As human beings, we experience a wide range of emotions and one of the most powerful is the feeling of longing for someone we can’t be with. This is a common experience that many of us face at least once in our lives, especially if you’ve ever been in a long distance relationship.
When physical distance separates us from our loved ones, it can be tough to handle and often leads to feelings of loneliness and melancholy. One way to deal with this heartache is through music, and in this article, we’ll explore some of the best long distance songs that capture the feeling of longing and hope.
“Hey There Delilah” – Plain White T’s
The opening track of Plain White T’s third studio album, “Hey There Delilah” is a ballad that gained massive popularity after its release. The song chronicles an enduring long-distance friendship between the narrator and the titular Delilah. The uncomplicated acoustic guitar arrangement, Tom Higgenson’s emotive vocals, and the raw lyrics make for an intensely emotional experience.
The song captures the bittersweet feelings of trying to maintain a relationship across great distances, while hoping to reconnect. The simplicity and universality of the track ensure its place in the pantheon of long-distance songs.
“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton
Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” is a piano-driven pop ballad that speaks to the yearning felt in long-distance relationships. The song’s catchy melody and evocative lyrics paint a picture of distance and longing, with Carlton expressing a desire to be closer to her loved one, whether it’s “by train or plane or bus,” to “walk a thousand miles” to see him.
The music video is equally memorable, with Carlton playing her piano on top of it being driven by automobile, conveying the notion of a journey to be surrounded with her love.
“I Will Wait” – Mumford & Sons
“I Will Wait” is a poignant ode to the power of love and the patience needed to sustain a long-distance relationship. With heartfelt lyrics and soaring folk-rock melodies, Mumford & Sons capture the angst, longing, and hope that can accompany love from afar. The dynamic instrumentation and emotive vocals make for a powerful and cathartic listening experience that’s sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever loved someone from a distance.”
“Miss You Like Crazy” – Natalie Cole
“Miss You Like Crazy” by Natalie Cole is an emotionally stirring classic that speaks about the longing and ache that comes with being far from a loved one. The song’s mellow yet soulful tune combines with Natalie’s powerful vocal performance to create a poignant piece that captures the complexities of long-distance relationships.
The relatable lyrics resonate with listeners and convey a raw sense of vulnerability. Overall, “Miss You Like Crazy” is a timeless track that remains relevant even in today’s fast-paced world.
“The Only Exception” – Paramore
“The Only Exception” by Paramore is a ballad about the challenges of love and relationships, especially over long distances. The lyrics are sentimental yet realistic, expressing doubts and fears while remaining hopeful for the future. Hayley Williams’ soaring vocals and the song’s lush instrumentation create a bittersweet yet comforting atmosphere.
Fans of Paramore and anyone struggling with the ups and downs of long-distance love will find resonance in this emotive track.
“I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
“I’m Yours” is a mellifluous melody that resonates with the effervescent emotions of two distantly-separated lovers. The acoustic guitar riffs, coupled with the upbeat tempo and Mraz’s adroit vocal chords, make the listener feel like they’re basking in the warmth of a prolonged embrace.
The lyrics evoke a sense of wild abandon, encouraging the receiver to take a leap of faith and come to him. It’s almost as if the words being sung were an open invitation for a long-distance lover to join him on a vivacious journey full of love, laughter, and adventure.
“Here Without You” – 3 Doors Down
“Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down is a poignant track that delves into the challenges of being away from someone you deeply cherish. This touching ballad is the ideal tune to listen to if you’re struggling to cope with the distance between you and your significant other. The song features emotive lyrics and stirring vocal performances, drawing on themes of longing, nostalgia, and hope as a means of conveying the complex emotions of a long-distance relationship.
With its haunting chorus and moving melody, “Here Without You” is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the pangs of separation.
“Far Away” – Nickelback
“Far Away” by Nickelback poignantly portrays the difficulties of long-distance love. With a measured tempo and soulful vocals, the Canadian rock band powerfully croons of a love that is unable to overcome the distance that separates them. The song’s haunting lyrics translate the sorrow and heartache that permeate long absence, while the soaring guitar riffs add raw emotion to the track’s elegant arrangement.
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a lyrical love letter that captures the heart-wrenching pain of being separated from the one you love. This ballad is filled with emotional intensity and showcases Tyler’s vocal chops.
The song’s soulful melody and sentimental lyrics remind us of the challenge of keeping a long-distance relationship alive. The song’s depiction of raw and honest emotion is sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever been in a similar situation.
“The Distance” – Cake
“The Distance” by Cake is a vibrant and dynamic song that captures the longing and yearning that often arises in long distance relationships. With an infectious beat, catchy lyrics, and powerful vocals, Cake delivers a captivating and emotive musical experience that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pain of separation in love.
Through its upbeat tempo and driving rhythm, “The Distance” manages to convey both the excitement and frustration of long distance relationships, making it a perfect addition to any playlist that deals with themes of separation and distance.”
“Across the Miles” – Survivor
“Across the Miles” by Survivor is a touching ballad about love that endures distance. The soaring vocals and emotional lyrics express the yearning to be reunited with a loved one who is far away. The song’s dramatic melody and intense build-up capture the pain of separation and the determination to overcome it.
“Across the Miles” is a testament to the power of love that transcends distance, and is sure to strike a chord with anyone who has ever had to endure being apart from their special someone.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
The song has a euphoric tone and melodious tune which makes it a great track for those in long distance relationships. The lyrics depict a journey of love over 500 miles and express the author’s desire to walk them all for his beloved. The sincerity, devotion and affection in the lyrics resonate with those who have struggled with distance and yearn to hold on to their love.
