The feeling of not receiving the respect and treatment one deserves is a common experience, and it’s one that many musicians have explored in their music. The songs about deserving better reflect on the desire for self-worth and the pursuit of happiness, and they often contain messages of empowerment and encouragement.
The “Top 20 Songs About Deserving Better” list includes some of the most popular and well-known songs in different genres, including “I Deserve It” by Faith Evans, “I Deserve” by Toni Braxton, “I Deserve to Breathe” by Melissa Etheridge, “I Deserve Better” by Fantasia, “I Deserve” by Kat Dahlia, and many more. These songs explore themes of self-respect, self-love, and the pursuit of happiness, and they provide a voice for those who may feel that they’re not receiving the treatment they deserve.
Whether you’re feeling undervalued or simply appreciate music that encourages self-empowerment, these top 20 songs about deserving better are sure to resonate. From soulful ballads to uplifting anthems, these songs offer a message of hope and encouragement, and they remind us that we are all worthy of love, respect, and happiness. So, turn up the volume, sing along, and remember that you deserve better!
1. “You Ruin Me” by The Veronicas
“You Ruin Me” is a hit single by Australian pop duo The Veronicas. It was released in 2014 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, becoming one of the group’s most well-known songs. The ballad is about a tumultuous relationship and the emotional toll it takes on the singer. The lyrics express feelings of love and pain, as the singer grapples with their own desires and the realization that the person they love is hurting them. The haunting melody and powerful vocals convey the intense emotions at the heart of the song, making “You Ruin Me” a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences.
2. “Not Gon’ Cry” by Mary J. Blige
“Not Gon’ Cry” is a hit song by American R&B singer Mary J. Blige, released in 1996. It is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases Blige’s soulful voice and powerful delivery. The song is about the end of a relationship and the singer’s determination not to let it affect her. Despite the heartbreak, she vows not to cry or show her sadness to the world. The lyrics are empowering and serve as a message of strength and resilience to listeners who may have experienced a similar situation. With its relatable subject matter and beautiful melody, “Not Gon’ Cry” has become a classic of the R&B genre and is still widely regarded as one of Blige’s greatest songs.
3. “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé
“Irreplaceable” is a hit song by American singer-songwriter Beyoncé, released in 2006. It is a mid-tempo R&B ballad with a catchy beat and empowering lyrics. The song is about a woman who has been betrayed by her partner and decides to end the relationship. Beyoncé’s confident vocals and the song’s upbeat tempo convey the message that the singer is strong and independent, and does not need a partner who does not appreciate her. The lyrics, which encourage listeners to “find someone better,” have made “Irreplaceable” an anthem for women everywhere, and the song has become one of Beyoncé’s signature hits. With its universal message of self-worth and empowerment, “Irreplaceable” continues to be a fan favorite and a staple of pop and R&B music.
4. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
“Before He Cheats” is a hit song by American country singer Carrie Underwood, released in 2006. It is a fast-paced, uptempo song that tells the story of a woman who discovers that her partner has been unfaithful. The lyrics describe the singer’s revenge as she takes a baseball bat to the cheater’s truck and carves her name into the dashboard. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo, combined with its relatable subject matter, have made “Before He Cheats” one of the most popular country songs of all time. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and has become a staple of country music radio, as well as a crowd-pleaser in live performances. With its powerful message and infectious energy, “Before He Cheats” remains a classic of the country genre.
5. “Grenade” by Bruno Mars
“Grenade” is a hit song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, released in 2010. It is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases Mars’ powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The song is about a man who is willing to go to great lengths for love, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness. The lyrics express the singer’s devotion and the lengths he is willing to go to show his love, including throwing himself on a grenade for the person he loves. The emotional power of the song, combined with its memorable melody and catchy chorus, have made “Grenade” one of Bruno Mars’ most popular and enduring hits. With its universal message of love and sacrifice, “Grenade” continues to be a fan favorite and a staple of pop and R&B music.
6. “Rolling In the Deep” by Adele
“Rolling In the Deep” is a hit song by British singer-songwriter Adele, released in 2010. It is an upbeat, soul-inspired song with a powerful melody and soaring vocals. The lyrics express the singer’s anger and frustration over a failed relationship, as she accuses her former partner of not valuing what they had. The song’s catchy chorus, explosive energy, and Adele’s powerful vocals have made “Rolling In the Deep” one of the defining tracks of the 21st century. The song won several Grammy Awards and has been praised for its universal message of heartbreak and empowerment. With its timeless appeal and enduring popularity, “Rolling In the Deep” remains one of Adele’s most iconic and beloved songs.
