27 Most Famous Songs About Unattainable Love (Must Hear List)

Unattainable love is a theme that has inspired countless songs, capturing the emotional complexity of longing for someone who remains out of reach. Whether it’s the ache of unrequited feelings, a lost relationship that can’t be mended, or a love that exists only in dreams, these songs tap into universal experiences of desire and heartache.

From soulful ballads to melancholic rock anthems, the music conveys the depth of emotion tied to loving someone you can’t have.

In this article, we explore a collection of powerful songs that dive into the bittersweet world of unattainable love.

27 Most Popular Songs About Unattainable Love That Will Change You (Regretful Playlist)

These songs explore the heartache and yearning that come with loving someone you can’t be with, from unrequited love to relationships that never fully materialize.

Here’s a list of 27 songs about unattainable love, exploring the emotional complexities of longing for someone you can’t have:

#1 “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers

“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers is a timeless ballad that speaks to the deep longing of unattainable love. Released in 1965, the song’s haunting melody and Bill Medley’s soulful vocals capture the desperation and yearning of someone separated from their lover, unsure if they’ll ever be reunited. The lyrics, “Oh, my love, my darling, I’ve hungered for your touch,” evoke the kind of love that feels just out of reach, creating an emotional tension that resonates with anyone who has experienced unfulfilled desire. The orchestration swells with emotion, mirroring the intensity of waiting and hoping for a love that may never be realized.

This song’s powerful mix of vulnerability and passion continues to connect with listeners, making it one of the quintessential tracks about longing for an unattainable love.

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

Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a heartbreakingly honest song about coming to terms with unreciprocated love. Released in 1991, Raitt’s raw and tender vocals bring the song’s emotional core to life as she sings about accepting the painful truth that love can’t be forced. The lyrics, “Cause I can’t make you love me if you don’t,” reflect the agony of realizing that the person you care for doesn’t feel the same, no matter how deep your feelings may run. The simple piano accompaniment adds to the song’s intimate, confessional tone, heightening the sense of vulnerability.

This song has become a poignant anthem for anyone who has faced the impossible situation of wanting someone who doesn’t want them back, capturing the quiet sadness of unrequited love.

#3 “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is a sultry, haunting song about the intoxicating pull of a love that was never meant to be. Released in 1989, Isaak’s smooth, melancholic voice and the song’s dreamy guitar melody create a mood of both longing and resignation. The lyrics, “What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you,” reflect the emotional conflict of falling for someone who ultimately causes more pain than happiness. There’s a bittersweet quality to the song, where the beauty of love is intertwined with the knowledge that it’s unattainable.

The song’s haunting melody and Isaak’s yearning delivery make “Wicked Game” a powerful reflection on the allure and devastation of loving someone you can’t truly have.

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

Amy Winehouse’s “Tears Dry on Their Own” is a soulful, upbeat track that blends the pain of unattainable love with a sense of self-empowerment. Released in 2007, the song’s Motown-inspired sound contrasts with its heart-wrenching lyrics about accepting that a relationship was never meant to be. Winehouse sings, “He walks away, the sun goes down,” encapsulating the feeling of being left behind, yet determined to move forward. Her distinctive voice adds layers of emotion, capturing both the vulnerability of heartache and the resilience needed to let go.

Despite the upbeat tempo, the song remains a poignant reflection on loving someone who will never love you in return, yet finding the strength to carry on.

#5 “Creep” by Radiohead

“Creep” by Radiohead is an anthem of alienation and unrequited love, expressing the torment of feeling unworthy of the object of one’s desire. Released in 1992, Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals and the song’s grungy guitar riffs create an intense atmosphere of frustration and self-loathing. The lyrics, “I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo, what the hell am I doing here?” capture the inner turmoil of someone who feels out of place and undeserving of the person they long for. It’s a song that taps into the darker side of unattainable love, where desire is coupled with deep insecurity.

The raw emotion in “Creep” has resonated with countless listeners, making it a defining track for anyone who has felt painfully out of reach from the one they want.

#6 “Almost Lover” by A Fine Frenzy

“Almost Lover” by A Fine Frenzy is a bittersweet ballad that captures the pain of a relationship that almost was, but never fully materialized. Released in 2007, Alison Sudol’s ethereal vocals and the song’s delicate piano accompaniment evoke a sense of quiet sorrow as she sings about a love that slipped away before it could truly begin. The lyrics, “Goodbye, my almost lover, goodbye, my hopeless dream,” reflect the deep ache of saying farewell to someone who felt so close yet remained emotionally distant. The song’s slow, haunting melody underscores the melancholy of letting go of something that was never truly yours.

