20 Best Songs About Toxic Relationships

Jennifer Moritz

Some people say it’s better to have loved and lost than never loved at all, but if you’re going through a painful break-up right now, that statement might not be very comforting.

Luckily for those who are going through this difficult time in their life, there is a wide range of music out there about breaking up with someone. Break-up songs can provide comfort by letting you know that you’re not alone in your feelings and experience as well as providing some laughs when needed most. This list features some of the best break-up songs to date, songs that capture the heartache and pain in a relationship that just wasn’t meant to be. The songs included here span several different genres and time periods.

By the way, if you’re interested in songs about toxic relationships, you may also be interested in songs about bad girlfriends, songs about bad love, songs about jealousy, and songs about lying.

Bad Things – Machine Gun Kelly, Camila Cabello

Machine Gun Kelly, Camila Cabello - Bad Things (Official Music Video)

Machine Gun Kelly and Camila Cabello’s song “Bad Things” perfectly captures the pain and heartache of a toxic relationship. The song is about two people who are in love but know that it’s not good for them. They know that their relationship is destructive and that it’s going to end badly, but they can’t help but be drawn to each other anyway.

The lyrics of the song are incredibly moving, and they perfectly capture the emotional roller coaster of a toxic relationship. The song is about being in love with someone who is bad for you, but you can’t help but keep coming back for more. It’s about the hope and despair that comes with being in a bad relationship, and it’s a perfect representation of the experience of being involved in a toxic relationship.

I Don’t Wanna Live Forever – Zayn, Taylor Swift

ZAYN, Taylor Swift - I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker)

The song, “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” by Zayn and Taylor Swift, perfectly captures the feeling of wanting to break free from a toxic relationship. The lyrics talk about how the person wants to leave but also can’t stop thinking about their partner. It’s a song that perfectly describes the pain and heartache of breaking up with someone you still love. Its lyrics talk about the fact that you have to say goodbye but also touches on the subject of being unable to resist from calling your ex, even though you want to move on and leave them in the past.

Something In The Way You Move – Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding - Something In The Way You Move (Directed by Emil Nava)

Something In The Way You Move by Ellie Goulding is a heartbreaking ballad about a toxic relationship. The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone who is trying to let go of a partner who is bad for them, but can’t seem to let go. There’s a sense of desperation in the song, as the narrator begs their partner to change their ways.

The song is just as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a fan favorite. Goulding’s vocals are stunning, and the lyrics are deeply touching. If you’re looking for a song that perfectly captures the pain of a toxic relationship, Something In The Way You Move is definitely worth a listen.

You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi - You Give Love A Bad Name (Official Music Video)

Bon Jovi’s You Give Love A Bad Name is a breakup anthem if there ever was one. The song tells the story of a toxic relationship that’s run its course, and the singer is more than ready to move on. With lyrics like “you’re a vampire sucking the life from me,” it’s easy to see why this song resonates with so many people who have been through a bad break up. If you’re looking for a song that perfectly captures the heartache and pain of a toxic relationship, You Give Love A Bad Name is definitely worth a listen.

Love The Way You Lie – Eminem Feat. Rihanna

Eminem - Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna

Love the Way You Lie by Eminem Feat. Rihanna is one of the most heartbreaking songs about toxic relationships. The lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of being in a relationship that’s slowly spiraling out of control. You can’t help but feel the pain and heartache that Eminem and Rihanna are singing about. It’s a song that will make you cry, but it’s also a song that will make you feel grateful for the healthy relationship you have. Some people never get that-and this song speaks to them.

Church Bells – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood - Church Bells (Official Video)

The song is about a toxic relationship that the singer can’t seem to break away from. She sings about how the bells in the church remind her of how much she loved her partner, and how much she hates herself for still being attached to him. The song is sad but beautiful, and it perfectly captures the pain of a relationship that’s gone bad. Its lyrics are about struggling to break away from a relationship that’s toxic, but also about not being able to go through with it.

It is said tenderly yet the lyrics are strong and powerful. This song showcases Carrie Underwood’s vocal range quite well. It adds more meaning when you see her live because of how she delivers the message in person. The song starts slow and builds up, hitting the chorus.

Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake

CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! (from DreamWorks Animation's "TROLLS") (Official Video)

Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake is a feel-good breakup song that is perfect for when you just don’t want to think about the heartache anymore. Timberlake’s catchy melody and upbeat lyrics will have you dancing along in no time, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to move on. Some people outgrow each other, but their song will never get old. Its lyrics are about a relationship that is ending, but the most important thing in a breakup is moving on.

Behind The Wall – Tracy Chapman

Behind the Wall is a heartbreaking ballad about a relationship that’s on the brink of falling apart. Chapman sings about the cracks that have formed in the relationship, and how neither party can seem to repair them. Ultimately, the couple decides to go their separate ways, knowing that it’s for the best. This song is a must-listen for anyone who’s experienced a toxic relationship. Its lyrics are about as powerful as they come and Chapman’s emotive, soaring vocals make it all the more heartbreaking.

Stone Cold Dead In The Market – Ella Fitzgerald And Louis Jordan

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan - Stone Cold Dead In The Market (He Had It Coming)

Stone Cold Dead In The Market by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan is a great song about a toxic relationship. The lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of being trapped in a bad relationship and the fear of being alone. Its lyrics are about a woman who is trapped in a relationship with a man that doesn’t make her happy. The ending lyrics sum up the ultimate reason of why the situation isn’t working out: “I’m givin’ him back his ring, I got my freedom tonight!”

