If you’ve ever suffered a broken heart, then you’re familiar with the intimate relationship between love and loss. Missing someone is a deep feeling that can be articulated properly through music.
The following 30 songs about missing someone you love highlight the beauty and pain of this special emotion.
1
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinéad O'Connor
This track was a huge hit in 1990, turning Sinéad O’Connor into a global superstar. The title of this song speaks for itself, with O’Connor counting the heart-wrenching hours since her love was taken away.
2
Someone Like You - Adele
On this track, British powerhouse Adele sings passionately of love and the hurt it can cause. When your ex moves on and seems a little too happy about it, this is a great track to turn up loud.
3
Missing You - Diana Ross
This song is a tribute to Marvin Gaye, who passed away in 1984 after being murdered by his father. Written by Lionel Richie, Diana Ross pours her heart and soul into this beautiful, heartfelt number.
4
It Must Have Been Love - Roxette
This catchy ’80s pop song has a deeper meaning than you might think. This is the perfect song to play when you’re questioning a recent relationship, remembering the good things and reconciling the loss and pain.
5
I Miss You - Beyoncé
In this track, co-written by Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor, Beyoncé ruminates over missing someone you love. This mid-paced ballad sees Queen Bey come across as confused, conflicted, and very human.
6
Back to December - Taylor Swift
Tay Tay hits all the feels in this number, singing of missed moments and sad memories of freedom. This catchy song speaks of swallowing your pride and saying sorry, even when sometimes it’s not enough.
7
Thinking Bout You - Ariana Grande
Recorded by Ariana for her Dangerous Woman album, this song is a melancholic anthem of lost love set to a pulsating beat. As lush electronics sparkle in the background, Ariana lays her heart on the line.
8
I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself - The White Stripes
This song makes perfect sense after a break-up, when you’re feeling frustrated and alone. When love leaves us behind, sometimes we “just don’t know what to do.” Songs about missing someone you love rarely rock this hard.
9
Drivers License - Olivia Rodrigo
In this song, indie pop princess Olivia Rodrigo sings of growing up and exploring the world. She’s unable to enjoy her coming of age, however, with the man she loves no longer around to share the moment.
10
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
Originally by Dolly Parton, this track is a favorite with lovers everywhere. Re-recorded by Whitney Houston for the 1992 film The Bodyguard, this song is about bittersweet memories and love that doesn’t fit.
11
Always - Bon Jovi
It might not be Bon Jovi’s biggest hit, but “Always” certainly pulls the heartstrings. According to Jon, sometimes photos of a past relationship “are just memories of a different life.”
12
I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
Sometimes you love someone so hard that everything feels like a missed opportunity. This song by Aerosmith is about making the most of every moment, alongside your favorite person in the world.
13
I Miss You - Blink-182
Pop punk favorites Blink-182 get emotional with this number, presenting a haunting depiction of depression and its impact on relationships. This song is about longing, lingering love that hangs around like a bad shadow.
14
See You Again - Wiz Khalifa (ft. Charlie Puth)
This track is an emotional tribute to Paul Walker, the late Fast & Furious actor who died tragically in a car crash in 2013. While there are many jazz rap songs about love and loss, this is pure hip-hop. This song was the first rap song to reach 1 billion YouTube views.
15
Lay Me Down - Sam Smith
This heartfelt number is about missing a very special person. Sam Smith sings of dark days and overwhelming nights, with even the moon and stars finding it hard to shine when two lovers can’t be together.
16
The Bed's Too Big Without You - The Police
Sometimes the world seems like it was made for two. When your bed feels too big and the hours stretch for too long, the return of your lover is the only thing that makes it better.
17
Tears Dry on Their Own - Amy Winehouse
This is one of Amy Winehouse’s most beautiful and recognizable songs. It’s about a relationship that will never last and the realization that comes with growing up and moving on with your life.
18
Lonely - Machine Gun Kelly
As one of the most personal tracks on the Tickets to My Downfall album, “Lonely” is full of raw emotion. MGK sings about his relationship with his dad and aunt who have passed away while reminiscing about his own birth.
19
When You're Gone - Avril Lavigne
This song is about leaving someone you love when you have no other choice. From partners split by war to prohibited teenage romance, it’s about everything you miss when you can’t hold someone close.
20
I Can Dream About You - Hall & Oates
If your lost lover starts appearing in your dreams, sometimes sleep brings solace. This track by Hall & Oates is about love that holds on and never lets go, whether you’re awake or asleep.
21
Yesterday - The Beatles
As one of the most recognizable songs in the world, “Yesterday” is very familiar but somehow haunting. This track is about looking back to better times and appreciating what you no longer have.
22
Home - Michael Bublé
This song is about that special place we call “home.” Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or working remotely in a distant city, isolation makes everyone feel fragile.
23
My Heart Will Go On - Céline Dion
Sung with gusto by Céline Dion, this song is about the enduring nature of love. Whether your lover is near or far, they’re always right with you, safe in the center of your heart.
24
Miss You Much - Janet Jackson
This banging track was the lead single to Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. She received multiple awards for this song, which is about missing someone so much that you shout it to the world.
25
Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men
This song is a romantic conversation between two lovers, one of whom happens to have passed away. Throughout the song, we don’t know if someone’s actually there or if the singer’s going crazy from a broken heart.
26
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
This B-side from 1971 has been featured in multiple movies and ads over the years. It’s about missing things with all your heart, even when they’re not particularly good for you.
27
Ghost - Justin Bieber
On this hit track, Bieber sings about losing a loved one. Released during the global pandemic, it took on a second meaning when people around the world were separated from their families.
28
How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes
This song is a rich emotive roller coaster of life, love, and loss. Over a rolling rhythm, Rimes sings over and over of how hard it would be to go on without her lover.
29
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
This massive song is appreciated by anyone who’s ever been lonely. It’s about missing someone so much that you can’t enjoy the world without them. If you’ve ever felt like a lost soul swimming in a fishbowl, turn it up loud.
30
So Far Away - Carole King
From King’s iconic Tapestry album, this personal song is about the artist’s struggles on the road. Constantly traveling, she speaks of being away from her loved ones when she needs them the most.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between love and loss is a central theme in music. The sense of fullness we feel holding our lover is only matched by the emptiness we feel when they depart. These songs about missing someone you love explore this bittersweet feeling and why it resonates so deeply with us all