed in Malibu, California. It features the band having fun at the beach with some girls. The video had over 1.4 billion views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song won three Brit Awards in 2012: Best British Single, Best British Music Video, and Best British Breakthrough Act. It also won two MTV Video Music Awards in 2012: Best New Artist and Best Pop Video.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as The Piano Guys, Glee Cast, Big Time Rush, and Kidz Bop.
27. “You and Me” by Lifehouse
This is a rock and pop rock song by American alternative rock band Lifehouse. It was released on January 28, 2005, as the first single from their third studio album, Lifehouse. The song was written by lead singer Jason Wade and producer Jude Cole. It was produced by John Alagía. It became one of the most successful songs of the mid-2000s, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult Top 40.
The lyrics of “You and Me” are about a couple who are deeply in love and enjoy spending time together. They sing about how they don’t need anything else but each other and how they feel like they are living in a dream. The song is in the key of A major and has a tempo of 76 beats per minute.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between the singer’s happiness and his partner’s uncertainty. The song can be seen as a stage of hope, where the singer tries to reassure his partner and make them feel secure. He focuses on the present moment and the simple things that make them happy, while hoping they will stay together.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The band initially did not plan to release “You and Me” as a single, but changed their minds after hearing it on the radio. Wade said: “We were driving in L.A. one day, and we heard it on KROQ. We were like, ‘Wow, this is cool.’ We didn’t even know they were playing it.”
The song was inspired by Wade’s relationship with his wife, Braeden, whom he married in 2001. He said: “It’s just a simple love song about being with someone that makes you feel like you’re living in a dream.”
The music video for “You and Me” was directed by Bill Yukich and filmed in Los Angeles. It features the band performing in an empty theatre, intercut with scenes of couples spending time together. The video had over 178 million views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song was nominated for two Billboard Music Awards in 2006: Hot 100 Song of the Year and Digital Song of the Year. It also won an ASCAP Pop Music Award in 2006 for Most Performed Song.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Boyce Avenue, David Cook, Matt Johnson and Alex Goot.
28. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
This is a rock and alternative rock song by the American rock band Goo Goo Dolls. It was released on April 1, 1998, as the main theme for the film City of Angels. The song was written by lead singer John Rzeznik and produced by Rzeznik, Rob Cavallo, and the Goo Goo Dolls. It became one of the most popular songs of the late 1990s, reaching number one in several countries and number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics of “Iris” are about a man who is willing to give up everything to be with his lover, who is an angel. He sings about how he feels connected to her and how he does not want the world to see him. The song is in the key of D major and has a tempo of 76 beats per minute.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between the singer’s devotion and his lover’s impossibility. The song can be seen as a stage of desperation, where the singer tries to overcome the barriers that separate him from his lover. He focuses on the intensity and purity of his love while hiding his true self.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The band initially did not like “Iris” because they felt it was too different from their usual style. They changed their minds after hearing it on the radio and seeing the fans’ response to it.
The song was inspired by the film City of Angels, which is a remake of the German film Wings of Desire. Rzeznik said, “I was thinking about the situation of the Nicolas Cage character in the movie. This guy is completely willing to give up his own immortality, just to be able to feel something very human.”
The song was named after Iris DeMent, a country folk singer-songwriter whom Rzeznik saw in a concert listing in a newspaper. He said, “I just liked her name.”
The music video for “Iris” was directed by Nancy Bardawil and filmed in Los Angeles. It features the band performing on top of a building, intercut with scenes from City of Angels. The video had over 411 million views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song won three Billboard Music Awards in 1998: Top Hot 100 Song, Top Adult Top 40 Track, and Top Soundtrack Single. It also won an ASCAP Pop Music Award in 1999 for Most Performed Song.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Ronan Keating, Sleeping with Sirens, Boyce Avenue, and Kina Grannis.
29. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
This is a rock and alternative rock song by the Northern Irish-Scottish rock band Snow Patrol. It was released on June 6, 2006, in the US and July 24, 2006, in the UK as the second single from their fourth studio album, Eyes Open. The song was written by lead singer Gary Lightbody and produced by Jacknife Lee. It became one of the most popular songs of the mid-2000s, reaching number six on the UK Singles Chart and number five on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics of “Chasing Cars” are about a couple who are deeply in love and want to escape from the world. They sing about how they don’t need anything else but each other and how they just want to lie together and forget everything else. The song is in the key of A major and has a tempo of 104 beats per minute.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between the singer’s bliss and his lover’s fate. The song can be seen as a stage of denial, where the singer tries to ignore the reality of their situation and live in a fantasy. He focuses on the present moment and the simple things that make them happy, while avoiding the future.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The band initially did not plan to release “Chasing Cars” as a single, but changed their minds after hearing it on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy, which boosted its popularity. Lightbody said: “We were blown away by how much love there was for it.”
The song was inspired by Lightbody’s father, who once told him: “You’re like a dog chasing a car. You’ll never catch it and you just wouldn’t know what to do with it if you did.” Lightbody said, “I thought that was a brilliant analogy for most relationships I’ve had.”
The music video for “Chasing Cars” was directed by Nathan Connolly and filmed in London. It features the band lying on a floor covered with Polaroid photos of themselves. The video had over 318 million views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song won an Ivor Novello Award in 2007 for Best Selling British Single. It also won an ASCAP Pop Music Award in 2008 for Most Performed Song.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Ed Sheeran, Kelly Clarkson, The Wind and The Wave, and Sleeping at Last.
30. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
This is a pop and acoustic song by English singer and songwriter James Arthur. It was released on September 9, 2016 as the lead single from his second studio album, Back from the Edge. The song was written by Arthur, Neil Ormandy, and Steve Solomon. It was produced by Solomon. It became one of the most successful songs of the late 2010s, reaching number one in several countries and selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
The lyrics of “Say You Won’t Let Go” are about a man who is deeply in love with his partner and vows to stay with them forever. He sings about how they met, how they grew together, and how he wants to grow old with them. The song is in the key of Bb major and has a tempo of 85 beats per minute.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between the singer’s commitment and his partner’s uncertainty. Where the singer tries to express his feelings and make his partner feel secure. He focuses on the future and the promises he makes, hoping they will last.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The song was inspired by Arthur’s relationship with his girlfriend, Jessica Grist, whom he met on The X Factor in 2012. He said, “I wanted to write the type of song that guys would want to play for their girlfriends.”
The song was also influenced by Arthur’s admiration for Ed Sheeran, who is known for his romantic ballads. Arthur said: “I’m a massive fan of Ed Sheeran. I think he’s paved the way for singer-songwriters like me.“
The music video for “Say You Won’t Let Go” was directed by Felix Urbauer and filmed in London. It features Arthur and actress Jessica Grist as a couple who go through different stages of their relationship. The video had over 1.5 billion views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song won two Brit Awards in 2017: British Single of the Year and British Video of the Year. It also won an ASCAP Pop Music Award in 2018 for Most Performed Song.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Machine Gun Kelly, and Anne-Marie.
Anger
This is the stage where you feel angry at yourself, at them, or at the situation. You blame yourself for falling for someone who doesn’t love you back, or you blame them for leading you on, hurting you, or rejecting you. You feel betrayed, resentful, and bitter. You want to lash out, get revenge, or make them regret losing you.
Some of the songs at Anger stage of Unrequited Love:
31. “IDGAF”—Dua Lipa: This is a pop song by the British singer Dua Lipa, released in 2018. The song is about being over an ex who cheated on her and trying to get back with her. The lyrics express her indifference and defiance towards him, such as “You say you’re sorry, but it’s too late now / So save it, get gone, shut up.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she has moved on from a toxic relationship and does not care about his feelings anymore.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The song was co-written by MNEK, who also produced it and sang backing vocals.
The song’s music video features Dua Lipa facing off against herself in two different outfits, representing her inner conflict and empowerment.
The song won the award for Best Single at the 2019 Brit Awards.
32. “I Hate Everything About You” by Three Days Grace: This is a rock song by the Canadian band Three Days Grace, released in 2003. The song is about a dysfunctional relationship that is based on hate and addiction. The lyrics describe how the narrator hates everything about his partner, but still can’t live without them, such as “I hate everything about you / Why do I love you?” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how the narrator is trapped in a cycle of abuse and dependency that he can’t escape.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The song was the band’s debut single and their first hit.
The song’s music video was directed by Scott Winig, who also directed videos for Aerosmith and Bon Jovi.
The song was featured in the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.
33. “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem: This is a rap song by the American rapper Eminem, featuring the Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2010. The song is about a violent and turbulent relationship that is fueled by passion and anger. The lyrics depict how the narrator and his partner hurt each other physically and emotionally, but still can’t let go of each other, such as “Just gonna stand there and watch me burn / But that’s alright because I like the way it hurts.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how the narrator is obsessed with his partner and can’t break free from their destructive bond.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The song was co-written by Skylar Grey, who also sang the demo version of the chorus.
The song’s music video was directed by Joseph Kahn, who also directed videos for Taylor Swift and Britney Spears.
The song won four Grammy Awards in 2011, including Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
34. “Everything About You” by Ugly Kid Joe: This is a rock song by the American band Ugly Kid Joe, released in 1992. The song is about a sarcastic and humorous rant against a former lover who annoyed the narrator with everything she did. The lyrics list all the things that the narrator hated about his ex, such as “I hate the rain and sunny weather / And I hate beach and mountains too / And I don’t like a thing about the city / No no / And I hate everything about you.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how the narrator is bitter and resentful towards his ex and does not miss her at all.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was inspired by a real-life breakup that the band’s lead singer Whitfield Crane had with his girlfriend.
The song’s music video features a cameo appearance by Julia Sweeney as her character Pat from Saturday Night Live.
The song was covered by several artists, including Harry Connick Jr., Weird Al Yankovic, and One Direction.
35. “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish: This is a playful and bass-heavy pop song that flaunts a rebellious and confident persona. The song was released in 2019 as the fifth single from Billie Eilish’s debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?.
The song features Billie Eilish’s whispery vocals and a minimalist instrumentation, as well as a surprising tempo change at the end.
The song’s lyrics are about challenging a lover’s masculinity and dominance, and claiming to be the bad guy in the relationship. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need to conform to someone else’s expectations or standards. You can be yourself and have fun and not care about what others think.
“So you’re a tough guy / Like it really rough guy / Just can’t get enough guy / Chest always so puffed guy / I’m that bad type / Make your mama sad type / Make your girlfriend mad tight / Might seduce your dad type / I’m the bad guy.”
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
Billie Eilish is a singer, songwriter, and producer who was born and raised in Los Angeles. She started writing songs at 11 and rose to fame after uploading her debut single, Ocean Eyes, on SoundCloud in 2015. She has won seven Grammys, two American Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and three Billboard Music Awards. She is known for her unique style and genre-blending music.
Billie Eilish said that she wrote Bad Guy with her brother and collaborator Finneas O’Connell, who also produced the song. She said that the song was inspired by her own personality and experiences. She said, “I just wanted to make something that makes people feel bad. I love making fun of people.”
The song has a colourful and surreal music video that features Billie Eilish in various scenarios, such as dancing with backup dancers, bleeding from her nose, sitting on a man’s back, and driving a car. The video was directed by Dave Meyers, who also directed the videos for No Tears Left to Cry by Ariana Grande and Humble by Kendrick Lamar. The video has over 1.2 billion views on YouTube and has won several awards, such as an MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 2019.
The song became Billie Eilish’s first number-one single in the US and her second number-one single in the UK. It also topped the charts in several other countries, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway. It was the second-best-selling single of 2019 worldwide.
The song received several nominations and awards, such as a Grammy for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 2020, an American Music Award for Favourite Alternative Rock Song in 2019, and a Billboard Music Award for Top Hot 100 Song in 2020.
The song has been remixed by several artists, such as Justin Bieber, Tiësto, Sofi Tukker, and PatrickReza.
36. “Take a Bow” by Rihanna: This is a smooth and sassy R&B song that mocks an ex who tries to apologise after cheating. The song was released in 2008 as the first single from the re-release of Rihanna’s third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded. The song features Rihanna’s soulful vocals and a piano-driven melody, as well as a sarcastic chorus that tells the ex to take a bow for his performance.
The song’s lyrics are about rejecting an ex who begs for forgiveness and exposes his lies. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need to accept someone who doesn’t respect you. You can be confident and assertive and call him out for his actions.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Rihanna is a singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman who was born in Barbados. She moved to the US at 16 to pursue her music career and has since become one of the best-selling artists of all time. She has won nine Grammys, 13 American Music Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. She has also launched her own fashion and beauty brands, such as Fenty, Savage X Fenty, and Fenty Beauty.
Rihanna said that she recorded Take a Bow in one take and that it was one of her favourite songs on the album. She said, “It’s a song that everybody can relate to because it’s about breaking up with someone and having them want you back after they’ve done you wrong.”
The song was written and produced by StarGate and Ne-Yo, who also collaborated with Rihanna on her hit songs Unfaithful, Hate That I Love You, and Diamonds. Ne-Yo said that he wrote the song from a male perspective and that he originally wanted to keep it for himself. He said, “I had no idea how powerful the song was until I heard her sing it.”
The song has a simple music video that features Rihanna walking around various locations in Venice, California. The video was directed by Anthony Mandler, who also directed the videos for Disturbia, Russian Roulette, and Man Down by Rihanna. The video has over 600 million views on YouTube and has been nominated for several awards, such as an MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video in 2008.
The song became Rihanna’s third number-one single in the US and her fifth number-one single in the UK. It also topped the charts in several other countries, such as Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It was the eighth-best-selling digital single of 2008 worldwide.
The song has been covered by several artists, such as Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Glee Cast, Little Mix, and Kidz Bop.
37. “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake: This is a smooth and dramatic R&B song that expresses betrayal and anger after a breakup. The song was released in 2002 as the second single from Justin Timberlake’s debut solo album, Justified. The song features Justin Timberlake’s falsetto vocals and a hip-hop-influenced beat, as well as an orchestral interlude and a rap verse by Timbaland.
The song’s lyrics are about confronting an ex who cheated and lied and telling her to cry for him. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need to forgive someone who has hurt you. You can be cold and vengeful and move on with your life.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Justin Timberlake is a singer, songwriter, actor, and producer who rose to fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC. He has sold over 32 million albums and 56 million singles worldwide and has won 10 Grammys, four Emmys, and nine Billboard Music Awards. He is also known for his roles in movies such as The Social Network, Friends with Benefits, and Trolls.
Justin Timberlake said that he wrote Cry Me a River with the help of Scott Storch and Timbaland, who also produced the song. He said that the song was inspired by his personal experiences and emotions. He said, “I had been scorned. I had been pissed off. The feelings I had were so strong I had to write it.“
The song was widely rumoured to be about Britney Spears, who was Justin Timberlake’s girlfriend for three years before they broke up in 2002 amid allegations of infidelity. Although Justin Timberlake never confirmed or denied the rumours, he admitted that he played the song for Britney Spears before releasing it. He said, “She heard me sing it, and she looked at me stupid.”
The song has a cinematic music video that features Justin Timberlake breaking into the house of his ex-girlfriend, who resembles Britney Spears, and taking revenge on her by filming himself with another woman in her bed. The video was directed by Francis Lawrence, who also directed the videos for I’m a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears and Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. The video has over 465 million views on YouTube and has won several awards, such as an MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video in 2003.
The song became Justin Timberlake’s first top-ten hit in the US and his second top-ten hit in the UK. It also reached the top ten in several other countries, such as Canada, Australia, Germany, and France. It was certified platinum by the RIAA and silver by the BPI.
The song received critical acclaim for its production, lyrics, and vocals, but also controversy for its alleged reference to Britney Spears and its revenge theme. Some critics also compared the song to Cry Me a River by Ella Fitzgerald, which had a similar title but a different meaning.
The song has been covered by several artists, such as Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis, Lostprophets, Glen Hansard, and Kidz Bop.
38. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child: This is a fierce and upbeat R&B song that declares independence and resilience after a breakup. The song was released in 2001 as the lead single from Destiny’s Child’s third studio album of the same name. The song features Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams’ harmonious vocals and a catchy hook, as well as a rap verse that addresses their former bandmates who left the group.
The song’s lyrics are about overcoming a relationship that tried to tear them down and proving their critics wrong. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need to depend on someone who doesn’t appreciate you. You can be strong and successful and survive on your own.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Destiny’s Child was a girl group that was formed in Houston, Texas, in 1990. The group went through several lineup changes before settling on the trio of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams in 2000. The group has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has won several awards, including four Grammys and two MTV Video Music Awards. The group disbanded in 2006 to pursue solo careers but has reunited occasionally for special performances.
Destiny’s Child said that they wrote Survivor with the help of Anthony Dent and Mathew Knowles, who also produced the song. They said that the song was inspired by their personal experiences and the media’s negative portrayal of them. They said, “We wrote the song for everyone who has ever been through something hard in their life.”
The song was reportedly aimed at LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, who were original members of Destiny’s Child but left the group in 2000 due to management issues. The two former members filed a lawsuit against the group for defamation, claiming that the song violated a previous agreement that prohibited either party from making negative comments about each other. The lawsuit was settled out of court in 2002.
The song has an iconic music video that features Destiny’s Child stranded on an island after a plane crash. The video was directed by Darren Grant, who also directed the videos for Say My Name and Jumpin’ Jumpin’ by Destiny’s Child. The video has over 170 million views on YouTube and has been parodied by several comedians, such as Dave Chappelle and MADtv.
The song became Destiny’s Child’s fourth number one single in the US and their second number-one single in the UK. It also topped the charts in several other countries, such as Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It was the eleventh best-selling single of 2001 worldwide.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised Destiny’s Child’s vocals and attitude but criticised the song’s repetitiveness and lack of originality. Some critics also compared the song to I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, which had a similar theme.
The song has been covered by several artists, such as Daughtry, Glee Cast, Little Mix, and Kidz Bop.
39. “Shout Out to My Ex” by Little Mix: This is a pop song that celebrates the freedom and empowerment of a woman who has moved on from a bad breakup. The singer says that she is over her ex and that she doesn’t care about him anymore. She says that he was a waste of time and that he didn’t deserve her love. She says that she is happier and stronger without him and that she thanks him for making her who she is.
