It seems like we all have that one person who always ends up being the second choice. Whether it’s in a relationship or in our careers, there’s always someone who just can’t seem to catch a break. And what better way to express those feelings than through song? Here are 20 of the best songs about being the second choice.
By the way, if you like songs about being second choice you might like some of our other articles, such as songs about my man, songs about roses, songs about self love, songs about staying, and songs about the one that got away.You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
“You Belong with Me” is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was released on April 18, 2009, by Big Machine Records as the third single from Swift’s second studio album, Fearless (2008). Swift was inspired to write “You Belong with Me” after overhearing a male friend of hers arguing with his girlfriend through a phone call; she continued to develop a storyline afterward and drew parallels to her own love life. The song is a power ballad hybrid with a lyrical content set in the perspective of a teenager attracted to her opposite sex best friend.
Irrelevant – Lauren Aquilina
“Irrelevant” is a song by Lauren Aquilina, released as the lead single from her debut EP Fools. The song was written by Aquilina and produced by Mike Crossey. It is a piano-driven ballad with aquiline vocals and emotive lyrics. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its production and Aquilina’s vocal performance. “Irrelevant” peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry. The song’s accompanying music video was directed by Josh Olins and released on 28 August 2012.
Cool Girl – Logan Mize
Logan Mize is a country music singer from Cleburne, Kansas. In 2018, he released his album titled Ain’t Always Pretty, which included the single “Cool Girl.” The song rose to number one on the Country Airplay chart, making it Mize’s first career number one single. “Cool Girl” is a mid-tempo country song with elements of pop and rock. The song is about a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t try to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics celebrate independence and self-acceptance, and the song has been praised for its positive message. Logan Mize co-wrote “Cool Girl” with Julie Lee and Jimmy Robbins.
Watching You – Robinson
Robinson’s song “Watching You” is a haunting ballad with a truly memorable melody. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is obsessed with a woman who seems to be out of his reach. The man watches the woman from afar, hoping to one day have the opportunity to speak to her. The song speaks to the universal feeling of longing for someone who seems unattainable. Robinson’s powerful vocal performance conveys the intensity of the protagonist’s feelings, and the music builds to a stirring climax. “Watching You” is a beautifully crafted song that is sure to resonate with listeners.
Not Pretty Enough – Kasey Chambers
“Not Pretty Enough” is a song co-written and recorded by Australian country music singer Kasey Chambers. It was released in September 2001 as the lead single from her album Barricades & Brickwalls. The song became a commercial success in Australia, peaking at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart and receiving a Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Internationally, the song peaked at number three on the Billboard Country Singles & Tracks chart in the United States. The song was written by Chambers and her then-boyfriend Shane Nicholson.
Hard – Why Don’t We
The song “Hard” by Why Don’t We is a upbeat track that talks about the difficulties of a long-distance relationship. The lyrics are mostly focused on the idea of wanting to be with someone but not being able to due to physical distance. The chorus of the song reflects this sentiment, with the line “I Wish I Could Be There, But I’m So Far Away.” Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, the song remains hopeful and ends on a positive note. This is reflected in the final line of the chorus, which changes to “I’ll See You Someday.” Ultimately, “Hard” is a song about the hardships of love, but also about the hope and determination that comes with it.
Heartbreak Girl – 5SOS
“Heartbreak Girl” is a song by 5 Seconds of Summer, released as the second single from their self-titled debut album in 2014. The song was written by band members Michael Clifford and Calum Hood, with production handled by John Feldmann and Mike Green. “Heartbreak Girl” is a pop punk song with elements of rock, resembling the sound of Blink-182 and All Time Low. The song’s lyrics deal with the topic of young love, and its protagonist is caught between two girls. The song became a top 10 hit in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt’s 1991 hit “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a heart-wrenching ballad about the painful reality of unrequited love. The song begins with the narrator admitting that she can’t change the way her love interest feels about her, no matter how hard she tries. She goes on to say that she will continue to love him unconditionally, even though she knows he will never return her feelings. The lyrics are simple but effective, and Raitt’s bluesy guitar playing and soulful vocals give the song an added depth of emotion. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a moving expression of the pain of unrequited love, and its timeless message continues to resonate with listeners today.
Second Choice – Anyta
The song Second Choice by Anyta is a haunting ballad that tells the story of a relationship that has fallen apart. Set against a backdrop of piano and strings, the lyrics detail the singer’s regrets and fears about the future. Although the song is sad, it also has an element of hope, as the singer asks for a second chance. The song is beautifully written and performed, and it instantly captures the listener’s attention. Second Choice is a moving and powerful song that will stay with you long after it is over.
Your Type – Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Your Type” is a musically complex and emotionally layered song that speaks to the difficulties of finding love. The song starts with a simple acoustic guitar riff, which is soon joined by a piano and drums. This establishes the song’s catchy pop sound. However, the lyrics subvert the happy feelings typically associated with pop music. Jepsen sings about how she keeps meeting guys who are “just not my type.” She describes feeling disappointed and frustrated by her lack of success in finding love. This sense of emotional ambiguity is mirrored in the music, which features both major and minor chords.
