Everyone has experienced the pain of being hurt by a friend. Whether it’s a simple disagreement or a full-blown betrayal, it can be a tough pill to swallow.
But what better way to cope with heartache than by listening to some relatable tunes? In this article, we’re counting down the top 20 songs that perfectly capture the feelings of hurt and betrayal caused by a friend.
So grab a tissue and let’s get ready to sing along to some of the most heartbreakingly honest lyrics out there (you might also like our songs about pain playlist).
By the way, if you like songs about being hurt by a friend you might like some of our other articles, such as songs about being used, songs about betrayal, songs about confusion, songs about crushes, and songs about disappointment.River – Joni Mitchell
“River” is a song written by Joni Mitchell, which is about a relationship that ended suddenly and left her feeling hurt and betrayed. The song reflects on the hurt she feels, and how she tries to cope with it. The lyrics talk about how she “hates [the river]” because it reminds her of the happy times she had with her now ex-friend. The river is a symbol of their friendship, and how it has now been replaced by pain and hurt. The song reflects on the feeling of betrayal, and how somebody who was once so close can now feel so distant. It is a sad and emotive song, which speaks to the feeling of being hurt by someone you thought you could trust.
Coney Island – Taylor Swift feat.The National
“Coney Island” is a song by Taylor Swift featuring The National. The song is about being hurt by a friend. The lyrics describe feeling betrayed and alone after a friend breaks up with you. The song reflects on past happy memories, and how those memories are now tainted by the pain of betrayal. “Coney Island” is a sad and introspective song that explores the hurt of being betrayed by someone you trusted.
Let Her Go – Passenger
Let Her Go is a song by Passenger that was released in 2012. The song is about a relationship that has ended and the hurt that comes with it. The song is told from the perspective of someone who was hurt by a friend. The lyrics talk about how the person wants their friend to be happy, even if it means that they are not part of their life anymore. The song is a reminder that sometimes it is better to let someone go, even if it hurts so that they can be happier. Let Her Go was a huge success when it was released, reaching number one in several countries.
Little Lion Man – Mumford And Sons
Little Lion Man is a song by Mumford and Sons that tells the story of someone who has been betrayed by a friend. The song begins with the narrator describing how he trusted someone who he thought was his friend, but who ends up betraying him. He describes how this person has “brought” him “to the edge of a cliff” and how he is now “scarred” and “full of regret.” The song then goes on to describe how the narrator is now trying to move on from this experience, but how it still haunts him.
Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye feat. Kimbra
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The song reflects on a past relationship and how it eventually fell apart. In the beginning, the singer remembers all of the happy moments they shared together. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the relationship ended badly. The singer regrets ever getting involved with this person, and they express their feelings of betrayal and hurt. Ultimately, somebody that I used to know is a powerful song about the pain of being betrayed by a friend.
Fire and Rain – James Taylor
James Taylor’s Fire and Rain is a song about the pain of losing a friend. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is struggling to cope with the death of a close friend. The song is set against the backdrop of a raging forest fire, which represents the emotional turmoil that the protagonist is experiencing. The lyrics are filled with images of loss and despair, but there is also a sense of hope and healing. The song ends with the protagonist accepting that his friend is gone, but he is still standing. Fire and Rain is an emotionally powerful song that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the pain of losing a loved one.
Butterfly – Weezer
After a year of silence, Weezer returned in 2019 with two new singles: “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and “Butterfly.” The latter track was met with particular fanfare, as it marked the band’s first release since the death of founding bassist Mikey Welsh. “Butterfly” is a song about being hurt by a friend, and it draws on frontman Rivers Cuomo’s experience of being betrayed by someone close to him. The track is built around a simple acoustic guitar melody, with Cuomo’s trademark whining vocals taking center stage. The lyrics are direct and to the point, with Cuomo mourning the loss of somebody who was once an important part of his life.
Running Dry (Requiem For The Rockets) – Neil Young
Neil Young’s “Running Dry (Requiem for the Rockets)” is a song about the pain of betrayal by a friend. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been betrayed by a close friend and is struggling to cope with the betrayal. The song is told from the perspective of the man, and it is clear that he is struggling to understand why his friend would betray him. The lyrics express the hurt and confusion that the man feels, and they also convey the hope that he has for reconciling with his friend. “Running Dry” is a powerful song about the pain of being betrayed, and it is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced similar pain.
Careless Whisper – George Michael
“Careless Whisper” is a 1984 song by English singer-songwriter George Michael. The song was released as a single and peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart. It was later included on Michael’s debut solo album, Faith. The song features a gospel-influenced backing track and a saxophone Solo by Steve Gregory. The lyrics describe the guilt felt by a man after he has an affair with another woman.
I Threw It All Away – Bob Dylan
I Threw It All Away is a song written and performed by Bob Dylan. The song was released as a single in January 1969, and it peaked at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. I Threw It All Away is a ballad that tells the story of a man who has been betrayed by a friend. The lyrics describe the hurt and betrayal that the protagonist feels, as well as his resolve to never trust anyone again. I Threw It All Away is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s best songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists, including Eric Clapton and Joan Baez.
