27 Emotional Songs About Missing Your Ex (Must Hear Sad)

Breakups are often some of the most challenging moments in life, and the emotions that follow—longing, regret, and sorrow—are universal. Music has long been a way for people to process these feelings, with countless songs devoted to the experience of missing someone who was once an important part of life.

Whether it’s the yearning to reconcile, the pain of losing a love, or the mixed emotions of moving on, songs about missing an ex capture the complexity of human relationships.

In this article, we explore some of the most poignant tracks that speak to the heartache of missing an ex, offering a sense of comfort and connection to those going through similar experiences.

27 Passionate Songs About Missing Your Ex While in a New Relationship

These songs span a variety of genres and offer diverse emotional perspectives on longing for an ex.

Here’s a list of 27 songs about missing your ex:

#1 “Someone Like You” by Adele

“Someone Like You” by Adele is a heart-wrenching ballad that explores the aftermath of a breakup and the lingering feelings of longing and sorrow. Released in 2011 as part of her critically acclaimed album 21, the song tells the story of a woman who is still deeply in love with her ex, despite their separation. The line, “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you,” captures her bittersweet acceptance that, although they’ve moved on, she still misses them and wishes the best for them.

Adele’s powerful and emotive vocals drive the song’s raw emotion, making it a universal anthem for those who have struggled to let go of someone they love. The haunting piano melody paired with the vulnerability in her lyrics has made “Someone Like You” a timeless hit, resonating with anyone who has ever mourned a lost relationship while trying to find closure.

#2 “Back to December” by Taylor Swift

“Back to December” by Taylor Swift is a heartfelt apology to an ex, reflecting on the regrets and mistakes made during their relationship. Released in 2010 as part of her album Speak Now, the song’s lyrics offer a rare glimpse into Swift’s personal remorse as she expresses a deep longing to turn back time. The chorus, “So this is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night,” shows Swift’s vulnerability as she wishes she could fix the damage done.

Swift’s soft vocals paired with the song’s gentle acoustic guitar make “Back to December” a poignant expression of missing someone and wishing things had turned out differently. The song stands out in her discography for its raw honesty and the rare perspective of someone admitting fault in a relationship, making it a relatable anthem for those who wish they could have done things differently with an ex.

#3 “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston is a classic ballad that expresses both the pain of letting go and the enduring love that remains after a breakup. Originally written by Dolly Parton, Houston’s 1992 version for The Bodyguard soundtrack became an iconic hit. The lyrics, “And I will always love you,” convey the sense that, although the relationship is over, the love shared will never fade. Houston’s unmatched vocal power elevates the song’s emotional impact, making it a timeless expression of loss and unfulfilled love.

The soaring melody and Houston’s vocal performance have cemented this song as one of the greatest love ballads of all time. Its message of lingering affection and sorrow resonates with anyone who has ever said goodbye to a loved one while still carrying feelings for them. The song remains a cultural touchstone for heartbreak and loss.

#4 “Tears Dry on Their Own” by Amy Winehouse

“Tears Dry on Their Own” by Amy Winehouse is a soulful reflection on the painful process of moving on after a breakup. Released in 2007 as part of her critically acclaimed album Back to Black, the song’s lyrics capture Winehouse’s complex emotions after a tumultuous relationship ends. The line, “I’ll be some next man’s other woman soon,” expresses her resignation to the fact that life moves on, even as she deals with the lingering pain of separation.

The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with its melancholic message, making it a bittersweet anthem for anyone trying to mask their pain after a breakup. Winehouse’s signature vocal style, blending jazz, soul, and blues, gives the song an emotional depth that resonates with listeners. “Tears Dry on Their Own” speaks to the strength it takes to move forward, even when you’re still haunted by memories of an ex.

#5 “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey

“We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey is a powerful ballad about yearning for an ex and realizing how much they meant after the relationship has ended. Released in 2005 as part of her comeback album The Emancipation of Mimi, the song became an international hit, capturing the raw emotion of missing someone you still deeply care for. The lyrics, “When you left, I lost a part of me,” emphasize the emotional devastation of losing a significant other and the deep desire to be reunited.

