Cry Me a River – The Best Break-up Songs

No relationship is the same and therefore, no break-up is the same. They can range the gamut of emotions from sadness, regret, anger, bitterness, denial and sometimes, good old fashioned revenge. So, here’s a mixed bag of break-up songs to fit any of your “what the hell just happened” moments. I’ve saved my personal favorite for last. 🙂

• Beyoncé – Irreplaceable

Oh, this song has to be on every girl’s list. It’s the perfect blend of “not giving a shit”, sassiness, “next better player” and a hint of bitterness. Best line of the song: Keep talking that mess, that’s fine, could you walk and talk at the same time?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ&ob=av2e]

 

• Pixie Lott – Cry Me Out

A quintessential “boo-hoo, I don’t care about you” song – straightforward, tell it like it is. Best line of the song: It’s out of my hands, since you blew your last chance, when you played me.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsKnKB4nbls&ob=av2n]

 

• Todd Rundgren – Can We Still Be Friends?

The classic, slightly condescending yet sweet offering of friendship in lieu of a failed romance. Best line of the song (the first one, obviously): We can’t play this game anymore, but can we still be friends?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6s6Hw4MMok]

 

• James Morrison – The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore

Ok, we’ve entered the depression part of this post. For the most part, break-ups are (usually) sad, and I’ve personally feel it’s sad when the grounds of a break-up is simply love fading away. This song is particularly personal to me (so cheesy!) and while it has no relevance in my current life, it’s still a very sad song. Best line of the song: Well, I can’t explain why it’s not enough cause I gave it all to you. And if you leave me now, oh just leave me now, it’s the better thing to do. It’s time to surrender, it’s been too long pretending, there’s no use in trying when the pieces don’t fit anymore.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIg8kNfJpsg&ob=av2e]

 

• ABBA – Knowing Me, Knowing You

Yes, ABBA. Discount the 70’s cheese, vocal whispers and side profiles – it’s still a pretty sad song about being realistic. Best line of the song: Knowing me, knowing you, we just have to face it, this time we’re through.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUrzicaiRLU&ob=av2e]

 

• Gladys Knight & The Pips – Neither One Of Us

This is SUCH a sad song. One of the most common reasons for people staying together – afraid of the alternatives and repercussions. Best line of the song: There can be no way this can have a happy ending. So we just go on hurting and pretending, convincing ourselves to give it just one more try.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Lh4MFiw08&feature=related]

 

• Bonnie Raitt – I Can’t Make You Love Me

This song is definitely the Mayor of Depressionville – regardless of who covers it – Bon Iver, George Michael, or even Tank. Something about the simplicity of the original song makes it extra tender and sad. Best line of the song: Here in the dark, in these final hours, I will lay down my heart and I’ll feel the power; but you won’t.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW9Cu6GYqxo&ob=av2e]

 

• Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

Classic push-and-pull break-up song: I want you but I don’t want to want you. Best line of the song: Anybody could’ve told you right from the start, it’s bound to fall apart.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srMBZiqNMaM&ob=av3e]

 

• Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

I love this too-cool-for-break-up song where he basically calls her (the “her” is actually his lady love featured on that magical The Freewheelin’ cover. Shit, if that album cover can’t make it, what chance do the rest of us have?) out on all her bullshit but tells her, don’t worry about, it’s ok, you can’t hurt me. Best line of the song: I ain’t saying you treated me unkind, you could’ve done better but I don’t mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time but don’t think twice, it’s all right.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6FnrZOpzqs]

 

• Boyz II Men – Doin’ Just Fine

Denial much? There is the possibility that you’re actually doing fine, but I think you doth protest too much. Best line of the song: Because you let our love just fall apart, you no longer have my heart.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Koz393gAwjQ&ob=av2e]

 

• Tony Bennett – I Wanna Be Around

The ultimate of break-up songs, with the best theme ever: Revenge. This song is teeming with loathing, malice and “bitch, you’re gonna get yours”. I absolutely love it. Shows that revenge is definitely a dish best served cold, and classy. Best line of the song: That’s when I’ll discover that revenge is sweet, as I sit there applauding from a front row seat, when somebody breaks your heart like you broke mine.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5Yg6sxxtNQ]

Happy break-ups, everyone and in the words of Ivana Trump, “Don’t get mad, get everything”.