Song Cry – Jay Z
Jay-Z’s “Song Cry” is a heart-wrenching ballad about the pain of betrayal by a close friend. The song was released in 2001, at a time when Jay-Z was struggling with the end of his friendship with rapper Nas. “Song Cry” captures the feeling of betrayal and loss that Jay-Z was experiencing at the time, and his raw emotions are palpable in every line of the song. The track begins with a slow, haunting piano melody that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Jay-Z’s lyrics are both candid and vulnerable, as he opens up about the hurt and anger he feels towards his former friend.
Walk Away – Ben Harper
Walk Away by Ben Harper is a loyal friend, despite being hurt. In the song, Harper sings about how friends sometimes have to drift apart and how this can be painful. Even though he’s been betrayed, he still believes in the power of friendship. The lyrics are full of hope and understanding, two essential ingredients for any lasting relationship. The song is about knowing when to walk away from a friendship that’s no longer serving you. It’s a reminder that even though it hurts to lose a friend, sometimes it’s for the best. Harper’s warm voice and easygoing guitar style make Walk Away an instant classic. The song is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been hurt by a friend.
I’ve Changed My Plea To Guilty – Morrissey
The song “I’ve Changed My Plea to Guilty” by Morrissey is a song about being hurt by a friend. The lyrics tell the story of a person who has been betrayed by someone they thought they could trust. The song reflects on the pain and betrayal that the person feels, and how they are struggling to cope with what has happened. While the song is sad, it also has an element of hope, as the person realizes that they need to move on from the hurt and betrayal. The song is a reminder that even though we may be hurt by those we love, we must never give up on ourselves or our happiness.
Guiltiness – Bob Marley
Guiltiness is a song by Bob Marley, released on his 1971 album, Catch a Fire. The song is about being betrayed by a friend, and the feelings of guilt and betrayal that come with it. Marley’s lyrics capture the pain of betrayal and the struggle to forgive, drawing on personal experience to create a relatable and universal story. The song’s simple but effective melody provides the perfect backdrop for Marley’s emotive vocals, making it one of his most memorable and impactful songs. Guiltiness is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Was I Right Or Wrong – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Was I Right or Wrong” is a song about the pain of betrayal by a friend. The song opens with the speaker asking whether he was right or wrong to trust his friend, and he goes on to describe how the friend betrayed him. He recalls the good times they had together, and how he never suspected that his friend would hurt him. The betrayal has left him feeling confused and alone, and he wonders if he will ever be able to trust anyone again. The song is a powerful expression of the hurt and confusion that can be caused by betrayal. It is also a reminder that even the people we trust the most can sometimes let us down.
Blue Valentines – Tom Waits
Blue Valentines is a song written and performed by Tom Waits. The song is about the pain of being hurt by a friend. The lyrics describe a man who is trying to forget about a woman he once loved. He recalls all of the happy moments they shared together, but he can’t help feeling angry and betrayed by her betrayal. The song reflects on the harsh reality that sometimes people we care about can hurt us the most. Despite the sad subject matter, the song is actually quite beautiful. Waits’ gruff voice lends a sense of honesty and vulnerability to the lyrics.
Guilt – Marianne Faithfull
Guilt by Marianne Faithfull is a song about being hurt by a friend. The lyrics describe the feeling of betrayal and how it can lead to feelings of guilt. The song also addresses the question of whether or not it is possible to forgive someone who has hurt you. The answer, according to the lyrics, is that forgiveness is possible but it is not always easy. This song will resonate with anyone who has ever been betrayed by a friend. The lyrics are relatable and provide comfort for those who are struggling to forgive. Through its honest portrayal of the challenges involved in forgiving, Guilt provides a powerful message of hope.
Guilty Conscience – Eminem
“Guilty Conscience” is a song by American rapper Eminem, featuring American rapper Dr. Dre. The song was released as the lead single from Eminem’s major-label debut album The Slim Shady LP (1999). “Guilty Conscience” features a dramatic narrative in which Dre plays the role of an angel on one shoulder, and Eminem plays the devil on the other, as they attempt to convince a man not to cheat on his wife.
Guilty Partner – New Order
New Order’s “Guilty Partner” is a song about being hurt by a friend. The lyrics describe the feeling of betrayal and heartbreak that comes from being betrayed by someone you trusted. The song reflects on the pain of being betrayed, and how it can cause someone to feel isolated and alone. “Guilty Partner” is a powerful song that speaks to the hurt and loneliness that can be caused by betrayal. For anyone who has ever been hurt by a friend, this song will resonate deeply. New Order has crafted a beautiful and moving song about the pain of betrayal, and the strength it takes to move on from it.
It’s A Sin – Pet Shop Boys
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It’s A Sin is a song by the English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. It was released as the lead single from their second album, Actually, in 1987 and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. The song is about a young man’s experience of coming to terms with his homosexuality, and the betrayal he feels when he is rejected by his friends. The lyrics are direct and to the point, and the music is catchy and danceable. It’s A Sin is widely regarded as one of the Pet Shop Boys’ best-loved songs, and has been covered by many artists over the years. It remains an anthem for those who have experienced similar feelings of betrayal and rejection and is a celebration of love in all its forms.
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