20 Best Songs About Hopeless Love

Richard Ellison

Love is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It brings out all sorts of emotions, from joy and elation to anger and disappointment. Love can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be heartbreakingly cruel. That’s why these 20 songs explore the full range of what love has to offer, from first falling in love to being heartbroken and everything in between.

Whether you’re currently in love or out of love, these songs will make you feel all the feels. So put on your headphones, crank up the volume, and get ready to fall in love… or out of it.

By the way, if you’re a fan of songs about hopeless love, you might also want to check out rock songs about unrequited love, songs about new love and new relationships, songs about bad love, songs about being second choice, and songs about crushes.

Run Away With Me – Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen - Run Away With Me

Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Run Away With Me” is the perfect song for hopeless romantics. The song is all about wanting to escape with your love and run away to a place where you can be happy and free. Jepsen’s vocals are light and airy, and the song’s joyful melody will make you want to dance along. This song has all the makings of a classic love song, and it’s sure to get stuck in your head. Its lyrics are about two young lovers who are madly in love and ready to take on the world together.

Heaven Is A Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Official HD Music Video)

Heaven Is a Place on Earth is a song about the dizzying high of first falling in love. Belinda Carlisle sings about how paradise can be found in the arms of her lover, and how she would go to the ends of the earth to be with him. The song is a celebration of new love and all of its possibilities. This song has hope and joy written all over it, making it the perfect pick-me-up for when you’re feeling down about love.

Romeo and Juliet – Dire Straits

Dire Straits - Romeo And Juliet (Official Music Video)

“Romeo and Juliet” is a song by the British rock band Dire Straits, released in 1980. The song is included on the band’s third studio album, Making Movies (1980). Written by lead singer and guitarist Mark Knopfler, the song was inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. It tells the story of two young lovers who are forced to part ways due to their families’ bitter feud. “Romeo and Juliet” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Romeo and Juliet” has been covered by numerous artists, including country singer Billy Joel and R&B singer Usher.

Young And Beautiful – Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful

Young and Beautiful is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released on April 23, 2013 by Interscope Records as the lead single from the soundtrack album The Great Gatsby (2013). Lust for life is one of the Lana’s most popular songs and it is about hopeless love. ” will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” This line from the song perfectly describes the feeling of being insecure about one’s age and appearance. Lana Del Rey’s music often explores the dark side of relationships and she has said that ” Young and Beautiful” is no exception. The song reflects on regrets, breakups, unrequited love, and other sad topics. However, it also offers a glimmer of hope with the line ” I know that you will.” Ultimately, ” Young and Beautiful” is a haunting ballad about the fragility of love and relationships.

Martha – Tom Waits

Tom Waits - "Martha"

Tom Waits is no stranger to heartbreak. Over the course of his decades-long career, the singer-songwriter has chronicled the ups and downs of love with a gritty realism that resonates deeply with listeners. In “Martha,” Waits captures the feeling of hopeless love with characteristic poignancy. The song tells the story of a man who is desperately in love with a woman who doesn’t return his affections. Despite her repeated rejection, he can’t help but continue to pine for her. The result is a poignant portrait of unrequited love that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in a one-sided relationship. Though it may not offer much in the way of hope, “Martha” is a beautifully realized song that captures the pain and longing of unfulfilled love.

Nothing Even Matters – Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo

Nothing Even Matters

Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo’s “Nothing Even Matters” is a song about the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is deeply in love with someone who does not return their feelings. Despite the other person’s complete disinterest, the narrator cannot help but continue to hope for their attention and affection. The lyrics express the deep sadness and frustration that comes from being in love with someone who will never love you back. The song is a poignant reminder of the heartbreak that can come from hopeless love.

Heartbeats – The Knife

The Knife - Heartbeats (Official Video)

“Heartbeats” by The Knife is a song about the pain and loneliness of unrequited love. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is deeply in love with someone who does not reciprocate their feelings. Despite knowing that the object of their affections will never return their love, the speaker can’t help but continue to hope and yearn for their attention. The song captures the feeling of being hopelessly in love, and the sense of loss and sadness that comes with it. Though it may be painful, the speaker finds comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone in their experience. “Heartbeats” is a moving and relatable song about the universal experience of unrequited love.

Such Great Heights – The Postal Service

Such Great Heights

“Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service is a song about the feeling of hopeless love. The lyrics talk about how love can make someone feel like they are on top of the world, but also how it can be painful when it doesn’t work out. The song has a haunting melody that reflects the emotions of the lyrics. It’s a sad but beautiful song that captures the feeling of being in love and wanting it to work out so badly, even though you know it might not. If you’ve ever been in love and felt like it was beyond your control, then you can relate to this song. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our feelings and that sometimes, love just isn’t enough.

Crazy In Love – Beyoncé

Beyoncé - Crazy In Love ft. JAY Z

“Crazy in Love” is a song by Beyoncé, featuring rapper Jay-Z. It was released as the lead single from Beyoncé’s debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, in June 2003. The song’s lyrics describe the infatuation andgenerated by a new romance. The song was written by Beyoncé, Rich Harrison, and Makeba Riddick. Harrison tried to conduit Beyoncé’s feelings for Jay-Z by producing music similar to what he thought she would like.

