The song “Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt.
After experiencing a hurtful betrayal, listening to Linda Ronstadt’s powerful high notes in the final verse caused my knees to weaken and emotions to overflow. As a result, I couldn’t bring myself to listen to the song for a significant period of time. This was truly crushing.
The title of the song “You Oughta Know” is by Alanis Morissette.
The fury of it spoke volumes when I was dealing with a painful break up from someone who cheated on me, broke my heart, but wanted to stay friends. morgarf
The Waterboys – Rags
It’s not subtle and it sure isn’t a “slowie”. Mike Scott chucks everything in here musically and lyrically, including religious imagery, but wow, it still packs a punch 40 years after a 17-year-old heartbroken me used to wallow in all its self-loathing glory! Mozzah
The song “It’s Over” by Boz Scaggs
Some parts of the song convey lingering feelings for an ex, but overall it has a strong bluesy energy urging to move on. It is crucial to express the frustration and exhaustion that come with a breakup. fabrisse
Tom Waits – Martha
This remains the most poignant and exquisite song I have encountered. It’s astonishing that he was only 23 or 24 when he composed it, showing a remarkable maturity beyond his age. It is a work of art in my opinion.
Cinerama – Careless
Maintaining a friendship, or some form of it, after a romantic relationship ends – while still experiencing a mixture of emotions such as bitterness and longing for what once was. Bonus points for the added element of a band member who appears in the background of the music video. Marsilio1
Elbow – The Bones of You
Garvey is a fine lyricist but cuts your heart out with the closing line as he’s walking down the road and hears an old song from a long forgotten love – “And the sickener hits / I can work till I break / But I love the bones of you / That I will never escape.” Kills me every single time. VAgent
The album “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore” by Marlon Williams.
Unfortunately, there is no clear solution at the end of this poignant and raw piece. While I have come across numerous songs in which men plead, “How will I survive without you?”, the unique question of “What will you do without me?” truly resonates with me. – fixitgirl
The song “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt.
There have been at least three notable recordings of this piece by various musicians. However, I have observed that those who have a preferred version typically do not criticize the other renditions – they simply believe they do not reach the same level of emotional perfection as their personal favorite. For me, it would have to be Bonnie Raitt’s version featuring Bruce Hornsby on piano. This is the ultimate breakup song for adults. It does not give in to childish desires to hate the other person; instead, it is brimming with love, sadness, and acceptance.
Black Sabbath – Changes
Ozzy sounded as though his heart had been ripped into a million pieces. Clareontarget
Kele’s “All The Things I Could Never Say”
This song helped me end a bad relationship, and, seven years later, still makes me feel every hard, devastating emotion. DressedInDreams
The song “Special Rider Blues” by Son House.
This track showcases the incredible talent of Son, at or near the height of his musical prowess. It gives a glimpse into what Delta blues may have truly sounded like, played on the backstreets of Mississippi. The final 30 seconds of slide guitar are especially impressive.
Benji Lewis – Never Mine
… completely mirrored my feelings as I went through a breakup with someone I completely adored. Playing it helped heal me but also amplified the hurt – but at least it sounded like someone else was going through dark days. Beautiful breakup song. andromc
The band known as The Who expresses their feelings of sorrow about our relationship.
The lyrics of this song are refreshingly straightforward and focused solely on a breakup (“sad, never meant to break up / Sad, suppose we’ll never make up”). There is no storytelling or embellishment, just a clear message of heartbreak. However, the music itself is joyfully uplifting, particularly with the harmonies in the chorus. It almost seems as though the lyrics are meant to be ironic, as the person singing is actually quite content and in love with life.
I desire you by Elvis Costello & The Attractions.
The sheer visceral loss verging on the psychotic that Costello imparts is, especially on a first listen, quite breathtaking. dnky666
The song “To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra.
It came out not long before I split from my ex-partner in 2007, and although I’ve happily been with the love of my life since 2008, hearing that song transports me straight back to the tears and heartache I felt at the time. 231184
The song “Without You” by Harry Nilsson.
In the 1970s, whenever this song was played at a disco or party, it was almost guaranteed that someone would be seen crying in a corner.
“The Honeymoon is Over: A Tale of Cruel Seas”
This song encompasses all the necessary elements of a breakup anthem – pain, outrage, fury, retribution, spitefulness, and above all, a profound feeling of closure. These emotions are conveyed through a powerful and brooding melody, accompanied by relentless, commanding vocals. If I ever experienced a breakup, I would likely isolate myself and listen to this song on repeat for a week. PablitoMcPollo
The Dells – The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind)
This exceptional recording from the 1970s showcases a passionate individual struggling to move on from a past love. The powerful vocals, ranging from high falsetto to deep, soulful tenor, elevate the already beautiful lyrics to new heights. The live performance is also phenomenal. – telboy1959
Leonard Cohen – So Long Marianne
Heartbreak without self-pity, no raging at your ex. In a nutshell: “Yes, this is awful, but this is what life gives you, so we’ve just got to live with it.” tiofrancisco
Source: theguardian.com
