The Best Songs for Broken Hearts – Music to Heal Heartache
And the best songs for heartache are ones that meet you where you’re at – whether you’re furious, defeated, crushed, or just so sad because you feel like you’re missing a big piece of yourself.
“Divorce is like amputation,” says Margaret Atwood. “You survive, but there is less of you.”
Healing after heartbreak isn’t just about moving “onwards and upwards” — it’s about saying good-bye to your old way of life and starting a new chapter! New releases like Sheryl Crow’s 100 Miles From Memphis
But when it comes to surviving a broken heart, I like the ”Golden Oldies” because they’re familiar and comforting. Certain songs resonate with my soul — which is what music that heals heartache is all about!
Here, I’ve rounded up the best CDs and songs that will help you heal heartache, from Michael Buble to Avril Lavigne…
The Best Songs for Broken Hearts – Music to Heal Heartache
What stage of heartbreak are you at? If you’re still crying and healing, then you may want to listen to Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” or Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.” Those breakup songs are definitely music for healing a broken heart.
If you’re ready to survive heartbreak and let go of someone you love, then you might be ready for Nancy Sinatra’s “These Books Were Made for Walking” or Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” Those are different types of breakup songs – but they’re still music that heals heartache!
Destiny’s Child: Survivor/Independent Woman - This one of the best breakup songs ever because it’s all about how much smarter, wiser, richer, more successful, better, and more free she is. The best CD for a broken heart is one that focuses on the future. Hope, faith, sunshine, and blue skies ahead…
Avril Lavigne’s My Happy Ending
Jewel’s You Were Meant for Me
Toni Braxton’s Un-Break My Heart
Christine Aguilera’s Fighter
Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares to You
Lara Fabian’s I Will Love Again
For a list of reader suggestions for songs for broken hearts, read The Best Breakup Songs.
Letting go of someone you love isn’t something you do once – and poof! You’re free, healed, and happy! Rather, letting go is a journey peppered with steps forward and steps backward, good days and bad days, peaks and valleys.
If you’re ready to move on from a broken relationship, you may find Letting Go of Someone You Love helpful.
And if you want to get back together with your ex, you might find The Magic of Making Up helpful.
What breakup songs or music for healing a broken heart have I missed? Comments welcome below…
Dear Readers, thank you for your comments and questions! I read them all -- but I can't provide in-depth marriage, relationship, or family advice. ~ Warm regards, Laurie
~ Resources for Love, Relationships, and Marriage (My Favorite Topics!) ~
Letting Go of Someone You Love
The Magic of Making Up
How to Get Your Ex Back
7 Secrets to Fixing Your Marriage
~ Resources for Health and Money (More of My Favorite Topics!) ~
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Comment by Vida on 21 December 2008:
Good article! The song that has helped me get thru my pending divorce is “Better in Time” by Leona Lewis. The lyrics are so very true when you are no longer with someone you have been with most of your life. I recommend it to anyone trying to move on.
Comment by Shelly on 1 January 2009:
“Better in Time” by Leona Lewis is one of my faves as well.
But “Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige is one of the BEST.
“Since U Been Gone” Kelly Clarkson too.
Depends on your situation though, I guess.
Comment by me on 25 January 2009:
“Walk Away” by Ben Harper
“Where I Stood” by Missy Higgins
Comment by brittany on 11 February 2009:
over it by katherine mcphee
Comment by Carly on 16 February 2009:
“Out From Under” by Britney Spears
Comment by Tina on 25 February 2009:
another great song for a broken heart is:
dana glover- it is you
i love it and i love the way it makes me feel.
love t xxx
Comment by Joe on 23 March 2009:
Good songs for heart break
“Growing up to do” By Joshua Radin
“Violens” by Joey Cape
“Moving On” by Deals Gone Bad
“Wasted Days” by The Slackers
Comment by C. on 12 April 2009:
All good songs to break up by, but obviously, the person who wrote the above article, as well as the people commenting, are not into country music.
Hank Snow’s “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” is a real good, feel good song for after a break up, as well as his “I’m Movin’ On” and “The Golden Rocket”, both very dated train songs.
Also, during the “crying in my beer” phase of a break up, there are countless older country songs that address the issue.
You wanna cry? Boy, can you find some doozys!
Just about anything by Hank Williams, Sr., such as “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, or “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”.
From a lady’s perspective, try Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and others. Believe me, you’ll find plenty of great break up songs no matter what phase you’re in.
It doesn’t matter so much how a song is played, just listen to the words. That’s why they call it the “blues”……..