Teardrops On My Guitar – Taylor Swift
“Teardrops on My Guitar” is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The song was released in 2007 as the second single from her self-titled debut album. “Teardrops on My Guitar” is a pop ballad about unrequited love, where the protagonist is in love with a boy who does not love her back. The song’s narrator then decides to write songs about him as an outlet for her feelings. “Teardrops on My Guitar” was generally well-received by music critics, who praised its simplicity and Swift’s vocal performance.
Invisible – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “Invisible” is a song about feeling unseen and unappreciated. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is struggling to be seen and heard in a world that seems to be constantly moving on without them. Despite their best efforts, they feel like they are always being left behind. The song speaks to the universal experience of feeling invisible and alone, and its message is one of hope and determination. Despite the challenges, the person in the song remains determined to find their place in the world. The song ends with the message that, even though they may feel invisible, they are not alone. “Invisible” is a powerful and relatable song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt unseen or unimportant.
Enough – Emeli Sande
Emeli Sande’s “Enough” is a song about overcoming adversity and finding the strength to keep going, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The lyrics tell the story of a person who has faced many challenges in their life, but has never given up. The song is empowering and inspiring, and it is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled against the odds.
Roses – Shawn Mendes
Roses by Shawn Mendes is a hauntingly beautiful song that perfectly captures the feeling of unrequited love. The lyrics are drenched in sadness, with lines like “I can’t have you but I’ll take what I can get” painting a picture of a heart that is desperately longing for something it can never have. Despite the sad subject matter, the melody of the song is unexpectedly upbeat, creating an added layer of contrast and emotion. The result is a track that is both heartbreaking and catchy, one that will stay with listeners long after it ends. Roses is a shining example of Shawn Mendes’ incredible talent as a songwriter, and it is sure to become one of his most iconic hits.
Wonder – Lauren Aquilina
Lauren Aquilina’s song “Wonder” is a heartfelt ballad about the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is desperately in love with someone who does not love them back. The speaker longs for a way to make the object of their affections notice them, but no matter what they do, they always seem to fall short. As the song progresses, the speaker comes to realize that their love will never be reciprocated, and they resign themselves to a life of loneliness. Despite its sad message, “Wonder” is a beautiful and well-crafted song that speaks to the universality of unrequited love.
Marry Me – Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett’s “Marry Me” is a heartwarming ballad about wanting to spend the rest of one’s life with their significant other. The lyrics are simple yet beautiful, and the song has a catchy melody that is sure to stay stuck in your head for days. “Marry Me” is the perfect choice for a first dance at a wedding or for any romantic moment.
That Should Be Me – Justin Bieber
“That Should Be Me” is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber. The song was released as a single from his debut album, My World 2.0. The song was written by Bieber, Christina Milian, summer Of TheLove, and production was handled bythe Messengers. The song is about Bieber’s feelings of insecurity and jealousy towards an ex-girlfriend who has found happiness with someone else. “That Should Be Me” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. Additionally, it charted within the top ten in several countries including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
B-E-A-Utiful – Megan Nicole
Megan Nicole’s song “B-E-A-Utiful” is an ode to self-acceptance and self-love. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their own beauty, regardless of what society might say. The song also touches on the idea that everyone is unique and that there is no such thing as perfection. In a world that often tells us we need to look a certain way or be a certain weight, “B-E-A-Utiful” is a refreshing reminder that we should love ourselves just the way we are. Megan Nicole’s positive messages and catchy tunes make “B-E-A-Utiful” an anthem for anyone who wants to feel good about themselves.
Dancing On My Own – Calum Scott
“Dancing on My Own” is a song by English singer-songwriter Calum Scott. It was released as a digital download on 9 April 2016 in the United Kingdom. The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song was written by Robyn and co-produced by Klas Åhlund. It is a cover of Robyn’s 2010 single “Dancing on My Own”.
The original version of “Dancing on My Own” was released as a single by Swedish artist Robyn in June 2010, reaching number one in Sweden and number four in the United Kingdom.
Just a little bit of your heart – Ariana Grande
Released in 2014, “Just a Little Bit of Your Heart” is a song by American singer Ariana Grande. The song was written by Harry Styles, Meghan Trainor, and produced by Greg Kurstin. It is a mid-tempo ballad with influences of soul and R&B. The lyrics are about being in love and willing to give everything for that person. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised Grande’s vocal performance. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two in Canada.
Paranoid – Ty Dolla
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“Paranoid” is a song by American singer-songwriter Ty Dolla Sign, released as the lead single from his debut studio album Free TC (2015). The song peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). “Paranoid” was written by Ty Dolla Sign, D.L. Hughley, Michael McHenry, and George Daniel, with production handled by the latter two. The song features a minimalistic trap beat and atmospheric synths. In the lyrics, Ty Dolla Sign recounts his experiences with anxiety and paranoia.
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