7. “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift
“You Belong With Me” is a hit song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2009. It is a pop-infused country song with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singer’s feelings for a man who is in a relationship with someone else, as she sings about wanting to be with him and telling him that he belongs with her. The song’s relatable subject matter and upbeat energy have made it one of Taylor Swift’s most popular and enduring hits. With its universal message of unrequited love and hope, “You Belong With Me” has become a staple of pop and country radio, and continues to be a fan favorite and a crowd-pleaser in live performances. The song won several awards, including a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
8. “Leave (Get Out)” by JoJo
“Leave (Get Out)” is a hit song by American singer JoJo, released in 2004. It is a pop and R&B infused song with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singer’s determination to end a relationship with a man who is not treating her well. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “Leave (Get Out)” a fan favorite and one of JoJo’s most enduring hits. Despite its young singer, the song tackles mature subject matter with a level of confidence and independence that was unusual for its time. With its universal message of self-worth and empowerment, “Leave (Get Out)” continues to be a staple of pop and R&B music and a favorite among JoJo’s fans.
9. “Don’t Say You Love Me” by Fifth Harmony
“Don’t Say You Love Me” is a hit song by American girl group Fifth Harmony, released in 2017. It is a pop and R&B infused song with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singers’ frustration with a partner who is saying “I love you” without truly meaning it. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “Don’t Say You Love Me” a fan favorite and one of Fifth Harmony’s most popular tracks. With its universal message of self-respect and the importance of being true to one’s feelings, “Don’t Say You Love Me” continues to be a staple of pop and R&B music and a favorite among Fifth Harmony’s fans. The song is an anthem for those who want to be respected and treated with honesty and authenticity in their relationships.
10. “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake
“Cry Me A River” is a hit song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake, released in 2002. It is an R&B and pop-infused song with a melancholic melody and emotional delivery. The lyrics express Timberlake’s anger and frustration over a failed relationship, as he sings about his former partner’s betrayal and the pain she has caused him. The song’s catchy chorus and soulful delivery have made “Cry Me A River” one of Justin Timberlake’s most popular and enduring hits. With its universal message of heartbreak and empowerment, “Cry Me A River” continues to be a staple of pop and R&B music and a fan favorite. The song won several awards and has been praised for its timeless appeal and relatable subject matter. To this day, “Cry Me A River” remains one of Justin Timberlake’s most iconic and beloved songs.
11. “Happier” by Marshmello
“Happier” is a hit song by American DJ and producer Marshmello, released in 2018. It is an electronic dance music (EDM) and pop-infused song with a cheerful melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singer’s longing for someone who has moved on and is now happier without him. The song’s melancholic yet upbeat vibe and catchy chorus have made “Happier” one of Marshmello’s most popular tracks and a fan favorite. With its relatable subject matter and cheerful energy, “Happier” continues to be a staple of the EDM genre and a favorite among Marshmello’s fans. The song has been praised for its ability to evoke feelings of sadness and happiness at the same time and has been used in various TV shows, commercials, and movies. To this day, “Happier” remains one of Marshmello’s most iconic and beloved songs.
12. “Bo$$” by Fifth Harmony
“Bo$$” is a hit song by American girl group Fifth Harmony, released in 2013. It is an R&B and pop-infused song with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singers’ confidence and determination to succeed and be in charge of their own lives, as they sing about being bosses and taking charge. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “Bo$$” a fan favorite and one of Fifth Harmony’s most popular tracks. With its universal message of self-confidence and empowerment, “Bo$$” continues to be a staple of pop and R&B music and a favorite among Fifth Harmony’s fans. The song is an anthem for women who want to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
13. “Part Of Me” by Katy Perry
“Part of Me” is a hit song by American singer Katy Perry, released in 2012. It is a pop-infused dance track with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express Perry’s determination to move on from a past relationship and reclaim her power, as she sings about being stronger and more resilient after a breakup. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “Part of Me” a fan favorite and one of Katy Perry’s most popular tracks. With its universal message of self-confidence and empowerment, “Part of Me” continues to be a staple of pop music and a favorite among Katy Perry’s fans. The song has been praised for its catchy chorus and upbeat energy and has been used in various commercials and movies. To this day, “Part of Me” remains one of Katy Perry’s most iconic and beloved songs.
