Songs about exes are a common theme in music, as breakups and the end of relationships are often emotional experiences that many people can relate to. These songs can be both heart-wrenching and empowering, as they capture the range of emotions that come with the end of a relationship. Whether you’re experiencing a breakup or simply looking to reminisce about past relationships, there are countless songs that explore this theme.
One popular category of songs about exes are those that are sad or mournful, capturing the pain and heartbreak of the end of a relationship. These songs often feature lyrics that are introspective and emotional, focusing on the singer’s feelings of loss and grief. Examples of these types of songs include Adele’s “Someone Like You,” which features haunting piano and vocals that capture the raw emotion of a breakup, and Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” which uses soulful vocals and a gospel choir to express the singer’s plea for his ex to stay with him.
On the other hand, some songs about exes are more upbeat and empowering, focusing on moving on from a relationship and finding strength and independence. These songs often feature catchy hooks and danceable beats, encouraging listeners to embrace their newfound freedom. Examples of these types of songs include Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” which is a disco classic that has become an anthem of resilience for those going through a breakup, and Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” which is a pop-punk hit that encourages listeners to embrace their independence and move on from a toxic relationship.
Overall, top 21 songs about exes are a common theme in music that have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions in listeners. Whether you’re feeling sad or empowered after a breakup, there are countless songs that capture the essence of this experience and can provide a cathartic and relatable listening experience.
1. Shout Out To My Ex – Little Mix
“Shout Out To My Ex” is a pop anthem performed by British girl group Little Mix. Released in 2016 as the lead single from their fourth studio album “Glory Days,” the song features a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and empowering lyrics about moving on from a past relationship. The chorus “Shout out to my ex, you’re really quite the man, you made my heart break and that made me who I am” encourages listeners to find strength and self-confidence in their experiences. The song became a chart-topping hit in the UK and earned Little Mix critical acclaim for its message of female empowerment.
2. Gaslighter – The Chicks
“Gaslighter” is a powerful song by the American country music group The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks. The song was released in 2020 as the lead single from their album of the same name. It features driving guitar riffs and soaring harmonies, as lead singer Natalie Maines sings about being gaslit and manipulated by a partner. The lyrics are sharp and pointed, calling out the abusive behavior of the partner and expressing the narrator’s determination to move on and leave the gaslighting behind. Overall, “Gaslighter” is a poignant and powerful anthem of empowerment and self-respect.
3. Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
“Go Your Own Way” is a classic rock song by the British-American band Fleetwood Mac, released in 1977. The song is written by Lindsey Buckingham, who also provides lead vocals and guitar work. It features a dynamic guitar riff and catchy chorus, and has become one of Fleetwood Mac’s signature tunes. The lyrics describe a difficult breakup and encourage the other person to move on and find their own way. The song has been covered by several artists and featured in various movies and TV shows. “Go Your Own Way” remains a beloved classic and a staple of classic rock radio.
4. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
“Since U Been Gone” is a pop-punk classic by American singer Kelly Clarkson. Released in 2004, the song quickly became a hit and remains a staple of pop culture today. The song is known for its catchy hook and energetic beat, as well as its empowering lyrics about moving on from a toxic relationship. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and upbeat energy make the song a perfect anthem for anyone looking to embrace their independence and leave behind a bad relationship. Overall, “Since U Been Gone” is a timeless and iconic pop song that has inspired countless listeners to move on and find happiness.
5. Hate Me – Ellie Goulding, Juice WRLD
“Hate Me” is a collaboration between British singer Ellie Goulding and American rapper Juice WRLD. The song is an emotional ballad about a tumultuous relationship, where both parties struggle to let go and move on. Goulding’s ethereal vocals blend seamlessly with Juice WRLD’s signature autotune, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. The lyrics capture the pain of a broken relationship, with lines like “hate me, hate me, still tryna replace me”, showcasing the raw vulnerability of the song. “Hate Me” is a powerful exploration of heartbreak and the complex emotions that come with it.