“Almost Lover” beautifully captures the heartbreak of an unattainable love that lingers in the heart long after the person is gone.

#7 “Back to December” by Taylor Swift

“Back to December” by Taylor Swift is a heartfelt apology wrapped in the sorrow of lost love, reflecting the regret of letting someone special slip away. Released in 2010, Swift’s delicate vocals and the song’s lush orchestration capture the bittersweet nostalgia of revisiting a past relationship. The lyrics, “So this is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you, saying I’m sorry for that night,” reveal a painful truth—that even though she wishes she could go back, the opportunity has passed. The unattainable love in this song lies in the past, in moments that can’t be relived or fixed.

Swift’s vulnerability and introspective storytelling make “Back to December” a poignant reflection on how love becomes unreachable when it’s left too late.

#8 “Someone Like You” by Adele

Adele’s “Someone Like You” is a powerful ballad that expresses the deep sorrow of seeing the one you love move on with someone else. Released in 2011, the song’s raw emotion and simple piano melody amplify the feeling of hopelessness as Adele sings about trying to find peace in an unrequited love that is no longer hers. “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you,” she sings, acknowledging that despite her love, she must accept that the relationship is over. The song is a testament to the painful realization that no matter how much love remains, some people are simply unattainable.

With its emotional depth and stirring vocals, “Someone Like You” captures the anguish of loving someone who has already moved on.

#9 “Just My Imagination” by The Temptations

“Just My Imagination” by The Temptations is a dreamy Motown classic that tells the story of unrequited love existing only in the narrator’s fantasies. Released in 1971, the song’s smooth harmonies and soft orchestration create a serene yet melancholic atmosphere as the lyrics reveal a love that exists purely in imagination. “But it was just my imagination, running away with me,” the narrator confesses, recognizing that the person he adores has never truly been his. The gentle melody mirrors the wistfulness of longing for something that can never be real.

“Just My Imagination” beautifully captures the yearning for an unattainable love, existing only in daydreams and distant hopes.

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

Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away” is a bittersweet pop anthem that reflects on a past love that was lost too soon, becoming forever unattainable. Released in 2010, the song’s driving beat and Perry’s powerful vocals create a sense of urgency as she sings about the love that slipped through her fingers. “In another life, I would be your girl,” Perry sings, imagining a world where things turned out differently. The song encapsulates the haunting “what ifs” that linger long after a relationship ends, when the person becomes a distant memory.

Perry’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s nostalgic lyrics turn “The One That Got Away” into an emotional ode to love that’s out of reach.

#11 “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos

“Layla” by Derek and the Dominos is a passionate rock ballad about unrequited love, filled with intense longing and frustration. Released in 1970, the song was famously inspired by Eric Clapton’s feelings for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison at the time, making her unattainable. The iconic guitar riff and Clapton’s impassioned vocals mirror the desperation of wanting someone you can’t have. The lyrics, “Layla, you got me on my knees, Layla, I’m begging, darling please,” capture the emotional turmoil of falling for someone who belongs to another.

“Layla” is both a plea and a lament, making it one of rock’s most powerful expressions of love that remains just out of reach.

#12 “You Belong with Me” by Taylor Swift

“You Belong with Me” by Taylor Swift is a catchy pop-country anthem about longing for someone who doesn’t realize you’re the right person for them. Released in 2008, the song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with the frustration and yearning conveyed in the lyrics. “If you could see that I’m the one who understands you,” Swift sings, portraying the familiar pain of watching someone you love be with the wrong person. The unattainable love here is rooted in the friend zone, where feelings go unnoticed and unreciprocated, making the distance between them feel even more palpable.

Swift’s relatable lyrics and infectious melody make “You Belong with Me” a playful yet poignant anthem for those who feel their love is just out of reach.

#13 “I Want You” by Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello’s “I Want You” is a dark, obsessive declaration of love that remains unattainable despite its intensity. Released in 1986, the song’s slow, haunting melody and Costello’s anguished vocals create a palpable sense of desire that borders on desperation. The lyrics, “I want you, the truth can’t hurt you, it’s just like it hurts me,” reflect the singer’s painful realization that his love is one-sided. The repetition of the phrase “I want you” throughout the song drives home the feeling of fixation, where the more unattainable the love becomes, the stronger the desire grows.

With its raw emotion and unrelenting intensity, “I Want You” paints a vivid picture of love that remains maddeningly out of reach.

#14 “All I Ask” by Adele

“All I Ask” by Adele is a heart-wrenching plea for one last moment of closeness before love is gone for good. Released in 2015, the song’s tender piano melody and Adele’s soulful voice capture the fragility of a relationship on the verge of ending. The lyrics, “If this is my last night with you, hold me like I’m more than just a friend,” reveal a painful acceptance that the love she craves is slipping away, soon to be unattainable. The song is about cherishing the final moments before having to let go forever.

