24 Painful Songs About Loving Someone You Can’t Be With

Songs about loving someone you can’t be with tap into the complex emotions of unrequited love, longing, and heartache. These songs give voice to the bittersweet feeling of caring deeply for someone, even when circumstances make it impossible to be together.

From tender ballads to soulful anthems, they explore the highs and lows of love that remains just out of reach.

Through poignant lyrics and melodies, these songs resonate with listeners who have faced similar emotional struggles, offering both comfort and a shared understanding of love’s complexities.

24 Popular Emotional Songs About Loving Someone You Can’t Be With Because They Are Taken

These songs reflect the bittersweet and sometimes painful experience of loving someone you can’t be with, evoking a range of emotions from hope to heartache.

Here’s a list of 24 songs about loving someone you can’t be with, capturing the heartache, longing, and emotional complexity of unrequited or unattainable love:

#1 “Someone Like You” by Adele

Adele’s “Someone Like You” is a heartbreaking ballad about loving someone you can no longer be with, yet still wishing the best for them. The song’s raw emotion comes from Adele’s powerful vocals, as she sings about finding peace in the fact that her former lover has moved on with someone else. It’s a reflection on unrequited love, with the added layer of acceptance that sometimes, no matter how deep the love, you simply cannot be together.

The piano-driven melody and Adele’s vulnerable delivery give the song its haunting quality. “Someone Like You” is a cathartic release of pain and longing, capturing the bittersweet reality of loving someone who is no longer yours but always remains in your heart.

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

Amy Winehouse’s “Tears Dry on Their Own” tells the story of a love that was never meant to last, but the pain of the separation still lingers. Winehouse’s soulful voice conveys the heartbreak of being in love with someone you can’t hold onto, yet trying to find strength in moving forward. The song juxtaposes upbeat instrumentation with melancholy lyrics, reflecting the internal struggle between accepting the end of a relationship and still yearning for what once was.

The raw honesty in Winehouse’s delivery makes “Tears Dry on Their Own” a powerful anthem for those who are learning to let go, even when love feels like it’s slipping through their fingers. It’s about resilience in the face of heartache.

#3 “Back to December” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s “Back to December” is an emotional apology wrapped in a soft ballad, as she looks back on a love that slipped away. The song tells the story of regret, where Swift wishes she could turn back time to fix her mistakes, knowing she’ll never be able to be with the person again. Swift’s vulnerable lyrics paint a picture of someone who realizes too late what they had, making it a poignant reflection on lost love.

The haunting melody paired with Swift’s introspective voice brings out the deep yearning and sadness of wanting to be with someone who’s already gone. “Back to December” captures the heartache of unspoken feelings and missed opportunities.

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

Toni Braxton’s “Un-break My Heart” is a powerful, soulful plea for a lover to return, knowing full well that they won’t. The song’s sweeping melody and Braxton’s rich, emotional vocals make it a deeply affecting anthem for anyone who has loved and lost. Braxton’s lyrics speak to the pain of being unable to let go, as she begs for her heart to be mended after it was shattered by someone she can no longer be with.

The orchestration behind the song amplifies its emotional intensity, making it feel like a dramatic cry for the return of a lost love. “Un-break My Heart” remains one of the most iconic songs about heartache and longing for someone you can’t have.

#5 “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a poignant, stripped-down ballad about the acceptance that sometimes love simply isn’t returned. The song’s soft piano and Raitt’s heart-wrenching vocals underscore the vulnerability of loving someone who doesn’t feel the same way. Raitt sings about the painful realization that no matter how much you want someone, you can’t force them to love you in return.

The song’s quiet intimacy draws listeners into the personal grief of unrequited love, where letting go is the only option left. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is an anthem for those grappling with the emotional weight of loving someone who cannot or will not reciprocate.

