Love is one of the most complex nuances of human behavior that poets, writers, and musicians have tried to capture. Loving someone who is already taken is a painful and bittersweet emotion that many have felt at least once in their lifetime.
Whether it’s the eternal longing, the self-destructive obsession, or the tumultuous jealousy, songs about loving someone who is taken embody all of the above. The delicate lyrics and soulful melodies in these compositions speak to the vulnerable side of our nature and offer solace to those going through unrequited love.
“Someone Like You” – Adele
Adele’s “Someone Like You” perfectly captures the all-consuming emotions that come with loving someone who is already taken. Her soulful voice expresses the heartbreak of coming to terms with a love that is unattainable, yet still holding onto the hope that one day the lover will return.
This ballad is a masterful representation of the complex feelings one experiences when they must confront the pain and acceptance of an impossible love, elegantly conveying the bittersweet yearning that accompanies such a situation.
“Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia
“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia is a heart-wrenching ballad that explores the complicated emotions that arise when you realize someone you love is already taken. Imbruglia’s explosive vocals make the song an emotional rollercoaster, as she grapples with the pain of unrequited love.
The lyrics speak to the universal experience of longing for someone who is unattainable, and the chorus is an anthem for anyone who has ever been “torn” between their feelings and the reality of the situation. Overall, “Torn” is a powerful testament to the complex nature of love.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
This hit single by one of the greatest voices in music tells a heartwrenching tale of unrequited love. With a powerful voice, the artist expresses the depth of her emotions as she sings about loving someone who belongs to someone else. The lyrics express both sadness and longing as she pleads for her love to stay, even if it means she must hide her feelings.
The song has a melancholic and haunting melody that emphasizes the emotional turmoil and the pain of being in love with someone who is unattainable.
“Back to December” – Taylor Swift
“Back to December” by Taylor Swift tells a story of a past relationship where the singer admits her mistakes and apologizes to her former lover. Her regret for losing the relationship is evident throughout the song, creating a bittersweet ode to the one that got away.
The lyrics touch on the feeling of loving someone who is taken, with Swift wishing she could turn back time and fix her errors. The melancholic melody accompanied by Swift’s emotive vocals perfectly encapsulates the heart-wrenching feelings of unrequited love.
“You Belong With Me” – Taylor Swift
This tune from an acclaimed songstress traverses the tale of a lovelorn protagonist who embarks on an emotional journey, longing for a romance that remains out of reach owing to the unavailability of her object of affection who is already committed to someone else.
The lyrics convey conflicting emotions of desire and frustration, capturing the struggle of a heart that yearns for love even when it is bound by moral boundaries. The relatable theme, coupled with the exquisite vocals, makes this piece a remarkable addition to the canon of songs that deal with unrequited love.
“Unfaithful” – Rihanna
The pop icon Rihanna’s captivating ballad illustrates the complexities of a love triangle. The lyrics discuss the internal conflict of being in love with someone who is already in a committed relationship. The song follows a woman who is struggling with the temptation of having an affair with a man who belongs to someone else.
Rihanna’s emotional performance elevates the song’s message of moral ambiguity and demonstrates the turmoil that comes with unrequited love. “Unfaithful” presents a vivid picture of the conflicting emotions that arise in such a situation.
“I Knew You Were Trouble” – Taylor Swift
One song that captures the agony of loving someone who is already taken is a chart-topping hit by a prolific singer-songwriter. This emotionally-charged ballad expresses the classic tale of a girl who falls for the bad boy, only to find out too late that he was never hers to begin with.
With haunting lyrics and a powerful melody, this track tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us all of the pain that comes with unrequited love.
“Love Story” – Taylor Swift
This addictive tune embodies a feeling that is all too familiar for those who have found themselves pining for a person already taken. Taylor Swift’s emotive vocals and clever lyrics perfectly capture the torment of unrequited love, as she sings of a forbidden passion that cannot be denied.
With its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, this song is sure to get stuck in your head as you question the complexities of the heart.
“You’re Beautiful” – James Blunt
This poignant ballad captures the depths of longing and sorrow felt by someone who has fallen for a person already in a committed relationship. James Blunt’s stirring vocals and soulful lyrics are sure to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who has experienced unrequited love.
The haunting melody and beautiful arrangement heighten the emotional intensity of this powerful love song. Blunt’s deft articulation of the paradoxical feelings of hope and despair creates a sense of emotional chaos that is both perplexing and mesmerizing.
“When You Were Mine” – Prince
This composition relays an ode to unrequited love, as the narrator reminisces about a lost romantic relationship with someone already committed. The arrangement’s power chord progressions of the song parallel the narrator’s emotional turmoil, with intermittent staccato breaks melodramatically emphasizing the lyrics.
Despite its melancholic content, the song is an anthemic expression of longing and heartache, propelled by the sincerity and passion of the vocal delivery.
“Bleeding Love” – Leona Lewis
This track by Prince explores a situation where a person falls in love with someone who is already taken. Through his lyrics, the artist expresses his feelings of anguish and frustration, as he watches his love interest be with another person.
The track features a mix of pop and rock elements, combining upbeat instrumentation with emotive vocals to perfectly convey the turmoil of unrequited love.
“My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
Celine Dion’s classic ballad speaks to the pain of unrequited love. With haunting melodies and deep emotions, “My Heart Will Go On” captures the paradoxical feelings of holding on to someone who is already taken.
Despite losing everything, the protagonist clings to hope, still believing that love will find its way back to her. The song’s timeless appeal transcends its origins and remains a staple of popular music, resonating with audiences of all ages.
“All I Ask” – Adele
The luminary British singer-songwriter Adele’s soulful track “All I Ask” is a poignant reflection on unrequited love and the difficulty that comes with moving on from someone who belongs to another. Poised atop a graceful arrangement of piano and strings, Adele’s pensive vocals exquisitely convey the raw emotions of longing and despair felt by someone who is hopelessly drawn to someone they can never have.
It’s a stirring elegy to the bewildering complexities of unreciprocated love, delivered with Adele’s unmistakable vocal prowess and emotive lyricism.
“Jar of Hearts” – Christina Perri
“Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri tells the story of a woman who is shocked and hurt by her lover’s betrayal. She confronts her ex about the pain he caused her and tells him he cannot come crawling back when things don’t work out with his new lover.
The song’s powerful lyrics, combined with Perri’s emotional vocals, make it a standout track that captures the complex feelings of heartbreak and betrayal.”
“Irreplaceable” – Beyoncé
“Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé is a captivating tale about acknowledging your worth when your heart is wronged. The song tells the story of a woman who catches her cheating partner and takes control of the situation by putting herself first. With her powerful vocals, Beyoncé delivers a message of self-love and self-respect that is both relatable and empowering.
The lyrics are truthful and upfront, with a catchy melody that makes it easy for listeners to sing along. Overall, “Irreplaceable” is a perfect representation of how one can channel their pain and disappointment into something uplifting and inspiring.
“We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey
“We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey showcases the complexity of loving someone who is taken. The song’s evocative lyrics and soulful vocals capture the anguish and longing of being unable to be with the one you love. Carey’s raw emotions and powerful delivery make this track a stirring portrayal of the fraught experience of unrequited love.
With its mix of passion and heartbreak, “We Belong Together” is a must-listen for anyone who has ever pined for a love that could never be.
