The Beauty of Breakup Songs

Breakups are the worst. They really are. But there is a necessary balance in the universe that helps to even out the bad with something good. And I would argue that certain breakup songs are even better than good. They are cathartic, angsty, and work in mysterious ways to put together the broken pieces of our aching hearts. Whether you use a sad breakup song to induce even harder tears than the ones that already fall, or a revenge song to turn that melancholy into rage, breakup songs have your back in a way that people rarely can. 

People are curious creatures. When we’re in pain, sometimes we seek things out to feel that pain even deeper. We listen to songs that bring us to tears because it helps to know that the feeling we have is not singular. The heartache we feel today is the same heartache we have felt since the dawn of humankind. To love is to be brave. When we extend our hearts to others, we are inviting the possibility of loss in our futures. It takes courage. Taking that risk can lead us to one of life’s greatest rewards. So I encourage you to be brave. To look in the face of potential heartbreak and say, “bring it.” We only get this one chance, so be bold. Risk embarrassment, disappointment, loss, and grief. Because the reward is so much sweeter. 

I’ve reached out to some of my closest friends, asking them to let me know some of their favorite breakup songs. I’ve included them in the list below. As this list has the potential to go on and on, I’m sure to have missed a few of your favorites, but know that whatever breakup song you use in those times of much-needed comfort is included in spirit. This goes out to all of my lovers out there. 

Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers

Night Shift – Lucy Dacus

A House in Nebraska – Ethel Cain

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Somebody That I Used to Know (feat. Kimbra) – Gotye

Cellophane – FKA twigs

How Could You Babe – Tobias Jesso Jr. 

Take Me Back – Deep Cuts

One Less Bell to Answer – The 5th Dimension

Decode – Paramore

El Desierto – Lhasa de Sela

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart  – Al Green

Curl up  & Die – Matt Maltese

True Blue – Dirty Beaches 

Linger – The Cranberries

Motion Sickness – Phoebe Bridgers

Forget Her – Jeff Buckley

Let It Die – Feist

Dancing On My Own – Robyn

Losing You – Solange

It’s All Over – The Broken Family Band