#6 “Layla” by Eric Clapton

“Layla” by Eric Clapton is a passionate declaration of love for someone he couldn’t be with, famously written about his unrequited feelings for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his close friend. The song’s iconic guitar riff, paired with Clapton’s yearning lyrics, captures the desperation and intensity of loving someone who is unattainable. It’s a story of love that consumes, where the only way to express it is through raw, musical emotion.

The song’s tempo shifts mid-track, moving from high-energy rock to a slow, melancholic outro, reflecting the turbulence of loving someone you can’t have. “Layla” remains a classic portrayal of longing, where the intensity of emotion is mirrored by its iconic instrumental backing.

#7 “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is a haunting song about absence and longing, originally written about the estrangement from their former bandmate Syd Barrett. The song has since taken on broader meanings, resonating with anyone who loves someone they can’t be with. The melancholy acoustic guitar and reflective lyrics create a sense of deep yearning, as the speaker contemplates what life would be like if that person were still in their world.

The simplicity of the arrangement, paired with the emotional weight of the lyrics, makes “Wish You Were Here” a powerful anthem for missing someone deeply. It’s a song that captures the emptiness of being apart from someone who meant everything.

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

Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” is a bittersweet reflection on a past relationship, filled with regret and longing for a love that could never last. The song tells the story of youthful love that was lost to time, with Perry lamenting how things could have been different. Her vocals, paired with the song’s nostalgic pop melody, create an emotional narrative about loving someone who is no longer part of your life.

Perry’s lyrics explore the “what if” scenarios, where she imagines a future that will never come to pass. “The One That Got Away” resonates with anyone who has ever looked back on a lost love and wondered what could have been.

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

Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is a powerhouse ballad that speaks to loving someone deeply, even when you can’t be with them. Originally written by Dolly Parton, the song captures the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye to someone who has profoundly shaped your life. Houston’s soaring vocals elevate the song to new heights, making it a declaration of enduring love that lingers long after the relationship ends.

The emotional intensity of the song lies in its combination of love and farewell, where both gratitude and sadness coexist. “I Will Always Love You” is an anthem for those who must let go of someone, yet know that love will remain a constant presence.

#10 “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac is a reflective ballad about change, growth, and the inevitable loss that comes with loving someone you can’t be with. Written by Stevie Nicks, the song’s acoustic guitar melody complements her introspective lyrics, which explore the emotional weight of loving and leaving. The metaphor of a landslide reflects the uncontrollable nature of life and love, where sometimes circumstances force you to let go, even when it’s the hardest thing to do.

The song captures the quiet moments of heartbreak, where self-reflection leads to acceptance. “Landslide” speaks to the delicate balance between holding onto love and knowing when to move forward, making it a deeply personal anthem for those grappling with loss.

#11 “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago

Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is a soulful ballad about the difficulty of expressing regret and love for someone you can no longer be with. The song’s smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics revolve around the idea of reconciliation, where the pain of being apart makes it hard to find the right words. As the title suggests, the song deals with the tension of wanting to make amends, yet feeling powerless to change the past.

With its emotional vocal delivery and orchestral arrangement, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is a poignant exploration of longing and unresolved feelings. It captures the complexity of loving someone from a distance, knowing that sometimes, apologies aren’t enough to bridge the gap.

#12 “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5

Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved” is a tender song about unrequited love, where the narrator cares deeply for someone who is emotionally unavailable. The song’s soft pop-rock melody and Adam Levine’s soothing vocals convey both affection and frustration, as the narrator watches the person they love struggle with their own pain. Despite not being able to be with her, the narrator promises to be there for her, showing a deep, selfless love.

The song’s theme of loving someone who cannot love you back is bittersweet, reflecting the emotional complexities of caring for someone from afar. “She Will Be Loved” is about unconditional love, even when the relationship can never fully come to fruition.

