Breakups can be tough, but they aren’t all bad. For one thing, music has never sounded so good! Whether you’re the dumped or the dumper, in mourning of your relationship, or getting over them by getting under someone new — there is a breakup song for you. There is sure to be suspiciously accurate lyrics of your exact situation by some artist you suspect may have crawled inside your brain and pieced together your thoughts into a beautiful melody. I present to you a song for every person in a breakup. A version that hopefully gives you some options besides “Stranger” by Olivia Rodrigo or the new Taylor Swift album. Listen on KCPR’s Spotify here!
- “Doomsday” by Lizzy McAlpine
For the blindsided. Starting off strong: for the one who had no say in your relationship ending. This one is well known for good reason. Extra hard hit if you got broken up with on Halloween!
- “Virginia is for Lovers” by Charity Kiss
For the breaker. You ended things, and you feel bad. The lyrics may be absolutely devastating, but the song has a somewhat upbeat rhythm that will comfort you while you sit in your guilt.
- “Watch Your Mouth” by The Backseat Lovers
For the broken. For the person that got broken up with, here’s a little sad, little mad one.
- “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
For the independent queen/king. A song about being resilient.
- “Musta Been a Ghost” by Próxima Prada
For the forgetful. Did that really even happen?
- “I Love You So” by The Walters
For the person who’s still in love with their ex. Maybe you won’t be tomorrow.
- “Eventually” by Tame Impala
For Mr./Ms. Brightside. You’re looking towards the future. You know your relationship ending was for the best, and that eventually you and them will end up happier. Or at least that’s what you’re telling yourself. See also by Tame Impala: “List of People (To Try and Forget About)” and “Disciples.”
- “Cool About It” by Boygenius
For the ones trying to be “friends.” For those trying to be “cool about it,” and catch up with their ex because they could never really hate them. Warning: sad.
- “From the Dining Table” by Harry Styles
For those going no-contact. You miss them, their friends, their calls. You’re waiting for them to break first. In the meantime, let this miserable song punch you in the gut.
- “Kenny” by Still Woozy
For the one who’s numb. Still Woozy offers a comforting song about doing your best post breakup.
- “20 Something” by SZA
For the 20-something-year-olds. How could I not slide SZA in here? Extra emotional pain if you are facing the impending doom of what to do with your future, on top of the heartbreak. Experiencers of an end-of-college breakup could definitely resonate with this one (just saying).
- “Sunday Morning” by No Doubt
For the angry. No Doubt is gonna do it every time. A great rock song for those who feel a tad betrayed and a tad like they don’t care anymore.
- “Blame Brett” the Beaches
For the Villain Era. You’re not coping great, but at least you’re self-aware. Maybe you’re being just a tad self-destructive and that’s okay, because at least you can blame your ex. Happily upbeat, while also raising some valid questions.
- “My Kink is Karma” by Chappell Roan
For the cheated. In this fun, upbeat song Chappell Roan reminds you it’s okay to like karma.
- “Over It” by The Frights
For the back and forths. To help you get over it, and leave it in the past.
- “Black Memories” by the Growlers
For the regretful. You’re hopeless without them. What is there to do, but sit in sorrow with your headphones on and this playlist at full volume?