Overall, a touching and emotional song with an upbeat tempo that motivates lovers to never stop trying and to cross any distance for their significant other.
“I Miss You” – Blink-182
This melodic hit composition, originally performed by Blink-182, exposes the sentimentality and heartfelt longing in long-distance relationships. Featuring a catapulting melody, introspective lyrics, and expressive vocal performance, the song sincerely articulates the unending ache of wanting to be with someone despite the physical distance.
With guitar solos lifted from the depths of melancholy and reflective tone, this moving piece is a reminder that even when lovers are miles apart, the memory of each other never fades away.
“Maps” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
“Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs is an enigmatic and emotive tune about the trials and tribulations of long-distance relationships. The lyrics highlight the distance between lovers and the longing for that special someone, accentuating the emotional depth and striking complexity of the theme.
The lead singer’s soulful and potent vocals, coupled with the intense instrumentals, create a vibe that’s both eerie and energetic. This song is an ode to anyone who’s ever felt the strains of separation and the power of the bond that surpasses time and space.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
“So Far Away” by Avenged Sevenfold is a poignant and emotive ballad about the pain and loneliness that comes with being separated from someone you love by distance. The haunting vocals and melancholic guitar melodies perfectly capture the overwhelming sense of longing and desperation that can consume anyone in a long-distance relationship.
The song’s soaring chorus is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the heartache of having to say goodbye to a loved one who is physically far away.
“So Far Away” – Avenged Sevenfold
“So Far Away” by Avenged Sevenfold is a heart-wrenching track about the struggles of being in a long-distance relationship. The lyrics encompass the yearning for physical closeness and the feelings of isolation that come with distance. The melancholic tone of the melody further amplifies the emotional weight of the song. It’s a superb representation of the nuances of a long-distance relationship, and the difficulties faced by all those who have gone through it.
“Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is a well-crafted indie folk song with an upbeat melody that contrasts its lyrics’ wistful and longing nature, making it a perfect addition to any long-distance songs playlist. The track’s tempo encourages the listener to dance along while its organic instrumentation and romantic lyrics bring a sense of intimacy and closeness that can provide a comforting listening experience to those in a long-distance relationship.
“Distance” – Christina Perri
Christina Perri’s “Distance” is a poignant ballad that captures the raw emotions of love in a long-distance relationship. Her hauntingly beautiful voice drips with melancholic sincerity as she sings of pangs of separation and the desire to bridge the distance.
The piano-driven melody is both intimate and epic, escalating with soaring strings that mirror the intensity of the lyrics. It’s a song that tugs at the heartstrings, harkening the human longing to be close to the ones we love, even when life keeps us apart.
“I Will Follow You into the Dark” – Death Cab for Cutie
This particular track captures the essence of love with its melancholic yet beautiful tune. The soft strumming of the guitar, coupled with the singer’s deep, emotional lyrics, leaves one feeling simultaneously wistful and hopeful. It portrays the all-consuming feeling of longing for someone who is physically far away, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and commitment in a long-distance relationship.
It is a song that will leave you pondering over its meaning, reminiscing on past experiences, and possibly shedding a tear or two.
“We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey
This track from Mariah Carey is a classic example of a long distance love song. With its smooth and soulful melody and poetic lyrics, “We Belong Together” tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever experienced the pain of separation. The song perfectly captures the deep yearning and intense emotional bond between two people who are physically apart, yet intimately connected.
It’s a timeless ballad that will continue to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, reminding them that true love knows no distance.
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles
The Beatles’ classic “I Want to Hold Your Hand” is a timeless tune that elegantly captures the yearning felt by lovers separated by long distances. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody belies the longing behind the lyrics, which express a desperate desire to be reunited with one’s beloved.
With its own brand of wistful nostalgia, this song has been a long-time favorite of those who find themselves pining for someone who’s far away.
“I’m on Fire” – Bruce Springsteen
This song by the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster of long-distance love. With its haunting melody and stirring lyrics, “I’m on Fire” poignantly reflects the longing and passion that can come with being apart from someone you love.
The song’s raw, visceral energy and evocative imagery make it an enduring and unforgettable classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just a fan of great music, this song is sure to leave you feeling moved and inspired.
“Faithfully” – Journey
Famously covered by the cast of Glee, ‘Faithfully’ by Journey is an epic rock ballad that speaks to the pain and longing of a loved one who is far away. With Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and Neal Schon’s blistering guitar solo, this song perfectly captures the complex mix of emotions that accompany a long-distance relationship. It’s a timeless anthem that showcases the power of music to connect people across distance and time.
“The Scientist” – Coldplay
“The Scientist” by the alternative rock band Coldplay is a powerful ode to the complexities of love and relationships, particularly those that involve physical distance. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, the song captures the emotional turmoil of being separated from a loved one while providing a sense of hope and yearning for reconnection.
It’s a song that speaks to the deepest parts of the soul and resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain and beauty of love across long distances.
“All My Life” – K-Ci & JoJo
The haunting vocals and tender melody of “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo make it a perfect choice for a long distance relationship playlist. The lyrics express the yearning and devotion of a lover who is physically separated from their partner, yet remains committed to their love. The heart-warming ballad offers comfort to those struggling to maintain the intensity of their bond in spite of distance.
With its emotive delivery and beautiful production, “All My Life” captures the essence of genuine love that endures against all odds.
