As a die-hard fan of Fall Out Boy, I have always appreciated the band’s ability to capture the essence of love in their music. From the beginning of their career, they have crafted songs that speak to the romantic souls of their listeners.
As a music reviewer, I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in their discography and exploring the depths of their love songs. In this article, I will share with you my top picks for the best Fall Out Boy love songs.
These tracks are guaranteed to make you feel all the feels, as they capture the joy, heartache, and passion that comes with falling in love.
So, grab a tissue and get ready to be swept away by the emotional rollercoaster that is Fall Out Boy’s love songs.
1. “Honorable Mention” (2003)
Album: Evening Out With Your Girlfriend
Release Date: 2003
Duration: 3 minutes 26 seconds
Honorable Mention is one of the best love songs by Fall Out Boy as it perfectly captures the magic of falling in love. In the song, the protagonist talks about how he got an honorable mention in the movie of his life, which stars his love interest instead of him.
The lyrics are dreamy and poetic, conveying the artist’s emotions in a beautiful way. The chorus is catchy and inspiring, stating that the oldest movie he ever saw was the one they wrote together.
It’s a statement of love and dedication. The line “I can be your John Cusack” is especially memorable as it references the iconic boombox scene from “Say Anything.” Overall, the song is a wonderful exploration of love’s beauty and the lengths one is willing to go for it.
2. “Pretty In Punk” (2003)
Album: Evening Out With Your Girlfriend
Release Date: 2003
Duration: 3 minutes 37 seconds
Pretty In Punk by Fall Out Boy is a love song with a twist. The narrator is struggling to find the courage to talk to the girl he is infatuated with.
He’s afraid that she won’t notice him and sees that she is already taken, but he can’t help but admire her from afar. The lyrics express his desire to be close to her, to see her smile and just to be in her presence.
There’s a sense of vulnerability and insecurity in the narrator’s tone, as he believes that he’s not the person she thinks he is. He’s not just a guy in a punk band standing alone, he has more depth to him than that.
Although it initially appears to be a typical love song, Pretty In Punk is an insightful and moving look at unrequited love.
3. “Dead on Arrival” (2003)
Album: Take This to Your Grave
Release Date: 2003
Duration: 3 minutes 14 seconds
“Dead on Arrival” from Fall Out Boy’s debut album, “Take This to Your Grave,” is a powerful exploration of unrequited love. The song is a conversation between two individuals who seem to be unable to communicate effectively.
It conveys the frustration and pain of a one-sided relationship with lyrics such as “This conversation’s been dead on arrival, and there’s no way to talk to you.” The chorus cleverly notes how a love relationship can develop over time, likening it to becoming attached to a record, “The songs you grow to like never stick at first, so I’m writing you a chorus, and here is your verse.” The song is a vulnerable and honest depiction of the desperation of wanting to be loved, recognized, and connected with another individual in a deeper way. Its rawness and relatability earned it a spot among the top love songs in Fall Out Boy’s discography.
4. “Grand Theft Autumn / Where Is Your Boy” (2003)
Album: Take This to Your Grave
Release Date: 2003
Duration: 3 minutes 11 seconds
“Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy” by Fall Out Boy is a classic emo love song that captures the bittersweet feelings of lost love. The song’s catchy chorus, “where is your boy tonight? I hope he is a gentleman,” expresses the narrator’s concern about his ex-girlfriend’s new relationship.
He hopes that her new boyfriend is better than him and that she doesn’t find out the truth about him. The song brilliantly captures the frustration of being in love with someone who has moved on, and the narrator’s attempts to win her back.
The song’s upbeat pop-punk sound and angsty lyrics make it a perfect anthem for anyone who has been through a breakup. “Take This to Your Grave” is a must-have album for all emo fans, and “Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy” is undoubtedly one of its standout tracks.
5. “Homesick at Space Camp” (2003)
Album: Take This to Your Grave
Release Date: 2003
Duration: 3 minutes 9 seconds
“Homesick at Space Camp” is a nostalgic journey through the mind of a person missing a loved one far away. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and yearning, as if the singer is stranded at a space camp away from home.
The use of metaphors such as “my smile’s an open wound without you” and “my hands are tied to pages inked to bring you back” evokes a sense of intense emotions that are hard to express in words. The repetition of the line “Tonight is all about ‘We miss you'” throughout the song further solidifies the theme of missing someone dearly.
