As the release of The Lovebirds’ new album Breakup Shmakeup draws near, I thought it might be fun to compile a list of some my favorite breakup songs. Could you imagine going through a breakup without music? The horror!
1. Breaking Up is Hard to Do – Neil Sedaka
This 1962 track is pretty upbeat for a breakup song but I still get a kick out of it and this video.
2. Don’t Speak – No Doubt
This tune was played on the radio about one kajillion times. Oh, how we ached for Gwen and Tony to stay together…until Gavin Rossdale came along.
3. Your Cheatin’ Heart – Hank Williams
The lyrics to this country classic break my heart every time. “You’ll walk the floor the way I do / Your cheatin’ heart will tell on you.” It’s the best musical guilt trip I’ve ever heard.
4. Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman
This 90’s bluesy gemstone speaks directly to that little bit of self-respect one keeps trying to muster up after a bad breakup. Even when you have a million reasons to leave, sometimes all you need is one reason to stay.
5. Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor (written by Prince)
I almost didn’t include this tune because of the dumb way the title is written (personal pet peeve); however, I do love the simple but powerful chorus and of course the video. Plus I just learned that Prince wrote the original version, which makes me like it more.
6. Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright – Bob Dylan
Leave it to Bob Dylan to only show you half his broken heart before quickly switching to a flippant attitude that disguises his pain. Well played, Dylan.
7. Crazy – Patsy Cline (written by Willie Nelson)
One could pick any number of Patsy Cline songs for this category, but Crazy was my selection because it uses three of the best words to describe how it feels to fret about your relationship status: crazy, worry, and wondering. That about sums it up! On top of that, her voice is so beautifully lamenting – makes me feel her pain every time.
What are some of your favorite breakup songs?