Comment by LauriePK on 12 April 2009:
You’re right – I don’t listen to country music (though when I hear it, I enjoy it!).
Thanks for the suggestions, C!
And everyone else who commented — thanks for sharing your best songs for broken hearts…I know people are reading this article, and I bet they appreciate your input. Music really does soothe your soul and help you let go of people out love….music can heal.
Comment by Reema on 6 June 2009:
Other good songs are:
“Over You” by Acceptance
“Starts with Goodbye” by Carrie Underwood
“Lok at Me Now” by DJ Jessy
Comment by Elly on 8 June 2009:
Agree with Shelly. It really depends on your case/situation. My case is my ex broke us up (cos he’s still in love with his ex and his friends hate me for spending more time with him than them like he used to) followed by his trash talking behind my back. The most recent one is: he trash talked about me to the guy I’ve been hanging out with. Now the new guy got intimidated and has kept his distance. Anyhoo:
You’ll See by Madonna
My Happy Ending by Avril Lavigne
What Goes Around Comes Around by Justin Timberlake (one of my faves)
Better Off Alone by Katharine McPhee
Deep Inside of You by Third Eye Blind
All Good Things by Mandy Moore
The Scientist by Coldplay
White Flag by Dido
See Ya by Atomic Kitten
I Never Really Loved You Anyway by The Corrs
Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
Wake Up Call by Maroon 5
Bottom of The Ocean by Miley Cyrus
One of These Days by Michelle Branch
Be Be Your Love by Rachael Yamagata
Soon by Leann Rimes
I Quit by Hepburn
and most possibly, in my case, Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani
x
Comment by ameylia on 24 June 2009:
mika-happy ending
kelly clarkson-breakaway
Comment by Laurie PK on 28 June 2009:
Thanks for sharing your best songs for broken hearts, my friends!
Comment by Dipesh R on 10 July 2009:
Brian Mcknight – One Last Cry
worth listening song….
Comment by Sarah on 24 July 2009:
Apologize- One Republic
Carrie Underwood – Some Hearts
White Horse – Taylor Swift
Comment by Morgan on 10 August 2009:
After my very first boyfriend broke up with me, I made a playlist which I listened to over and over. Here are a few of the songs on it.
Keep Holding On – Avril Lavigne
Used To – Chris Daughtry
Hero – Enrique Iglesias
Come Clean – Hillary Duff
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Because of You – Kelly Clarkson
I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
All Good Things Come to an End – Nelly Furtado
Let It Be – Beatles
You Can’t Hurry Love – Phil Collins
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 10 August 2009:
These are great songs for healing broken hearts — I especially like the wide range of songs on your playlist, Morgan. Everyone from the Beatles to Avril Lavigne
Elly has a great list as well…
Now that I think about it, the songs in this comment section put my original list of heartbreak songs to shame! Thanks for the tips, you guys.
Comment by Heather on 18 October 2009:
PS. I’m still not over you – Rihanna
^^ depends on your mood
and broken hearted girl – Beyonce
Comment by Veronica on 19 October 2009:
You’re not sorry-Taylor Swift
Comment by ..... on 21 October 2009:
Im in love with my best friend… he broked my heart. i recomend
un-break my heart by tony braxton
Comment by roy on 27 October 2009:
these song really help me
Comment by Joseph on 27 October 2009:
So much for Pretending by Bryan White – This song slims 5 years down to 4 minutes for me
How do you like me now by Toby Keith – This is a very uplifting kinda haha I’m gonna be ok and prove it to you kinda song
and Perfect by Smashing Pumpkins – This song kinda puts it in a prospective of it’s over but maybe next life we will get it right.
Comment by Chris on 12 November 2009:
Wow, it’s like you stole my mp3 player and posted the saddest songs. This is a great list! My favorite would have to be Avril Lavigne “so much for my happy ending”.
Comment by Nedira on 23 November 2009:
“Think Twice” by Celine Dion is my favorite.
I really feel it.
Comment by kait on 18 December 2009:
forget it – breaking benjamin
over – lindsay lohan
if you come back to me – bowling for soup
a friendly goodbye – bowling for soup
always a good few tracks
these helped me alot.
Comment by brokenheartedgirl10 on 2 January 2010:
after the hurriance- jazmine sullivan
lion tigers bears-jazmine sullivan
regret-letoya luckett
Comment by matthew on 10 January 2010:
Did you know that most relationships CAN be salvaged? You may find it difficult to believe that almost every break up for whatever reason…infidelity, plain old lost passion, loss of interest, a stolen heart and worse…even the worst situations you can imagine…like men serving prison sentences have salvaged their relationships. Yes, even Ex-cons have got back together with girlfriends and wives after being away for years!
