11 Songs for When You’re Missing an Ex and Just Want to Feel Sad
Breaking up is hard to do—so let some music get you through it.
No, we're not referring to motivational girl-power anthems. We're talking about songs for when you're straight-up teary-eyed over someone, and you're perfectly content wallowing in your sorrow.
Keep reading for 11 songs to listen to when you're missing an ex and just want to feel sad:
1. 'Save as Draft' by Katy Perry
This underrated track from Katy's critically panned Witness album explores wanting so desperately to go back to your toxic ex, but having the strength to stop yourself, despite loving them so much.
2. 'Eyes Closed' by Halsey
This song will hit home for anyone who's started dating someone new but can't shake an S.O. from the past. It's about going on as if everything is perfectly fine in the new relationship, but, in your mind, you're just longing to be with this other person again, and would give anything for that chance.
3. 'Out of Mind' by Tove Lo
This is about watching your relationship go from intense love to friendship in the blink of an eye, and how there's no way you're going to shake this one quickly. Your ex is constantly on your mind, and they're crazy to think otherwise.
4. 'Always Remember Us This Way' by Lady Gaga
We prefer this beautiful ballad from A Star Is Born over the Academy Award-winning (and also wonderful) "Shallow." While it's not necessarily about a breakup, it can easily apply to one, as the song touches on wanting to forever remember loving someone during their finest moments, no matter the outcome.
5. 'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus
We couldn't throw together a breakup playlist and not include "Wrecking Ball," amirite? Miley's powerful ballad is about a most-intense love that emerged immediately. Despite things going south, this isn't a flame that'll fade—you feel like you'll want this person forever, and the demise of your relationship completely turned your world upside-down.
6. 'Wide Awake' by Katy Perry
This is the song you'll relate to if you've put all your eggs in one basket, only to have everything crash and burn and feel left with nothing. If the reality of your breakup is just now kicking in, this is the somber anthem you'll feel connected to most, as you realize the love wasn't all it seemed.
7. 'So Sick' by Ne-Yo
Your quintessential breakup song for just plain missing someone, "So Sick" was one of the biggest hits of 2006—and is still a go-to all these years later. It's about embracing all the emotions that accompany a split from someone you still love; grasping onto any song or memory just to keep thoughts of that person alive, even if the pain is deep.
8. 'Fun' by Sharam f. /Anousheh
This is a bittersweet track about reflecting on happier times with someone you used to date. They've since moved on from you, while you're still plagued by thoughts and dreams of them, and people constantly asking about them. It's painful, but you find some solace in remembering the good ol' days.
9. 'One Last Time' by Ariana Grande
Not only is this tearjerker super relatable for anyone who's missed an ex, we also ranked it No. 3 of Ariana's biggest hits ever. This song expresses the desire to spend just one more moment with the one who got away. With an ex having moved on, the pop star pleads to be with her former love "one last time."
10. 'Miss You' by Aaliyah
This song slipped a bit under the radar for the late R&B star, outshined by her bigger singles. Regardless, this one is, by far, our all-time favorite. Straight from the heart, the brunette beauty sings about wondering what a special ex is up to, and how they still have her heart all this time later. Released as the first single off her final album, which followed her tragic 2001 death, this tearful track pulls at the heartstrings like no other.
11. 'I Never Told You' by Colbie Caillat
If you've ever held back your true feelings about someone, only to miss them terribly now that they've moved on, this song is for you. The singer croons about wishing she could do it all over again and tell a person how she really feels, but is instead just left with a bunch of longing emotions.
Need the sorrowful songs handy as your tissue box? Check out our playlist of most of the above tracks below:
Are you on the hunt for one anthem in particular? THIS is the breakup song you should listen to, based on your zodiac sign.