The song was released in 2016 as the lead single from Little Mix’s fourth album Glory Days. It was written by Camille Purcell, Iain James, Edvard Førre Erfjord and Henrik Michelsen. It was a huge hit for Little Mix, becoming their fourth UK #1 single and their first #1 single in Australia. It also won a Brit Award for British Single of the Year in 2017.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the denial and defiance of someone who has been hurt by someone who didn’t love them back. The singer pretends that she is fine and that she has no regrets or feelings for her ex. She tries to convince herself and others that she is better off without him and that he was nothing to her. She is stuck in a state of denial and revenge.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was widely speculated to be about Perrie Edwards’ ex-fiancé Zayn Malik, who broke up with her via text message in 2015.
The song has a music video that features Little Mix driving through the desert and having fun with their friends while throwing away their exes’ belongings.
The song has been praised by critics for its catchy chorus and its feminist message, as well as Little Mix’s vocal harmonies and sass.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Anne-Marie, James Arthur, Fifth Harmony, and CNCO.
40. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele: This is a pop song by the British singer Adele, released in 2010. The song is about a woman who vows to get revenge on her ex-lover who broke her heart. The lyrics describe how she will make him regret his decision, such as “We could have had it all / Rolling in the deep / You had my heart inside of your hand / And you played it to the beat.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is angry and determined to move on from a failed relationship and find someone better.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Paul Epworth, who also produced it and played drums on it.
The song’s music video was directed by Sam Brown, who also directed videos for Foo Fighters and Jay-Z.
The song won six Grammy Awards in 2012, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
41. “F*ck You” by CeeLo Green: This is a soul song by the American singer CeeLo Green, released in 2010. The song is about a man who curses his ex-girlfriend who left him for a richer man. The lyrics express his resentment and sarcasm towards her, such as “I see you driving ’round town with the girl I love / And I’m like / Fck you / And fck her too.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how he is hurt and angry by her betrayal and materialism.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Bruno Mars, who also sang backing vocals on it.
The song’s music video features a young CeeLo Green singing the song in different settings, such as a diner, a school bus, and a concert hall.
The song was nominated for five Grammy Awards in 2011, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
42. “So What” by Pink: This is a pop song by the American singer Pink, released in 2008. The song is about a woman who celebrates her independence and freedom after a divorce. The lyrics express her defiance and confidence towards her ex-husband, such as “So what / I’m still a rock star / I got my rock moves / And I don’t need you.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is happy and proud to be single and does not need his approval or support.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Max Martin, who also produced it and played guitar on it.
The song’s music video features Pink performing various stunts, such as riding a lawnmower, crashing a wedding, and swinging from a rope.
The song won the award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2009 Grammy Awards.
43. “I Don’t Fuck With You” by Big Sean: This is a bold and explicit hip-hop song that dismisses an ex who tries to get back together. The song was released in 2014 as the lead single from Big Sean’s third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise. The song features Big Sean’s confident rap and a guest verse by E-40, as well as a catchy chorus and a trap beat.
The song’s lyrics are about ignoring an ex who cheated and lied and focusing on his own success and happiness. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need to waste your time and energy on someone who doesn’t deserve you. You can be proud and unbothered and fuck with yourself.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Big Sean is a rapper, songwriter, and actor who was born in Detroit, Michigan. He signed with Kanye West’s label, GOOD Music, in 2007 and has since released five studio albums and several mixtapes. He has collaborated with artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and John Legend. He has won three BET Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award.
Big Sean said that he wrote I Don’t Fuck With You with the help of DJ Mustard, Kanye West, DJ Dahi, Mike Free, Key Wane, and E-40, who also produced the song. He said that the song was inspired by his personal experiences and emotions. He said, “It’s just me reflecting on my life and bossing up on somebody who wasn’t right for me.”
The song was widely rumoured to be about Naya Rivera, who was Big Sean’s fiancée before they broke up in 2014 amid allegations of infidelity. Although Big Sean never confirmed or denied the rumours, he admitted that he wrote the song before they split. He said, “I wasn’t surprised by it because I already wrote it.”
The song has a humorous music video that features Big Sean as a football player who leads his team to victory against his rival team. The video also features cameos by Kanye West, DJ Mustard, Teyana Taylor, and E-40. The video was directed by Lawrence Lamont, who also directed the videos for Bounce Back and Moves by Big Sean. The video has over 382 million views on YouTube and has been nominated for several awards, such as an MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video in 2015.
The song became Big Sean’s third top-ten hit in the US and his first top-ten hit in the UK. It also reached the top ten in several other countries, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark. It was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA and gold by the BPI.
The song has been remixed by several artists, such as Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, and Kidz Bop.
44. “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon: This is a pop song by the American singer Carly Simon, released in 1972. The song is about a narcissistic and arrogant man who thinks that everything revolves around him. The lyrics mock his vanity and ego, such as “You’re so vain / You probably think this song is about you / You’re so vain / I’ll bet you think this song is about you / Don’t you?” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is amused and annoyed by his self-centeredness and does not care about him anymore.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-produced by Richard Perry, who also produced songs for Barbra Streisand and Ringo Starr.
The song’s music video features Carly Simon singing the song in various locations, such as a beach, a studio, and a concert hall.
The song’s subject has been a mystery for decades, with many speculating that it could be Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty, or James Taylor.
45. “I Don’t Care” by Fall Out Boy: This is a rock song by the American band Fall Out Boy, released in 2008. The song is about a rebellious and cynical attitude towards society and its expectations. The lyrics express how the narrator does not care about anything or anyone, such as “I don’t care what you think / As long as it’s about me / The best of us can find happiness in misery.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how the narrator is indifferent and detached from his emotions and relationships.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Butch Walker, who also produced it and played guitar on it.
The song’s music video features various celebrities and public figures, such as Pharrell Williams, Mark Hoppus, and Pete Wentz’s ex-wife Ashlee Simpson.
The song was nominated for the award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 2010 Grammy Awards.
46. “You Need To Calm Down” by Taylor Swift: This is a pop song by the American singer Taylor Swift, released in 2019. The song is about a response to online haters and trolls who criticize and bully her and others. The lyrics express her frustration and sarcasm towards them, such as “You are somebody that I don’t know / But you’re taking shots at me like it’s Patrón / And I’m just like damn / It’s 7 AM.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is annoyed and amused by their negativity and does not let them affect her happiness.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Joel Little, who also produced it and played keyboards on it.
The song’s music video features various celebrities and LGBTQ+ icons, such as Ellen DeGeneres, Ryan Reynolds, and RuPaul.
The song won the award for Video of the Year at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
47. “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit: This is a rock song by the American band Limp Bizkit, released in 2000. The song is about a rage and aggression towards everything and everyone. The lyrics describe how the narrator feels like breaking stuff when he has a bad day, such as “It’s just one of those days / When you don’t wanna wake up / Everything is f*cked / Everybody sucks.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how the narrator is angry and violent towards his ex and anyone who crosses his path.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was produced by Terry Date, who also produced songs for Deftones and Soundgarden.
The song’s music video features various celebrities and musicians, such as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Jonathan Davis.
The song was featured in the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.
48. “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé: This is a pop song by the American singer Beyoncé, released in 2006. The song is about a woman who dumps her cheating boyfriend and tells him to leave her house. The lyrics express her confidence and independence towards him, such as “To the left, to the left / Everything you own in the box to the left / In the closet that’s my stuff / Yes if I bought it please don’t touch.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is strong and self-reliant and does not need him in her life.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Ne-Yo, who also sang backing vocals on it.
The song’s music video was directed by Anthony Mandler, who also directed videos for Rihanna and Drake.
The song won the award for Best R&B Song at the 2008 Grammy Awards.
49. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift: This is a pop song by the American singer Taylor Swift, featuring the American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released in 2015. The song is about a feud between two former friends who betrayed each other. The lyrics express her anger and disappointment towards her ex-friend, such as “Now we got problems / And I don’t think we can solve them / You made a really deep cut / And baby now we got bad blood.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is hurt and bitter by her ex-friend’s actions and wants to get back at her.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Max Martin and Shellback, who also produced it.
The song’s music video features various celebrities and models, such as Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, and Jessica Alba.
The song won the award for Best Music Video at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
50. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor: This is a disco song by the American singer Gloria Gaynor, released in 1978. The song is about a woman who overcomes a breakup and declares her independence and resilience. The lyrics express her determination and optimism towards her ex-lover, such as “Oh no not I / I will survive / Oh as long as I know how to love / I know I’ll stay alive.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is proud and confident and does not need his love to survive.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, who also produced it.
The song’s music video features Gloria Gaynor singing the song in various outfits and locations, such as a studio, a park, and a nightclub.
The song won the award for Best Disco Recording at the 1980 Grammy Awards.
51. “Hit ‘Em Up Style” by Blu Cantrell: This is a sassy and upbeat R&B song that tells a story of revenge on a cheating partner. The song was released in 2001 as the debut single from Blu Cantrell’s debut album, So Blu. The song features Blu Cantrell’s powerful vocals and a funky groove, as well as a rap verse by Foxy Brown on the remix version.
The song’s lyrics are about spending all the money of an unfaithful lover and leaving him with nothing. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need to put up with someone who doesn’t treat you right. You can be smart and cunning and hit ’em up where it hurts.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Blu Cantrell is a singer and songwriter who was born in Providence, Rhode Island. She started her career as a backup singer for artists such as Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and Aaron Hall. She has released two studio albums and several singles, including Breathe, which features Sean Paul. She has been nominated for two Grammys and one MTV Video Music Award.
Blu Cantrell said that she wrote Hit ‘Em Up Style with the help of Dallas Austin, who also produced the song. She said that the song was inspired by her own experiences and emotions. She said, “I was going through a bad breakup at the time. I was angry and hurt, and I wanted to get back at him.”
The song was originally intended for TLC, but they passed on it. Blu Cantrell said that she was glad that she got to record the song for herself. She said, “I think it was meant for me. It fit my personality and my voice.”
The song has a colourful and retro music video that features Blu Cantrell in various outfits and locations, such as a mall, a salon, a car wash, and a casino. The video also features cameos by Nick Cannon, Trina, and Dallas Austin. The video was directed by Dave Meyers, who also directed the videos for Lose Control by Missy Elliott, Rockstar by Nickelback, and God Is a Woman by Ariana Grande. The video has over 59 million views on YouTube and was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video in 2001.
The song became Blu Cantrell’s first top ten hit in the US and her first number one hit in the UK. It also reached the top ten in several other countries, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. It was certified gold by the RIAA and silver by the BPI.
The song has been covered by several artists, such as Carolina Chocolate Drops, Coco Worth, Glee Cast, Little Mix, and Kidz Bop.
52. “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna: This is a soul song by the Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2016. The song is about a passionate and turbulent relationship that is both addictive and abusive. The lyrics describe how the narrator feels torn between love and pain, such as “It beats me black and blue but it f*cks me so good / And I can’t get enough / Must be love on the brain.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is obsessed and conflicted with her lover and can’t leave him despite his mistreatment.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Fred Ball, who also produced it and played piano on it.
The song’s music video features Rihanna performing the song live at various venues, such as the Billboard Music Awards and the Global Citizen Festival.
The song was nominated for the award for Best R&B Performance at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
53. “Hell No” by Ingrid Michaelson: This is a pop song by the American singer Ingrid Michaelson, released in 2016. The song is about a woman who rejects her ex-boyfriend’s attempts to get back with her. The lyrics express her refusal and empowerment towards him, such as “I don’t need your love / No no no no / I don’t need your love / ‘Cause I already cried enough.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is over him and does not want him in her life anymore.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Luke Laird, who also produced it and played guitar on it.
The song’s music video features Ingrid Michaelson using various Snapchat filters to sing along to the song.
The song was featured in the TV show Grey’s Anatomy.
54. “Song for the Dumped” by Ben Folds Five: This is a rock song by the American band Ben Folds Five, released in 1997. The song is about a man who demands his money and belongings back from his ex-girlfriend who dumped him. The lyrics express his anger and sarcasm towards her, such as “Give me my money back / Give me my money back / You b*tch / And don’t forget to give me back my black T-shirt.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how he is bitter and petty towards his ex and wants to cut all ties with her.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Ben Folds and Darren Jessee, who also performed vocals, piano, and drums on it.
The song’s music video features Ben Folds Five playing the song in front of a crowd of dumped people who join them in singing the chorus.
The song was featured in the video game Rock Band 3.
55. “New Rules” by Dua Lipa: This is a catchy and empowering pop song that gives advice on how to avoid getting back with an ex who doesn’t deserve you. The song was released in 2017 as the sixth single from Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut studio album. The song features Dua Lipa’s distinctive vocals and a tropical house beat, as well as a memorable chorus that lists three rules to follow: don’t pick up the phone, don’t let him in, and don’t be his friend.
The song’s lyrics are about breaking free from a toxic relationship and learning to love yourself. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need to keep chasing someone who doesn’t value you. You can be strong and independent and find someone better.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Dua Lipa is a singer, songwriter, and model who was born in London to Albanian parents. She moved to Kosovo with her family when she was 11, but returned to London at 15 to pursue her music career. She has collaborated with artists like Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, and Silk City and has won several awards, including two Grammys and three Brit Awards.
Dua Lipa said that she wrote New Rules with the help of Caroline Ailin, Emily Warren, and Ian Kirkpatrick, who also produced the song. She said that the song was inspired by her own experiences and her friends’ advice. She said, “It’s about keeping your distance from someone who’s bad for you. I’m setting some rules down so that I won’t go back to that person.“
The song was initially offered to other artists, such as Little Mix and Demi Lovato, but they turned it down. Dua Lipa said that she was glad that she got to keep the song for herself. She said, “I was like, this is the craziest thing ever. I’m so happy they didn’t take it.”
The song has a viral music video that features Dua Lipa and her friends in a Miami hotel. The video was directed by Henry Scholfield, who also directed the video for IDGAF by Dua Lipa. The video has over 2 billion views on YouTube and has been praised for its representation of female solidarity and diversity.
The song became Dua Lipa’s first number one single in the UK and Ireland, as well as her first top ten hit in the US. It also topped the charts in several other countries, such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand. It was the most streamed song of 2017 by a female artist on Spotify.
The song received several nominations and awards, such as a Brit Award for British Single of the Year in 2018, an MTV Video Music Award for Song of Summer in 2017, and an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song in 2017.
The song has been covered by several artists, such as Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie, Pentatonix, and Kidz Bop.
56. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo: This is a catchy and empowering pop song that celebrates self-love and independence after a breakup. The song was released in 2016 as part of the soundtrack for the movie Barbershop: The Next Cut and was later included on Lizzo’s third studio album, Cuz I Love You (Super Deluxe). The song features Lizzo’s signature vocals and flute playing, as well as a catchy chorus that encourages listeners to do their hair toss, check their nails, and feel good as hell.
The song’s lyrics are about moving on from a relationship that doesn’t appreciate you and finding happiness within yourself. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows that you don’t need someone else’s validation to feel good about yourself. You can be your own source of joy and confidence.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Lizzo is a singer, rapper, songwriter, and flutist who was born in Houston and raised in Detroit. She adopted her moniker in 2011 and moved to Minneapolis, where she became involved in the indie scene. She has collaborated with artists like Clean Bandit, Bastille, and Big Freedia, and was named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2018 “30 Under 30”.
Lizzo said that she wrote Good as Hell after going through a breakup herself. She said, “I was so depressed; I didn’t have a career… I was lying on the floor feeling wack as hell, and I just thought, ‘I’m going to write a song that makes me want to get up off this floor.’”
The song was produced by Ricky Reed, who is also behind hits like Truth Hurts by Lizzo, Talk by Khalid, and No by Meghan Trainor. He said that he wanted to create a song that sounded like “a gospel choir at a block party”.
The song has two official music videos. The first one features scenes from the movie Barbershop: The Next Cut, where Lizzo makes a cameo appearance as a stylist. The second one features Lizzo and other women getting ready for homecoming at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The song has been featured in several TV shows and movies, such as GLOW, Shrill, Someone Great, and Hustlers. It has also been used in several commercials and campaigns, such as for Target, Apple Music, Absolut Vodka, and Dove.
The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2019, becoming Lizzo’s second top-ten hit after Truth Hurts. It also reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and number two on the Billboard Pop Songs chart.
The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2020. It also won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Power Anthem in 2019.
The song has been covered by several artists, such as Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, Pentatonix, and Kidz Bop.
57. “Issues” by Julia Michaels: This is a pop song by the American singer Julia Michaels, released in 2017. The song is about a complicated relationship that is based on mutual flaws and insecurities. The lyrics describe how the narrator and her partner have issues that they need to work on, but they still love each other, such as “I got issues / And one of them is how bad I need you.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is conflicted and vulnerable with her partner and does not know if they can make it work.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Benny Blanco, who also produced it and played guitar on it.
The song’s music video features Julia Michaels and her real-life boyfriend at the time, JP Saxe, acting out their relationship struggles in a hotel room.
The song was nominated for the award for Song of the Year at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
58. “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” by Pink: This is a pop song by the American singer Pink, released in 2012. The song is about a woman who breaks up with her boyfriend who has been lying and cheating on her. The lyrics express her anger and sarcasm towards him, such as “I think I’ve finally had enough / I think I maybe think too much / I think this might be it for us / Blow me one last kiss.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is fed up and disgusted with him and wants to end their relationship for good.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was co-written by Greg Kurstin, who also produced it and played keyboards on it.
The song’s music video features Pink performing various acts of rebellion and revenge, such as crashing a wedding, riding a motorcycle, and setting fire to a house.
The song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
59. “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstadt: This is a rock song by the American singer Linda Ronstadt, released in 1974. The song is about a woman who realises that her lover is no good for her and decides to leave him. The lyrics express her regret and disappointment towards him, such as “Feeling better now that we’re through / Feeling better ’cause I’m over you / I learned my lesson / It left a scar / Now I see how you really are.” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how she is hurt and disillusioned by his lies and betrayal and does not want him back.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was originally written by Clint Ballard Jr. and recorded by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963.
The song’s music video features Linda Ronstadt singing the song in a studio with her band and backup singers.
The song won the award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female at the 1976 Grammy Awards.