Carey’s soaring vocals and the song’s blend of R&B and pop made it a standout hit, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of regret and longing. The song’s themes of heartache, love, and reconciliation have made it one of Carey’s most memorable tracks, standing the test of time as an anthem for those who miss their ex and yearn to have them back in their life.

#6 “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry

“The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry is a pop ballad that reflects on the regret of losing a love that could have lasted forever. Released in 2011 as part of her album Teenage Dream, the song’s lyrics tell the story of a relationship that ended too soon, with Perry lamenting the choices that led to the separation. The line, “In another life, I would be your girl,” emphasizes the idea of missed opportunities and the longing to rewrite history to be with the person you still love.

Perry’s emotional delivery, combined with the song’s nostalgic melody, creates a poignant expression of longing and regret. “The One That Got Away” resonates with listeners who have lost someone they still care deeply about and wonder what could have been. The song’s relatable lyrics and Perry’s heartfelt performance make it a lasting anthem for anyone who still holds onto memories of a former love.

#7 “Picture” by Kid Rock feat. Sheryl Crow

“Picture” by Kid Rock featuring Sheryl Crow is a duet about two people in a complicated, broken relationship who are still emotionally attached to each other. Released in 2001, the song’s lyrics tell the story of a couple separated by their mistakes, but still holding on to memories and longing for reconciliation. The chorus, “I put your picture away, sat down and cried today,” reflects the pain of missing someone and the heartache of seeing reminders of them everywhere.

The contrasting vocals of Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow add emotional depth to the song, symbolizing the two sides of a strained relationship. “Picture” resonated with listeners because of its raw portrayal of love, loss, and regret, capturing the complexity of missing someone you know may never come back. The song remains a powerful ballad about the difficulties of letting go of an ex.

#8 “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars

“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars is a piano-driven ballad that reflects the singer’s deep regret and sorrow after losing someone he loved. Released in 2012 as part of his album Unorthodox Jukebox, the song’s lyrics express the pain of missing an ex and wishing he had treated them better while they were still together. The line, “I should have bought you flowers,” highlights the singer’s awareness of his mistakes and his longing to turn back time.

Mars’s emotional vocal delivery and heartfelt lyrics make “When I Was Your Man” a deeply relatable song for anyone who regrets how they handled a past relationship. The simplicity of the piano arrangement allows the lyrics to shine, making the song a poignant reminder of how easy it is to take love for granted. The song’s universal theme of regret and longing makes it a powerful anthem for those who miss their ex.

#9 “Miss You” by The Rolling Stones

“Miss You” by The Rolling Stones is a rock classic that delves into the feeling of longing for someone who is no longer around. Released in 1978 on their album Some Girls, the song has a groove-driven beat and lyrics that express a deep sense of loneliness and yearning. Mick Jagger’s distinctive vocals echo the sentiment of missing a lover, with the line “I’ve been holding out so long, I’ve been sleeping all alone” capturing the isolation of being apart.

The song’s blend of rock, disco, and blues elements made it a hit, while its theme of missing someone resonated with listeners who had experienced similar feelings of heartache. “Miss You” stands out in The Rolling Stones’ catalog as a song that combines emotional vulnerability with the band’s signature sound, making it a timeless track about the pain of separation and longing.

#10 “Need You Now” by Lady A

“Need You Now” by Lady A is a country ballad that captures the late-night desperation of missing someone and wishing they were still part of your life. Released in 2009, the song’s lyrics depict the emotional turmoil of feeling lonely and reaching out to an ex despite knowing that it might not be the best decision. The chorus, “It’s a quarter after one, I’m all alone and I need you now,” perfectly encapsulates the vulnerability and longing that come with missing someone late at night.

The song became a massive hit, crossing over into the pop charts due to its relatable message and heartfelt delivery. “Need You Now” resonates with listeners for its honesty in expressing the conflicted emotions that come with wanting someone you can’t have. The song’s success helped cement Lady A’s place in the music industry, making it one of their most iconic tracks.

#11 “Un-break My Heart” by Toni Braxton

“Un-break My Heart” by Toni Braxton is a powerful R&B ballad that expresses the deep pain of losing someone you love and the desperate wish to reverse the breakup. Released in 1996 as part of her album Secrets, the song’s lyrics are a plea for reconciliation, with Braxton singing, “Un-break my heart, say you’ll love me again.” Her soulful, emotive delivery adds to the song’s emotional impact, making it a poignant expression of heartache and longing for an ex.

