Love and pain are two of the most powerful emotions in the world. They can often be intertwined, but they can also be experienced separately. In this list, we explore 20 of the best songs about love and pain (you might also like our songs about pain playlist).
Each of these songs tells a story of heartache, loss, and betrayal. But they also offer hope and redemption.
By the way, if you’re interested in songs about love and pain, you may also want to read songs about happy relationship, songs about lovers, songs about ohio, songs about pain, and songs about the one that got away.Love Is Pain – FINNEAS
Love Is Pain by FINNEAS is a song about the complicated nature of love. The lyrics explore the idea that love is both a source of joy and a source of pain, often at the same time. The song reflects on the ways in which love can lift us up and tear us down, often in the span of just a few moments. While the subject matter is heavy, the song itself is beautiful and emotive, with FINNEAS’ angelic voice accompanied by delicate piano melodies. Love Is Pain is a moving reflection on the highs and lows of one of the most complex emotions humans can feel.
Someone Like You – Adele
Someone Like You is a haunting ballad by Adele that speaks to the pain of lost love. The song begins with a simple piano melody, over which Adele’s powerful and emotive voice delivers the lyrics. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that has ended, and the singer’s anguish at being left alone. The chorus repeats the phrase “I miss you, I miss you” over and over, conveying the singer’s sense of loss and longing. The song gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful crescendo that Adele delivers with virtuosic skill.
Love Hurts – Nazareth
Love Hurts is a song written by the group Nazareth and released in 1975. The song is about the pain that love can cause. The lyrics talk about how love can make you happy and also make you cry. They say that love is like a rose, it has thorns as well as beauty. The song talks about how love can be both good and bad, but it is still worth going through the pain because it is better than being alone. Love Hurts is a popular song that has been covered by many artists over the years. It is a song that people can relate to because everyone has experienced the pain of love at some point in their lives.
Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
Released in 1992, “Everybody Hurts” is a song by American rock band R.E.M. The song was written by band members Michael Stipe and Peter Buck as a response to the Gulf War. It became one of the band’s biggest hits, reaching number one in several countries around the world. “Everybody Hurts” is a ballad with a simple, but powerful message: that everyone experiences pain and suffering at some point in their lives. The lyrics offer comfort and hope to those who are going through tough times, reminding them that they are not alone. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and its message of compassion continues to resonate with people all over the world.
Pain – Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace’s song “Pain” is a haunting ballad about the anguish of lost love. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that has ended, and the singer’s struggle to come to terms with the pain. Though the song is sad, it is also strangely beautiful, and the lyrics capture the feeling of heartbreak in a way that is both relatable and moving. The song has a simple but effective melody, and the sparse instrumentation gives the lyrics room to breathe and allows the emotions of the song to shine through. “Pain” is a powerful and moving song that perfectly captures the experience of loss.
What Hurts The Most – Rascal Flatts
“What Hurts the Most” is a song co-written by American country music singer Jeffrey Steele and English rock singer-songwriter Mark Willis. It was originally recorded by Steele in 2005 on his album Jeffrey Steele, from which it was released as a single. It was also covered by American country band Rascal Flatts on their 2006 album Me and My Gang, whose version peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and won Single of the Year at both the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Awards.
Whiskey Lullaby – Alison Krauss And Brad Paisley
Whiskey Lullaby is a song about love and pain, sung by Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley. The song tells the story of a man who has lost the love of his life and turns to alcohol to ease his pain. The lyrics describe the man’s descent into alcoholism, and how it eventually leads to his death. The song is a sad reminder of how love can sometimes end in tragedy. However, it also contains a message of hope, as the man ultimately finds peace in death. Whiskey Lullaby is an emotional and powerful song that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced love or loss.
Love Is Pain – Fergie
Love Is Pain is a song by Fergie about the complex feelings that come with being in a relationship. The lyrics explore the idea that love can be both joyful and painful, and that sometimes it’s hard to tell the two apart. The song begins with the narrator describing a happy moment with her partner, but quickly transitions into a more emotional intensity. She sings about the fear of being hurt, and how even though love can be painful, she wouldn’t want to experience life without it. Though the lyrics are honest and vulnerable, the overall message of the song is hopeful and optimistic. Ultimately, Love Is Pain is a celebration of the highs and lows of relationships and the complex emotions that come with them.
I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a song written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin that was first recorded by American country artist George Jones. The song was released in September 1991 as the fourth single from Jones’ album I Am What I Am. The song became one of Jones’ most successful singles, spending seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in early 1992. Bonnie Raitt’s version of the song was released in June 1992 as the fifth single from her album Luck of the Draw. Her version peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female at the 35th Grammy Awards.