60. “I Hate Everything About You” by Three Days Grace: This is a rock song by the Canadian band Three Days Grace, released in 2003. The song is about a toxic relationship that is based on hate and love. The lyrics describe how the narrator hates everything about his partner, but he still loves her, such as “I hate everything about you / Why do I love you? / I hate everything about you / Why do I love you?” The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how he is confused and frustrated with his partner and does not understand his feelings for her.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist:
The song was written by Adam Gontier, who also performed vocals and guitar on it.
The song’s music video features Three Days Grace playing the song in a warehouse and scenes of a couple fighting and making up.
The song was featured in the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.
Bargaining
This is the stage where you try to change yourself, them, or the situation. You think that if you do something differently, say something differently, or act differently, they’ll change their mind and love you back. You beg them to give you a chance, or to stay with you, or to come back to you. You make promises, compromises, and sacrifices.
Some of the songs at Denial stage of Unrequited Love:
61. If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher: This is a pop rock song by American singer and actress Cher, released in 1989 as the lead single from her nineteenth studio album Heart of Stone. The song was written by Diane Warren, who also co-produced it with Guy Roche. The song expresses the singer’s regret for hurting her lover and her wish to turn back time and undo her mistakes.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s longing for someone who has left her and her hope that he would still love her if he could see her now. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to negotiate with fate or herself to change the outcome of the breakup.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The music video for the song was filmed on board the battleship USS Missouri in Los Angeles and featured Cher wearing a revealing outfit that caused controversy and censorship.
Cher later said that she hated the song when she first heard it and that she only recorded it because she owed Warren a favour.
The song was Cher’s second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and her first since 1974’s “Dark Lady”.
Warren said that she wrote the song after a fight with her boyfriend and that she was inspired by Cher’s voice and style.
Roche said that he wanted to make the song sound like a “Bon Jovi meets Phil Spector” production and that he used a lot of guitars and keyboards to create a wall of sound.
62. Please Don’t Leave Me by Pink: This is a pop rock song by American singer Pink, released in 2009 as the third single from her fifth studio album Funhouse. The song was written by Pink and Max Martin, who also produced it. The song depicts a love-hate relationship where the singer begs her lover not to leave her despite her abusive behaviour.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s insecurity and fear of losing someone who doesn’t love her back. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to convince herself and her lover that they can make it work if they stay together.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The music video for the song was directed by Dave Meyers and featured Pink’s then-husband, Carey Hart, as her lover. The video showed Pink torturing Hart in various ways after he tried to leave her.
Pink said that the song was inspired by her own relationship with Hart and that it was “funny and painful” to write.
The song was Pink’s tenth top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and her third number-one hit on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart.
Martin said that he wanted to make the song sound like a “classic Pink record” and that he used a lot of guitars and drums to create a rock vibe.
Pink performed the song live at various events, including the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where she did an aerial acrobatic routine while singing.
63. “Don’t Be Cruel” by Bobby Brown: This is a R&B and new jack swing song by American singer Bobby Brown. It was released on June 20, 1988, as the second single from his second studio album, Don’t Be Cruel. The song was written by Brown, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Daryl Simmons. It was produced by Reid and Babyface. It became one of the most successful songs of the late 1980s, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics of “Don’t Be Cruel” are about a man who is fed up with his partner’s mistreatment and demands respect and loyalty from her. He sings about how he loves her and does everything for her, but she does not appreciate him and cheats on him. The song is in the key of F minor and has a tempo of 100 beats per minute.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays a contrast between the singer’s affection and his partner’s cruelty. The song can be seen as a stage of denial, where the singer expresses his frustration and resentment with expectations of his partner changing. He focuses on the injustice and betrayal he feels while demanding a change.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song and the artist are:
The song was inspired by Brown’s turbulent relationship with his then-girlfriend, Kim Ward, with whom he had two children. Brown said, “I was going through a lot of drama with my baby’s mother at that time. She was being real cruel to me.”
The song was also influenced by Brown’s admiration for Elvis Presley, who had a hit with a different song titled “Don’t Be Cruel” in 1956. Brown said, “I always loved Elvis Presley. He was one of my idols.”
The music video for “Don’t Be Cruel” was directed by Alek Keshishian and filmed in Los Angeles. It features Brown performing in various locations, such as a rooftop, a club, and a warehouse. The video had over 163 million views on YouTube as of April 2023.
The song won two American Music Awards in 1989: Favourite Soul/R&B Single and Favourite Soul/R&B Male Video Artist. It also won an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award in 1989 for Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Usher, New Edition, Cheap Trick, and Milli Vanilli.
64. “Say Something” by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera: This is a pop ballad by American duo A Great Big World and American singer Christina Aguilera, released in 2013 as the second single from their debut album, Is There Anybody Out There? The song was written by Ian Axel, Chad King, and Mike Campbell and produced by Dan Romer. The song is a piano-driven lament about a failing relationship, where the singers ask their lover to say something before they give up on them.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singers’ desperation and sadness for someone who doesn’t reciprocate their feelings. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singers try to salvage their relationship by asking for a sign or a word from their lover.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was originally recorded by Axel for his solo album This Is the New Year in 2011 and released as a single by A Great Big World in 2013. The song gained popularity after being featured on the reality show So You Think You Can Dance.
Aguilera heard the song on the show and contacted the duo to collaborate with them. She recorded her vocals in one take and said that the song was “so special” and “beautiful.
The song was A Great Big World’s breakthrough hit and Aguilera’s first top-ten hit since 2008. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart.
The music video for the song was directed by Christopher Sims and featured the singers performing in separate rooms while a couple went through a breakup.
The song won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2015.
65. I’m Not in Love by 10cc: This is a soft rock song by British group 10cc, released in 1975 as the second single from their third album The Original Soundtrack. The song was written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman, and produced by 10cc. The song is famous for its innovative and distinctive backing track, composed mostly of the band’s multitracked vocals. The song is a sarcastic denial of being in love, where the singer tries to convince himself and his lover that he doesn’t care for her.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s reluctance to admit his true feelings for someone who doesn’t feel the same way. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to rationalize his emotions and avoid getting hurt.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was inspired by Stewart’s troubled marriage and his affair with another woman. He said that he wrote the lyrics after his wife asked him why he didn’t say “I love you” more often.
The song was a technical challenge to record, as it required over 250 vocal overdubs to create a “wall of sound” effect. The band used a 16-track tape machine and a Moog synthesizer to achieve the desired sound.
The song was 10cc’s most successful single, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also won three Ivor Novello Awards for Best Pop Song, International Hit of the Year, and Most Performed British Work.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Petula Clark, Rita Coolidge, The Pretenders, Diana Ross, and Donny Osmond.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Virgin Suicides, and The Simpsons.
66. “Baby Come Back” by Player: This is a soft rock song by the American band Player, released in 1977 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The song was written by Peter Beckett and J.C. Crowley, who also produced it with Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter. The song is a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation, where the singer admits his mistakes and asks his lover to come back to him.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s remorse and regret for losing someone who doesn’t want him back. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to persuade his lover to give him another chance.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was inspired by Beckett’s and Crowley’s personal experiences of breaking up with their girlfriends. Beckett said that he wrote the lyrics after his wife asked him why he didn’t say “I love you” more often.
The song was Player’s biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number ten on the R&B chart. It also won two American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Single and Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Hall & Oates, Isaac Hayes, Lisa Stansfield, and Vanilla Ice.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Transformers, The Simpsons, Boogie Nights, and Grown Ups.
The song was sampled by rapper Eminem in his 2009 song “Crack a Bottle” featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.
67. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee: This is a pop duet by English musician Elton John and English singer Kiki Dee, released in 1976 as a stand-alone single. The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin under the pseudonyms “Ann Orson” and “Carte Blanche”, respectively, and produced by Gus Dudgeon. The song is a playful and upbeat tribute to the Motown style, where the singers express their mutual love and devotion.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singers’ desire to keep their relationship strong and stable, despite any challenges or temptations. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singers promise to be faithful and loyal to each other.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Elton John’s first UK number-one hit and his sixth in the US. It also topped the charts in Canada, Australia, France, Ireland, and New Zealand.
The song was originally intended for Dusty Springfield, but she was too ill to record it at the time. Elton John then asked Kiki Dee to duet with him, as they were both signed to his Rocket Records label.
The song was recorded in a single take, with no overdubs or edits. Elton John and Kiki Dee performed it live in the studio, with only a piano accompaniment.
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1977 but lost to Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now”.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Tori Amos, Anne Murray, Olly Murs, and Glee Cast.
68. “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5: This is a soul song by American group The Jackson 5, released in 1969 as the first single from their debut album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5. The song was written and produced by The Corporation, a team comprising Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, and Deke Richards. The song is a catchy and upbeat tune, where the singer begs his ex-girlfriend to take him back after realizing his mistake.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s frustration and desperation for someone who has moved on without him. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to win back his ex-girlfriend by promising to change and be better.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was The Jackson 5’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the first of four consecutive number-one hits for the group. It also reached number one on the R&B and UK charts.
The song was originally intended for Gladys Knight & the Pips or Diana Ross, but Gordy decided to give it to The Jackson 5 after being impressed by their audition.
The song was recorded in two takes, with 11-year-old Michael Jackson singing lead vocals and his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon providing background vocals and handclaps.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Gloria Gaynor, The Supremes, NSYNC, and Ariana Grande.
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and ranked #121 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.
69. “Back to December” by Taylor Swift: This is a country pop song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2010 as the second single from her third studio album Speak Now. The song was written and produced by Taylor Swift, with additional production by Nathan Chapman. The song is a heartfelt apology to an ex-boyfriend, whom Swift later revealed to be actor Taylor Lautner, for ending their relationship. The song also expresses Swift’s regret and nostalgia for their time together.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows Swift’s sorrow and guilt for hurting someone who still cares for her. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where Swift tries to undo her mistake and wishes she could go back to December, the month when they broke up.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Swift’s first time using orchestral arrangements in her music, which added a dramatic and emotional touch to the song.
The song was Swift’s first time to directly address one of her exes by name in her lyrics when she sings “So this is me swallowing my pride / Standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night / And I go back to December all the time / Turns out freedom ain’t nothing but missing you / Wishing I’d realized what I had when you were mine / I’d go back to December, turn around and make it alright / I go back to December all the time“.
The song was well-received by critics and fans, who praised Swift’s honesty and vulnerability. The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA.
The music video for the song was directed by Yoann Lemoine and featured actor Guntars Asmanis as Swift’s love interest. The video showed Swift reminiscing about her past relationship in different seasons and locations.
The song was performed live by Swift on various occasions, including the 2010 American Music Awards, the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Speak Now World Tour.
70. “Apologize” by OneRepublic: This is a pop rock song by American band OneRepublic, released in 2007 as the lead single from their debut album Dreaming Out Loud. The song was written by Ryan Tedder, who also produced it with Greg Wells. The song is a melancholic expression of regret and sorrow, where the singer realises that it’s too late to apologize to his lover who has already moved on.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s pain and frustration for losing someone who doesn’t want him back. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to make amends and salvage his relationship, but fails.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was remixed by Timbaland, who also featured OneRepublic as a guest artist on his album Shock Value. The remix version was more successful than the original version, reaching number one in 16 countries and becoming one of the most downloaded songs of all time.
The song was inspired by Tedder’s own experience of breaking up with his girlfriend and feeling guilty about it. He said that he wrote the song in 10 minutes on his garage band.
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2008 but lost to U2’s “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”.
The music video for the song was directed by Robert Hales and featured OneRepublic performing in a dark and gloomy warehouse, interspersed with scenes of couples breaking up.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Silverstein, and Luke Bryan.
71. “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith: This is a soul song by English singer-songwriter Sam Smith, released in 2014 as the third single from his debut studio album In the Lonely Hour. The song was written by Sam Smith, Jimmy Napes, and Tourist, and produced by Steve Fitzmaurice and Jimmy Napes. The song is a heartfelt confession of loneliness and longing, where the singer asks his lover to stay with him for one more night, even though he knows it’s not love.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s vulnerability and needs for companionship, even if it’s temporary and superficial. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to fill the void in his heart with a meaningless fling.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was inspired by Smith’s own experience of being in a one-sided relationship with a man who didn’t love him back. He said that he wrote the song in 30 minutes with Napes and Tourist in a studio in London.
The song was compared to Tom Petty’s 1989 hit “I Won’t Back Down” for its similar melody and chord progression. Smith’s team agreed to give Petty and his co-writer Jeff Lynne credit and royalties for the song, but Smith said that he had never heard Petty’s song before and that it was a “complete coincidence”.
The song was Smith’s first solo number-one hit on the UK Singles Chart and his second on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, after his feature on Disclosure’s “Latch”. It also won two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 2015.
The music video for the song was directed by Jamie Thraves and featured Smith walking around London at night, interspersed with scenes of him lying in bed with different partners.
The song has been performed live by Smith on various occasions, including a duet with Mary J. Blige at the 2014 iTunes Festival and a solo performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
72. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt: This is a ska punk song by American rock band No Doubt, released in 1996 as the third single from their third studio album Tragic Kingdom. The song was written by Gwen Stefani and her brother Eric Stefani, who was a former member of the band and produced by Matthew Wilder. The song is a bitter and emotional breakup song, where the singer asks her lover not to speak or explain why he is leaving her.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s anguish and denial of losing someone who doesn’t love her back. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to avoid facing the reality and pain of their separation.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was inspired by Gwen Stefani’s real-life breakup with her bandmate Tony Kanal, who ended their seven-year relationship. She said that writing the song was “very therapeutic” and that it helped her heal.
The song was No Doubt’s most successful single, reaching number one in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. It also peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it was blocked from the top spot by Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart”.
The song was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1998 but lost to Shawn Colvin’s “Sunny Came Home” and Jamiroquai’s “Virtual Insanity”, respectively.
The music video for the song was directed by Sophie Muller and featured No Doubt performing in a garage, interspersed with scenes of Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal acting out their breakup. The video won two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Group Video and Best Alternative Video in 1997.
The song has been covered by many artists, including A Perfect Circle, Leela James, Kelly Clarkson, and Glee Cast.
73. “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette: This is a power ballad by Swedish pop duo Roxette, released in 1990 as the third single from their album Look Sharp!. The song was written by Per Gessle, who also co-produced it with Clarence Öfwerman. The song is a poignant expression of heartbreak and loss, where the singer reminisces about a past love that is over.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s sadness and nostalgia for someone who doesn’t love her back. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to make sense of what went wrong and what could have been.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was originally released in 1987 as “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)”, a Christmas single that was only available in Sweden. The song was later re-recorded and re-released in 1990 for the soundtrack of the movie Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
The song was Roxette’s third number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, after “The Look” and “Listen to Your Heart”. It also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Poland, and Switzerland.
The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1991 but lost to Bette Midler’s “From a Distance”.
The music video for the song was directed by Doug Freel and featured Roxette performing in a studio, interspersed with scenes from Pretty Woman.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and James Arthur.
74. “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy: This is a hip-hop song by American rapper Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy), featuring American singer Faith Evans and American R&B group 112, released in 1997 as the second single from Puff Daddy’s debut album No Way Out. The song was written by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, Todd Gaither, and Sting, and produced by Puff Daddy and Stevie J. The song is a tribute to Puff Daddy’s friend and fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who was killed in a drive-by shooting earlier that year. The song samples the melody and chorus of The Police’s 1983 hit “Every Breath You Take”, written by Sting.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows Puff Daddy’s grief and mourning for someone who was taken away from him too soon. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where Puff Daddy tries to cope with his loss and hopes to see his friend again in heaven.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Puff Daddy’s first number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for 11 weeks, making it one of the longest-running number-one songs of all time. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and the UK.
The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1998, but Puff Daddy dedicated the award to The Notorious B.I.G.’s mother and refused to accept it himself.
The song was recorded less than a week after The Notorious B.I.G.’s death, with Faith Evans singing the chorus and 112 providing background vocals. Puff Daddy said that he wrote his verses while crying and that he felt like he was talking to his friend.
The music video for the song was directed by Hype Williams and featured Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, 112, and other members of the Bad Boy Records family paying homage to The Notorious B.I.G. The video also included footage of The Notorious B.I.G.’s funeral procession and his son Christopher Wallace Jr.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Mariah Carey, Wyclef Jean, Leona Lewis, and Boyce Avenue.
75. “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis: This is a pop and R&B song by British singer Leona Lewis, released in 2007 as the lead single from her debut album Spirit. The song was written by Jesse McCartney and Ryan Tedder, who also produced it. The song is a powerful and emotional declaration of love, where the singer compares her feelings to bleeding and says that nothing can stop her from loving her partner.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s devotion and passion for someone who may not love her back. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to ignore the signs and opinions that tell her that her love is wrong or doomed.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was originally recorded by Jesse McCartney for his third album, but he decided to give it to Leona Lewis after hearing her voice. He said that he was happy with her version and that he felt like he “co-wrote a classic”.
The song was Leona Lewis’s first official single after winning the third season of The X Factor UK. It debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart and became the best-selling single of 2008 in both the UK and the world.
The song was nominated for three Grammy Awards in 2009, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, but lost to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’s “Please Read the Letter” and Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”, respectively.
The music video for the song was directed by Melina Matsoukas and featured Leona Lewis singing in an apartment building, interspersed with scenes of different couples experiencing love problems.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Jordin Sparks, Boyce Avenue, The Baseballs, and Glee Cast.
76. “I’ll Be There for You” by Bon Jovi: This is a rock ballad by the American band Bon Jovi, released in 1989 as the third single from their album New Jersey. The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, who also played guitar and sang backup vocals. The song is a heartfelt promise of loyalty and support, where the singer tells his lover that he will always be there for her, no matter what.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s devotion and commitment to someone who may not feel the same way. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to convince his lover that they belong together and that he will never let her down.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Bon Jovi’s fourth number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for one week. It also reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the Canadian Singles Chart.
The song was inspired by Jon Bon Jovi’s relationship with his high school sweetheart Dorothea Hurley, whom he married in 1989. He said that he wrote the song as a way of apologizing to her for being away on tour so much.
The song was performed live by Bon Jovi on various occasions, including the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, where they were joined by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith.