6. On My Mind – Ellie Goulding
“On My Mind” is an upbeat and catchy pop song by British singer Ellie Goulding. Released in 2015, the song features electronic beats and driving synths, with Goulding’s distinctive vocals soaring over the top. The lyrics are about being infatuated with someone, but realizing that they may not be good for you. The song’s infectious chorus and playful energy make it a perfect song for dancing and singing along, while also exploring the complexities of relationships and attraction. Overall, “On My Mind” is a fun and addictive pop hit that showcases Goulding’s talents as a singer and songwriter.
7. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
“Back to Black” is a soulful and melancholic song by British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Released in 2006 as the title track of her second studio album, it combines elements of R&B, soul, and jazz to create a powerful and emotional ballad. The song deals with themes of heartbreak and addiction, with Winehouse’s raw and powerful vocals conveying a deep sense of pain and longing. The use of horns, strings, and a retro-inspired production adds to the song’s vintage feel. “Back to Black” has been praised for its haunting melody and deeply personal lyrics, cementing it as one of Winehouse’s most iconic songs.
8. Really Don’t Care – Demi Lovato
“Really Don’t Care” is a high-energy pop anthem by American singer Demi Lovato, featuring British singer Cher Lloyd. Released in 2014, the song features an infectious beat and a catchy hook, with Lovato and Lloyd trading verses about standing up for yourself and not caring what others think. The song’s bold and defiant lyrics, along with its empowering message of self-confidence and resilience, have made it a popular choice for fans of both Lovato and pop music in general. Overall, “Really Don’t Care” is a fun and uplifting song that encourages listeners to be true to themselves and embrace their individuality.
9. Problem – Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea
“Problem” is an upbeat pop song by Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea, released in 2014. The song’s catchy hook and danceable beat propelled it to the top of the charts, and it became one of the biggest hits of the year. The lyrics are about being in a tumultuous relationship with someone who causes problems, and trying to figure out how to move on. The song’s energetic production and powerful vocals from Grande and Azalea make it an irresistible dance-floor filler, and it remains a popular party anthem years after its release.
10. Irreplaceable – Beyonce
“Irreplaceable” is a powerful R&B song by American singer Beyoncé. Released in 2006, the song became an instant classic, featuring Beyoncé’s strong and soulful vocals over a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff. The song’s lyrics are about a woman who has been wronged by her partner and is now telling him to leave, making it clear that he is easily replaceable. The song’s confident and assertive message, along with its infectious melody and catchy hook, have made it a popular choice for fans of Beyoncé and R&B music in general. Overall, “Irreplaceable” is a timeless classic that showcases Beyoncé’s talent as a singer and songwriter.
11. Love Yourself – Justin Bieber
“Love Yourself” is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber. The track was released as part of his fourth studio album, “Purpose”, in 2015. The song is a mid-tempo acoustic ballad and features guitar and piano as the primary instrumentation. The lyrics revolve around a breakup, with Bieber telling his ex-lover that she should go love herself instead of depending on him. The track became a commercial success, reaching number one in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. It also earned Bieber his first Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2017.
12. Consequences – Camila Cabello
“Consequences” is a poignant and emotional ballad by Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello. Released in 2018, the song features Cabello’s powerful and vulnerable vocals over a sparse piano arrangement. The lyrics are about the aftermath of a failed relationship, with Cabello reflecting on the consequences of her actions and expressing regret for the pain she has caused. The song’s introspective and heartfelt lyrics, along with its haunting melody, make it a powerful and relatable exploration of the complexities of love and loss. Overall, “Consequences” is a beautiful and moving song that showcases Cabello’s talent as a singer and songwriter.
13. Same Old Love – Selena Gomez
https://youtu.be/JXc4ABzmbZQ
“Same Old Love” is a mid-tempo pop song by American singer Selena Gomez. Released in 2015, the song features a catchy hook and a distinctive horn section, with Gomez’s smooth vocals gliding over the top. The lyrics are about a woman who is tired of the same old patterns in her relationship and is ready to move on. The song’s relatable message, along with its catchy melody and polished production, have made it a popular choice for fans of Gomez and pop music in general. Overall, “Same Old Love” is a fun and catchy pop hit that showcases Gomez’s talent as a singer and performer.
14. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is a catchy pop song by Taylor Swift that became a major hit when it was released in 2012. The song features a bouncy melody and an infectious chorus that encourages listeners to move on from toxic relationships. Swift’s lyrics are filled with witty one-liners and sarcastic commentary as she recounts the ups and downs of a past romance. The song’s upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics make it a fan favorite and an anthem for anyone who’s gone through a difficult breakup and is ready to move on.
15. Part of Me – Katy Perry
“Part of Me” is a powerful pop anthem by Katy Perry, showcasing her emotional range and commanding vocals. The song speaks to the pain of heartbreak, but also the strength and resilience that comes from moving on. With its driving beat and soaring chorus, “Part of Me” is an empowering track that encourages listeners to embrace their independence and stand up for themselves. Its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics make it a fan favorite, cementing its place as one of Perry’s most popular songs.
16. Why Should I Be Sad? – Britney Spears
“Why Should I Be Sad?” is a reflective and introspective pop song by American singer Britney Spears. Released in 2007, the song features Spears’ emotive vocals over a melancholic piano arrangement. The lyrics are about a woman who has been hurt by a past relationship, but is now realizing that she is better off without the person. The song’s poignant and honest lyrics, along with its stripped-down production, make it a powerful and vulnerable exploration of the complexities of love and loss. Overall, “Why Should I Be Sad?” is a poignant and emotional song that showcases Spears’ talent as a singer and songwriter.
17. Forget You – Cee Lo Green
“Forget You” is a catchy and upbeat pop song by Cee Lo Green. Its lyrics tell the story of a man who has been rejected by his love interest, and is trying to move on. However, despite the heartbreak, the song’s melody is undeniably upbeat, with a strong groove and a memorable chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. The song’s production is layered with horns, guitar, and a driving beat that make it an instant classic. “Forget You” is a fun and energetic song that is perfect for dancing along to or singing at the top of your lungs.
18. 7 Things — Miley Cyrus
“7 Things” is a fun and upbeat pop song by American singer Miley Cyrus. Released in 2008, the song features a catchy guitar riff and Cyrus’ lively vocals, with lyrics about the seven things she hates about an ex-boyfriend. The song’s playful and relatable message, along with its catchy melody and infectious energy, have made it a popular choice for fans of Cyrus and pop music in general. Overall, “7 Things” is a fun and catchy pop hit that showcases Cyrus’ talent as a singer and performer.
19. Somebody That I Used to Know – Gotye
“Somebody That I Used to Know” is a 2011 hit song by Belgian-Australian singer Gotye, featuring the vocals of New Zealand singer Kimbra. The song became a massive commercial success, topping charts in over 20 countries and earning numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards in 2013. The song’s lyrics depict the aftermath of a breakup and the emotional pain and resentment that often follows. The unique instrumentation and use of samples, as well as the powerful vocal performances by Gotye and Kimbra, make this song a standout in the indie pop genre and a timeless anthem for broken-hearted lovers.
20. Cry Me a River – Justin Timberlake
“Cry Me a River” is a haunting and emotional R&B song by American singer Justin Timberlake. Released in 2002, the song features a hypnotic beat and Timberlake’s soulful vocals, with lyrics about a man who has been wronged by a past lover and is now telling her to cry him a river. The song’s introspective and vulnerable lyrics, along with its haunting melody and polished production, make it a powerful and timeless exploration of heartbreak and betrayal. Overall, “Cry Me a River” is a classic R&B ballad that showcases Timberlake’s talent as a singer and songwriter.
21. All My Ex’s Live In Texas – George Strait
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a classic country song by American singer George Strait. Released in 1987, the song features Strait’s smooth and mellow vocals over a lively and upbeat honky-tonk arrangement. The lyrics are about a man who has had relationships with women from all over the country, but his exes all happen to live in Texas. The song’s catchy melody, fun and lighthearted lyrics, and signature Texas swing sound have made it a beloved classic in the country music genre. Overall, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a timeless country hit that showcases Strait’s talent as a singer and performer.
Edward Tomlin 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.