The upbeat tempo and catchy melody is in stark contrast to the emotional lyrics, making it a standout track from the album “Take This to Your Grave”. The song beautifully captures the feeling of wanting to communicate with loved ones far away and serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect people.
6. “Chicago Is So Two Years Ago” (2003)
Album: Take This to Your Grave
Release Date: 2003
Duration: 3 minutes 20 seconds
“Chicago Is So Two Years Ago” stands out among Fall Out Boy’s love songs for its raw and bitter tone. The lyrics depict a relationship in which the speaker was betrayed by their partner, yet still feels drawn to them.
The imagery of colorful street signs and a pickup truck outside the ex’s house give a sense of longing and nostalgia while the repeated lines, “every pane of glass that your pebbles tap, negates the pains I went through to avoid you,” and “with every breath, I wish your body would be broken again” show the intensity of the speaker’s pain and resentment. “Chicago” is a powerful reminder of how love can turn sour and how painful it is to let go of someone who has hurt us deeply, but ultimately, it’s a call to move on and find something better.
7. “Of All The Gin Joints In All The World” (2005)
Album: From Under The Cork Tree
Release Date: 2005
Duration: 3 minutes 11 seconds
“Of All The Gin Joints In All The World” is a standout love song from Fall Out Boy’s “From Under The Cork Tree” album, showcasing their emotive lyrical style and dynamic instrumentation. Vocalist Patrick Stump paints a vivid picture of a passionate relationship that’s full of exhilaration and uncertainty, with imagery of making out in crashed cars and sleeping through memories.
The chorus is an infectious sing-along that exhorts listeners to turn off the lights and embrace the moment, while the post-chorus draws out some of the song’s emotional heft. Taken as a whole, “Of All The Gin Joints In All The World” is a magnetic track that conveys the rush and excitement of intense romantic connections.
8. “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” (2005)
Album: From Under The Cork Tree
Release Date: 2005
Duration: 3 minutes 49 seconds
“From Under The Cork Tree” is a treasure trove of emo-infused pop punk gems, but “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” stands out as a classic anthem. It’s a song full of angst and longing, as expressed through the perspective of a narrator who feels trapped in a relationship with someone who only sees him as a fling.
The chorus passionately declares that they’re “going down swinging” and that the narrator is determined to be the other person’s “number one with a bullet,” despite being just a “notch in their bedpost.” The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love and desire, complete with all the confusion and heartache that often accompanies them. Fall Out Boy’s energetic and catchy sound combines with these lyrics to create a song that still holds up as an emo staple over a decade later.
9. “Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner” (2005)
Album: From Under The Cork Tree
Release Date: 2005
Duration: 3 minutes 21 seconds
“Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner” by Fall Out Boy is a catchy and emotional song that deals with jealousy and the fear of losing someone you love. The lyrics convey a powerful message about the desperation to hold onto a relationship at any cost.
The line “keep quiet, nothing comes as easy as you” sums up the idea that sometimes we’re willing to suppress our feelings and hide our flaws to maintain a connection with another person. The song’s title is a reference to the famous line from the movie “Dirty Dancing,” adding to the nostalgic and romantic feel of the track. Fall Out Boy’s signature pop-punk sound is infused with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody, making it a standout track from their album “From Under the Cork Tree.” Ultimately, “Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner” is a powerful song that captures the complicated feelings of love and the lengths we’ll go to keep it.
10. “7 Minutes In Heaven (Atavan Halen)” (2005)
Album: From Under The Cork Tree
Release Date: 2005
Duration: 3 minutes 3 seconds
“7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen)” is a song that explores the narrator’s struggles with loneliness and desperation. They are trying to forget anything that isn’t their love interest and rely on others for temporary affection.
The chorus repeats “I keep telling myself, I’m not the desperate type” in a conflicting manner, revealing the narrator’s true struggle with abandonment and rejection. Patrick Stump’s vocals are perfectly complemented by the guitar solo and Brendon Urie’s backing vocals.
The accompanying instrumental is mellow and somber, setting the mood for the melancholic lyrics. Ultimately, “7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen)” is a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever been desperate for love and fears being alone.
It’s an underrated Fall Out Boy love song that deserves to be listened to on repeat.
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.