The music video for the song was directed by Wayne Isham and featured Bon Jovi performing in a warehouse, interspersed with scenes of couples going through different stages of love.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Bonfire, The Rembrandts, and Glee Cast.
77. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler: This is a rock song by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, released in 1983 as the lead single from her album Faster Than the Speed of Night. The song was written and produced by Jim Steinman, who also wrote songs for Meat Loaf and Celine Dion. The song is a dramatic and epic expression of love and despair, where the singer feels that she is in a dark and lonely place without her lover.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s desperation and longing for someone who has left her. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to hold on to her love and hopes that he will come back to her.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Bonnie Tyler’s biggest hit, reaching number one in several countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and France.
The song was inspired by Jim Steinman’s musical The Dream Engine, which featured a song called “Turn Around Bright Eyes”. Steinman said that he wanted to write “the ultimate love song” and that he was influenced by Wuthering Heights and Vampires.
The song was recorded in only two takes, with Tyler singing with a sore throat. She said that she had to sing it with “a lot of emotion” and that she was “holding back tears” during the recording.
The music video for the song was directed by Russell Mulcahy and featured Tyler singing in a Gothic mansion, surrounded by dancers, ninjas, choirboys, and doves.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Nicki French, Westlife, Glee Cast, and Sleeping at Last.
78. “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton: This is a pop and R&B song by American singer Toni Braxton, released in 1996 as the second single from her album Secrets. The song was written by Diane Warren, who also wrote songs for Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Cher, and produced by David Foster, who also worked with Barbra Streisand, Madonna, and Michael Bublé. The song is a passionate plea for reconciliation, where the singer asks her lover to come back and heal her broken heart.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s suffering and hopelessness for losing someone who doesn’t love her back. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to reverse her fate and restore her love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Toni Braxton’s second number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for 11 weeks, tying with Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” for the longest-running number-one song by a female artist at the time. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and the UK.
The song won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1997 and was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It also won an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single.
The song was recorded in one take, with Toni Braxton singing with a cold. She said that she didn’t like the song at first and that she had to be convinced by her record label to record it.
The music video for the song was directed by Billie Woodruff and featured Toni Braxton mourning the death of her lover, played by model Tyson Beckford. The video also included scenes of Braxton singing in a snowy forest and a burning house.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Il Divo, Darren Criss, Weezer, and Ariana Grande.
79. “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner: This is a rock ballad by British-American band Foreigner, released in 1984 as the lead single from their album Agent Provocateur. The song was written by Mick Jones, who also co-produced it with Alex Sadkin and Frank Filipetti. The song is a sincere and soulful request for guidance and understanding, where the singer admits that he is lost and confused about love.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s vulnerability and curiosity for someone who can show him what love is. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to find a way out of his loneliness and emptiness.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Foreigner’s first and only number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for two weeks. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Norway.
The song features backing vocals by the New Jersey Mass Choir, who also appeared in the music video. The choir was added at the suggestion of Mick Jones’s then-girlfriend Ann Dexter-Jones, who was inspired by Aretha Franklin’s gospel songs.
The song was inspired by Mick Jones’s personal life, as he was going through a divorce and a relationship with Ann Dexter-Jones. He said that he wrote the song in his bedroom in New York and that it was “a real cry from the heart”.
The music video for the song was directed by Jim Yukich and featured Foreigner performing in a dark studio, interspersed with scenes of people from different walks of life facing various challenges and hardships.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Mariah Carey, Tina Arena, Shirley Bassey, and Wynonna Judd.
80. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith: This is a rock song by the American band Aerosmith, released in 1998 as the lead single from the soundtrack of the movie Armageddon, starring Bruce Willis and Liv Tyler, who is the daughter of Aerosmith’s lead singer Steven Tyler. The song was written by Diane Warren, who also wrote songs for Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Cher, and produced by Matt Serletic, who also worked with Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas, and Gloria Estefan. The song is a romantic and sentimental declaration of love, where the singer says that he doesn’t want to miss anything about his lover, even when he sleeps.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the singer’s devotion and admiration for someone who may not feel the same way. The song also reflects the stage of bargaining, where the singer tries to cherish every moment and memory with his lover.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was Aerosmith’s first and only number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for four weeks. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including Canada, Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland.
The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1999 but lost to Phil Collins’s “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan. It also won an MTV Movie Award for Best Song from Movie.
The song was originally offered to Celine Dion, but she declined it. Aerosmith recorded it at the last minute, with Steven Tyler singing it in one take. He said that he was inspired by his daughter Liv Tyler’s performance in Armageddon.
The music video for the song was directed by Francis Lawrence and featured Aerosmith performing on a runway, interspersed with scenes from Armageddon. The video also included a cameo appearance by Liv Tyler.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Mark Chesnutt, New Found Glory, Jessica Simpson, and Postmodern Jukebox.
81. “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes: This is a pop song by American singer and songwriter LeAnn Rimes, released in 1997 as a single from her album You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs. The song was written by Diane Warren, who originally wrote it for the film Con Air, but it was rejected by the producers. The song was also recorded by Trisha Yearwood for the same film, and both versions were released on the same day.
The song is a power ballad that expresses the feelings of a woman who is deeply in love with her partner, and wonders how she would survive without him. She tells him that he is everything to her and that she can’t imagine living without his love. She says that he is her world, her heart, and her soul. The song is often considered an example of the bargaining stage of grief, as the narrator refuses to accept the possibility of losing her partner.
The song is best known for its music video, directed by Randee St. Nicholas, which features Rimes singing in various locations, such as a desert, a beach, and a city. The video also shows scenes from Con Air, featuring Nicolas Cage and Monica Potter as the film’s protagonists. The video was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards and has been viewed over 31 million times on YouTube.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Rimes has said that she was inspired by her own experience of being in love with someone who did not love her back. She said that she wrote the song as a way of expressing her pain and longing. She also said that she was surprised by the success of the song and that she did not expect it to be a hit.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Rimes was only 14 years old when she recorded the song, making her the youngest artist ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Coyote Ugly, Dawson’s Creek, Glee, and The Big Bang Theory.
The song was covered by many artists, such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, and Ariana Grande.
Rimes said that she still gets emotional when she performs the song live and that she sometimes changes the lyrics to reflect her current situation. She said that she feels proud to have written a song that has become a classic.
Rimes said that she was not happy with the studio version at first and that she thought it was too slow and boring. She said that she changed her mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. She also said that she enjoyed working with Warren on the song.
82. “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson: This is a country song by American singer and songwriter Willie Nelson, released in 1982 as a single from his album of the same name. The song was written by Johnny Christopher, Mark James, and Wayne Carson, and was originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972. The song was also recorded by Elvis Presley in 1972, and by John Wesley Ryles in 1979.
The song is a country ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who regrets not being a better partner to his lover and hopes that she still loves him. He tells her that he is sorry for being selfish and careless and that he should have been more attentive and affectionate. He says that she was always on his mind, no matter what he did or where he went. The song is often considered an example of the guilt stage of grief, as the narrator feels remorseful and responsible for his mistakes.
The song is best known for its music video, directed by Peter Israelson, which features Nelson performing the song in a studio, intercut with scenes of him walking on a beach with his dog. The video also shows Nelson’s ex-wife Connie Koepke and their daughter Paula Nelson as his former lover and child. The video was nominated for two CMA Awards and has been viewed over 6 million times on YouTube.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Nelson has said that he was inspired by his own experience of divorce from Koepke. He said that he wrote the song as a way of expressing his love and regret for her. He also said that he was surprised by the success of the song and that he did not expect it to be a hit.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Nelson’s version of the song was ranked number 240 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and number five on CMT’s list of the 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Forrest Gump, The Simpsons, Friends, and The Office.
The song was covered by many artists, such as Pet Shop Boys, Loretta Lynn, Michael Bublé, and Fantasia Barrino.
Nelson said that he still gets emotional when he performs the song live and that he sometimes changes the lyrics to reflect his current situation. He said that he feels proud to have written a song that has become a classic.
Nelson said that he was not happy with the studio version at first and that he thought it was too slow and boring. He said that he changed his mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. He also said that he enjoyed working with Christopher, James, and Carson on the song.
83. “Don’t Leave” by Blackstreet: This is an R&B song by the American group Blackstreet, produced by Teddy Riley and released in 1997 as the third single from their album Another Level. The song was written by Riley, Chauncey Black, Roosevelt “Bink” Harrell, Karen Anderson, and Bunny DeBarge, and contains a sample of the DeBarge song “A Dream”, also used in “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” by Tupac Shakur.
The song is an R&B ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who is begging his lover not to leave him and promises to change his ways. He tells her that he loves her more than anything and that he can’t live without her. He says that he is sorry for hurting her and that he wants to make it up to her. The song is often considered an example of the bargaining stage of grief, as the narrator feels remorseful and responsible for his mistakes.
The song is best known for its music video, directed by Hype Williams, which features Blackstreet performing the song in a dark room with a spotlight on them. The video also shows scenes of a couple arguing and breaking up, intercut with scenes of them being happy together. The video was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards and has been viewed over 81 million times on YouTube.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Blackstreet has said that they were inspired by their own experience of being in love with someone who did not love them back. They said that they wrote the song as a way of expressing their pain and longing. They also said that they were surprised by the success of the song and that they did not expect it to be a hit.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Blackstreet’s version of the song was ranked number 91 on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as The Wood, Soul Food, The Best Man Holiday, and Empire.
The song was covered by many artists, such as Boyz II Men, Joe Budden, Jagged Edge, and K-Ci & JoJo.
Blackstreet said that they still get emotional when they perform the song live and that they sometimes change the lyrics to reflect their current situation. They said that they feel proud to have written a song that has become a classic.
Blackstreet said that they were not happy with the studio version at first and that they thought it was too slow and boring. They said that they changed their mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. They also said that they enjoyed working with Riley on the song.
84. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor: This is a pop song by Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor, released in 1990 as the second single from her album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. The song was originally written and composed by Prince for his side project The Family in 1985, but it was O’Connor’s version that became a worldwide hit, topping the charts in several countries and earning her a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.
The song expresses the feelings of longing and despair of a lover who has been abandoned and tries to cope with the loss. The lyrics describe how nothing can fill the void left by the departed lover, not even friends, fun, or religion. The song is often considered an example of the bargaining stage of grief, as the narrator pleads for reconciliation and offers to give up everything for another chance.
The song is best known for its iconic music video, directed by John Maybury, which features a close-up of O’Connor’s face as she sings and cries. The video was inspired by a scene from the film The Passion of Joan of Arc and was shot in one take. The video won three MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and memorable videos of all time.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as O’Connor has revealed that she was thinking of her mother, who died in a car accident when O’Connor was 19 while recording the song. She said that she felt a connection with Prince’s lyrics, as they reflected her own feelings of abandonment and loneliness. She also said that she never met Prince in person and that he was not happy with her version of the song.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
O’Connor shaved her head as a protest against the traditional image of women in the music industry. She said that she wanted to be judged by her voice and not by her appearance.
Prince wrote the song after breaking up with his girlfriend Susannah Melvoin, who was also a member of The Family. He later said that he regretted giving away the song to another artist.
O’Connor’s version of the song was ranked number 162 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and number 10 on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Prince himself, Chris Cornell, Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Scott, and Stereophonics.
O’Connor said that she cried real tears during the video shoot because she was moved by the song. She also said that she felt uncomfortable with the attention that the video brought her and that she wished she could have made a video with a different concept.
85. “Hello” by Lionel Richie: This is a pop song by American singer and songwriter Lionel Richie, released in 1984 as the third single from his album Can’t Slow Down. The song was written and produced by Richie himself, and became one of his signature songs, reaching number one on several Billboard charts and selling over seven million copies worldwide.
The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who is in love with a woman but is too shy to tell her. He wonders if she feels the same way, and hopes that she will notice him someday. The song is often considered an example of the bargaining stage of grief, as the narrator refuses to accept the reality of his situation and clings to his fantasy of being with her.
The song is best known for its music video, directed by Bob Giraldi, which features Richie as a music teacher who falls in love with a blind student, played by Laura Carrington. The video has a twist ending, where the student reveals a clay sculpture of Richie’s face that she made by touch. The video was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards and has been parodied by many comedians and shows.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Richie has said that he was inspired by his own experience of being rejected by a girl when he was in college. He said that he wrote the song as a way of expressing his feelings and overcoming his shyness. He also said that he never expected the song to be so successful and that he was surprised by the popularity of the video.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Richie originally wanted to include a saxophone solo in the song but decided to use a synthesizer instead after hearing the demo by producer James Anthony Carmichael.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Shrek Forever After, Glee, Family Guy, and The Simpsons.
The song was covered by many artists, such as Adele, Maroon 5, Evanescence, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox.
Richie said that he still gets emotional when he performs the song live and that he often sees people crying in the audience. He said that he feels honored to have touched so many people with his music.
Richie said that he was not happy with the video at first and that he thought it was too cheesy and unrealistic. He said that he changed his mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. He also said that he became good friends with Carrington after working with her on the video.
86. Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) by Phil Collins: This is a pop song by English singer and songwriter Phil Collins, released in 1984 as the main theme for the film Against All Odds. The song was written and produced by Collins himself and became his first solo number-one single in the US and Canada, as well as a top-ten hit in several other countries. The song also earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
The song is a power ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who is still in love with his ex-lover, but knows that their relationship is over. He begs her to take a look at him now and see how much he needs her. He wonders if she ever thinks of him and if there is any chance of getting back together. The song is often considered an example of the bargaining stage of grief, as the narrator feels hopeless and desperate about his situation.
The song is best known for its music video, directed by Taylor Hackford, who also directed the film. The video features scenes from the film intercut with Collins singing in a darkened studio. The video was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards and has been viewed over 56 million times on YouTube.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Collins has said that he was inspired by his own experience of divorce from his first wife Andrea Bertorelli. He said that he wrote the song as a way of coping with his pain and anger. He also said that he was surprised by the success of the song and that he felt honored to be part of the film’s soundtrack.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Collins originally wrote the song for another film called Reckless, but it was rejected by the producers. He then offered it to Hackford, who liked it and used it for Against All Odds.
The song was covered by many artists, such as Mariah Carey, Westlife, Steve Brookstein, Scott Stapp, and The Postal Service.
The song was featured in several TV shows and video games, such as Glee, The Office, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and SingStar.
Collins said that he still gets emotional when he performs the song live and that he sometimes changes the lyrics to reflect his current mood. He said that he feels proud to have written a song that resonates with so many people.
Collins said that he was not happy with the video at first and that he thought it was too dark and gloomy. He said that he changed his mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. He also said that he enjoyed working with Hackford on the video.
87. Every Breath You Take by Police: This is a rock song by the English band The Police, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album Synchronicity. The song was written by Sting, the lead singer, and bassist of the band, and produced by Hugh Padgham and The Police. The song became the biggest hit of 1983 in the US and Canada, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and winning two Grammy Awards.
The song is a soft rock ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who is obsessed with his ex-lover and stalks her every move. He claims that he is watching her every breath, every word, every smile, and every claim. He warns her that she belongs to him and that he can’t live without her.
The song is best known for its music video, directed by Godley & Creme, which features black-and-white footage of The Police performing the song in a dark studio, intercut with scenes of Sting and his then-wife Frances Tomelty acting as a separated couple. The video was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards and has been viewed over one billion times on YouTube.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Sting has said that he was inspired by his own experience of divorce from Tomelty. He said that he wrote the song as a way of venting his frustration and anger. He also said that he was surprised by the success of the song and that he did not intend it to be a love song.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Sting wrote the song on a piano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, where The Police were recording their album.
The song was sampled by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans for their tribute to Notorious B.I.G., “I’ll Be Missing You”, which also became a number-one hit in 1997.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Stranger Things, Friends, The Simpsons, and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
The song was covered by many artists, such as UB40, Karen Souza, Scala & Kolacny Brothers, and Chase Holfelder.
Sting said that he still gets royalties from the song every day and that he considers it his “alimony” from Tomelty. He said that he feels proud to have written a song that has become a classic.
88. If You Leave Me Now by Chicago: This is a soft rock song by the American band Chicago, released in 1976 as the lead single from their album Chicago X. The song was written and sung by Peter Cetera, the bassist and co-lead singer of the band, and produced by James William Guercio. The song became the first and only number-one hit for Chicago in the US and UK and won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus, and Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).
The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who is afraid of losing his lover and begs her not to leave him. He tells her that she will take away the biggest part of him and that he can’t live without her. He says that their love is hard to find and that they should not let it slip away.
The song is best known for its music video, which features Chicago performing the song on a stage with a blue background. The video was directed by Bruce Gowers, who also directed Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” video. The video was one of the first to be played on MTV when it launched in 1981.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Cetera has said that he was inspired by his own experience of being separated from his wife Diane Nini. He said that he wrote the song as a way of expressing his love and hope for reconciliation. He also said that he was surprised by the success of the song and that he did not expect it to be a hit.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Cetera originally wrote the song for his solo album but decided to include it on Chicago’s album after Guercio convinced him.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Three Kings, Shaun of the Dead, Sex and the City, Family Guy, and Glee.
The song was covered by many artists, such as John Denver, Isley Brothers, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, and NSYNC.
Cetera said that he still gets emotional when he performs the song live and that he sometimes changes the lyrics to reflect his current situation. He said that he feels proud to have written a song that has touched so many people.
Cetera said that he was not happy with the video at first and that he thought it was too simple and boring. He said that he changed his mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. He also said that he enjoyed working with Gowers on the video.
89. Baby, I Love Your Way by Frampton: This is a soft rock song by English singer and guitarist Peter Frampton, released in 1975 as a single from his album Frampton. The song was written and produced by Frampton himself, and became one of his most popular songs, reaching number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 43 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is a romantic ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who is in love with a woman and admires her beauty and personality. He tells her that he loves her way of talking, laughing, breathing, and shining. He also mentions how he loves the warmth of the sun and the moonlight on her face.
The song is best known for its live version, which was recorded in 1976 at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco and released on Frampton’s multi-platinum album Frampton Comes Alive!. The live version features Frampton’s use of a talk box, a device that allows him to modulate his voice with his guitar. The live version also became a hit single, peaking at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Frampton has said that he was inspired by his own experience of being away from his girlfriend Mary Lovett while touring. He said that he wrote the song as a way of expressing his love and longing for her. He also said that he was surprised by the success of the song and that he did not expect it to be a hit.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Frampton wrote the song on an acoustic guitar in the Bahamas, where he was recording his album.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Reality Bites, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, The Office, and Glee.
