In a world filled with uncertainties, everybody hopes to find someone to fall in love with and share a brighter tomorrow. However, sometimes it’s not always easy to have the same feelings of love returned.
Throughout the years, songs about bad relationships written by various artists in different music genres have endured tears on pillows and cured many heartaches along the way.
Here are some of the best songs about forced love that are the perfect addition to anyone’s playlist looking to hear popular tunes about toxic relationships.
“To Be With You” – Mr. Big
Trending in the 90s, songs about being treated badly were popular hits among artists.
In this classic early 90s song by Mr. Big, the lyrics are about being infatuated with a woman who does not return the feelings.
Written by Eric Martin during his teens, “To Be With You” was inspired by a childhood friend of Martins who went through several boyfriends in her younger days who didn’t respect her.
He wanted to be her hero and rescue her like a shining knight. To his regret, she wanted nothing to do with him.
“You Belong With Me” – Taylor Swift
Here’s a 2008 song by Taylor Swift about a teenager having more than just friend thoughts about her best friend when she sees him with another girl, and it sparks jealousy.
Sometimes it’s hard to compete with a beauty queen. But, this song gives hope to all the tomboys who enjoy sports, tee-shirts, and blue jeans.
There’s a happy ending when the two best friends finally get together at the end of the song and are united in a prom kiss.
“You Can’t Hurry Love” – Phil Collins
Recorded in 1966 by Dianna Ross and The Supremes, this hit single is a much-loved classic.
In the upbeat, toe-tapping pop-rock-80s remake, Phil Collins sings about patience when finding the perfect love.
Even though waiting for that special someone to come along is sometimes a difficult task, love can’t be forced. The right person will eventually come along when the time is right.
“Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi
Released in 2019, Lewis Capaldi belts out incredible vocals in his most successful hit song to date.
This pop-alternative single spent seven weeks at the top of the music charts in the number one spot and hit Platinum twice in the United Kingdom.
This heartfelt song is about grieving the loss of a partner, suffering from the death of a loved one, healing from something toxic experienced in life, or suffering from the dilemma of forbidden love. This recent hit is a feel-good favorite for many listeners.
“Back to You” – Selena Gomez
Recorded in 2018 by Selena Gomez, this upbeat ballad became a national hit.
Gomez sings about a past lover she would take back in a heartbeat even though he hurt her badly in the past.
This catchy tune is one of those songs about deserving better in a relationship yet falling head over heels for the bad-boy type.
“Cornerstone” – Arctic Monkeys
This iconic song, released in 2009, was the second single on Cornerstones Humbug Album.
In the music video to this song, the singer stands solo in front of a whiteboard with a pair of large headphones on, holding a microphone as he belts out the lyrics.
This unusual song is about a guy hung up on a past lover he can’t seem to get off his mind no matter how hard he tries. Memories of his past love haunt him throughout the entire song.
The ending takes a bizarre twist when the sister of the past lover agrees to play a part in the twisted love fantasy by allowing him to call her by her sister’s name.
“You Were Meant for Me” – Jewel
This 1995 tear-jerker by Jewel is about going through a bad breakup and being hung up on an ex-lover.
It’s s about getting on with life alone, healing, and discovering yourself again, even though the hurtful break-up still tugs on the heartstrings and stings the eyes.
A second single for Jewel, this song was successful for the singer taking her to the top of the music charts in the 90s and helping to mend several broken hearts over the decades.
“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” – Meatloaf
Songs about being the bad guy in a relationship are always a hit with listeners. This 1977 tune was a worldwide hit for Meatloaf.
“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” is about getting your heart broken by a past lover who likes you, wants you, and needs you. But she doesn’t love you and never will.
Recorded on the album Bat Out of Hell, this powerful song spent 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained the band’s second-highest top hit in the United States.
“Keep Your Hands to Yourself” – Georgia Satellites
This catchy late 80s tune by Georgia Satellites is one of those Country songs about manipulation of power. This song tells the funny tale of a woman trying to bribe her man with hanky panky after he promises to give her a wedding ring.
This song gives true meaning to forced love in a hilarious, upbeat rhythm that rocked the dance floors.
The only hit song for Georgia Satellites, “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” reached number 2 in the top 100 songs. The song’s video featured a shotgun wedding with a pregnant bride.
“Winner at a Losing Game” – Rascal Flatts
The pace slows down with this next 2008 song by Rascal Flatts.
The lyrics and soft vocals offer an opportunity for the listener to heal through troubled relationships with this emotional outpouring of soft music to help soothe the soul.
Final Thoughts
Whether getting over a bad relationship or looking for love in all the wrong places, songs about forced love are diverse and relatable. If you’re looking for more songs about love and relationships, check out these popular titles about toxic relationships.
Ivan Yaskey is a Philly-born EDM and synthpop enthusiast and interviewer who recently relocated to beautiful Boston, MA.