14. “No Scrubs” by TLC
“No Scrubs” is a hit song by American girl group TLC, released in 1999. It is an R&B and hip-hop-infused track with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singers’ frustration with men who are lacking in ambition and self-respect, as they sing about not wanting to waste their time on “scrubs” who are not worth their time and attention. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “No Scrubs” a fan favorite and one of TLC’s most popular tracks. With its relatable subject matter and catchy beat, “No Scrubs” continues to be a staple of R&B and hip-hop music and a favorite among TLC’s fans. The song has been praised for its feminist message and its influence on popular culture and music. To this day, “No Scrubs” remains one of TLC’s most iconic and beloved songs.
15. “Done For Me” by Charlie Puth
“Done For Me” is a hit song by American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, released in 2018. It is a pop-infused R&B track with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express Puth’s frustration with a former partner who did not appreciate his efforts and love, as he sings about wanting someone who will be there for him and support him. The song’s relatable subject matter and catchy chorus have made “Done For Me” a fan favorite and one of Charlie Puth’s most popular tracks. With its universal message of the desire for love and support, “Done For Me” continues to be a staple of pop and R&B music and a favorite among Charlie Puth’s fans. The song has been praised for its catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics and has been used in various TV shows, commercials, and movies. To this day, “Done For Me” remains one of Charlie Puth’s most iconic and beloved songs.
16. “Give You Hell” by The All American Rejects
“Give You Hell” is a hit song by American rock band The All American Rejects, released in 2008. It is a punk-infused rock track with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express the singer’s frustration with a former partner who did not appreciate their efforts and love, as he sings about wanting to give them a taste of their own medicine. The song’s relatable subject matter and catchy chorus have made “Give You Hell” a fan favorite and one of The All American Rejects’ most popular tracks. With its universal message of the desire for revenge and closure after a breakup, “Give You Hell” continues to be a staple of punk and rock music and a favorite among The All American Rejects’ fans. The song has been praised for its catchy chorus and powerful energy and has been used in various TV shows, commercials, and movies. To this day, “Give You Hell” remains one of The All American Rejects’ most iconic and beloved songs.
17. “Break free” by Ariana Grande
“Break Free” is a hit song by American pop singer Ariana Grande, released in 2014. It is a high-energy dance-pop track with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express Grande’s desire to break free from a relationship that is holding her back, as she sings about taking control of her life and embracing her independence. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “Break Free” a fan favorite and one of Ariana Grande’s most popular tracks. With its uplifting and energetic beat, “Break Free” continues to be a staple of pop music and a favorite among Ariana Grande’s fans. The song has been praised for its positive message of self-empowerment and its influence on popular culture and music. To this day, “Break Free” remains one of Ariana Grande’s most iconic and beloved songs.
18. “Stronger” by Britney Spears
“Stronger” is a hit song by American pop singer Britney Spears, released in 2000. It is an energetic dance-pop track with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The lyrics express Spears’ determination and empowerment after a difficult breakup, as she sings about becoming stronger and moving on from her former partner. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “Stronger” a fan favorite and one of Britney Spears’ most popular tracks. With its uplifting and energetic beat, “Stronger” continues to be a staple of pop music and a favorite among Britney Spears’ fans. The song has been praised for its positive message of self-empowerment and its influence on popular culture and music. To this day, “Stronger” remains one of Britney Spears’ most iconic and beloved songs.
19. “The One” by The Chainsmokers
“The One” is a hit song by American DJ and production duo The Chainsmokers, released in 2017. It is a melodic electronic dance track with a smooth and uplifting vibe. The lyrics express the longing for that special someone who makes everything better, as the singer searches for the one person who completes them. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo have made “The One” a fan favorite and one of The Chainsmokers’ most popular tracks. With its mellow and emotional vibe, “The One” continues to be a staple of electronic dance music and a favorite among The Chainsmokers’ fans. The song has been praised for its positive message of love and its influence on popular culture and music. To this day, “The One” remains one of The Chainsmokers’ most iconic and beloved songs.
20. “Good As Hell” by Lizzo
“Good as Hell” is a hit song by American singer-songwriter Lizzo, released in 2016. It is a confident and empowering pop-R&B track with a catchy beat and energetic vibe. The lyrics express Lizzo’s unwavering self-assurance and her refusal to let anyone bring her down, as she sings about feeling good and looking good no matter what. The song’s empowering message and catchy chorus have made “Good as Hell” a fan favorite and one of Lizzo’s most popular tracks. With its positive and upbeat vibe, “Good as Hell” continues to be a staple of pop and R&B music and a favorite among Lizzo’s fans. The song has been praised for its influence on popular culture and its celebration of self-confidence and body positivity. To this day, “Good as Hell” remains one of Lizzo’s most iconic and beloved songs.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