The song was covered by many artists, such as Diana Ross, Al Green, UB40, Big Mountain, and Will to Power.
Frampton said that he still gets emotional when he performs the song live and that he sometimes changes the lyrics to reflect his current situation. He said that he feels proud to have written a song that has become a classic.
Frampton said that he was not happy with the studio version at first and that he thought it was too slow and boring. He said that he changed his mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. He also said that he enjoyed working with his band on the live version.
90. Cry for You by Jodeci: This is an R&B song by the American group Jodeci, released in 1993 as the second single from their album Diary of a Mad Band. The song was written by DeVante Swing, Chauncey Black, and Raymond E. Jones, and produced by Swing, Rory Bennett, and JoJo Hailey.
The song became one of Jodeci’s most successful singles, peaking at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The song is an R&B ballad that expresses the feelings of a man who is heartbroken over his lover’s departure, and cries for her to come back. He tells her that he can’t live without her and that he misses her every day. He says that he is sorry for whatever he did wrong and that he wants to make it right.
The song is best known for its music video, directed by Hype Williams, which features Jodeci performing the song in a desert with a helicopter flying over them. The video also shows scenes of a woman leaving her lover and driving away in a car. The video was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards and has been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube.
The song is also relevant to the theme of unrequited love, as Jodeci has said that they were inspired by their own experience of being in love with someone who did not love them back. They said that they wrote the song as a way of expressing their pain and longing. They also said that they were surprised by the success of the song and that they did not expect it to be a hit.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Jodeci’s version of the song was ranked number 19 on VH1’s list of the 40 Greatest R&B Songs of the 90s.
The song was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Poetic Justice, The Wood, Soul Food, and Empire.
The song was covered by many artists, such as K-Ci & JoJo, Joe Budden, Jagged Edge, and K-Ci & JoJo.
Jodeci said that they still get emotional when they perform the song live and that they sometimes change the lyrics to reflect their current situation. They said that they feel proud to have written a song that has become a classic.
Jodeci said that they were not happy with the studio version at first and that they thought it was too slow and boring. They said that they changed their mind after seeing the positive reaction from the fans and critics. They also said that they enjoyed working with Swing, Bennett, and Hailey on the song.
Depression
This is the stage where you feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. You lose interest in everything that used to make you happy. You feel lonely, empty, and numb. You cry yourself to sleep, or you can’t sleep at all. You think that you’ll never find love again, or that you don’t deserve love at all.
Some of the songs for this stage Of Unrequited Love:
91. “My Immortal” by Evanescence: This is a song by American rock band Evanescence, released in 2003 as the third single from their debut studio album Fallen. The song was written by Amy Lee, Ben Moody, and David Hodges, who wrote it as a tribute to Moody’s grandfather, who died before he was born. The song is a melancholic and emotional ballad, as the narrator expresses her grief and sorrow over the loss of a loved one, and wishes that they would leave her alone.
The song’s lyrics are poignant and relatable, conveying the narrator’s pain and anguish over her bereavement. The song begins with a quiet verse, where the narrator says that she is tired of being haunted by her memories and fears and that she wants her loved one to just leave her alone. The song then builds up to a powerful chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “I’m so tired of being here / Suppressed by all my childish fears / And if you have to leave / I wish that you would just leave / ‘Cause your presence still lingers here / And it won’t leave me alone”, expressing her frustration and desperation at her inability to move on. She also says that “These wounds won’t seem to heal / This pain is just too real / There’s just too much that time cannot erase“, suggesting that her loss is too deep and permanent to heal.
The song’s genre is rock, with elements of gothic rock, alternative rock, and piano rock. The song features Lee’s vocals, which are soft and delicate in the verses, and loud and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a simple but beautiful melody played on a piano, a guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by Evanescence and Dave Fortman, who also worked with them on their subsequent albums The Open Door and Evanescence.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of loneliness and despair caused by a lack of love. The song suggests that the narrator has been hurt by love, either by being left or betrayed, and that she feels isolated and hopeless.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Lee said that she wrote the song when she was 15 years old.
Lee also said that she was inspired by listening to Tori Amos’ album Little Earthquakes and Mozart, which she used to play on the piano as a child.
The song is one of Evanescence’s most successful and popular songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Gregorian, Lindsey Stirling, Kelly Clarkson, and Within Temptation.
92. “Yesterday” by The Beatles: This is a song by English rock band The Beatles, released in 1965 as the first single from their sixth studio album Help!. The song was written by Paul McCartney, who wrote it as a lament for a broken relationship. The song is a melancholic and nostalgic reflection on the past, as the narrator wishes that he could go back to the time when he and his lover were happy and in love.
The song’s lyrics are simple but poignant, conveying the narrator’s sadness and regret over his lost love. The song begins with a quiet verse, where the narrator says that he longs for yesterday, when his troubles seemed so far away, and when he believed in his lover.
The song then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “Why she had to go / I don’t know / She wouldn’t say / I said something wrong / Now I long for yesterday“, expressing his confusion and guilt at what went wrong in his relationship. He also says that “Yesterday / Love was such an easy game to play / Now I need a place to hide away / Oh I believe in yesterday“, suggesting that he feels lost and hopeless without his lover.
The song’s genre is pop, with elements of folk, baroque, and classical. The song features McCartney’s vocals, which are soft and tender in the verses, and loud and emotional in the choruses. The song also features a simple but elegant melody played on an acoustic guitar, a string quartet, and a harpsichord. The song’s production was done by The Beatles and George Martin, who also worked with them on their subsequent albums Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of longing and sorrow caused by a lack of love. The song suggests that the narrator has been hurt by love, either by being left or betrayed, and that he feels isolated and hopeless. The song also conveys a sense of nostalgia and reminiscence, as the narrator remembers the good times he had with his lover, and wishes that he could relive them. The song also reflects the personal experience of McCartney, who wrote it after breaking up with his girlfriend Jane Asher.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
McCartney said that he wrote the song in his sleep and that he woke up with the melody in his head.
McCartney said that he was inspired by listening to Ray Charles’ album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.
The song is one of The Beatles’ most famous and acclaimed songs and has been covered by more than 2,200 artists, such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, and Dolly Parton.
93. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton: This is a song by English rock guitarist and singer Eric Clapton, released in 1992 as the first single from his soundtrack album Rush. The song was written by Clapton and Will Jennings, who wrote it as a tribute to Clapton’s four-year-old son Conor, who died after falling from a 53rd-floor window of a New York City apartment in 1991. The song is a heartfelt and moving expression of grief and loss, as the narrator wonders if he will see his son again in heaven and if his son will recognize him.
The song’s lyrics are simple but emotional, conveying the narrator’s pain and sorrow over his son’s death. The song begins with a quiet verse, where the narrator asks himself if he would know his son’s name if he saw him in heaven, and if he would be the same. The song then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “I must be strong / And carry on / ‘Cause I know I don’t belong / Here in heaven”, expressing his struggle and determination to cope with his tragedy. He also says that “Beyond the door / There’s peace I’m sure / And I know there’ll be no more / Tears in heaven“, suggesting that he hopes for a reunion with his son in the afterlife.
The song’s genre is soft rock, with elements of blues, folk, and gospel. The song features Clapton’s vocals, which are soft and gentle in the verses, and loud and passionate in the choruses.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of longing and sadness caused by a lack of love. The song suggests that the narrator has been hurt by love, either by being separated or bereaved, and that he feels isolated and hopeless.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Clapton said that he was inspired by listening to Ray Charles’ album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.
The song is one of Clapton’s most successful and acclaimed songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Babyface, Josh Groban, Westlife, and Kelly Valleau.
94. I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt: This is a ballad by American singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, released in 1991 as the third single from her eleventh studio album Luck of the Draw. The song was written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, who was inspired by a newspaper article about a man who shot his girlfriend’s car after she rejected him. The song expresses the pain of unrequited love, as the narrator realizes that she cannot make her lover feel the same way as she does.
The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful, conveying the narrator’s resignation and despair in the face of a hopeless situation. The chorus repeats the line “‘Cause I can’t make you love me if you don’t / You can’t make your heart feel something it won’t“, emphasizing the futility of trying to change someone’s feelings. The song also uses the imagery of darkness and light, such as “Turn down the lights / Turn down the bed / Turn down these voices inside my head” and “Here in the dark / In these final hours / I will lay down my heart“, to contrast the intimacy of the night with the coldness of the morning.
The song’s genre is adult contemporary, with elements of blues, soul, and country. The song features Raitt’s distinctive vocals, accompanied by a piano played by Bruce Hornsby, who also performed with her live. The song also has a subtle string arrangement by Paul Buckmaster, who worked with artists like Elton John and David Bowie. The song’s production was done by Raitt and Don Was, who also produced her Grammy-winning album Nick of Time.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its universal appeal and resonance with listeners who have experienced similar situations. The song captures the raw emotion and vulnerability of loving someone who does not love you back, and the courage to let go and move on. The song also explores the theme of self-worth, as the narrator questions whether she deserves love or not.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Raitt said that of all the songs in her career, this one is “the greatest gift” and that it stands among “the best songs ever written”.
Reid said that he wrote the song’s melody in 45 minutes while driving to Nashville.
Shamblin said that he cried when he first heard Raitt’s recording of the song.
Raitt said that she had to record the song in one take because she could not sing it twice without breaking down.
Hornsby said that he played the piano part as if he was “playing at a funeral”.
Prince said that he loved the song so much that he recorded his own version in 1994, which he later released on his album Emancipation in 1996.
Adele said that she was “obsessed” with Raitt’s version of the song and that it influenced her style of singing ballads.
The song was ranked #339 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2010.
The song is widely regarded as one of the most heartbreaking and emotional songs ever recorded and has been covered by many artists, such as Adele, Bon Iver, George Michael, and Prince.
95. “Hallelujah“ by Leonard Cohen: This is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, first released in 1984 on his seventh studio album Various Positions. The song was written by Cohen over several years and went through many revisions and versions before he settled on the final one. The song is a complex and poetic meditation on love, faith, doubt, and redemption, drawing on biblical and literary references. The song’s chorus consists of the word “hallelujah”, which means “praise God” in Hebrew, but also has multiple meanings and interpretations depending on the context.
The song’s lyrics are rich and ambiguous, leaving room for different readings and emotions. The song begins with a reference to the biblical story of King David, who played the harp and composed psalms to please God but also committed adultery and murder. The song then shifts to the story of Samson and Delilah, another biblical couple who betrayed each other. The song also mentions other figures and themes from religion and literature, such as Bathsheba, the Holy Dove, the secret name of God, the broken throne, the minor fall, and the major lift (musical terms that also suggest ups and downs in life), and the cold and broken hallelujah. The song suggests that there is beauty and grace in both joy and sorrow, and that love is a sacred and mysterious force that transcends human understanding.
The song’s genre is folk rock, with elements of gospel, blues, and classical music. The song features Cohen’s distinctive vocals, which are deep, raspy, and expressive. The song also features a simple but haunting melody played on a synthesizer, a guitar, a bass, and a drum machine. The song’s production was done by Cohen and John Lissauer, who also worked with him on his previous album New Skin for the Old Ceremony.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the paradoxes and contradictions of love, such as how it can be both a source of joy and pain, how it can inspire both faith and doubt and how it can be both holy and broken. The song also acknowledges the difficulty of expressing love through words or music, as the narrator says “But you don’t really care for music, do ya?” and “I did my best / It wasn’t much / I couldn’t feel / So I tried to touch“. The song also conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of love’s imperfections, as the narrator says “There’s a blaze of light / In every word / It doesn’t matter which you heard / The holy or the broken Hallelujah“.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Cohen said that he wrote about 80 verses for the song before choosing the final ones and he wanted to write a song that “everybody could sing”.
Cohen said that he was influenced by Bob Dylan’s use of biblical imagery in his songs.
Cohen said that he was dissatisfied with his original recording of the song, and that he preferred John Cale’s version.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Pentatonix, Rufus Wainwright, k.d. Lang, and Jeff Buckley whose cover was ranked #259 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004.
96. “Fix You” by Coldplay: This is a song by British rock band Coldplay, released in 2005 as the second single from their third studio album X&Y. The song was written by all four members of the band, but mainly by lead singer Chris Martin, who wrote it for his then-wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, to comfort her after the death of her father, television director Bruce Paltrow. The song is a heartfelt and uplifting message of support and encouragement, as the narrator promises to “fix” his lover’s problems and pain.
The song’s lyrics are simple but emotional, conveying the narrator’s devotion and empathy for his lover. The song begins with a gentle verse, where the narrator acknowledges his lover’s struggles and failures, and tells her that he will always be there for her. The song then builds up to a powerful chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “Lights will guide you home / And ignite your bones / And I will try to fix you“, expressing his hope and determination to help his lover heal and find happiness. The song also uses the imagery of light and darkness, such as “When you lose something you can’t replace / When you love someone but it goes to waste / Could it be worse?” and “Tears stream down your face / When you lose something you cannot replace“, to contrast the sadness of the past with the brightness of the future.
The song’s genre is alternative rock, with elements of pop rock, post-Britpop, and gospel. The song features Martin’s vocals, which are soft and tender in the verses, and soaring and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a simple but catchy melody played on a synthesizer, a guitar, a bass, and a drum machine. The song’s production was done by Coldplay and Ken Nelson, who also worked with them on their previous albums Parachutes and A Rush of Blood to the Head.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of healing and recovery from a broken relationship. The song suggests that there is still hope and possibility for love, even after experiencing loss and heartbreak. The song also reflects the personal experience of Martin, who wrote it for Paltrow during a difficult time in their marriage, which eventually ended in divorce in 2016.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Martin said that he was inspired by watching Paltrow sing a lullaby to their daughter Apple.
Martin said that he was nervous about playing the song live because he felt it was “too personal”.
The song is one of Coldplay’s most popular and beloved songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Boyce Avenue, Jesse McCartney, Secondhand Serenade, and Yellowcard.
97. “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen: This is a song by American singer-songwriter Eric Carmen, released in 1975 as the first single from his self-titled debut solo album. The song was written by Carmen, who based the verse on the second movement of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, and the chorus on his previous song “Let’s Pretend” with his former band The Raspberries.
The song’s lyrics are poignant and relatable, conveying the narrator’s despair and desperation for companionship. The song features a powerful chorus, “All by myself / Don’t wanna be / All by myself / Anymore“, expressing his need and desire for love and intimacy. The song also uses the imagery of day and night, such as “When I was young / I never needed anyone / And making love was just for fun / Those days are gone” and “Hard to be sure / Sometimes I feel so insecure / And love so distant and obscure / Remains the cure“, to contrast the innocence of the past with the reality of the present.
The song’s genre is soft rock, with elements of pop, classical, and soul. The song features Carmen’s vocals, which are smooth and tender in the verses, and soaring and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a memorable melody played on a synthesizer, a guitar, a bass, and a drum machine. The song’s production was done by Carmen and Jimmy Ienner, who also worked with him on his previous albums with The Raspberries.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of solitude and sadness caused by a lack of love. The song suggests that there is nothing worse than being alone, especially when one has experienced love before and knows what it feels like.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Carmen said that he wrote the song in one hour at his apartment.
Carmen said that he did not realize that Rachmaninoff’s music was still under copyright outside the US until after he released the song.
He agreed to pay 12 percent of the royalties from the song to Rachmaninoff’s estate.
Carmen said that he was inspired by Harry Nilsson’s version of “Without You” by Badfinger.
The song is one of Carmen’s most successful and enduring songs, and has been covered by many artists, such as Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, and Il Divo.
98. “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails: This is a song by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, released in 1995 as a promotional single from their second studio album The Downward Spiral. The song was written by the band’s leader Trent Reznor, who wrote it as a reflection on his self-destructive behavior and suicidal thoughts. The song is a dark and disturbing confession of pain, guilt, and regret, as the narrator admits that he has hurt himself and others and that he has nothing left to live for.
The song’s lyrics are raw and honest, conveying the narrator’s despair and hopelessness. The song begins with a quiet verse, where the narrator reveals that he has hurt himself to see if he still feels anything, and that he only focuses on the pain because it is the only thing that is real. In the song, he mentions the “empire of dirt”, which means that he has nothing of value or meaning in his life.
The song’s genre is industrial rock, with elements of alternative rock, metal, and ambient. The song features Reznor’s vocals, which are soft and whispery in the verses, and loud and distorted in the choruses. The song also features a simple but haunting melody played on a synthesizer, a guitar, a bass, and a drum machine. The song’s production was done by Reznor and Flood, who also worked with him on his previous album Pretty Hate Machine.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of self-loathing and alienation caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Reznor said that he wrote the song in his bedroom while living at 10050 Cielo Drive, the house where actress Sharon Tate was murdered by followers of Charles Manson in 1969.
Reznor said that he was influenced by David Bowie’s album Low, which deals with themes of addiction and mental illness.
Reznor said that he was surprised by Johnny Cash’s cover of the song, which was released in 2002 as part of his album American IV: The Man Comes Around . Reznor said that he felt like Cash had taken his song away from him.
The song is one of Nine Inch Nails’ most acclaimed and influential songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Johnny Cash, Sevendust, Leona Lewis, and Lorde.
99. “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M.: This is a song by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1993 as the fourth single from their eighth studio album Automatic for the People. The song was written by all four members of the band, but mainly by drummer Bill Berry, who wanted to write a song for teenagers who felt suicidal or depressed. The song is a compassionate and uplifting message of hope and comfort, as the narrator tells the listener that they are not alone and that they should hold on and not give up.
The song’s lyrics are simple but heartfelt, showing empathy and support for the listener. The song begins with a gentle verse, where the narrator acknowledges the listener’s pain and struggles and tells them that it is okay to cry and feel hurt. The song then builds up to a powerful chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “Everybody hurts / Sometimes“, emphasizing that suffering is a universal and normal part of life. He also says that “Everybody hurts / Don’t throw your hand / Oh no / Don’t throw your hand / If you feel like you’re alone / No no no / You’re not alone“, expressing his concern and care for the listener, and urging them not to harm themselves or give up on life. The song also uses the imagery of day and night, such as “When your day is long / And the night / The night is yours alone” and “When you think you’ve had too much / Of this life / To hang on“, to contrast the loneliness of the dark with the hope of the light.