The song became an international hit, thanks in part to its relatable message and Braxton’s haunting vocal performance. “Un-break My Heart” remains one of Braxton’s most iconic songs and continues to resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a breakup and the deep desire to have a second chance. Its timeless appeal lies in its raw emotion and universal message of love and loss.

#12 “Every Breath You Take” by The Police

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police is a haunting song about obsession and the feeling of constantly missing someone who is no longer in your life. Released in 1983, the song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s fixation on their ex, with the line “Every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you” expressing the intensity of their longing. While often mistaken for a love song, its darker undertones reveal the emotional turmoil of losing someone and struggling to move on.

The song’s distinctive melody, paired with Sting’s melancholy vocals, makes it one of the most memorable tracks of the 1980s. “Every Breath You Take” remains a timeless song about the complexities of love, loss, and obsession, capturing the emotional pain of missing an ex to the point of fixation. Its universal themes have made it a staple in both pop and rock music.

#13 “I Miss You” by Blink-182

“I Miss You” by Blink-182 is a pop-punk ballad that explores the vulnerability and sadness of missing someone after a breakup. Released in 2003 as part of their self-titled album, the song’s lyrics describe the deep sense of loss that comes with the end of a relationship. The line “Don’t waste your time on me, you’re already the voice inside my head” captures the lingering presence of an ex, even after they’re gone.

Blink-182’s blend of punk energy with emotional depth made “I Miss You” a standout hit, appealing to both rock fans and those looking for an anthem about heartbreak. The song’s stripped-down sound and sincere lyrics continue to resonate with listeners who have experienced the emotional weight of missing someone who once meant everything. It remains one of the band’s most beloved tracks, known for its honesty and raw emotion.

#14 “Always” by Bon Jovi

“Always” by Bon Jovi is a rock ballad about undying love and the pain of losing someone you still care deeply about. Released in 1994, the song’s lyrics tell the story of someone who can’t let go of their ex, with the chorus declaring, “I’ll be there ’til the stars don’t shine, ’til the heavens burst and the words don’t rhyme.” The emotional intensity of the song reflects the depth of the narrator’s feelings and the enduring nature of their love, despite the breakup.

Jon Bon Jovi’s passionate vocals, combined with the song’s powerful instrumentation, create an anthem for anyone who has struggled to move on from a past relationship. “Always” became a massive hit and remains one of Bon Jovi’s most iconic songs, celebrated for its powerful expression of love, regret, and the difficulty of letting go.

#15 “Without You” by Mariah Carey

“Without You” by Mariah Carey is an emotional ballad that explores the deep sorrow and emptiness one feels after a breakup. Originally performed by Badfinger in 1970, Carey’s rendition from her 1993 album Music Box became one of her most iconic covers. The song’s lyrics, “I can’t live if living is without you,” capture the unbearable pain of losing someone you still love and how their absence leaves a void in your life.

Carey’s powerful vocals, combined with the heartfelt lyrics, create an emotionally charged atmosphere that resonates with anyone who has struggled to cope with the end of a relationship. Her vocal delivery adds depth and intensity to the message of loss, making “Without You” a timeless anthem for those missing their ex.

#16 “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor

“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor is a haunting ballad about the overwhelming sense of loss and longing after a relationship ends. Originally written by Prince, O’Connor’s 1990 version became a worldwide hit. The song’s lyrics, “It’s been seven hours and fifteen days since you took your love away,” express the deep emotional void that remains when someone you love leaves, emphasizing how nothing compares to them.

O’Connor’s haunting voice and minimalist arrangement create a raw and vulnerable sound that perfectly captures the pain of missing someone. The song’s universal theme of heartbreak and its soulful delivery make it a powerful anthem for those reflecting on the loss of a significant other, and it remains one of the most iconic songs about missing an ex.

#17 “Let Her Go” by Passenger

“Let Her Go” by Passenger is a folk-pop ballad that reflects on the regret of taking someone for granted and only realizing their value after they’ve gone. Released in 2012, the song’s lyrics, “You only need the light when it’s burning low, only miss the sun when it starts to snow,” highlight the universal truth of not appreciating what you have until it’s lost. The narrator expresses deep longing for his ex, realizing too late what she meant to him.

