25 Songs About Exes, from Somebody That I Used to Know to Drivers License

What is the best song about an ex?

"Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye and Kimbra is the classic song about an ex, told from both sides. "Ex's & Oh's" by Elle King is the fun one, and "Drivers License" by Olivia Rodrigo is the modern song about missing an ex who has moved on.

Songs about exes

1. "Somebody That I Used to Know", Gotye featuring Kimbra: both sides of a breakup.
2. "Ex's & Oh's", Elle King: a playful song about exes who will not go away.
3. "Ex-Girlfriend", No Doubt: a punky look at being someone's ex.
4. "Ex to See", Sam Hunt: a country song about being used to make an ex jealous.
5. "Ex-Factor", Lauryn Hill: a soulful song about a love that keeps hurting.
6. "Dancing On My Own", Robyn: watching your ex with someone new.
7. "Happier", Ed Sheeran: seeing your ex happy without you.
8. "Love Yourself", Justin Bieber: a calm kiss-off to an ex.

Songs about missing your ex

9. "Hello", Adele: calling an ex after many years.
10. "When I Was Your Man", Bruno Mars: regret for the things he never did.
11. "Back to December", Taylor Swift: an apology to an ex.
12. "All Too Well", Taylor Swift: remembering every detail.
13. "Need You Now", Lady A: the late-night call you should not make.
14. "Someone You Loved", Lewis Capaldi: a heartbroken piano ballad.
15. "Drivers License", Olivia Rodrigo: driving past their street.
16. "Back to Black", Amy Winehouse: watching an ex go back to someone else.

Songs about toxic relationships

17. "Toxic", Britney Spears: addicted to someone who is bad for you.
18. "I Knew You Were Trouble", Taylor Swift: falling for someone you knew was wrong.
19. "Every Breath You Take", The Police: often played at weddings, but really about obsession.
20. "You Broke Me First", Tate McRae: an ex who wants back in.
21. "good 4 u", Olivia Rodrigo: an angry pop-punk breakup song.

Songs about falling out of love

22. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'", The Righteous Brothers: the classic song about love fading.
23. "I Can't Make You Love Me", Bonnie Raitt: accepting what you cannot change.
24. "Don't Speak", No Doubt: written as Gwen Stefani's own relationship ended.
25. "Go Your Own Way", Fleetwood Mac: a breakup song written inside the band.

Why are there so many songs about exes?

Breakups are one of the most universal experiences, and they come with every feeling at once: sadness, anger, relief and nostalgia. Songwriters often write about their own exes, which is why so many of these songs feel personal. Fleetwood Mac even made a whole album, Rumours, while members of the band were breaking up with each other.

How to tell if a relationship is toxic

Songs like "Toxic" and "Every Breath You Take" can make unhealthy love sound romantic. If a partner controls where you go, checks your phone, puts you down or scares you, that is not love. In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is free and confidential at 1-800-799-7233, or you can text START to 88788.

A playlist for getting over an ex

Most people move through a breakup in stages, and a playlist can follow them: sad songs like "Someone You Loved" first, angry songs like "good 4 u" next, then songs about moving on. For the last stage, see our songs about moving on, and if you were cheated on, our songs about betrayal.

Songs about exes for a friend

When a friend is going through a breakup, a playlist and a night in can help more than advice. Mix a few sad songs with plenty of fun ones like "Ex's & Oh's" and "Love Yourself". See our guide to a gift for a friend going through a breakup.

Why do we listen to sad songs after a breakup?

Many people reach for sad songs right after a breakup instead of happy ones. Hearing someone else describe the same feelings can make you feel understood and less alone, and singing along gives the sadness somewhere to go. Most people find that, over time, the playlist naturally shifts toward more hopeful songs.

Songs about exes after a divorce

Divorce brings its own mix of grief, relief and practical stress, especially when children are involved. "Go Your Own Way" and "I Can't Make You Love Me" are honest about endings, while "Happier" is about wishing an ex well. See our songs about divorce for more.

Getting back together

Not every ex stays an ex. If you are thinking of giving it another try, see our songs about second chances, and for a love that was never returned, our songs about unrequited love.

A song for the friend who got you through it

After a breakup, the friends who listened, brought food and sat through the sad songs deserve a thank-you. A personalized song can celebrate them, with their name in the chorus and your best memories of that hard season in the verses.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: pop, country, R&B and more.
2. Add their name.
3. Share three moments when they were there for you.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Thank the friend who helped you move on: create a song and hear four previews for free.