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 12 January 2010:
Thanks for contributing your best songs for broken hearts, everyone! Listening to music can definitely heal heartache….
Matthew, thanks for your thoughts on relationships being salvaged. It’ll give people hope and faith in the magic of making up
Comment by mark on 16 January 2010:
how do you heal a broken heart by chris walker
this song made my cry
Comment by Rhianna R. on 19 January 2010:
I don’t have any songs to add for healing broken hearts, but I’m so happy I found this list!
Comment by Amanda D :) on 30 January 2010:
My boyfriend and I just broke up. It has been hard but music has really got me through it. Here are some of my favorites.
Some ones about moving on and finding someone that better
Michael Bublé – Haven’t Met You Yet
John Mayer-I’m Gonna Find Another You
Here’s one about realizing that the relationship was not as good as you thought.
John Mayer – Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
John Mayer-Dreaming With a Broken Heart
and here are some that make me feel awesome
Corrine Bailey-put your records on lyrics
Train-Hey, Soul Sister
Hope they help!
Comment by Dee on 31 January 2010:
I think a really good song for those in longing is “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum. I listen to it and I really feel the song. It always makes me want to cry.
Comment by allyssa althea dee on 7 February 2010:
broken hearted girl….beyonce….
I love him before i met him
is that possible?
:’(
Comment by chee on 7 February 2010:
I recommended you
Crush by David Archuleta
Comment by Deanna on 8 February 2010:
A good song for me, once I realize that I will go on.. and I will live is….
Until the End – Breaking Benjamin..
Before you listen to it, look up the lyrics.. so you wont judge
Comment by Ello on 11 February 2010:
Nickelback – How You Remind Me
Comment by 472426 on 18 February 2010:
barry manilow – somewhere down the road
nickelback – far away
faith hill – there you’ll be
Comment by sym on 3 March 2010:
Daniel Bedingfield – if you’re not the one
this is the strong lyric ever for the broken heart
“i hope you are the one i share my life with”
“i wish that you could be the one i die with”
“and i praying your the one i build my home with”
“though i cant be with u tonight, u know my heart is by your side”
just try to listen to the song,,
Comment by Anna on 7 March 2010:
This girl has an amazing voice and her lyrics hit the nail on the head…
” why has it etched on your heart the name of your untrue love….”
she’s not in mass production but give her you tube vid a moment of your time and you will not regret it.
Fiona Bevan- A broken Heart can heal
This too shall pass, chin up and dance it away.
You were fine before they came into your life and you will be again..
on an angrier more empowering note…
Shakira- Don’t bother
Kelly Clarkson – gone, Addicted, behind these hazel eyes…Kelly does break ups well.
Kate Nash – foundations, Merry Happy (I can be alone, i can watch a sunset on my own)
Madonna – Sorry
Hard Fi- Better do Better
and my absolute favourite though she may not be everyones style
Tanya Stephens- Spilt Milk.
Good luck my fellow wallowers…
xxx
Time for some distraction….going to do some cleaning.
Comment by Anna on 7 March 2010:
I’m not sure if it’s a comfort or a bit tragic that these feelings and situations are so common in so many…
Just part of life i guess.
This girl has an amazing voice and her lyrics hit the nail on the head…
” why has it etched on your heart the name of your untrue love….”
she’s not in mass production but give her you tube vid a moment of your time and you will not regret it.
Fiona Bevan- A broken Heart can heal
This too shall pass, chin up and dance it away.
You were fine before they came into your life and you will be again..
on an angrier more empowering note…
Shakira- Don’t bother
Kelly Clarkson – gone, Addicted, behind these hazel eyes…Kelly does break ups well.
Kate Nash – foundations, Merry Happy (I can be alone, i can watch a sunset on my own)
Madonna – Sorry
Hard Fi- Better do Better
and my absolute favourite though she may not be everyones style
Tanya Stephens- Spilt Milk.
Good luck my fellow wallowers…
xxx
Time for some distraction….going to do some cleaning.
Comment by Anna on 7 March 2010:
oops- sorry mine posted twice…
Comment by rose on 11 March 2010:
yes! for me the best song is IF YOU’RE THE ONE..
i really can relate to that sOng..