The soft, acoustic arrangement and Passenger’s gentle vocals enhance the song’s reflective and bittersweet mood, making it relatable to anyone who has regretted letting someone slip away. “Let Her Go” became a massive hit for its poignant message, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of regret and heartache after losing a loved one.

#18 “Yesterday” by The Beatles

“Yesterday” by The Beatles is one of the most iconic songs about loss and longing, capturing the melancholy of missing a past relationship. Written by Paul McCartney and released in 1965, the song’s lyrics express the deep sadness of reflecting on a time when everything seemed perfect, only to realize that it’s now gone. The line, “Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play, now I need a place to hide away,” captures the feeling of loss and regret.

With its simple acoustic arrangement and McCartney’s heartfelt vocals, “Yesterday” became one of The Beatles’ most famous ballads, resonating with audiences worldwide. Its timeless message about the sorrow of missing someone and longing for the past continues to strike a chord with listeners, making it a classic anthem for heartbreak.

#19 “Half of My Heart” by John Mayer

“Half of My Heart” by John Mayer is a pop-rock ballad that delves into the conflict of missing someone while being unsure of one’s emotions. Released in 2009, the song’s lyrics reflect the struggle of being emotionally divided, with Mayer singing, “Half of my heart’s got a grip on the situation, half of my heart takes time.” The song speaks to the complex emotions that come with missing someone but being uncertain about your feelings.

The song’s blend of pop, rock, and folk elements, along with Mayer’s introspective lyrics, makes “Half of My Heart” relatable to anyone who has felt conflicted in a relationship. Its message of emotional turmoil and unresolved feelings resonates with those who miss their ex but aren’t sure if reconciliation is the right path.

#20 “It’s Too Late” by Carole King

“It’s Too Late” by Carole King is a soft rock classic about the realization that a relationship has ended, even though the feelings of love and longing still linger. Released in 1971 on her album Tapestry, the song’s lyrics describe the bittersweet moment of accepting that things can never go back to how they were. The line, “Something inside has died, and I can’t hide, and I just can’t fake it,” reflects the deep sense of finality and regret.

King’s soulful delivery, combined with the song’s mellow piano arrangement, makes “It’s Too Late” a poignant anthem for anyone coming to terms with a breakup. Its message about accepting the end while still missing the person resonates with listeners who have experienced the heartbreak of letting go while still feeling attached.

#21 “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt

“Don’t Speak” by No Doubt is a powerful rock ballad that captures the emotional devastation of a relationship falling apart and the pain of not being able to communicate anymore. Released in 1996, the song’s lyrics reflect the heartache of knowing a breakup is inevitable, with the line “Don’t speak, I know just what you’re saying” expressing the difficulty of facing the truth. The song captures the anguish of missing someone even while the relationship is still unraveling.

Gwen Stefani’s emotional vocals, combined with the song’s alternative rock sound, make “Don’t Speak” a timeless anthem for those dealing with the pain of a breakup. Its raw honesty and vulnerability resonate with listeners who have experienced the emotional complexity of trying to hold onto a relationship that’s slipping away.

#22 “Stay” by Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko

“Stay” by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko is a heartfelt ballad that explores the emotions of vulnerability and longing for a relationship that seems to be slipping away. Released in 2013, the song’s lyrics describe the push and pull of wanting someone to stay despite the emotional turbulence in the relationship. The line, “I want you to stay,” reflects the desperation of holding on to someone you can’t bear to lose.

Rihanna’s raw vocal performance, combined with the minimalist piano arrangement, amplifies the emotional intensity of the song. “Stay” became a major hit, resonating with listeners who have faced similar feelings of needing their ex, even when the relationship is on shaky ground. Its themes of emotional fragility and yearning make it a powerful anthem for those missing a significant other.

#23 “Apologize” by OneRepublic

“Apologize” by OneRepublic is a song about the regret and sorrow that come after a relationship ends and the realization that it’s too late to make things right. Released in 2007, the song’s lyrics express deep remorse for the way things turned out, with the chorus, “It’s too late to apologize,” reflecting the painful acknowledgment that some things cannot be fixed. The song captures the emotional weight of missing someone and feeling powerless to change the outcome.

