Where there is love, there is inevitable heartbreak, and the best breakup songs of 2023 hit harder than a mack truck and will leave listeners in a severe state of melancholy and sorrow, but in a fun way! Breakup songs are filled with emotion, storytelling, and gossip as the biggest and brightest stars in the music industry are letting fans take a peak behind the curtain and letting them see their real lives. Some of the most beloved and adored songs of all time involve heartbreak and breakups, and in the new year, artists are wearing their devastating on their sleeves, as fans already have a plethora of incredibly sad and somehow upbeat breakup songs to pump when they are feeling down.
From the hottest pop hits from music superstar Miley Cyrus and her hit song “Flowers,” to indie anthems from Miya Folick with her song “Get Out of My House,” to head-banging rock heartbreak songs like Fall Out Boy's “Heartbreak Feels So Good,” each of these devastating breakup songs will hit you right in the feels and have you questioning whether love is actually out there. Heartbreak and breakup songs are one of the most popular across any and every genre, so that means with every album there will at least be a single or two to tackle the subject, and the devastating hits are only going to keep rolling as the year continues on.
Vote up the best breakup songs of 2023, and be sure to check back every week as we are constantly adding the most devastating and heartbreaking new songs to shatter your soul with.
1Flowers
Miley CyrusCentering around themes of recovery and self-realization, "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus delivers a potent narrative of moving on after a painful breakup. The lyrics, "We were good, we were gold Kinda dream that can't be sold We were right 'til we weren't Built a home and watched it burn," reflects the harsh reality of seeing a promising relationship crumble. It is an emotionally evocative track that beautifully showcases Cyrus's ability to blend vulnerability with resilience.
2Boy's a liar Pt. 2
PinkPantheress & Ice SpiceExploring the theme of emotional manipulation, "Boy's a Liar Pt. 2" by PinkPantheress and Ice Spice delivers a poignant account of deceit in a relationship. Lyrics such as "Because you only want to hold me when I'm looking good enough / Did you ever feel me? Would you ever picture us?" suggest a narrative of conditional affection and inauthenticity in a failed romance. This track skillfully integrates beats and storytelling to highlight the psychological effects of such experiences.
3Thought You Should Know
Morgan WallenOffering a fresh take on post-breakup reflections, Morgan Wallen's "Thought You Should Know" intertwines personal narratives with heartfelt country melodies. Lyrics like "What's goin' on, mama? Something just dawned on me. I ain't been home in some months. Been chasin' songs and women," beautifully encapsulate the sense of longing and introspection that often follows the end of a relationship, making this song an emotionally evocative piece in Wallen's discography.
4Eyes Closed
Ed SheeranEd Sheeran's 2023 release delves into the depths of emotional loss, specifically mourning the death of a close friend. The heartfelt lyrics, such as "I know it's a bad idea, But how can I help myself? Been inside for most this year, And I thought a few drinks, they might help", paints a poignant picture of grief and longing, making it a deeply personal and moving track.
5Die 4 Me
HalseyWith "Die 4 Me," Halsey delivers a powerful narrative about a dissolved relationship, offering her perspective on an unfaithful lover. The track features potent lyrics like "I'm gonna save her tonight, But you lied, savior, but you lied / You lied to me", excellently conveying feelings of betrayal and unmet promises. The emotional intensity of the song is amplified through Halsey's raw vocal delivery, making it a standout track in her discography.
6If We Ever Broke Up
Mae StephensThis powerful song from Mae Stephens, released in 2023, explores the intricacies of a potential breakup and the yearning for mutual understanding. With lyrics like "If you keep wondering if somebody understands, Darling, I don't understand you", the track conveys a poignant narrative of disconnect and emotional struggle in a relationship.
7Farewell For Now
Greta Van FleetCapturing the theme of longing and departure, "Farewell For Now" by Greta Van Fleet tells a profound story of parting and yearning. With compelling lyrics such as "We have shared with you our stories, Had ourselves a really big time, Fought in battles far from the homeland," the track showcases the band's ability to weave emotional narratives with their signature rock sound. It's a captivating exploration of the feelings of leaving something cherished behind but promising to return.
8mine
Kelly ClarksonExploring the emotional turmoil of heartbreak, Kelly Clarkson's 2023 release from her album Chemistry plunges into self-reflection and regret. The captivating lyrics, "You know I question every motive, everything you say. Can't believe I let you in, I can't believe I stayed", convey the pain of lingering in a relationship that brings more harm than happiness. It serves as a raw and relatable anthem for those grappling with the complexities of love gone wrong.
9Heartbreak Feels So Good
Fall Out BoyStriking a balance between melancholy and resilience, "Heartbreak Feels So Good' by Fall Out Boy explores the paradox of finding pleasure in pain. The lyrics, "No matter what they tell you The future's up for grabs, no No matter what they sell you Is there a word for 'bad miracle'?" exquisitely relay the struggle of holding onto hope during heartbreak while questioning the authenticity of past love. This beautifully crafted song serves as their commentary on the bittersweet nature of heartbreak and moving on.
10Acrostico
Shakira"Acróstico" by Shakira serves as a powerful open letter to her children, filled with sentiments of love and reflection. The lyrics dig deep into the singer's experiences of love and vulnerability, communicating a personal journey through her intimate life. This hauntingly beautiful song strikes a delicate balance between strength, emotional introspection, and the artist's commitment to family.
11I DON'T WANNA BE LIKE YOU
RuelReflecting themes of disillusionment and emotional rebellion, "I Don't Wanna Be Like You" by Ruel offers a candid exploration of a troubled relationship. The lyrics, such as "Your smile's like a dark cloud, can't wait for the fallout", poignantly capture a sense of impending emotional doom and the longing for individuality amidst conformity. The track serves as an intense ride through the complexities of a strained relationship with its powerful delivery.
12How Does It Feel (ft. Chris Brown)
ChloeCentered around themes of heartbreak and unrequited love, "How Does It Feel" by Chlöe and Chris Brown captures the pain of unreciprocated feelings in a faltering relationship. Lyrics like "Yeah I gave you more than you wanted / I gave you more than you needed / So tell me, how does it feel…" encapsulate the emotional turmoil of giving more in a relationship than receiving. This track, from Chlöe's In Pieces album, strikes a chord with listeners, delivering a poignant narrative about the struggles of maintaining a one-sided relationship.
13Heart Wants What It Wants
Bebe RexhaBebe Rexha's 2023 release is a compelling disco-pop anthem about the complexities of falling out of love. With gripping lyrics like "My heart only wants what it wants, what it wants, 'til it doesn't. I can't promise you love, it was love, it was love, 'til it wasn't," the single artfully encapsulates the emotional turmoil and conflict felt during a relationship's decline.
14Eat Your Man (ft. Nelly Furtado)
Dom DollaLaying bare the power dynamics in a relationship, "Eat Your Man" by Nelly Furtado and Dom Dolla portrays a confident persona reclaiming the control. Its compelling lyrics, "Ah, ah, oh I'll eat your man, devour him whole / Lickin' my fingers, I'm in control / Fly like a bird, I'm takin' it home…" emit an air of dominance and assertiveness. It's a stirring EDM track that rebuilds the narrative around a failed relationship from a position of empowerment.
15Traitor Joe
Megan MoroneyEncapsulating the themes of betrayal and unfaithfulness, "Traitor Joe" by Megan Moroney is a striking narrative about a cheating partner. The heart-rending lyrics "Joe, hearing this it might just break your heart / But you know I can't keep you in the dark / Well, last night I saw your girlfriend at the bar" poignantly capture the intricacies of a heartbreak by exposing an uncomfortable truth. The song, released in her 2023 Lucky album expertly balances empowerment, empathy, and calls for honesty in relationships.
16Sad in the Summer (ft. Lily Rose)
DiploFeaturing Lily Rose, this emotion-filled track from Diplo tackles the theme of short-lived romances and the emotional turmoil of letting go. The lyrics, 'I know and you know / That this won't last a lifetime / That don't mean that / We should be alone tonight', speak eloquently of a transient love found in the heart of summer.
17Overdue (ft. Jinting)
EpicFailThis track from EpicFail featuring Jinting delves into the heartache and emotional aftermath of a broken relationship. Released in 2023, the poignant lyrics combined with a resonant melody create a captivating narrative of longing and heartbreak.
18Emily, I'm Sorry
boygeniusExploring the raw human emotions tied to a deteriorating love relationship, "Emily, I'm Sorry" by boygenius provides listeners with an intimate portrayal of regret and longing. The lyrics, "She's asleep in the backseat Looking peaceful enough to me But she's wakin' up inside a dream Full of screeching tires and fire," embodies the anguish of witnessing a loved one's pain while feeling powerless to provide comfort. This insightful track masterfully encapsulates the harsh reality of love's impermanence, making it a poignant portrayal of heartbreak.
19Pray It Away
ChlöeBalancing spirituality with personal trauma, "Pray It Away" by Chloe Bailey is a deeply introspective track that navigates the aftermath of a failed relationship. Released in 2023, the song features heartfelt lyrics, effectively conveying a story of loss, healing and the strength to resist vengeance.
20Voices (ft. Oliver Tree)
KSITackling the emotional upheaval following a breakup, "Voices" by KSI featuring Oliver Tree captures the struggle of moving on. With compelling lyrics like "I let go / Every time I hear those / Voices / I let go / Anyway'" encapsulate the turmoil and self-doubt that follow the end of a relationship. This track effectively articulates the internal battles one faces when trying to let go of a previous love.
21Call on Me
Bebe RexhaShowcasing Bebe Rexha's distinctive pop sensibilities, "Call on Me" delves into longing and heartache after a breakup. The lyrics "All through the night, like a bird in flight / Under the moonlight, caressin' me right / God only knows how long I've waited for this / It's been the longest time" beautifully encapsulate nocturnal solitude and yearning, putting a refreshing flip on the classic breakup song trope. It's an emotive track that showcases her trademark juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength.
22heartLESS
You Me At SixDepicting a bitter end to a relationship, "Heartless" by You Me At Six reminds us of the inevitability of emotional pain in breakups. With powerful lyrics like "Man down, I can't believe / That this is really happening / Looking at you look through me / You can't wait to up and leave," the song embodies the distressing feelings of betrayal and abandonment. By conveying a sense of desolation and heartache, the track resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar situations.
23Weightless
Arlo ParksExpressing the turmoil of loving someone who only offers minimal affection, "Weightless" by Arlo Parks gracefully captures the sting of unrequited love. Lyrics such as "Cardamom and jade as your eyes screamed / On the night you showed your volcanic side / And I'm afraid to need validation / Waiting for the day when you finally try…" poignantly demonstrate the artist's deep yearning and emotional apprehension. It is a beautifully rendered narrative of one-sided love and the hope for reciprocation.
24The Love Still Held Me Near
City and ColourTaking listeners on a journey through pain and healing, "The Love Still Held Me Near" by City and Colour, paints a poignant picture of heartache. The lyrics "Awake, awake, my darling / The moon is down / The waves, the waves, they are crashing all around" masterfully encapsulate the turbulence of emotional turmoil. This track, with its introspective undertones and poignant storytelling, offers a touching musical representation of dealing with loss and finding solace.
25I Can't Stand It (ft. Samuel T. Herring & Jae Matthews)
AlgiersExploring a narrative of a broken relationship, "I Can't Stand It!" by Algiers features impactful lyrics like "I know what I want / But I never asked you for the ashes of our love in effigy / Time has come undone." This song eloquently conveys the protagonist's longing for a failed love whilst simultaneously expressing despair over the course of time. It provides a rich tapestry of emotions that fans have come to appreciate from their discography.
26Opps
NelcciaBrilliantly encapsulating themes of personal autonomy and conflict in relationships, "Opps" by Nelccia delivers a resonating narrative of resistance against unwanted advances. With gripping lyrics like "I'm not other people's property. So why you treat me like a opp?" and "You chase me like you always wanted me. But now you wanna send me shots," the track unveils a tale of an individual asserting their independence and challenging unfair treatment in a relationship.
27Get Out of My House
Miya FolickWith "Get Out of My House," Miya Folick renders a potent narrative about the aftermath of a toxic relationship. The lyrics, "You never wanna touch me / You only wanna make me cry / You never ever call me / You think that you can just come by," resonate with the hearts of listeners as they tell a tale of neglect and emotional manipulation. Her raw vocal delivery combined with the directness of the lyrics makes this track a candid and compelling representation of the desire to regain personal autonomy after a fraught relationship.
