Break ups can be really tough. Someone you envisioned sharing a life with is suddenly out of the picture. Even if it’s for the better, in that moment, it can be hard to feel that way. Coming to terms with this reality after you’ve invested a great deal of emotions, hours and effort into the relationship is going to take some time. In the process of moving on, listening to music that describes how you’re feeling can make you feel less alone. Here are five songs you can consider adding to your “break up” playlist.
“I can’t make you love me” by Bonnie Raitt
An absolute classic recorded in the 90s. There’s just something timeless about her voice and Bruce Hornsby on the piano, it’s one of those near perfect pairings. That moment of realisation that you can’t make someone love you when they don’t, followed by acceptance and letting them go. There’s strength in knowing when to walk away.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW9Cu6GYqxo
“Bruises” by Lewis Capaldi
Apart from being incredibly well written and beautifully sung, one thing about this song that Lewis Capaldi spoke about in an interview with Genius is, “there’s not scars, do you know what I mean? Bruises seems like an altogether more repairable thing.” To him, he misses his ex, the memories they shared while somehow choosing not to think about what actually made the relationship fall apart. Familiar…?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtRXG1QpR4
“Robin Hood” by Anson Seabra
This song is purposefully made up of simple, repetitive chords. It invokes a certain air of melancholy while the focus is placed on the symbolic lyrics. Much like the character in the title suggests, someone he was once in love with “gave away the best of me… to someone worth much less than me”. That’s the thing about being in a relationship, you tend to give your best. When you do and things don’t work out for whatever reason, you’re kind of left feeling… robbed.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVkVGczOXWA
“Turn back time” by Daniel Schulz
This is a very relatable heartbreak song about the loss of young love. The lyrics make you feel like you’re part of the story, you’re either drawn into his or you pretty much replace the main cast with your own. It is an emotional song with a catchy melody and a good hook.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFhsW0LxkOQ
“Back to black” by Amy Winehouse
This song is one of the most iconic heartbreak anthems of the 2000s. With her soulful voice and painfully honest lyrics, she can make you feel an ache you didn’t know was possible. That’s something that differentiates great singers from the average run-of-the-mill singers, conveying intense emotions masterfully through a song.