The combination of Ryan Tedder’s emotive vocals and the song’s soaring orchestral arrangement adds depth to the message of regret and lost love. “Apologize” resonated with a wide audience, becoming a massive hit and providing comfort to those who have felt the sting of wanting to reconcile with an ex but knowing the opportunity has passed.

#24 “Still Loving You” by Scorpions

“Still Loving You” by Scorpions is a rock ballad about the pain of missing someone you still deeply love after a breakup, and the desire to make things right. Released in 1984, the song’s lyrics express a longing for reconciliation, with the line, “I’ll try to change the things that killed our love,” capturing the yearning to repair the relationship. The song explores themes of regret, passion, and hope for a second chance.

The powerful guitar riffs and Klaus Meine’s emotional vocals combine to create an intense and heartfelt track that has resonated with listeners for decades. “Still Loving You” remains one of the most iconic songs about missing an ex, particularly for those who hope to rekindle a lost romance and heal the wounds of the past.

#25 “I Hate U, I Love U” by Gnash feat. Olivia O’Brien

“I Hate U, I Love U” by Gnash featuring Olivia O’Brien is a melancholic song that explores the conflicting emotions of still loving an ex while also feeling hurt by them. Released in 2016, the song’s lyrics alternate between expressing feelings of love and resentment, with the chorus, “I hate you, I love you, I hate that I love you,” capturing the emotional complexity of missing someone who has caused you pain.

The minimalistic beat and haunting vocals from both Gnash and O’Brien create a raw, intimate atmosphere, making it relatable for listeners who have experienced mixed emotions toward an ex. The song’s message about the difficulty of moving on, even when you want to, struck a chord with fans, making it a standout hit.

#26 “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson

“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson is an empowering breakup anthem that reflects both the pain of missing an ex and the realization that life is better without them. Released in 2004, the song’s lyrics convey a mix of anger and freedom, with Clarkson singing, “But since you’ve been gone, I can breathe for the first time,” showing how she’s learned to thrive after the breakup. Although there’s lingering pain, the song ultimately celebrates newfound independence.

Clarkson’s powerful vocals paired with the high-energy pop-rock production make “Since U Been Gone” a cathartic anthem for anyone who has felt the heartbreak of missing someone while also finding strength in moving on. The song’s message of resilience and empowerment has made it a favorite for those navigating life post-breakup.

#27 “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith

“Stay With Me” by Sam Smith is a soulful ballad about the emotional vulnerability of wanting someone to stay, even when the relationship is fleeting. Released in 2014, the song’s lyrics express the desire for comfort and connection, with the line, “Won’t you stay with me, ’cause you’re all I need,” highlighting the longing for intimacy and the fear of being alone. Despite knowing the relationship may not last, the song captures the raw emotion of wanting to hold on.

Smith’s haunting vocals and the gospel-inspired production create a deeply emotional track that resonates with listeners who have experienced the sorrow of missing someone who wasn’t meant to stay. “Stay With Me” became an international hit, offering solace to those grappling with the complexities of love, loss, and longing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do so many songs focus on missing an ex?

Songs about missing an ex capture the universal emotions of heartbreak, longing, and regret that almost everyone experiences at some point in life. These emotions make the theme relatable, allowing listeners to find solace or connection through the lyrics.

What are the most popular songs about missing an ex?

Some of the most popular songs about missing an ex include “Someone Like You” by Adele, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, and “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey. These tracks resonate with listeners because of their emotional depth and relatable themes of lost love.

How do songs about missing an ex help people cope with breakups?

Songs about missing an ex provide emotional validation and a sense of solidarity by expressing the feelings of loss, regret, and heartache many people experience after a breakup. Listening to these songs can offer comfort and help people process their emotions more effectively.

Do different genres approach the theme of missing an ex differently?

Yes, different genres approach the theme in unique ways, with pop and R&B often focusing on emotional vulnerability, while rock and country might highlight anger, regret, or acceptance. Each genre adds its own flavor, offering diverse emotional perspectives on the experience of missing an ex.