#13 “All I Want” by Kodaline

Kodaline’s “All I Want” is a hauntingly beautiful song about the pain of loving someone who is no longer in your life. The song’s soft, emotional build-up captures the raw feeling of loss, with lyrics that express the desire to have that person back, even though it’s impossible. Kodaline’s melancholic vocals paired with the swelling instrumentation create an overwhelming sense of longing, where love feels both unreachable and inescapable.

The song explores the helplessness of wanting to be with someone who has moved on or is out of reach. “All I Want” resonates deeply with anyone who has felt the weight of unfulfilled love, where the heart refuses to let go even when the mind knows it must.

#14 “You Belong with Me” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me” is an upbeat yet poignant song about loving someone who is with someone else. The song tells the story of a girl who watches the person she loves from afar, knowing they’re with the wrong person but feeling powerless to change the situation. Swift’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics capture the frustration of being in love with someone who doesn’t see you in the same way.

The song is a mix of hope and heartache, as the narrator dreams of being with the person they believe they are meant for. “You Belong with Me” is a playful yet emotionally charged anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they were on the outside looking in when it comes to love.

#15 “More Than Words” by Extreme

“More Than Words” by Extreme is a soft acoustic ballad about the difficulty of expressing love through words alone, especially when the person you love seems unreachable. The song’s gentle guitar melody and heartfelt harmonies underscore the emotional depth of the lyrics, which call for actions to prove love rather than empty declarations. It’s a song about the frustration of feeling like your love isn’t being fully understood or reciprocated.

“More Than Words” captures the quiet, introspective moments of longing, where gestures mean more than anything spoken. It’s a reflective and soulful expression of loving someone who may never fully grasp the depth of your feelings, creating a bittersweet tension throughout the song.

#16 “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri

Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts” is a raw, emotionally charged song about loving someone who repeatedly hurts you, but realizing that you can never be with them again. The song’s haunting piano melody and Perri’s aching vocals reflect the pain of breaking away from a toxic relationship, where love still lingers despite knowing it can’t survive. The lyrics are a powerful declaration of reclaiming your heart after giving too much to someone who never deserved it.

“Jar of Hearts” speaks to the complicated feelings of loving someone who is bad for you, but finally finding the strength to let go. It’s an anthem for those who have been broken by love, yet found the courage to heal and move on.

#17 “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn

Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” is a poignant yet danceable pop anthem about unrequited love and the pain of watching someone you love with someone else. The song’s upbeat electronic beats contrast with the emotionally vulnerable lyrics, as Robyn sings about being in the same room as the person she wants but knowing she’ll never be with them. The juxtaposition of a dance track with heartache creates a powerful emotional release, where dancing becomes a way to cope with the hurt.

The song encapsulates the loneliness of loving someone from a distance, watching their happiness with someone else while you remain on the sidelines. “Dancing On My Own” is both a celebration of self-reliance and an acknowledgment of deep emotional pain.

#18 “Just My Imagination” by The Temptations

“Just My Imagination” by The Temptations is a soulful, dreamy ballad about fantasizing over someone you love but cannot have. The song’s gentle melody and rich harmonies evoke a sense of longing as the narrator imagines a life with someone who only exists in his dreams. The lyrics paint a picture of deep affection, where every detail of a perfect love is imagined but ultimately unreachable, leaving the narrator caught between reality and fantasy.

The bittersweet quality of the song lies in its delicate balance between hope and heartache. “Just My Imagination” captures the beauty and sadness of loving someone from afar, where the only place that love can truly exist is in the imagination.

#19 “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” is a heartfelt piano ballad about the realization that material things mean nothing without the love of a special person. While the song speaks to deep love, there’s an underlying sense of vulnerability, where the fear of losing that person is always present. Keys’ soulful voice brings raw emotion to the lyrics, emphasizing that true happiness is found in love, not possessions, even when that love is unattainable.

The song’s reflective nature resonates with anyone who feels the emptiness of loving someone they can’t be with, yet still holds onto the hope of that connection. “If I Ain’t Got You” is a timeless expression of love’s value, even when it’s out of reach.

