10 Great Break-Up Songs

It happens. It's something everybody goes through, the break up. Like death and taxes it's almost inevitable, when 2 people decide they no longer feel something for each other they walk away. Free and clean. Sure, when has it ever been that simple? Here are 10 songs for the all the different emotions equated with the demise of a once cherished relationship.


1. Greg Kihn Band - "The Break Up Song"

Had to do it, it was unavoidable. Greg Kihn will always be best known for his anti-Valentine's Day anthem "The Break Up Song" . Telling the tale of a relationship on the rocks and finally wrecking all over the shore. He beats it into your ears with the constant "unh unh unh" almost as if to say "You know what happened and you know it will happen to you too." They sure don't write 'em like that anymore.

2. Damien Rice - "Rootless Tree"

I've always said on Damien's first album O he is falling in love and on his sophomore release 9 he's had his heart ripped out of his arse. "Rootless Tree" is a surprising offering from the usually romantic Rice. It's obviously about a relationship that was based on lies and when those lies came to light...well let's just say the song's chorus speaks for itself...

3. Brand New - "Seventy Times Seven"

Ahh the soap operatic world of Brand New and Taking Back Sunday, I won't get into all the gossip and details here, but i'll say sometimes a great break-up song isn't always solely aimed at someone in the relationship. Some, like "Seventy Times Seven" are aimed at the other-man as well. Great lines in this song include "I've seen more spine in jellyfish; I've seen more guts in 11 year old kids" and "you're as subtle as a brick in the small of my back"

4. The Streets - "Dry Your Eyes Mate"

Hey, let's admit it guys...we aren't always cool as ice and hard as stone when the girl of our dreams walks away. This is a woeful offering from the Streets, the man is in full desperation mode, trying anything for his girl to stay with him. It's simple. It's heartbreaking. After it's all said and done, it's therapy.

5. The Supremes - "Keep Me Hanging On"

Ever been kept on someone's hook? Lead on for months or years? Only to have it go no where and be completely one-sided? That's where The Supremes come in with "Keep Me Hanging On", even for it's time it's a very strong and relatable song. Diana Ross has a perfect voice for it, behind the powerful and honest words is a hint of heartache. Do not keep someone else's heart on your hook. It's just not fair.

6. Five Finger Death Punch - "The Bleeding"

One of my favourite ways to numb the pain of a break up is by simply blasting the heavy metal. It's good to know someone else was as angry or depressed as you were, but through the intensity of the music, survived. Five Finger Death Punch are one of the shining stars of the current metal scene and "The Bleeding" is a perfect psychiatrist for someone left alone. The video gets a little bleek, let's hope it never really came to that.

7. T.O.E - "Choke"

"Choke" is a straight forward, tell it like it is, no holds-barred break up track. There's no begging to stay. There's no remembering the good times. Just "Fuck off oh and by the way...take this with you" Nice.

8. Crowded House - "Don't Dream (It's Over)"

OK there are times when all you want to hear is sad music, a song that could make you cry. Maybe somewhere she is also listening to sad music and crying about you as well. It's a welcome break from all the thoughts of her being anywhere else and having the time of her life while you're drinking beer in your basement by yourself. "Don't Dream (It's Over)" is timeless, teenagers of the future will be singing along to the mournful lyrics of Crowded House for decades to come.

9. Alkaline Trio - "Jaked On Green Beers"

Hey buck up! Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. Here's a song for the windshields. Alkaline Trio crafted a great song about dumping someone for being an all around terrible mate and friend. In true Trio fashion it's got some dark lyrics juxtaposed against an upbeat punk rhythm. "I hope this is goodbye".

10. Against Me! - "Cavalier Eternel"

Gonna end with some hope. I've spoke of Tom Gabel's knack for lyric writing before and this song exemplifies that beautifully. At the end of the day, when all tears are dried up, when all curses have been swallowed, perhaps the break up was for everyone's best interest. You will love again and someone will love you again. Other Against Me! break up songs include "Borne On The FM Waves of The Heart", "We Laugh At Danger And Break All The Rules" and of course "We're Breaking Up"

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JZ