Hyperballad – Björk

Bjork - Hyperballad official video

Standout among Björk’s many incredible singles is “Hyperballad”, a haunting ballad about the bittersweet feeling of hopeless love. The song features Björk’s signature ethereal vocals soaring over a backdrop of sweeping strings and soaring synths, creating a rich and emotive soundscape. The lyrics are equally evocative, depicting the speaker’s sense of yearning and longing for a love that can never be. “Hyperballad” is a beautiful and heartbreaking song that perfectly captures the feeling of being hopelessly in love.

Disco 2000 – Pulp

The song is about a hopeless love between two people from different social classes. Cocker has said that the lyrics are based on his own experiences growing up in working-class Sheffield, where he felt out of place among the wealthy “posh kids”. The title refers to the year 2000, which was seen as a symbol of future prosperity at the time the song was written. 

Disco 2000 was well-received by music critics. NME called it “a triumph”, while Rolling Stone described it as “a slice of perfect pop”. The song has been cited as an influence by several artists, including Taylor Swift and Lorde. It was ranked at number 11 on NME’s list of the 100 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever in 2010.

Fade Into You – Mazzy Star

Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” has been described as a song about “hopeless love.” Throughout the song, the narrator expresses her deep longing for someone she can’t have. She sings of being unable to forget the person, even though she knows they will never be together. The lyrics are filled with images of loss and yearning, creating a sense of melancholy that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. The song has resonated with many listeners who have experienced their own unrequited love. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our sorrows, and that even the most hopeless of loves can be beautiful.

We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

Rihanna - We Found Love ft. Calvin Harris

Rihanna’s “We Found Love” is a song about the highs and lows of love. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that starts out full of excitement and passion but eventually deteriorates into something more Cloudy and uncertain. The song reflects the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of love and heartbreak, and ultimately asks the question: is it worth it? While the answer to that question may be different for everyone, “We Found Love” provides a thoughtful and catchy exploration of the topic. Whether you’re a fan of Rihanna or not, this is a song that is sure to get you thinking about love and its many forms.

Into My Arms – Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Into My Arms (4K Official Video)

Into My Arms is a song written by Nick Cave and performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The song was first released as a single in 1997 and then included on the album The Boatman’s Call in 1998. The song is about love, specifically hopeless love. In the song, Cave expresses his desire to have somebody to hold onto, even though he knows that the relationship is doomed. The lyrics are both heartbreaking and beautiful, and the music is ethereal and haunting. Into My Arms is one of those rare songs that perfectly captures the feeling of hopeless love. It is a timeless song that will continue to resonate with people for years to come.

Hand In Glove – The Smiths

The Smiths - Hand In Glove (Official Audio)

Hand in Glove is a song by The Smiths that is widely considered to be about hopeless love. The lyrics tell the story of two people who are deeply in love but cannot be together, and the song ends with the couple making a commitment to stay together despite the odds. While the song has been interpreted in many ways, its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity is clear. In a world where love so often seems fleeting, Hand in Glove is a reminder that true love can withstand anything. Even when everything else fails, those who are truly meant to be together will find a way to stay together.

This Modern Love – Bloc Party

“This Modern Love” is a song by the band Bloc Party. The song was released as the second single from their debut album Silent Alarm in 2005. The song is about a relationship that has ended, and the speaker is struggling to come to terms with it. The song reflects on the modern idea of love, and how it can be so different from what we expect. The narrator is trying to figure out what went wrong, and whether there was anything that could have been done to save the relationship. Although the song is about a failed relationship, it has a hopeful message. The narrator is still trying to understand what went wrong, and they hope that someday they will find another love that will last.

Heroes – David Bowie

David Bowie - Heroes (Official Video)

“Heroes” is a song by David Bowie, released in 1977. The lyrics tell the story of two lovers who are separated by the Berlin Wall. Despite the obstacles, they continue to hope that one day they will be able to meet again. The song reflects on the power of love and its ability to overcome even the most insurmountable odds. Bowie himself has said that the song is about “the isolate[d] feeling of two people belonging to each other” and the “natural resolve of their feelings in spite of the circumstances.” “Heroes” has been widely lauded as one of Bowie’s best songs, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (Official Music Video)

“Maps” is a song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, released as the lead single from their debut album Fever to Tell. The song is about the pain of unrequited love, and its lyrics express the narrator’s hope that her love will someday be reciprocated. The song was a commercial success, reaching #11 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, and its accompanying music video was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards. In addition to its critical and commercial success, “Maps” has been included on several lists of the best songs of the 2000s, including NME’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

The Book Of Love – Magnetic Fields

The Book of Love by The Magnetic Fields is a song about hopeless love. It tells the story of a man who is madly in love with a woman who does not love him back. Despite the fact that she does not return his affections, he continues to love her unconditionally and tries to find ways to make her love him back. The song is incredibly sad and heartbreaking, but it also has a message of hope. It reminds us that even though love can sometimes be unrequited, it is still worth fighting for. 

We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris

Rihanna - We Found Love ft. Calvin Harris

Released in 2011, “We Found Love” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her sixth studio album, Talk That Talk. The song was written and produced by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, and it features a prominent dance beat with elements of house and techno music. Lyrically, the song is about a hopeless love affair that is doomed to fail. Despite this, the protagonists continue to chase after each other, drawn in by the intensity of their feelings. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in over 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance.