Couples going through a break up usually go through the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) until they come to the final stage, which is acceptance. It could take longer to get through the grieving process if it was a lengthy relationship or a bad break up.
Music helps many people cope when relationships end and for some reason they’re often compelled to listen to sad break up songs while mourning. Some of this music is angry and depressing, but there are songs that might actually lift the spirits of those going through break ups.
Angry Break Up Songs:
Anger is a natural reaction to a break up and listening to music is therapeutic, as long as it doesn't lead to violence. There's also the danger of staying stuck in the anger stage as a way to avoid feeling sad over the break up. These songs will help purge that anger.
- Bad Medicine – Bon Jovi: Bon Jovi seems to have found a formula for belting out rock ballad hits on a regular basis. This was a number one hit in 1988 that sees love as addictive.
- Shut Up – Black Eyed Peas
- You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
- Walk – Pantera
- Untouchable Face – Ani DiFranco
- Love Stinks – J. Geils Band: Enough said.
Sad Break Up Songs:
In this stage of grief in a break up, people tend to remember the good times and are filled with sadness. This often happens even to the person that ended the relationship. Purging those emotions with sad music is healing as long as it doesn't lead to a lengthy or deep depression.
7. Congratulations – Traveling Wilburys
8. And It Stoned Me – Van Morrison: Somehow people just know that this Irish singer has been there. Van Morrison is a brilliant songwriter who has a smooth smoky sound with a down to earth blues feel. He can laugh at hard times and is perfect for sad break up songs.
9. Last Day Of Our Acquaintance – Sinead O’Connor: Sinead could sing anything and make it sound sad, but this is a song about a marriage finally falling apart.
10. Trouble – Ray Lamontagne
Good Break Up Denial Songs:
It's hard to accept that a relationship has ended, especially if it was a long marriage or romance. People's minds play tricks on them and they may even see or hear things occasionally that reinforce this denial. Hearing songs about denial help reassure people, because they realize that others go through the same thing.
11. End of The Road – Boys II Men
12. Can't Be Really Gone – Tim McGraw
Healing Music Good For The Acceptance Stage
This is the final stage of grief and it's also the ideal time to start dating again. There may still be fleeting feelings of sadness occasionally, but people can function fine once they've accepted the loss of a loved one. Whether couples have reached the acceptance stage or not, listening to this music may help them get there.
13. With or Without You – U2
14. At This Point In My Life – Tracy Chapman
15. Two more Bottles of Wine – Emmylou Harris
16. Face Drop – Sean Kingston: This is a fun song by the adorable Jamaican singer and songwriter Sean Kingston. “Saying that I'd look better if I was thinner, but you know you should have loved me for my inner”, the husky singer croons.
17. Beyonce – Irreplaceable: Almost everyone knows what “to the left” means, thanks to Beyonce.
18. Let Him Fly – Dixie Chicks
19. I’m Still Standing – Elton John: Elton’s always good for an empowering break up song, and that’s probably because of his big heart. The fact that he’s bounced back from so much himself must add to his song writing skills.
20. I Don’t Care Anymore – Phil Collins: When Phil Collins belts out that he doesn’t care anymore, that’s pretty straightforward. However, much of this break up song list is open to interpretation.
Keep in mind that not everyone will find this or any other music therapeutic. Invest in some good headphones, especially if compelled to play the same song over and over. Fortunately, almost everyone has gone through some sort of break up, lived through it and/or wrote about it. If none of these break up songs apply, seek others that do.
Related:
Dealing With Grief and the Death of a Parent
Sandra Williams - Sandra's a book addict and writer from Ontario, Canada. Her interests include cooking, health and personal development, so many of her ...