Her Diamonds – Rob Thomas
Released in 2009, “Her Diamonds” is a song by American singer-songwriter Rob Thomas. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is struggling to deal with the pain of a failed relationship. However, despite the hurt and betrayal he feels, he still loves the woman who caused him so much pain. This is reflected in the line “she’s got my heart but she doesn’t want it.” The song speaks to the universal experience of being hurt by someone you love. It is a reminder that even though love can be painful, it is still worth fighting for.
Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye
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The song Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye is a song about the love and pain associated with a past relationship. The song begins with the singer reflecting on the happy memories of the relationship, but it quickly becomes clear that the relationship has ended. The singer goes on to describe the pain of seeing the person they used to love moving on with someone else. Despite the hurt and anger, the singer still wishes their former partner well.
Hurt – Johnny Cash
In the song “Hurt” by Johnny Cash, the singer reflects on love and pain. He begins by talking about how love can be both a source of happiness and a cause of suffering. While it can fill us with joy, it can also lead to immense pain. The singer then reflects on his own experiences with love and pain. He talks about how he has been hurt by love, but he has also been healed by it. In the end, the singer comes to the conclusion that love is worth the risk of being hurt. While it can cause us great pain, it is also the only thing that can truly heal our wounds.
Stay with Me – Sam Smith
Stay with Me is a song by English singer-songwriter Sam Smith, released in May 2014 as the second single from their debut studio album, In the Lonely Hour (2014). The song was written by Smith, Jimmy Napes, and Tourist. It was produced by Steve Fitzmaurice and PHIXX. Stay with Me peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and reached number one in Australia and Canada. Critics praised its Sweepingly cinematic atmosphere but criticized its lyrical content for being too mature for Smith’s age. Nevertheless, many reviewers applauded Smith’s vocal performance on the track.
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me – Culture Club
Do You Really Want To Hurt Me is a song written by Culture Club and released in 1982. The song became the band’s first hit single, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song is about the pain of love and betrayal, with the narrator asking if his lover really wants to hurt him. Despite the hurtful words, the narrator still seems to be in love with the person who has hurt him. The song’s popularity likely stems from its relatable lyrics, as many people have experienced the pain of love at some point in their lives.
Let Her Go – Passenger
Let Her Go is a song by Passenger that was released in 2012. The song is about the pain of love and loss, and the singer’s inability to let go of the person he loves. The lyrics are incredibly powerful, and the song has resonated with many people who have experienced heartbreak. The song starts with the singer talking about how he wants to let go of the person he loves, but he just can’t do it. He talks about how she is everything to him, and how she has made him into a better person.
Hurt – Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt” is a song about the complex nature of love and pain. The lyrics explore the idea that sometimes the people we love can also cause us the most hurt. However, despite the pain that love can bring, we continue to pursue it because it is also the most rewarding and fulfilling experience. The song highlights the duality of love, and how it can both lift us up and tear us down. The conflicting emotions are reflected in the music, which alternates between gentle and kinetic moments. Ultimately, “Hurt” is a moving exploration of the highs and lows of love, and how it can both enrich and destroy our lives.
Life After You – Daughtry
Life After You is a song by American rock band Daughtry, released in 2009. The song is about the pain of love and loss, and how life goes on after someone you love dies. The lyrics aretell the story of a man who is struggling to cope with the death of his wife. He talks about how he can’t imagine life without her, and how he still feels her presence even though she is gone. The song is a powerful ballad with an emotional message. It is a reminder that even though life can be difficult, we must go on and live our lives to the fullest.
My Immortal – Evanescence
“My Immortal” is a song by American rock band Evanescence from their debut studio album, Fallen (2003). It was released on December 8, 2003, as the third single from the album. The song was written by Amy Lee and Ben Moody, while production was handled by David Hodges and Dave Fortman. “My Immortal” is a piano-driven ballad with an unorthodox time signature which contains elements of gothic music.The lyrics feature themes of Deciding whether to live or die, pain and Love.
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem
The 2010 song “Love the Way You Lie” by American rapper Eminem ft. singer Rihanna is a story of a toxic and abusive relationship. It is both an honest and painful account of what it’s like to be in such a relationship as well as a plea for help. Through the lyrics, Eminem portrays the wall of denial that many abused people build around themselves in order to justify staying in an abusive relationship. He also touches on the feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness that often accompany abuse.
Sandcastles – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Sandcastles” is a song about love and pain. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship that has ended, but still has the potential to be repaired. The song opens with the lyrics “We built sandcastles / That washed away / I made you cry / When I walked away.” These lyrics establish the theme of love lost, but also the possibility of reconciliation. The next verse talks about the pain that comes from love, with the lyric “And though it hurt / I had to run / I know our time / Will come again.”
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