#20 “The Scientist” by Coldplay

Coldplay’s “The Scientist” is a melancholic exploration of regret and the desire to turn back time after losing someone you love. The song’s haunting piano melody and Chris Martin’s vulnerable vocals create an atmosphere of sorrow, as the lyrics reflect the deep yearning to fix a broken relationship. The song’s central metaphor, that of a scientist trying to figure out love, captures the complexity of human emotions, where logic often fails, and all that remains is heartache.

“The Scientist” speaks to the universal desire to make things right, even when it’s too late. It’s a poignant anthem for those who are left grappling with the pain of loving someone they can no longer be with.

#21 “Stay” by Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)

Rihanna’s “Stay,” featuring Mikky Ekko, is a raw, emotional plea to hold onto a love that’s slipping away. The song’s minimalistic piano arrangement allows both singers’ voices to take center stage, conveying the vulnerability and desperation of wanting someone you can’t have. The lyrics express the deep conflict between knowing you should let go and the intense desire to keep the person close, even when the relationship feels fragile and uncertain.

“Stay” captures the push and pull of love, where emotional dependence and the fear of losing someone create an overwhelming sense of helplessness. It’s a song that speaks to the complexities of love that can’t be sustained, yet is impossible to walk away from.

#22 “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again” is a heartbreaking ballad from the A Star Is Born soundtrack, where she sings about the overwhelming grief of losing a love so profound that it feels irreplaceable. The song’s powerful orchestration and Gaga’s emotional delivery convey the depth of her character’s sorrow, where moving on seems unimaginable. The lyrics reflect the idea that true love leaves an indelible mark, making the possibility of loving someone else feel impossible.

“I’ll Never Love Again” is a raw expression of mourning a love that can’t be rekindled, where the emotional scars of that loss linger. It’s a powerful anthem for those who have loved deeply but know they can never go back to that place again.

#23 “Hello” by Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie’s “Hello” is a soulful ballad about unspoken love, where the narrator longs to connect with someone who seems just out of reach. The song’s iconic opening piano riff sets a melancholy tone, as Richie sings about his deep desire to tell someone how he feels, but he’s unsure if his love will ever be reciprocated. The vulnerability in Richie’s voice amplifies the sense of loneliness, where loving someone from a distance feels both hopeful and heartbreaking.

“Hello” captures the yearning for a connection that never quite happens, making it a timeless song about the complexities of unexpressed love. It’s a poignant reminder of how love can feel close, yet remain unattainable.

#24 “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye (feat. Kimbra)

Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a unique indie-pop track about the aftermath of a broken relationship, where two people are left as strangers despite once being in love. The song’s minimalist production and haunting melody underscore the emotional distance between the two narrators, as they recount how their love faded. Gotye’s detached vocals convey the confusion and frustration of loving someone who has moved on, while Kimbra’s response adds complexity, revealing both sides of the emotional fallout.

“Somebody That I Used to Know” is a stark portrayal of how love can turn into unfamiliarity, where the person you once loved becomes a memory. It’s a reflective, introspective look at the emotional toll of lost love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are songs about loving someone you can’t be with so popular?

Songs about unrequited or unattainable love resonate with many listeners because they capture universal emotions of heartache, longing, and vulnerability. They reflect deeply personal experiences that many people face at some point in their lives.

What themes are common in songs about loving someone you can’t be with?

These songs often explore themes like regret, distance, lost opportunities, and the pain of separation. Many also convey a sense of enduring love, even when the relationship is impossible.

Which genres typically feature songs about unrequited love?

Genres like pop, rock, R&B, and country frequently explore the theme of loving someone you can’t be with. These genres are known for their emotional depth and storytelling, making them a natural fit for songs about heartache and longing.

Do songs about unattainable love always have sad endings?

Not always. While many songs about unattainable love are sad or melancholic, some offer messages of hope, resilience, or personal growth, emphasizing acceptance and moving forward.