The song’s genre is alternative rock, with elements of folk rock, gospel, and soul. The song features lead singer Michael Stipe’s vocals, which are soft and soothing in the verses, and loud and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a simple but catchy melody played on a synthesizer, a guitar, a bass, and a drum machine. The song’s production was done by R.E.M. and Scott Litt, who also worked with them on their previous albums Green and Out of Time.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of loneliness and despair caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Berry said that he was inspired by listening to radio stations that played songs for people who were feeling down or suicidal.
Berry said that he was influenced by Roy Orbison’s use of simple but powerful lyrics in his songs.
The song is one of R.E.M.’s most popular and beloved songs and has been covered by many artists, such as The Corrs, Joe Cocker, Kelly Clarkson, and Paul Anka.
100. The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel: This is a song by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1965 as the second single from their debut studio album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. The song was written by Paul Simon, who wrote it in response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The song is a poetic and social commentary on the lack of communication and understanding in modern society, as the narrator observes a world of silence and darkness, where people are alienated and isolated from each other.
The song’s lyrics are profound and symbolic, conveying the narrator’s disillusionment and frustration with the human condition. The song begins with a quiet verse, then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “And in the naked light I saw / Ten thousand people maybe more / People talking without speaking / People hearing without listening / People writing songs that voices never share / And no one dared / Disturb the sound of silence“, expressing his dismay and anger at the apathy and ignorance of the masses. He also says that “Silence like a cancer grows”, suggesting that the problem is getting worse and more dangerous. The song also uses the imagery of light and darkness, such as “Hello darkness my old friend / I’ve come to talk with you again” and “But my words like silent raindrops fell / And echoed in the wells of silence“, to contrast the hope of enlightenment with the reality of oppression.
The song’s genre is folk rock, with elements of pop, classical, and gospel. The song features Simon’s vocals, which are soft and whispery in the verses, and loud and clear in the choruses. The song also features a simple but memorable melody played on an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by Simon & Garfunkel and Tom Wilson, who also worked with them on their previous single “The Sound of Silence”. Wilson added electric instruments and overdubbed Simon’s vocals to create a more commercial sound for the song.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of loneliness and despair caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Simon said that he wrote the song in his bathroom, where he liked to play his guitar because of the echo.
Simon said that he was inspired by listening to folk singers like Bob Dylan and Dave Van Ronk.
Simon said that he was influenced by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven”, which also uses the imagery of darkness and silence.
The song is one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most famous and influential songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Disturbed, Bob Dylan, Emiliana Torrini, and Pentatonix.
101. “Mad World” by Tears for Fears: This is a song by British new wave band Tears for Fears, released in 1982 as the third single from their debut studio album The Hurting. The song was written by Roland Orzabal, who wrote it as a critique of the pressures and expectations of modern society, especially on young people. The song is a melancholic and cynical observation of the world, as the narrator describes the absurdity and meaninglessness of human existence.
The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful, conveying the narrator’s disillusionment and detachment from reality. The song begins with a quiet verse, then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “And I find it kind of funny / I find it kind of sad / The dreams in which I’m dying / Are the best I’ve ever had“, expressing his irony and despair at his own mortality. He also says that “I find it hard to take / When people run in circles / It’s a very very / Mad world“, expressing his frustration and confusion at the chaos and futility of human behavior.
The song’s genre is new wave, with elements of synth-pop, post-punk, and dark wave. The song features Orzabal’s vocals, which are low and monotone in the verses, and high and strained in the choruses. The song also features a simple but catchy melody played on a synthesizer, a guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum machine. The song’s production was done by Tears for Fears and Chris Hughes, who also worked with them on their subsequent albums Songs from the Big Chair and The Seeds of Love.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of loneliness and despair caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Orzabal said that he wrote the song in 10 minutes on his acoustic guitar.
Orzabal said that he was inspired by listening to Duran Duran’s debut album.
Orzabal said that he was influenced by Arthur Janov’s book The Primal Scream, which deals with themes of childhood trauma and repression.
The song is one of Tears for Fears’ most iconic and influential songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Gary Jules, Michael Andrews, Adam Lambert, and Susan Boyle.
102. Let Her Go by Passenger: This is a song by English singer-songwriter Passenger, released in 2012 as the second single from his fourth studio album, All the Little Lights. The song was written by Passenger, whose real name is Michael Rosenberg, who wrote it as a reflection on his failed relationship with his ex-girlfriend. The song is a melancholic and regretful realisation of the value of love, as the narrator realises that he only appreciated his lover when he lost her.
The song’s lyrics are simple but poignant, conveying the narrator’s sadness and wisdom over his lost love. The song begins with a quiet verse, where the narrator says that he only needed the light when it was burning low, only missed the sun when it started to snow, and only knew he loved her when he let her go. The song then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “You only need the light when it’s burning low / Only miss the sun when it starts to snow / Only know you love her when you let her go“, expressing his irony and sorrow at his late realisation. He also says that “Only know you’ve been high when you’re feeling low / Only hate the road when you’re missing home / Only know you love her when you let her go“, suggesting that he feels lost and empty without his lover.
The song’s genre is folk rock, with elements of indie pop, acoustic, and country. The song features Passenger’s vocals, which are soft and raspy in the verses, and loud and emotional in the choruses. The song also features a simple but catchy melody played on an acoustic guitar, a mandolin, a bass guitar, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by Passenger and Chris Vallejo, who also worked with him on his previous albums Wide Eyes Blind Love, Divers, Submarines, and Flight of the Crow.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of longing and regret caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Passenger said that he was inspired by listening to Neil Young’s album Harvest.
The song is Passenger’s most successful and popular song and has been covered by many artists, such as Jasmine Thompson, Tyler Ward, Birdy, and Ed Sheeran.
103. I’m Not Okay (I Promise) by My Chemical Romance: This is a song by American rock band My Chemical Romance, released in 2004 as the second single from their second studio album, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge. The song was written by Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Frank Iero, Mikey Way, and Matt Pelissier, who wrote it as a critique of the pressures and expectations of high school, and as a tribute to Way’s experience of being cheated on by his girlfriend. The song is a rebellious and sarcastic anthem for misfits and outcasts, as the narrator expresses his anger and frustration at his situation, and declares that he is not okay.
The song’s lyrics are witty and catchy, conveying the narrator’s bitterness and defiance over his problems. The song begins with a loud verse, where the narrator says that he is tired of being lied to and manipulated by his girlfriend and that he wants her to leave him alone. The song then builds up to a louder chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “I’m not okay / I’m not okay / I’m not okay / You wear me out“, expressing his exhaustion and resentment at his relationship. He also says, “What will it take to show you that it’s not the life it seems? / I’ve told you time and time again you sing the words but don’t know what it means / To be a joke and look / Another line without a hook“, suggesting that he feels misunderstood and mocked by his peers.
The song’s genre is pop punk, with elements of emo, alternative rock, and post-hardcore. The song features Gerard Way’s vocals, which are high and nasal in the verses, and low and raspy in the choruses. The song also features a fast and energetic melody played on an electric guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by My Chemical Romance and Howard Benson, who also worked with them on their subsequent albums, The Black Parade and Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of anger and betrayal caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Gerard Way said that he wrote the song in 15 minutes on his guitar.
Gerard Way said that he was influenced by Morrissey’s song “Suedehead”, which also deals with themes of rejection and resentment.
The song is one of My Chemical Romance’s most famous and successful songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Weezer, Fall Out Boy, The All-American Rejects, and Twenty-One Pilots.
104. Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day: This is a song by American rock band Green Day, released in 2005 as the fourth single from their seventh studio album, American Idiot. The song was written by Billie Joe Armstrong, who wrote it as a tribute to his father, who died on September 1st, 1982 when Billie Joe was 10 years old.
The song’s genre is rock, with elements of pop, acoustic, and country. The song features Billie Joe Armstrong’s vocals, which are soft and gentle in the verses, and loud and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a simple but beautiful melody played on an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by Green Day and Rob Cavallo, who also worked with them on their previous albums, Dookie, Insomniac, and Nimrod.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of longing and sadness caused by a lack of love. The song also reflects the personal experience of Billie Joe Armstrong, who wrote it after losing his father.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Billie Joe Armstrong said that he was inspired by listening to John Lennon’s album Plastic Ono Band.
Billie Joe Armstrong said that he was influenced by Neil Young’s song “Sugar Mountain”, which also deals with themes of childhood and loss.
The song is one of Green Day’s most successful and acclaimed songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5, Boyce Avenue, and U2.
105. The Scientist by Coldplay: This is a song by British rock band Coldplay, released in 2002 as the second single from their second studio album, A Rush of Blood to the Head. The song was written collaboratively by all the band members, who wrote it as a story about a man’s desire to love and an apology.
The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful, conveying the narrator’s pain and wisdom over his problems. The song begins with a quiet verse, where the narrator says that he came up to meet his lover, tell her he was sorry, tell her he needed her, and tell her he set her apart. The song then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “Nobody said it was easy / It’s such a shame for us to part / Nobody said it was easy / No one ever said it would be this hard / Oh take me back to the start“, expressing his irony and despair at his situation. He also says that “I was just guessing at numbers and figures / Pulling your puzzles apart / Questions of science, science, and progress / Do not speak as loud as my heart“, suggesting that he feels confused and conflicted by his rational and emotional sides.
The song’s genre is rock, with elements of pop, acoustic, and country. The song features Chris Martin’s vocals, which are soft and gentle in the verses, and loud and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a simple but beautiful melody played on a piano, an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by Coldplay and Ken Nelson, who also worked with them on their previous album, Parachutes.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of longing and regret caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Chris Martin said that he was inspired by listening to George Harrison’s album “All Things Must Pass.”
The song is one of Coldplay’s most successful and acclaimed songs and has been covered by many artists, such as Natasha Bedingfield, Corinne Bailey Rae, Willie Nelson, and Avicii.
106. Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri: This is a song by American singer-songwriter Christina Perri, released in 2010 as the lead single from her debut EP, The Ocean Way Sessions. The song was written by Perri, Drew Lawrence, and Barrett Yeretsian, who wrote it as a story about a woman who refuses to take back her ex-lover, who has hurt her many times.
The song begins with a verse, where the narrator says that she can’t take one more step towards her ex-lover because all that’s waiting is regret. She also says that he lost the love she loved the most and that he is not her ghost anymore. The song then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “Who do you think you are?”, questioning her ex-lover’s audacity and arrogance. She also says that he is “running around leaving scars“, “collecting your jar of hearts“, and “tearing love apart“, implying that he is a heartbreaker who has hurt many women. She also says that he is “gonna catch a cold from the ice inside your soul“, suggesting that he is cold-hearted and lonely.
The song’s genre is pop, with elements of rock, soul, and folk. The song features Perri’s vocals, which are soft and gentle in the verses, and loud and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a simple but beautiful melody played on a piano, an acoustic guitar, a cello, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by Barrett Yeretsian, who also worked with Perri on her subsequent album, lovestrong.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of anger and strength caused by a lack of love. The song also conveys a sense of empowerment and courage as the narrator stands up for herself and rejects her ex-lover, who wants her back.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Christina Perri said that she was influenced by Adele’s song “Someone Like You,” which also deals with themes of love and pain.
Drew Lawrence said that he was inspired by listening to Leonard Cohen’s album Songs of Leonard Cohen.
Drew Lawrence said that he was influenced by Jeff Buckley’s song “Hallelujah,” which also showcases his vocal skills.
107. Skinny Love by Bon Iver: This is a song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2007 as the first single from their debut album For Emma, Forever Ago. The song was written and produced by Justin Vernon, who wrote it as a lament for his failed relationship with his former girlfriend. The song is a raw and emotional acoustic track, as the narrator expresses his frustration and sorrow over his love that has faded away. The song received critical acclaim from critics, who praised Vernon’s vocals and lyrics and became Bon Iver’s most popular and recognisable song.
In the lyrics, he also says that he is staring at the sink of blood and crushed veneer, implying that he is wounded and broken by their relationship. The song then builds up to a loud chorus, where the narrator repeats the line “I told you to be patient / I told you to be fine / I told you to be balanced / I told you to be kind“, showing his expectations and demands for his lover.
The song’s genre is indie folk, with elements of rock, soul, and blues. The song features Vernon’s vocals, which are soft and gentle in the verses, and loud and passionate in the choruses. The song also features a simple but beautiful melody played on an acoustic guitar, a banjo, a bass guitar, and a drum kit. The song’s production was done by Vernon himself, who recorded it in his father’s cabin in Wisconsin.
The song’s relevance to unrequited love is evident in its exploration of the theme of anger and strength caused by a lack of love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
Justin Vernon said that he was inspired by listening to Bruce Springsteen’s album Nebraska.
Justin Vernon said that he was influenced by Bob Dylan’s song “Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right”, which also deals with themes of love and pain.
The song has been covered by many artists, such as Birdy, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, and Jasmine Thompson.
108. “Last Resort” by Papa Roach: This is a song by American rock band Papa Roach that was released as their debut single in 2000. The song first appeared on the soundtrack to the film Ready to Rumble and later on their second studio album, Infest. The song is considered a nu-metal anthem and features a rap-like vocal delivery, heavy guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus. The song peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it expresses the feelings of hopelessness, desperation, and loneliness that can result from being rejected or ignored by someone you care about.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was originally titled “Infest”, but the band changed it to “Last Resort” because they thought it sounded more catchy and less controversial.
The band released a new version of the song in 2020, featuring rapper Jeris Johnson. The updated version has a more electronic sound and includes some new lyrics.
The band’s lead singer, Jacoby Shaddix, said that the song saved his life as well as many others. He said, “That song is timeless and it connects with who we are today and what we do today in a major way”.
109. “How to Save a Life” by The Fray: This is a song by American alternative rock band The Fray that was released as the second single from their 2006 debut studio album of the same name. The song is based on lead singer Isaac Slade’s experience as a mentor for a troubled teenager who was struggling with drug addiction and suicidal thoughts. Slade said that the song was about the frustration of trying to help someone who does not want to be helped and the regret of not being able to save his life.
The song became a huge hit and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the Adult Top 40 chart in the US. It also reached the top ten in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2007 but lost to “Dani California” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it depicts the feelings of helplessness, guilt, and sorrow that can result from losing someone you love to their own demons. The lyrics suggest that the narrator tried to reach out to his friend and offer him advice and support, but he failed to understand his pain and make him feel valued. He wonders what he could have done differently to save his life and prevent his tragic fate.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was inspired by a songwriting workshop that Slade attended, where he was encouraged to write about a personal experience that had a strong emotional impact on him.
The song was featured on several TV shows and movies, including Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, One Tree Hill, The Office, Criminal Minds, and Jumper.
The music video for the song was directed by Mark Pellington and showed various scenes of people facing different kinds of crises and conflicts.
The song was covered by several artists, including Jordin Sparks, Boyce Avenue, Kelly Clarkson, and The Piano Guys.
Slade said that the song has helped many people who were going through hard times or had lost someone they loved. He said: “I think it’s one of those songs that transcends time because people are always going through dark times in their lives”. He also said, “It’s about being there for someone when they’re going through something really hard“.
110. “In the End” by Linkin Park: This is a song by American rock band Linkin Park that was released as the fourth single from their debut album Hybrid Theory in 2001. The song is a rap-rock hybrid that combines the vocals of Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda with the instrumentals of Joe Hahn, Brad Delson, Rob Bourdon, and Dave Farrell. The song is about the frustration and disappointment of trying to achieve one’s goals and dreams but realising that they are ultimately meaningless and futile.
The song became one of the band’s most successful and iconic songs, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on several other charts worldwide. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 2003 but lost to “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it expresses the feelings of anger, betrayal, and regret that can result from being in love with someone who does not appreciate or reciprocate your efforts and sacrifices. The lyrics suggest that the narrator gave everything he had to his lover, but he was ignored and rejected in the end. He realises that his love was wasted and that nothing he did mattered.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was written by Mike Shinoda based on a poem he wrote in high school.
The song was originally titled “Untitled” but was changed to “In the End” because it sounded more catchy and memorable.
The music video for the song was directed by Nathan Cox and Joe Hahn and showed the band performing in a fantasy world with a giant statue of a soldier.
The song was covered by several artists, including Us The Duo, Twenty-One Pilots, Black Veil Brides, and Tommee Profitt feat. Fleurie.
Mike Shinoda said that the song is about “not being afraid to fail” and that it has a positive message despite its dark tone. He said: “It’s easy to be negative and blame your surroundings for your misfortune. (…) But at some point, you realise that you have to take responsibility for your own happiness.” He also said, “It’s about how you tried so hard but you don’t succeed (…) It’s not about how hard you fall. It’s about how you get back up“.
111. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams: This is a song by American country music legend Hank Williams that was released as the B-side of his single “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It” in 1949. The song is a melancholic ballad about the loneliness and sadness of being heartbroken. Williams wrote the song based on his own experience of being estranged from his wife, Audrey Sheppard, who had left him for another man.
The song features poetic and vivid imagery, such as the opening lines “Hear that lonesome whippoorwill/He sounds too blue to fly“, and has been praised as one of the most beautiful and haunting songs ever written. The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart and has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.J. Thomas, and Volbeat.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it expresses the feelings of despair, emptiness, and longing that can result from being in love with someone who does not love you back or has left you for someone else. The lyrics suggest that the narrator has lost all hope and joy in life, and he feels so lonely that he could cry.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was originally intended to be spoken rather than sung, as Williams had done on some of his Luke the Drifter recordings.
The song was inspired by a poem that Williams had read in a newspaper, titled “Midnight, the Unconquered Outlaw” by Paul Webster.
The music video for the song was made by animator Gene Deitch in 1966, using cut-out animation and photographs of Williams.
The song was ranked number 111 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004.
Williams said that the song was his favourite among all his compositions. He said, “I wrote it when I had no idea I was writing it (…) It’s my favourite because it tells a story.” He also said, “It’s about how you feel when you’re alone and blue“.
112. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss: This is a song by American country music artists Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss that was released as the third single from Paisley’s album Mud on the Tires in 2004. The song is a duet that tells the tragic story of a couple who both commit suicide by drinking themselves to death after their relationship falls apart. The song was written by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall, who based it on Randall’s own experience of divorce and alcoholism.
The song received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year and the Academy of Country Music Award for Video of the Year. The song also reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it depicts the feelings of grief, guilt, and despair that can result from losing someone you love to their own demons or to another person. The lyrics suggest that the man and the woman both loved each other deeply, but they could not overcome their problems and misunderstandings. They both blamed themselves for their failed relationship and could not find peace or happiness without each other.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was originally pitched to Darryl Worley, who turned it down because he thought it was too depressing.
The song was recorded in one take, with Paisley and Krauss singing live in the same room.
The music video for the song was directed by Rick Schroder and starred Schroder and his wife Andrea as the ill-fated couple.
The song was covered by several artists, including Josh Turner, Scotty McCreery, Jamey Johnson, and The Voice contestants Adam Wakefield and Emily Ann Roberts.
Paisley said that the song is one of his favourites and that it has a powerful message. He said: “It’s a very sad story about alcoholism and death (…) It’s one of those songs that hopefully makes people think twice before they treat somebody a certain way“. He also said: “It’s about how you can’t drink your problems away“.
113. You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash: This is a song by American country music icon Johnny Cash that was released as part of his posthumous album Unearthed in 2003. The song is a cover of a popular folk song that was first recorded by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1939. The song is a simple and sweet love song that expresses the narrator’s devotion and gratitude to his lover, who is his only source of happiness and joy.
Cash recorded the song as a solo acoustic performance, with his distinctive voice and guitar giving the song a raw and emotional feel. The song was also included in the soundtrack of the biographical film Walk the Line, which starred Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as his wife June Carter Cash.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays the feelings of attachment, dependence, and fear that can result from being in love with someone who might leave you or take away your sunshine. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is deeply in love with his lover, but he also knows that he cannot control her feelings or actions. He pleads with her to never take his sunshine away and to always say that she loves him.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs are:
The song was originally written by Paul Rice, who sold the rights to Jimmie Davis for $35.
The song was declared one of the state songs of Louisiana in 1977 in honour of Davis, who served as governor of Louisiana from 1944 to 1948 and from 1960 to 1964.
The music video for the song was made by animator Gene Deitch in 1966, using cut-out animation and photographs of Cash.
The song was covered by several artists, including Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Bing Crosby, and Anne Murray.
Cash said that the song was one of his favourites and that it reminded him of his wife, June. He said: “It’s a very simple song. (…) It’s about how you feel when you’re in love.” He also said, “It’s about how she’s my sunshine.”
114. “One Wish” by Ray J: This is an R&B song that expresses the longing and regret of losing a loved one. The singer wishes he could have one more chance to make things right and be with his ex-girlfriend again. He reminisces about their past relationship and how they were best friends and soulmates.
The song was released in 2005 as the lead single from Ray J’s third album Raydiation. It was produced by Darkchild, who also co-wrote the song with Ray J, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Harvey Mason Jr. It became Ray J’s first top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #11. It also reached #3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and #2 on the Rhythmic chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA for selling over one million copies in the US.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it portrays the pain and desperation of someone who still loves someone who doesn’t love them back. The singer feels hopeless and lonely without his ex-girlfriend, and he wishes he could change the past and erase his mistakes. He can’t move on or find happiness with anyone else. He is stuck in a cycle of depression and denial.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was notably sampled by Burial for his song Archangel from his second album Untrue, which is considered a landmark in electronic music.
The song was re-released in the UK in 2006 with new remixes, including one featuring rapper Fabolous. It entered the UK top 20, peaking at #13.
The song was inspired by Ray J’s real-life breakup with actress Kim Kardashian, who he dated from 2003 to 2006. They also made a notorious sex tape together, which was leaked online in 2007.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Trey Songz, Mario, JoJo, and Justin Bieber.
115. “Climax” by Usher: This is an R&B song that depicts the end of a relationship that had no future. The singer realizes that he and his partner have reached the peak of their love and there is no way to go further. He regrets that they couldn’t make it work and that they have to part ways. He wonders if they should have tried harder or if they should have never met at all. He feels empty and broken without her.
The song was released in 2012 as the lead single from Usher’s seventh album Looking 4 Myself. It was produced by Diplo, who also co-wrote the song with Usher, Elijah Blake, Ariel Rechtshaid, and Johnny Najera. It was a critical and commercial success, reaching #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance in 2013.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the pain and frustration of losing someone you still love but can’t be with. The singer feels like he has wasted his time and energy on a doomed relationship. He can’t get over her or find closure. He is stuck in a state of depression and despair.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was originally intended for the electronic music duo Kaskade, but Usher heard it and wanted it for himself.
The song was inspired by Usher’s divorce from his ex-wife Tameka Foster, who he married in 2007 and separated from in 2009.
The song has been described as a “quiet storm” and a “reverse crescendo”, as it builds up to a climax that never comes.
The music video for the song features Usher driving a car in the desert, while flashbacks of his ex-girlfriend appear on the windshield. The video also shows him setting fire to his belongings and walking away from the car.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Sam Smith, Kelly Clarkson, Foxes, and Conor Maynard.
116. “Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige: This is an R&B song that expresses the strength and resilience of a woman who decides to leave her cheating husband. The singer reflects on how she devoted her life to him and how he betrayed her with another woman. She says she will not cry or beg for him to stay because he is not worth her tears. She says she will move on and find happiness without him.
The song was released in 1996 as the second single from the soundtrack to the film Waiting to Exhale, which starred Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon. It was also featured on Blige’s third album Share My World (1997). It was written and produced by Babyface, who also wrote and produced most of the songs on the soundtrack. It was a huge hit for Blige, reaching #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1997.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the pain and courage of leaving someone who doesn’t love you back. The singer feels like she has wasted her time and energy on a man who didn’t appreciate her. She can’t believe that he would hurt her so badly. She is stuck in a state of depression and anger, but she also finds hope and empowerment.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by a storyline in the movie Waiting to Exhale revolving around one of the main characters, Bernadine (portrayed by Angela Bassett), who gets abandoned by her husband for his secretary.
The music video for the song features Mary J. Blige performing in a dark room, while scenes from Waiting to Exhale are shown on a screen behind her. The video also features cameo appearances by Babyface and Lela Rochon.
The song has been sampled by several artists, including Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Fabolous, and Drake.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Faith Evans, Jennifer Hudson, and Fantasia Barrino.
117. “I’m Not OK” by H.E.R.: This is an R&B song that reveals the vulnerability and insecurity of a woman who is struggling with her relationship. The singer admits that she is not okay and that she needs her partner to be there for her. She says she is sick to her stomach and can’t sleep because she is worried about where he may be. She feels like she is stressing over things that she can’t see and that she can’t trust him or herself.
The song was released in 2018 as the third track from H.E.R.’s second EP I Used to Know Her: Part 2. It was produced by D’Mile and Swagg R’Celious, who also co-wrote the song with H.E.R., Sam Ashworth, and D. Arcelious Harris. It was a moderate hit on the R&B charts, reaching #15 on the Hot R&B Songs chart and #25 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the pain and anxiety of being in a relationship that is not fulfilling or stable. The singer feels like she is not getting the love and support that she deserves and that she is losing her faith in him and herself. She can’t cope with the uncertainty and the distance that he creates. She is stuck in a state of depression and fear.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by H.E.R.’s own experience of being in a toxic relationship that made her feel insecure and unhappy.
The song has a music video that features H.E.R. performing in a dark room, while scenes of her relationship are shown on a screen behind her. The video also shows her driving a car in the desert and walking away from it.
The song has been praised by critics for its honesty and emotion, as well as H.E.R.’s vocal delivery and production.
The song has been covered by several artists, including CJ Hammond, Jazmine Sullivan, and Kiana Ledé.
118. “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men: This is an R&B song that portrays the sadness and desperation of a man who begs his lover not to leave him. The singer says that they belong together and that he is right for her. He says that he would do anything to keep her and that he can’t live without her. He says that they have reached the end of the road and that he can’t let go.
The song was released in 1992 as the lead single from the soundtrack to the film Boomerang, which starred Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens, and Grace Jones. It was also included on Boyz II Men’s debut album Cooleyhighharmony (1993 reissue). It was written and produced by Babyface, LA Reid, and Daryl Simmons. It was a huge hit for Boyz II Men, breaking records on the Billboard charts. It spent 13 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100, becoming the longest-running #1 single in history at the time. It also reached #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and #1 on the UK Singles Chart. It won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best R&B Song in 1993.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the pain and hopelessness of losing someone you love and can’t get over. The singer feels like he has given his all to her and that she is his soulmate. He can’t accept that she wants to leave him and that their relationship is over. He is stuck in a state of depression and denial.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by a scene in the movie Boomerang where Eddie Murphy’s character tries to win back his ex-girlfriend played by Robin Givens.
The music video for the song features Boyz II Men performing in a dark studio, while scenes from Boomerang are shown on a screen behind them. The video also features cameo appearances by Babyface and LA Reid.
The song has been sampled by several artists, including Mariah Carey, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Lil Wayne, and Drake.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Westlife, Usher, Gladys Knight, and Brian McKnight.
119. “One Last Cry” by Brian McKnight: This is an R&B song that captures the emotion and sorrow of a man who is trying to move on from a broken relationship. The singer says that he has given up on his love and that he has nothing left to give. He says that he has to face the pain and let go of his feelings. He says that he will cry one last time before he leaves her behind.
The song was released in 1993 as the fourth single from Brian McKnight’s debut album Brian McKnight. It was written and produced by Brian McKnight, Brandon Barnes, and Melanie Barnes. It was a big hit for McKnight, reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also reached #19 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the pain and difficulty of letting go of someone you love and can’t have. The singer feels like he has lost his soulmate and that he has no hope for the future. He can’t forget her or find happiness with anyone else. He is stuck in a state of depression and grief.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Brian McKnight’s own experience of breaking up with his high school sweetheart.
The music video for the song features Brian McKnight performing in a dark room, while scenes of his ex-girlfriend are shown on a screen behind him. The video also shows him walking in the rain and throwing away his belongings.
The song has been sampled by several artists, including Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Fabolous, and Drake.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Mariah Carey, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, and Heather Headley.
120. “Diary” by Alicia Keys: This is an R&B song that invites a lover to confide in her and share his secrets. The singer says that she will be loyal and trustworthy and that she will not judge him or tell anyone what he tells her. She says that she will be like the pages in his diary, where he can express himself freely and honestly. She says that she feels a connection with him and that she wants to be there for him.
The song was released in 2004 as the third single from Alicia Keys’ second album The Diary of Alicia Keys. It was written and produced by Alicia Keys and Kerry “Krucial” Brothers. It features guest vocals by Tony! Toni! Toné! and Jermaine Paul. It was a hit for Keys, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also reached #17 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows the desire and longing of someone who wants to be closer to someone who may not feel the same way. The singer feels like she has a special bond with him and that she can understand him better than anyone else. She wants him to open up to her and trust her with his feelings. She is stuck in a state of depression and hope.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Alicia Keys’ own experience of being in a relationship where she felt like she was his diary.
The music video for the song features Alicia Keys performing in a dark room, while scenes of her lover are shown on a screen behind her. The video also shows her driving a car in the desert and walking away from it.
The song has been praised by critics for its intimacy and emotion, as well as Keys’ vocal delivery and production.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Mariah Carey, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, and Heather Headley.
Acceptance
This is the stage where you finally accept that your love is unrequited. You realize that it’s not your fault, or theirs, or anyone’s. You understand that sometimes love just doesn’t work out the way you want it to. You let go of your attachment, your expectations, and your pain. You move on with your life and open yourself up to new possibilities.
Some of the songs for this stage Of Unrequited Love:
121. “Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande: This is a pop song that expresses gratitude and self-empowerment after a breakup. The song was released on November 3, 2018, as the lead single and title track of her fifth studio album, thank u, next. The song was written by Ariana Grande and six other collaborators, including Victoria Monét, Tayla Parx, and TBHits.
The song’s lyrics mention four of Ariana Grande’s ex-boyfriends by name: rapper Big Sean, dancer Ricky Alvarez, rapper Mac Miller, and comedian Pete Davidson. She thanks them for teaching her love, patience, and pain, and says she is grateful for her exes. She also sings about spending more time with her friends, meeting someone new (herself), and looking forward to getting married someday.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, reaching number one in many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. It broke several records, such as the most streams received by a song in a single week by a female artist on Spotify. It also received two Grammy nominations for Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year.
The song’s official music video was directed by Hannah Lux Davis and released on November 30, 2018. The video features references to four popular teen movies: Mean Girls, Bring It On, 13 Going on 30, and Legally Blonde. It also features cameo appearances by celebrities such as Jennifer Coolidge, Kris Jenner, Colleen Ballinger, and Troye Sivan.
The song is considered an anthem of self-love and resilience after a breakup. It also reflects Ariana Grande’s personal growth and maturity as an artist and a person. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can move on from a relationship that did not work out and find happiness within oneself.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by a tweet that Ariana Grande posted on November 3, 2018, which read: “for somebody who claims to hate relevancy u sure love clinging to it huh. thank u. next.” The tweet was in response to a joke that Pete Davidson made about their engagement on Saturday Night Live.
The song was released only 30 minutes before the airing of Saturday Night Live on November 3, 2018. Ariana Grande later revealed that she texted Pete Davidson to let him know about the song before it came out.
The song’s title is stylized in lowercase letters, which is a signature style of Ariana Grande. She explained that she likes the aesthetic of lowercase letters and that they make her feel calm.
The song’s lyric video features footage of Ariana Grande’s pet pig, Piggy Smallz, who was a gift from Pete Davidson during their relationship.
The song’s music video broke the record for the most views in 24 hours on YouTube, with 55.4 million views. It also broke the record for the most commented video on YouTube, with over one million comments.
122. “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees: This is a pop-rock song that expresses joy and disbelief at finding true love. The song was released on November 12, 1966, as the second single from their second album, More of The Monkees. The song was written by Neil Diamond, who also recorded his own version of the song.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who was skeptical about love until he met his dream girl. He sings about how he is now a believer and not a trace of doubt remains in his mind. He also praises her for making him happy and giving him love.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming the best-selling record of 1967 in the US, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide. It also reached number one in many countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. It was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Performance by a Vocal Group and Best Contemporary Rock & Roll Group Vocal Performance.
The song’s official music video was directed by Bob Rafelson and featured scenes from the TV show The Monkees, which starred the band members as a fictional group of musicians and comedians. The video also showed the band performing the song on various sets and locations.
The song is considered to be one of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and a classic example of bubblegum pop. It also reflects The Monkees’ musical style and personality, which combined catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and humorous lyrics. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can overcome cynicism and doubt and embrace love.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was originally offered to The Hollies, but they turned it down because they did not like the heavy use of percussion in the song.
The lead vocals on the song were performed by Davy Jones, who was also the band’s heartthrob and received the most fan mail among the members.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Smash Mouth, Robert Wyatt, The Four Tops, and Weezer. Smash Mouth’s version was featured in the animated film Shrek in 2001 and became a hit again.
The song’s title is often misheard as “I’m a believer” or “I’m a bee-leaver” by listeners who are not familiar with the word “believer” or have trouble understanding Jones’ British accent.
123. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor: This is a disco song that expresses strength and resilience after a breakup. The song was released in October 1978 as the second single from her sixth album, Love Tracks. The song was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, who also produced the song.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who was devastated by her lover’s departure but then realized that she could live without him. She sings about how she learned to cope with her pain and how she is now ready to face the future with confidence and independence. She also warns her ex-lover not to come back and try to hurt her again.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of the most iconic disco songs of all time. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as in many other countries, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and France2. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording in 1980, the only year that category existed.
The song’s official music video was directed by Stan Harris and featured Gloria Gaynor performing the song in various outfits and settings, such as a nightclub, a studio, and a rooftop. The video also showed scenes of people dancing and celebrating the song’s uplifting message.
The song is considered to be an anthem of female empowerment and survival. It also reflects Gloria Gaynor’s personal experience of overcoming a serious spinal injury that threatened to end her career. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can recover from a broken heart and find happiness within oneself.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was originally recorded as a B-side for another song called “Substitute”, but radio DJs preferred “I Will Survive” and started playing it more often.
The song was inspired by Dino Fekaris’ personal situation of being fired from his job as a staff writer at Motown Records.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Cake, Diana Ross, Chantay Savage, and Gladys Knight. Cake’s version reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1997 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The song was featured in many movies and TV shows, such as The Martian, Shrek 2, The Replacements, Sex and the City, and Glee.
124. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt: This is a rock ballad that expresses the pain and confusion of a breakup. The song was released on April 15, 1996, as the third single from their third album, Tragic Kingdom1. The song was written by Gwen Stefani and her brother Eric Stefani, who was a former member of the band.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a couple who are drifting apart and facing the end of their relationship. The singer asks her lover not to speak and explain why they are leaving because it hurts too much to hear. She also says that she knows what he is thinking and that she does not need his reasons.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of the most successful songs of 1996 and 1997. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart in the US for 16 weeks, a record at the time2. It also reached number one in many other countries, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany. It was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The song’s official music video was directed by Sophie Muller and featured scenes of the band performing the song in a garage interspersed with scenes of Gwen Stefani and her boyfriend (played by actor Tony Kanal, who was also her real-life ex-boyfriend and bandmate) arguing and breaking up. The video also showed the tension and jealousy among the band members as Gwen Stefani became more popular and successful.
The song is considered to be one of the most emotional and powerful songs of the 1990s and a classic example of alternative rock. It also reflects No Doubt’s musical style and personality, which combined ska, punk, pop, and reggae influences. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can cope with rejection and loss.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Gwen Stefani’s real-life breakup with Tony Kanal, who dated for seven years before ending their relationship in 1994.
The song was originally recorded as a demo in 1994 and was not intended to be released as a single. However, after a radio station in Anaheim played the song without permission, it became very popular and the band decided to release it officially.
The song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as “Don’t Download This Song” in 2006, which criticized illegal file-sharing and piracy.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Leela James, Anna Kendrick, Glee Cast, and One Direction.
