When you hear the term, “breakup songs for Valentine's Day”, what songs come to mind? For many, it depends on what stage we're at in our recovery. Some of us spend a lot of time in the “tearjerker” phase; others linger in the “f***-you” rant phase while others move quickly toward the “acceptance” phase. In my experience, listening to music is a great way to get through the phases in a positive way. To that end, here are some of my favorite breakup songs for Valentine's Day. Some of them are “B-sides”, but they've still been helpful.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. I Will Survive-Gloria Gaynor
No “breakup songs for Valentine's Day” list would be complete without this song. I think we can all agree that the spirit Gloria mentions is empowering, even if we haven't had our hearts broken. Plus, it's a great “dance with the broom while you're cleaning” song. If you haven't heard it, I suggest you listen to Cake's version. John McCrea's deadpan voice adds another dimension to the words.
2. Before He Cheats-Carrie Underwood
This song is the perfect revenge anthem. I'm not saying you should get revenge on a cheater, but hearing and laughing about Carrie's actions can be quite cathartic. For the record, I have never done anything like this to a cheating ex. I did, however, have to hide my car once to keep it from happening to me. Long story.
Frequently asked questions
3. I Will Always Love You-Various
This song was originally sung by Dolly Parton in Best Little Whorehouse In Texas but brought into the 90s by Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard. Whoever the singer is, it's a heart-wrenchingly sad song. The last verse is the worst; you wonder why she'd wish someone love if she's leaving them, but she's leaving because she loves him and feels she's holding him back in some way. I tear up just thinking about it.
4. Set Fire to the Rain-Adele
This is a kind of "double breakup" story - she fell for the man when she was on the rebound from another relationship but what seemed right at the time turned ugly as she realized how truly manipulative her new love was. Letting go feels impossible but she knows she has to do it. "I set fire to the rain/watched it burn as I touched your face/and it burned while I cried 'cause I heard it screaming out your name..." We've all been there.
5. Looking for a New Love-Jodi Watley
She's at the “pissed off” stage that comes after being cheated on. “Other guys will have me/they'll appreciate my love/tell me, how does it feel?” She realizes she's better off without him and is eager to move on. You go, girl.
Related Videos about
6. One More Minute-Weird Al Yankovic
Just like any “Weird Al” song, this one gives you a much-needed laugh. It's sung in a 50's “doo-wop” style, but I doubt they'll be playing this at Steak 'n Shake. “I'd rather get a hundred thousand paper cuts on my face/than spend one more minute with you.” Damn. That's deep.
7. Like the Way I do-Melissa Etheridge
This song speaks for itself. For this reason, this is always the first track on any “rage CD” I make for a friend.
8. You Oughta Know-Alanis Morissette
She won't say exactly who it's about, but it really doesn't matter. What matters is that the feelings are so raw, so relatable. We might not be “creepy stalker” types, but it still hurts like bloody hell to be replaced right away.
Alanis Morissette's fiery anthem, You Oughta Know, captures the essence of betrayal and the bitterness of seeing an ex-lover move on swiftly. Her voice crackles with a blend of heartbreak and indignation, delivering a punch that strikes right at the core of those freshly wounded by love. It's more than a song—it's a cathartic release for anyone needing to voice their frustration, empowering many to embrace their pain and ultimately find their strength. With its raw emotions and fierce delivery, it's no wonder this track has become a go-to for those navigating the tumultuous seas of a breakup.
9. Fighter-Christina Aguilera
When I hear this song, I can imagine her hitting a punching bag with her ex's face on it. It has a very positive message - you thought you broke me, but you didn't and never will. The fact that that strong voice and those tough lyrics come out of a 5'2” package make this song hit even harder.
10. Cry Me a River-Justin Timberlake
This song is about JT's breakup with Britney Spears. It's similar to the song above in that it's saying forget you, don't come crawling back to me when your new love falls apart. What woman in her right mind would break up with JT anyway? He's gorgeous, has a sense of humor (as seen on SNL), is a great dance r- what more could you want?
11. Don't Speak-No Doubt
Have you ever known something was over but didn't want to hear the words? That's pretty much the feeling here. Hearing this song reminds me of how knowing something bad is going to happen doesn't necessarily make it hurt less.
12. Always-Saliva
I played this one a lot when a relationship that never should have happened came to a bitter end. "I love you, I hate you/I can't get around you/I breathe you, I taste you/I can't live without you" speaks to how emotions - and, in my case- people can screw with your head to the point you don't know what to think.
13. All Cried out-Allure
This is an amazing song, both in words and performance. I like the exchange between the would-be lovers; I like to think that someone hearing words like this would see where they've gone wrong, but that's not always enough. “I gave you my love in vain/my body never knew such pleasure/my heart never knew such pain.” It's scary how easy it is to get sex and love mixed up, even for strong women like us.
14. Rest in Pieces-Saliva
I heard this on the radio and couldn't keep from tearing up. "Rest in Pieces" is more about getting over someone than breaking up with them, but the lines "can you find it in your heart/to make this go away/and let me rest in pieces" speak to the feelings of loss that come once everything else subsides. As much as we'd like to turn off our feelings for someone, it just doesn't happen.
15. Sick Cycle Carousel-Lifehouse
You know those relationships that go around in circles? That's what this song is about. He says he didn't realize how much of a merry-go-round being with this person would be and isn't sure it's worth it anymore. Trust me, it's much more fun to watch drama than to live it.
My iTunes collection is very eclectic, as you can see! I really appreciate the power of a good song to work through any number of emotions. I've written a few myself, but I have the musical talent of a turnip. What are your favorite “breakup songs”? Have I missed any? Discuss!
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge