Loving someone who is already in a relationship with someone else can only lead to heartache. But, it is often unavoidable. As the all too familiar saying goes, the heart wants what the heart wants.
If you are in love with someone you know you shouldn’t be, this playlist is just the thing you need to help you process some of those big feelings you are probably feeling.
So without further ado, here is my list of the best songs about loving someone who is taken.
1. Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes
I don’t think anyone, not even Shawn Mendes himself, could have foreseen just how big his 2016 release of “Treat You Better” would be. Featured on the album Illuminate, the song was well-received by fans and currently has over 2.2 billion views on YouTube alone.
Loving someone you can never have or be with can be devastating, but somehow, singing along to “Treat You Better” at the top of your lungs does help ease this pain just a little bit.
2. You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s song “You Belong With Me” took me right back to my teen years. Released in 2008, the song featured on Taylor’s album Fearless and was an instant hit among fans worldwide.
With a cute, almost-country sounding tune and extremely catchy lyrics, I have yet to come across a single person who does not like “You Belong With Me.”
Taylor had us all thinking back on young love and the heartache associated with wanting a guy that is going out with a girl who was either more popular or treated him badly. Give “You Belong With Me” a listen, and be sure to add it to your playlist.
3. Ho Hey by The Lumineers
There are truly no words that could ever come close to adequately describe just how perfect this song actually is. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers was released in 2012 and featured on the band’s self-titled album.
With its melodic and catchy tune, the song is a reminder that no matter how much you know you truly belong with the one you love, life and everything else gets in the way of being together. But the comforting news is, there’s always hope, no matter how desperate the situation seems to be.
Give this absolute banger a listen today!
4. Leave Your Lover by Sam Smith
Eighty-four million people can’t be wrong about just how incredible Sam Smith’s song “Leave Your Lover” truly is. With his sweet voice and amazingly powerful lyrics, Smith describes what so many of us feel when we know that the one we love is with the wrong person.
Released in 2014, “Leave Your Lover” features on the album In The Lonely Hour and makes me want to send this to the one I love, regardless of the repercussions.
Sam Smith deserves a spot on this list. Pump up the volume on this killer track and sing along to “Leave Your Lover.”
5. To Be With You by Mr. Big
Let’s go back to the 90s is Mr. Big with their hit song “To Be With You.” Girls worldwide swooned when they first heard it; believe me, so did I!
“To Be With You” is undoubtedly one of the most powerful songs about unrequited love and was released in 1991 on the album Lean Into It. It is amazing that after so many years, I still remember every word, and I bet you will too when you listen to “To Be With You” and think of your love.
6. Thinking Of You by Katy Perry
At this stage, I think it is safe to say that Katy Perry is simply incapable of releasing a bad song. “Thinking Of You” is yet another song in a string of songs that is so relatable that it will have you crying while you shout out the lyrics.
This beautiful but heartbreaking song was released in 2008 on the singer’s album One Of The Boys and is sure to tug at your heartstrings when you hear her describe the pain of loving someone she can never be with.
Grab the tissues for this one.
7. I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons
While many interpret this song as the singer waiting for redemption, it can also be seen as a love song about waiting for the person who will help you heal by simply loving you.
“I Will Wait” is one of the catchiest songs ever written, and the great use of the instruments is just one element that makes this one of my favorite songs.
The song was released in 2012 and featured on Mumford & Sons album, Babel.
8. Stay by Sugarland
Sugarland might just be one of the most underrated bands ever! Having only recently come across them, they have blown my mind and changed the way I think about love.
“Stay” is one of the most emotional songs I have ever listened to about the pain of loving someone else. Released in 2006 on the album Enjoy The Ride, this song is a must-listen, and I recommend that you waste no time as you add it to your playlist.
9. Lips of an Angel by Hinder
“Lips of an Angel” became an anthem for those who are so desperately in love with someone who is already taken or in a relationship but cannot leave for whatever reason.
The song was released in 2005 and is still considered a massive hit in 2022, with many adding it to their playlists like I did.
Add this beautiful song to your playlist today and let your emotions out, but remember to grab the tissues.
10. Stephen by Kesha
Kesha takes the whole idea of unrequited love to the extreme with her song “Stephen.” Released in 2010 on the album Animal, the song has a somewhat “teenage” feel as she describes her love for her teen crush.
Young love is incredible and can make you feel like you can achieve anything, but loving someone you will never have is something else altogether.
Discover Kesha at her most vulnerable when you add “Stephen” to your best songs about loving someone who is taken playlist.
Alexandra loves playing the piano and guitar. She has always been a music lover, but it wasn’t until she was in high school that she realized how much she loved to play. It allowed her to express herself without having to be verbally expressive, which is something she found very empowering.