125. “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel: This is a power ballad that expresses freedom and self-acceptance. The song was released on November 25, 2013, as part of the soundtrack of the animated film Frozen. The song was written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who also wrote the other songs for the film.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of Elsa, the Snow Queen, who has been hiding her magical ability to create ice and snow from everyone, including her sister Anna. After accidentally revealing her powers and causing a winter storm, she flees to the mountains and decides to embrace her true self and let go of her fears and regrets. She sings about how she is no longer bothered by what others think of her and how she is free to use her powers as she pleases.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of the most popular songs of 2013 and 2014. It reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as number one in many other countries, such as Japan, South Korea, France, and Norway2. It also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
The song’s official music video was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, who also directed the film, and featured scenes of Idina Menzel singing the song in a recording studio interspersed with scenes of Elsa singing the song in the film. The video also showed Elsa creating her ice palace and her snowman companion Olaf.
The song is considered to be one of the most inspiring and empowering songs of all time and a classic example of Disney music. It also reflects Frozen’s theme of sisterhood and love, as well as Idina Menzel’s vocal talent and charisma. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can overcome loneliness and isolation and find happiness within oneself.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was originally written as a villain song for Elsa, who was supposed to be an evil character in earlier versions of the film’s script. However, after hearing Idina Menzel’s performance of the song, the filmmakers decided to rewrite Elsa as a more sympathetic and complex character.
The song was inspired by various musical influences, such as Broadway musicals, pop music, rock music, and classical music. The writers also cited Adele, Lady Gaga, Carole King, and Avril Lavigne as some of their inspirations for the song.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Demi Lovato, Pentatonix, James Bay, and Colbie Caillat. Demi Lovato’s version was released as a single and reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.
The song was featured in many parodies and spoofs, such as Honest Trailers, How It Should Have Ended, Key & Peele, and The Simpsons.
126. “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John: This is a pop-rock song that expresses optimism and perseverance. The song was released on July 3, 1983, as the first single from his 17th album, Too Low for Zero. The song was written by Elton John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, who also wrote the lyrics for most of Elton John’s songs.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who has overcome many challenges and setbacks in his life and career. He sings about how he is still standing and feeling strong, despite the attempts of others to bring him down. He also says that he does not need anyone’s love or pity and that he is better off without them.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Elton John’s most popular and enduring songs. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as number one in Canada and Switzerland. It also received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male in 1984.
The song’s official music video was directed by Russell Mulcahy and filmed in Cannes and Nice, France. It featured Elton John performing the song in various colorful and flamboyant outfits, as well as scenes of him being chased and harassed by a group of dancers dressed as punks. The video also featured cameo appearances by celebrities such as Bruno Tonioli, Kiki Dee, and George Michael.
The song is considered to be one of the most uplifting and inspiring songs of all time and a classic example of Elton John’s musical style and personality, which combined piano, rock, pop, and soul influences. The song also reflects Elton John’s personal recovery from drug addiction and depression in the early 1980s. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can move on from a failed relationship and find happiness within oneself.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Elton John’s friendship with John Lennon, who was murdered in 1980. Elton John said that Lennon encouraged him to keep making music and not give up on his dreams.
The song was recorded in Montserrat, a Caribbean island that was later devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1995. Elton John said that he felt sad to see the island destroyed and that he hoped to return someday.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Taron Egerton, Jon Bon Jovi, Glee Cast, and The Chipmunks. Taron Egerton’s version was featured in the 2019 biopic Rocketman, which starred Egerton as Elton John and depicted his life story.
The song was featured in many movies and TV shows, such as Sing, Borat, The Simpsons, and Friends.
127. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift: This is a pop song that expresses confidence and happiness. The song was released on August 18, 2014, as the lead single from her fifth album, 1989. The song was written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback, who also produced the song.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who does not care about the criticism and gossip that she faces from others. She sings about how she is having fun and enjoying her life, and how she shakes off the negativity and haters. She also says that she does not need anyone’s approval or validation and that she is proud of who she is.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Taylor Swift’s most popular and successful songs. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as in many other countries, such as Canada, Australia, Germany, and Sweden. It also won three Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance in 2016.
The song’s official music video was directed by Mark Romanek and featured Taylor Swift dancing in various styles and costumes, such as ballet, hip-hop, cheerleading, and twerking. The video also featured cameo appearances by professional dancers and celebrities such as Derek Hough, Jade Chynoweth, Lily Aldridge, and Zendaya.
The song is considered to be one of the most catchy and upbeat songs of all time and a classic example of Taylor Swift’s musical style and personality, which combined pop, rock, and country influences. The song also reflects Taylor Swift’s personal transition from country to pop music and her image makeover in 2014. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can be happy and confident without depending on a romantic partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Taylor Swift’s own experience of dealing with media scrutiny and public backlash over her personal life and relationships.
The song was recorded in Stockholm, Sweden, where Max Martin and Shellback are based.
The song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as “Inactive” in 2014, which mocked the sedentary lifestyle of some people.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Ryan Adams, and The Wiggles.
128. “Firework” by Katy Perry: This is a dance-pop song that expresses self-empowerment and inspiration. The song was released on October 18, 2010, as the third single from her third album, Teenage Dream. The song was written by Katy Perry and Ester Dean, and the song’s producers Stargate and Sandy Vee.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who feels insecure and hopeless but then realizes that they have a spark inside them that can make them shine. The singer encourages the listener to ignite their light and show their true colors to the world. She also says that everyone is unique and special and that they can overcome any obstacle or challenge.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Katy Perry’s most popular and successful songs. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as in many other countries, such as Brazil, Canada, Israel, and New Zealand. It also received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2012.
The song’s official music video was directed by Dave Meyers and filmed in Budapest, Hungary. It featured Katy Perry singing the song in various locations, such as a castle, a bridge, and a rooftop. The video also showed scenes of people who are struggling with different issues, such as bullying, body image, sexuality, and loneliness. The video ends with them shooting fireworks from their chests and celebrating their individuality.
The song is considered to be one of the most inspiring and uplifting songs of all time and a classic example of Katy Perry’s musical style and personality, which combined pop, rock, and electronic influences. The song also reflects Katy Perry’s personal mission of spreading positivity and hope through her music. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can be happy and confident without depending on a romantic partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Katy Perry’s visit to an art exhibition by Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist who is known for her use of polka dots and fireworks in her works.
The song was co-written by Ester Dean, who is also a singer and has collaborated with artists such as Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé.
The song was parodied by The Key of Awesome, a YouTube comedy series that makes fun of popular music videos.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Glee Cast, Jordin Sparks, Boyce Avenue, and Pentatonix.
129. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson is a pop-rock song that expresses resilience and determination. The song was released on January 17, 2012, as the second single from her fifth album, Stronger. The song was written by Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin, and Ali Tamposi, and produced by Kurstin.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who has survived a breakup and has become stronger and happier as a result. She sings about how she does not need her ex-lover anymore and how she can handle anything that life throws at her. She also says that what does not kill her makes her stronger, a phrase inspired by a famous quote by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Kelly Clarkson’s most popular and successful songs. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as in many other countries, such as Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, and Sweden. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2013.
The song’s official music video was directed by Shane Drake and featured Kelly Clarkson performing the song in various locations, such as a warehouse, a bridge, and a park. The video also showed scenes of people who are facing different challenges, such as illness, injury, bullying, and unemployment. The video ends with them joining Kelly Clarkson in a flash mob dance.
The song is considered to be one of the most inspiring and empowering songs of all time and a classic example of Kelly Clarkson’s musical style and personality, which combined pop, rock, and soul influences. The song also reflects Kelly Clarkson’s personal experience of overcoming hardships and finding happiness in her career and personal life. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can recover from a broken heart and find strength within oneself.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was originally written for singer Leona Lewis, but she turned it down because she felt it did not suit her style.
The song was recorded in Los Angeles, California, where Kelly Clarkson worked with producer Greg Kurstin for the first time.
The song was parodied by Sesame Street, a children’s TV show that made fun of the song’s title and lyrics by changing them to “Stronger (What Doesn’t Spill You)”.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Sam Tsui, Pentatonix, The Wanted, and Glee Cast.
130. “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette is a rock song that describes peculiar and unfortunate situations. The song was released on February 27, 1996, as the third single from her third album, Jagged Little Pill1. The song was written by Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard, who also produced the song.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who lists various examples of irony, such as an old man who dies the day after winning the lottery, a traffic jam when you are already late, or meeting the man of your dreams and then his wife. She sings about how life has a funny way of sneaking up on you and helping you out in unexpected ways.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Alanis Morissette’s most popular and successful songs. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as number one in Canada, Norway, and Sweden. It also received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year in 1997.
The song’s official music video was directed by Stéphane Sednaoui and featured Alanis Morissette singing the song in a car with four different versions of herself, representing different aspects of her personality. The video also showed scenes of ironic situations that matched the lyrics of the song.
The song is considered to be one of the most iconic and controversial songs of the 1990s and a classic example of Alanis Morissette’s musical style and personality, which combined alternative rock, pop, and folk influences. The song also sparked a long-running debate over its title and how it relates to the situations in the song. Many critics and listeners argued that the song does not describe irony, but rather coincidence or bad luck. Alanis Morissette later admitted that she was not aware of the exact definition of irony when she wrote the song, but that she did not regret it.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Alanis Morissette’s trip to Los Angeles, where she encountered many ironic situations that made her laugh.
The song was co-written by Glen Ballard, who is also a singer and songwriter and has worked with artists such as Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and Christina Aguilera.
The song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as “Isn’t It Ironic?” in 2003, which corrected the lyrics to make them more ironic.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Four Year Strong, Taylor Swift, James Blunt, and Ed Sheeran.
131. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi: This is a rock song that expresses defiance and independence. The song was released on May 23, 2000, as the first single from their seventh album, Crush1. The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Max Martin, who also co-produced the song with Luke Ebbin.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who wants to live his life on his own terms and does not care about what others think or say. He sings about how he is not afraid to take risks and make mistakes, and how he does not want to waste his time or regret anything. He also says that he is inspired by Frank Sinatra, who famously sang “I did it my way” in his song My Way.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Bon Jovi’s most popular and successful songs. It reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as number one in many other countries, such as Austria, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. It also received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 20012.
The song’s official music video was directed by Wayne Isham and featured Bon Jovi performing the song in various locations, such as a rooftop, a tunnel, and a street. The video also showed scenes of people who are living their lives according to their own choices and passions, such as a boxer, a dancer, a painter, and a biker.
The song is considered to be one of the most anthemic and energetic songs of all time and a classic example of Bon Jovi’s musical style and personality, which combined hard rock, pop rock, and arena rock influences. The song also reflects Bon Jovi’s personal comeback after a hiatus in the late 1990s and their renewed popularity in the new millennium. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can be happy and confident without depending on a romantic partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Bon Jovi’s admiration for young fans who attended their concerts and supported their music.
The song was co-written by Max Martin, who is also a singer and songwriter and has worked with artists such as Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and Taylor Swift.
The song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as “It’s My World (And We’re All Living In It)” in 2016, which mocked the narcissism and self-absorption of some people.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Paul Anka, Daughtry, Glee Cast, and The Killers.
132. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga: This is a dance-pop song that expresses self-love and diversity. The song was released on February 11, 2011, as the lead single from her second album, Born This Way. The song was written by Lady Gaga and Jeppe Laursen, who also co-produced the song with Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who celebrates their identity and uniqueness and does not let anyone or anything stop them from being who they are. The singer encourages the listener to be proud of their race, gender, sexuality, and religion, and to embrace their differences. She also says that she was born this way, implying that she was born with natural confidence and charisma.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Lady Gaga’s most popular and successful songs. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as in many other countries, such as Australia, Canada, France, and Japan. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2012.
The song’s official music video was directed by Nick Knight and featured Lady Gaga singing the song in various costumes and settings, such as a crystal cave, a futuristic city, and a unicorn forest. The video also showed scenes of people who are part of different communities and cultures, such as LGBTQ+, Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, and disabled.
The song is considered to be one of the most inspiring and empowering songs of all time and a classic example of Lady Gaga’s musical style and personality, which combined pop, dance, electronic, and rock influences.
The song also reflects Lady Gaga’s personal mission of spreading love and acceptance through her music. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can be happy and confident without depending on a romantic partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Lady Gaga’s admiration for her gay fans and friends, who inspired her to be brave and authentic.
The song was co-written by Jeppe Laursen, who is also a singer and songwriter and has worked with artists such as Kylie Minogue, Pitbull, and Selena Gomez.
The song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as “Perform This Way” in 2011, which mocked Lady Gaga’s outrageous outfits and performances.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Maria Aragon, Glee Cast, Madonna, and Sam Tsui.
133. “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree: This is an R&B/soul song that expresses wisdom and positivity. The song was released on April 9, 1994, as the lead single from her second album, I Ain’t Movin’. The song was written by Des’ree and Ashley Ingram, who also produced the song.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who gives advice and encouragement to the listener. She sings about how to cope with life’s challenges and opportunities, and how to be confident and optimistic. She also says that you gotta be bad, bold, wiser, hard, tough, stronger, cool, calm, and stay together.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Des’ree’s most popular and successful songs. It reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as number one in New Zealand and number nine in the UK. It also received a Brit Award nomination for Best British Single in 1995.
The song’s official music video was directed by Antoine Fuqua and featured Des’ree singing the song in various locations, such as a desert, a forest, a beach, and a city. The video also showed scenes of people who are living their lives with joy and courage, such as a dancer, a painter, a boxer, and a mother.
The song is considered to be one of the most inspiring and uplifting songs of all time and a classic example of Des’ree’s musical style and personality, which combined R&B, soul, pop, and jazz influences.
The song also reflects Des’ree’s personal philosophy of life, which was inspired by her reading of Shakti Gawain’s book Creative Visualization. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can be happy and confident without depending on a romantic partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Des’ree’s trip to India, where she learned about meditation and spirituality.
The song was co-written by Ashley Ingram, who is also a singer and songwriter and has worked with artists such as Maxi Priest, Eternal, and Shola Ama.
The song was parodied by The Simpsons, a TV show that made fun of the song’s title and lyrics by changing them to “You Gotta Love Me” in 2006.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Mary J. Blige, 98 Degrees, James Morrison, and Paloma Faith.
134. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams: This is a funk-pop song that expresses joy and gratitude. The song was released on November 21, 2013, as the first single from his second album, Girl. The song was written and produced by Pharrell Williams.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who feels happy and content with his life and does not let anything bother him. He sings about how he claps along if he feels like a room without a roof, and how he knows what happiness is to him. He also says that nothing can bring him down, because his level is too high.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Pharrell Williams’ most popular and successful songs. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as in many other countries, such as Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2015.
The song’s official music video was directed by We Are From L.A. and featured Pharrell Williams singing the song in various locations in Los Angeles, California. The video also showed scenes of people who are dancing and smiling along with the song, such as celebrities, children, seniors, and ordinary people. The video was the world’s first 24-hour music video, which consisted of multiple versions of the song played back to back-for a whole day.
The song is considered to be one of the most catchy and upbeat songs of all time and a classic example of Pharrell Williams’ musical style and personality, which combined funk, pop, soul, and hip-hop influences. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can be happy and confident without depending on a romantic partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was originally written for the animated film Despicable Me 2, in which Pharrell Williams also composed the score.
The song was inspired by Pharrell Williams’ admiration for Curtis Mayfield, a legendary soul singer, and songwriter who influenced his music.
The song was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic as “Tacky” in 2014, which mocked the tacky behavior and fashion choices of some people.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Ed Sheeran, Kidz Bop, Walk Off The Earth, and Pentatonix.
135. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross: This is a disco-funk song that expresses liberation and pride. The song was released on August 22, 1980, as the second single from her self-titled tenth album, Diana. The song was written and produced by Chic members Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who announces her intention to reveal her true self and live her life freely. She sings about how she wants the world to know and how she has to let it show.
The song was a huge commercial and critical success, becoming one of Diana Ross’ most popular and successful songs. It reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, as well as number one in New Zealand and number nine in the UK. It also received a Brit Award nomination for Best British Single in 1985.
The song’s official music video was directed by Nick Ashford and featured Diana Ross singing the song in various outfits and settings, such as a nightclub, a limousine, and a stage. The video also showed scenes of people who are celebrating their identity and individuality, such as drag queens, dancers, musicians, and models.
The song is considered to be one of the most iconic and influential songs of the 1980s and a classic example of Diana Ross’ musical style and personality, which combined disco, funk, soul, and pop influences. The song also reflects Diana Ross’ personal transition from Motown Records to RCA Records and her artistic independence. The song is relevant to unrequited love because it shows how one can be happy and confident without depending on a romantic partner.
Some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the song are:
The song was inspired by Nile Rodgers’ observation of drag queens dressed as Diana Ross at a New York club, which made him realize that she was an icon for the gay community.
The song was co-written by Bernard Edwards, who is also a singer and songwriter and has worked with artists such as Sister Sledge, David Bowie, and Rod Stewart.
The song was parodied by The Simpsons, a TV show that made fun of the song’s title and lyrics by changing them to “I’m Checkin’ In” in 1997.
The song was covered by many artists over the years, such as Amerie, Keyshia Cole, RuPaul, and Glee Cast.
Conclusion
These are just some of the songs that you can find in this guide, but there are many more to explore. Each song has a brief description of its lyrics, its genre, and its relevance to unrequited love. You’ll also find some trivia, quotes, and fun facts about the artists and their songs.
This guide is not only a collection of songs but also a companion for your healing journey. It will help you understand your emotions, express your feelings, and find hope and strength in music. It will also inspire you to discover new songs, artists, and genres that resonate with you.
If you’re looking for a way to cope with unrequited love, or if you’re simply a music lover who enjoys a good song, this guide is for you. You can read it from cover to cover, or you can skip to the songs that suit your mood. You can listen to the songs on your own, or you can share them with your friends. You can even create your own playlist based on the songs in this guide.
[Healing Heartache: A Comprehensive Guide to 135 Unforgettable Songs for Mending Unrequited Love] is more than just a list. It’s a musical therapy that will help you heal your broken heart and move on with your life.
So what are you waiting for listen to our Spotify playlist?