Comment by Samke on 24 March 2010:
I just want to usk to men if they ever stopped & look women who cannt date anymore because they are badly hurt by love?
Comment by ENIT on 25 March 2010:
Metallica – Master of Puppets
Slayer – Raining Blood
Dream Theater – The Test That Stumped Them All
Megadeth – High Speed Dirt
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 3 April 2010:
Thanks for sharing your ideas for the best songs for broken hearts…I’m compiling a whole new list, and love hearing from you all!
Comment by pitchounette on 6 May 2010:
That’s the way it is – Celine Dion
I just broke up with my boyfriend 3 weeks ago, this week should be the happiest week of my life as we were about to spend our life together until death do us apart but he decided to end our relationships just 3 weeks before our wedding! It hurt real bad and I’m glad I found so many songs that help me through this moment! Cheer ups on everyone who are in the same situation!
Comment by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen on 9 May 2010:
So sorry to hear about your breakup three weeks before your wedding! But, as sad and heartbreaking as it is now…better to break up than to have an unhappy marriage…
Thanks for your music pick — that is one of the best songs for broken hearts.
Keep healing,
Laurie
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post …Establish Good Financial Habits – 6 Ways to Make Money Saving Tips Stick
Comment by Lucas Parker on 18 May 2010:
David Archuleta is definitely one of the best singer in American Idol.;.~
Comment by Khloe B on 19 May 2010:
This step alone-by Elliott Yamin
Comment by Cooper Foster on 13 June 2010:
Josh Groban is one of my favorite classical-pop singer after Hayley Westenra.
Comment by Jenn on 19 June 2010:
So many great songs. I too have been destroyed by thoughless men and these songs help. Thanks everyone
Comment by Cindy on 19 June 2010:
Caitlin and Will- Even Now!!!
I really love this song, it’s about getting even with someone!!!
Comment by chriss on 24 June 2010:
I would suggest the song: “Feel the Lie – Soulsteal”.
The clean vocals of the singer really touches me!!!
Comment by Lynn Kristle on 28 June 2010:
Love these 3 songs. Listening to them too much can be depressing, but when you’re crying over a man these are perfect.
Comment by Kelly Arele on 1 July 2010:
I will love again & Better in time are my favorite. They can make you feel so much better about your future without the guy who broke your heart.
Comment by Broken&Fixed on 3 July 2010:
’twas a time when things were falling apart between me and my hubby. felt alone, cheated, broken, crushed to pieces…when this song was played. i was like, “you gotta be kidding me!” how could the god and goddess of broken-hearted songs know exactly how i felt that very moment.
LETTING GO by Kim Sozzi
Comment by yannie on 5 July 2010:
forget about me – lil bit
addicted – stevie hoang
he ain’t the one – stevie hoang
out of reach – gabrielle
i love you goodbye
half crazy
goin’ crazy – natalie
distance
i can wait forever
somebody’s me
you’re all i need
until i get over you -cristina millan
on bended knees
miss you – aaliyah
i’d rather – luther vandros
together – neyo
cry – rihanna
everytime – janet jackson
leave – jojo
too little too late – jojo
i hope that songs could some what help you.. i soo love that songs..=)
Comment by Tia on 5 July 2010:
aww..
i love the songs
keep forgetting – jojo
fly away – jojo
broken vow – josh groban
Comment by Katie Patel on 15 July 2010:
David Archuleta is great but for me, the best is still Kelly Clarkson.
Comment by winning my ex feeling again on 16 July 2010:
I love the songs. I love Lara Fabian’s song, I will love again.
It is really appropriate for broken hearts. I was really touched. My tears fell down as I listen to the song.
winning my ex feeling again´s last blog post …Trying Again To Get Back Together With Ex
Comment by Sam on 31 July 2010:
After a year and 8 months my boyfriend decides he doesnt love me anymore. Except hes felt that way for a couple of months and told everyone but me. It hurts. Ive literally bruised my forehead from crying.
however, these are good to wail/scream/cry along to:
1. im not okay – My chemical romance
2. im every woman – Whitney Houston
3. Try sleeping with a broken heart – Alicia Keyes
4. the reason – hoobastank
5. caught out there – Kelis
Ive been told time heals, im 3 days in and waiting x
Comment by Sasha on 2 August 2010:
Hey, does anyone have a song for me? I was head over heels for this guy and we were together for almost 4 months… then he cheated on me and I broke up with him. I haven’t gotten over him but I’ve given him plenty of chances and he keeps letting me down so I’m done.
any input is appreciated