Adele’s stirring performance and emotional depth make “All I Ask” a moving ballad about the fleeting nature of love that is slipping away.

#15 “Criminal” by Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” is a raw, confessional track that explores the guilt and self-awareness of someone seeking redemption in unattainable love. Released in 1997, Apple’s sultry voice and the song’s dark, moody instrumentation create an intense atmosphere of regret. The lyrics, “I’ve been a bad, bad girl,” reveal a woman grappling with her conscience after using love in a way that hurts both herself and others. The unattainable aspect of this love is tied to the realization that the connection she longs for can never be repaired due to her actions.

The song’s deep sense of emotional conflict and Apple’s striking delivery make “Criminal” a powerful exploration of the complexities of love that remains just out of reach.

#16 “Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton-John

“Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton-John is a classic ballad of unrequited love, filled with the ache of longing for someone who doesn’t feel the same. Released in 1978 as part of the Grease soundtrack, Newton-John’s delicate vocals and the song’s sweeping melody evoke the heartbreak of loving someone who is emotionally distant. The lyrics, “But now there’s nowhere to hide since you pushed my love aside,” reflect the helplessness of being devoted to someone who has moved on. Despite knowing the relationship is over, the narrator clings to hope, making the love even more unattainable.

The song captures the bittersweet feeling of being in love with someone you know you can’t have, yet holding on regardless.

#17 “Grenade” by Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” is a passionate anthem about sacrificing everything for someone who won’t return the same level of love. Released in 2010, the song’s driving beat and Mars’ powerful vocals convey the emotional turmoil of giving all your love to someone who doesn’t appreciate or reciprocate it. The lyrics, “I’d catch a grenade for ya,” reflect the extent to which the narrator is willing to go for someone who ultimately remains unattainable. Despite his devotion, the relationship is one-sided, leaving him heartbroken and frustrated.

The intense emotion and vulnerability in “Grenade” make it a powerful portrayal of unrequited love, where devotion leads to nothing but pain.

#18 “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police

“Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police is a joyful yet bittersweet song about loving someone who seems out of reach. Released in 1981, the song’s upbeat tempo and playful melody mask the frustration of never being able to express feelings to the object of the narrator’s affection. “Though I’ve tried before to tell her of the feelings I have for her in my heart,” Sting sings, capturing the struggle of being infatuated with someone who remains just beyond his emotional grasp. The unattainable love in this song is characterized by admiration from afar, with no way to bridge the gap.

The song’s bright, catchy rhythm contrasts beautifully with the sadness of unspoken love that never becomes real.

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

Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is a powerful declaration of love that must be let go, making it one of the most iconic songs about unattainable love. Released in 1992 for The Bodyguard soundtrack, Houston’s soaring vocals and emotional delivery make this ballad a masterpiece of love and loss. The lyrics, “I hope life treats you kind, and I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of,” reflect a love so deep that even though the relationship must end, the feelings remain. This love is unattainable because it can never truly be fulfilled, yet it endures in the heart.

The song’s immense emotional depth and Houston’s unforgettable performance make “I Will Always Love You” a timeless ode to a love that can never be fully realized.

#20 “She’s Out of My Life” by Michael Jackson

“She’s Out of My Life” by Michael Jackson is a tender ballad that explores the emotional devastation of losing someone who is no longer reachable. Released in 1979, Jackson’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s stripped-down arrangement emphasize the raw vulnerability of the lyrics. “And I’ve learned that love’s not possession,” Jackson sings, acknowledging that despite his feelings, the person he loves has moved on. The song’s slow, melancholy melody adds to the sense of finality, as the unattainable love slips further away with each passing moment.

Jackson’s emotional sincerity in “She’s Out of My Life” makes it a poignant reflection on the pain of losing someone forever, knowing that love can’t bring them back.

#21 “The Scientist” by Coldplay

Coldplay’s “The Scientist” is a haunting ballad about trying to fix a relationship that is already beyond repair, making the love feel permanently unattainable. Released in 2002, Chris Martin’s soft vocals and the song’s melancholic piano melody create an atmosphere of regret and longing. The lyrics, “Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard,” reflect the frustration of trying to reconcile feelings for someone who is emotionally distant. The narrator wants to go back to the start, but knows deep down that the love he seeks may never be found again.

“The Scientist” captures the helplessness of wanting to mend a broken connection, but realizing that some love is irretrievably lost.