Jar Of Hearts – Christina Perri

christina perri - jar of hearts [official music video]

Jar of Hearts is a heartbreaking ballad about a love that has gone wrong. Christina Perri sings about a relationship that has turned toxic, and how she regrets ever letting it get that far. The lyrics are raw and emotive, and the song is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to wallow in their heartache. Its lyrics are about how people can be toxic in relationships, and how it is better to be on your own instead of being with someone who doesn’t make you happy.

Cold – Maroon 5 Ft. Future

Maroon 5 - Cold (Lyrics) ft. Future

The lyrics of this song perfectly capture the feeling of being in a toxic relationship. When you’re with someone who is bad for you, it’s like you have a cold that just won’t go away. You can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong, and you’re always miserable around them. It’s time to break free and move on from that person-they’re only going to make you colder in the end.

Its lyrics are about the misery of being with someone who drains your energy and the feeling of wanting to just crawl out of your skin. The song’s title refers to an actual chemical compound that is used in air conditioners-it doesn’t have anything to do with getting rid of someone.

Pulling Teeth – Green Day

Green Day’s “Pulling Teeth” perfectly captures the angst and heartache of a toxic relationship. The lyrics are raw and emotional, and perfectly capture the feeling of being stuck in a bad situation. The song is a perfect reminder that it’s time to move on when things are no longer healthy or happy.

Its lyrics are about the difficulties of ending a relationship, but better to end it “than be stuck inside this misery.” Some people may feel like it’s too late when the relationship is over, but Billie Joe Armstrong reminds us that it’s never too late to take charge of our lives and find happiness.

Face Down – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down

Face Down is a breakup song by the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. The song is about a relationship that has gone bad. The protagonist tries to tell the other person that it’s over, but the other person doesn’t want to listen. The protagonist eventually leaves, and the other person is left alone and heartbroken. Some people think that the protagonist is a guy and that he broke up with his girlfriend. Other people think the song is from a girl’s point of view, and she left her boyfriend because he cheated on her.

Irresistible – Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy - Irresistible (Official Music Video) ft. Demi Lovato

The song “Irresistible” by Fall Out Boy is about a toxic relationship. The lyrics talk about how the person in the relationship is addicted to the drama and can’t let go, even though they know it’s not good for them. The song is sad but also empowering, as it speaks to the power of breaking free from a bad relationship. It’s a great song to listen to when you’re feeling stuck in a bad situation and need some inspiration to move on. Its lyrics are about the main character’s feeling of having to take care of his significant other, and how he can’t live with her or without her.

Cherry Wine – Hozier

Hozier - Cherry Wine

Hozier’s “Cherry Wine” is a haunting ballad about a toxic relationship. The lyrics capture the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of abuse and manipulation, and the song’s emotive chorus is sure to resonate with anyone who’s experienced this type of relationship firsthand. If you’re looking for a song that beautifully captures the pain of a toxic relationship, be sure to check out “Cherry Wine” by Hozier. Many songs have been written about toxic relationships, but few are as captivating and heartbreaking as the ones on this list.

Better Man – Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam - Better Man (Official Audio)

The song “Better Man” by Pearl Jam is a powerful ballad about a toxic relationship. The lyrics describe the emotional abuse that the singer has experienced, and how he’s finally ready to break free. The song is a reminder that it’s never too late to leave an abusive relationship, and that you deserve better. Its lyrics are about leaving someone who is unfaithful, and the fallout of having to deal with the pain.

The song “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor is about sticking it out through a tough breakup. Its lyrics are empowering, and encourage you to get back up again after falling down. Pearl Jam’s “Better Man” Some people like to go out in style, and there’s no better way to do it than with a good breakup song. “Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam is about the pain of losing someone you love very much. The lyrics are hauntingly beautiful-there’s nothing more lonely then having your heart ripped out while you’re still alive enough to feel it.

Every Breath You Take – The Police

The Police - Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)

The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” is a song about a toxic relationship. The lyrics are full of jealousy and obsession, and the song is ultimately about a partner who can’t let go. The song is both heartbreaking and addictive, and it perfectly captures the feeling of being trapped in a bad relationship. Its lyrics are about the nonexistence of love and the toxic nature of some relationships. Many songs feature this type of relationship, and it is easy to see why: toxic relationships make for some great songs.

Jealous – Beyoncé

Beyoncé - Jealous

Jealous is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her self-titled fifth studio album (2014). The song was written by Beyoncé, Terius Nash, and Shawn Carter, and produced by Timbaland, Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, and Beyoncé. A mid tempo R&B ballad, “Jealous” features lyrics about the singer’s mistrust of her partner. Its lyrics are about the paranoia she feels when he is around other girls. “Jealous” received generally mixed reviews from music critics, who praised its retro sound while others felt it was clichéd.

Broken Strings – James Morrison Feat. Nelly Furtado

James Morrison - Broken Strings ft. Nelly Furtado (Official Video)

The lyrics of Broken Strings by James Morrison Feat. Nelly Furtado perfectly captures the pain and heartache of a toxic relationship. The song is about a couple who are on the brink of breaking up, and the lyrics speak to the emotional turmoil that is often felt in such a situation. Both Morrison and Furtado deliver powerful vocals that express the sadness and desperation of a relationship that is falling apart. The song is a perfect choice for anyone who is struggling to move on from a failed relationship.

Hot N Cold – Katy Perry

Katy Perry - Hot N Cold (Official Music Video)

The song Hot N Cold by Katy Perry is about a toxic relationship. In the lyrics, Perry sings about how the relationship is always up and down, and how it’s never really good. She talks about how she can’t take it anymore and how she wants to break free. This song is a great representation of a toxic relationship, and it’s definitely worth listening to if you’re going through a breakup. Some people may also call this a love/hate relationship. Many songs have been written about toxic relationships, but here is a list of 20 of the best breakup songs to date.