#22 “How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths

“How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths is a moody, introspective track about the isolation and hopelessness of unrequited love. Released in 1984, the song’s iconic, reverberating guitar riff and Morrissey’s melancholic vocals create an atmosphere of longing and despair. The lyrics, “You shut your mouth, how can you say, I go about things the wrong way? I am human, and I need to be loved,” capture the intense frustration of wanting connection but feeling constantly misunderstood. The unattainable love in this song stems from a deep sense of alienation, where the narrator feels doomed to remain unloved and unseen.

The song’s haunting melody and Morrissey’s deeply personal lyrics make “How Soon Is Now?” an anthem for anyone who feels disconnected from the love they crave.

#23 “Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley & The Wailers

Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain” is a reggae classic about the pain of waiting endlessly for a love that remains out of reach. Released in 1977, the song’s laid-back rhythm contrasts with the heartfelt yearning expressed in the lyrics, “I don’t wanna wait in vain for your love.” Marley sings from the perspective of someone who has patiently hoped for a relationship to blossom but fears that their efforts will never be reciprocated. The song balances hope and heartache, capturing the tension between waiting for love and the realization that it may never come.

“Waiting in Vain” is a poignant reflection on the emotional toll of loving someone who remains distant, despite all efforts to bring them closer.

#24 “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt

No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” is a powerful rock ballad about the breakdown of a relationship, where love becomes unattainable despite still existing between two people. Released in 1996, Gwen Stefani’s emotional delivery and the song’s bittersweet melody encapsulate the pain of watching love slip away. The lyrics, “Don’t speak, I know just what you’re saying, so please stop explaining,” highlight the agony of knowing that words can’t fix a relationship that is falling apart. The love they once shared is now unreachable, as they face the painful truth that their connection is fading.

The raw emotion in “Don’t Speak” resonates with anyone who has experienced the sadness of losing a love that once felt so certain but is now impossible to save.

#25 “Breathe (2 AM)” by Anna Nalick

Anna Nalick’s “Breathe (2 AM)” is an introspective song about the complexities of love and the emotional weight of feelings that can’t be resolved. Released in 2005, the song’s soft, soothing melody and Nalick’s reflective lyrics create a contemplative atmosphere. The lyrics, “And I feel like I’m naked in front of the crowd, ’cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud,” convey the vulnerability of opening up about love that can’t be fully attained. The unattainable aspect lies in the emotional barriers that make true connection difficult, even though the feelings are strong.

“Breathe (2 AM)” is a reminder that love can be complicated and elusive, often leaving us longing for something just beyond our grasp.

#26 “Better Man” by Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges’ “Better Man” is a soulful plea for a second chance at love, acknowledging the mistakes that have made that love unattainable. Released in 2015, Bridges’ rich, smooth vocals and the song’s vintage soul instrumentation evoke a deep sense of regret and longing. The lyrics, “I want to be a better man, better love than you’ve ever had,” express a desire to make amends and become the person his lover deserves, but the relationship has already slipped away. The love remains out of reach, as the opportunity to fix things has passed, leaving only the hope of becoming worthy in the future.

“Better Man” is a heartfelt song that captures the pain of recognizing too late what could have been and wishing for an unattainable second chance.

#27 “Chasing Pavements” by Adele

Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” is a stirring ballad about the internal struggle of pursuing love that feels impossible to attain. Released in 2008, Adele’s powerful vocals and the song’s swelling orchestration convey the emotional turbulence of loving someone who may never return the affection. The lyrics, “Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements, even if it leads nowhere?” reflect the exhaustion of investing time and effort into a love that may not go anywhere. The unattainable love in this song is marked by uncertainty and doubt, as the narrator grapples with whether to continue or move on.

“Chasing Pavements” captures the emotional crossroads of deciding whether to hold onto a love that feels out of reach or let it go entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes unattainable love a common theme in music?

Unattainable love evokes powerful emotions such as longing, heartache, and desire, which are universally relatable. These deep feelings allow artists to create emotionally charged songs that resonate with listeners experiencing similar struggles.

Why do listeners connect so deeply with songs about unattainable love?

Listeners often connect with songs about unattainable love because they reflect personal experiences of longing, rejection, or unreciprocated affection. The emotional vulnerability in these songs helps people process their own feelings of loss and desire.

Which genres feature songs about unattainable love the most?

Songs about unattainable love can be found across many genres, including pop, rock, soul, and country. The theme is universal, allowing for varied musical interpretations from passionate ballads to upbeat tracks with an emotional core.

Can songs about unattainable love offer comfort to listeners?

Yes, songs about unattainable love can offer comfort by validating listeners’ emotions and providing a sense of shared experience. The lyrics and melodies help people realize that they are not alone in their feelings of longing or heartbreak.