20 Songs About Divorce

Ever had a playlist so powerfully resonate that it feels like the lyrics are voicing your deepest, most tangled emotions? Here’s a specially curated list of 20 songs about divorce. They are diverse and beautiful, painful and hopeful.

Through the harmonious melodies and soul-stirring lyrics, you may just find your own story being sung back to you, providing solace, companionship, and perhaps even the closure you seek. Tune in and let these melodies help guide your journey towards healing.

1. “Because Of You” by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson opens a window to her soul in “Because of You”. Singing about the enduring emotional scars from her parents’ divorce, she voices the fear of abandonment she continues to struggle with. The potent lyrics suggest a pointed criticism of her parents’ divorce, accusing them of being selfish and not realizing the deep psychological impact it had on her.

2. “Give It Away” by George Strait

George Strait’s “Give It Away” tells the heart-wrenching story of a man blindsided by his wife’s decision to walk away from their marriage. As she leaves him behind, she also refuses to take anything with her—not the wedding ring, not their shared home, nor the rights she’s entitled to in a divorce. Left alone and emotionally gutted, the protagonist reels from the shocking, abrupt change.

3. “Better In Time” by Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis’s “Better in Time” gives voice to a woman grappling with the painful aftermath of a separation. Despite her lingering love for the man she has left, she remains optimistic that time will heal her emotional wounds. The song captures her resilience, her willingness to learn how to love again, and her belief that a brighter future awaits.

4. “Burn” by Usher

Usher’s “Burn” paints a vivid picture of a man consumed by the desolation of choosing to part ways with the woman he still loves. He recognizes the toxicity of their relationship and decides to sever the bond for their mutual benefit. It’s a painful decision, but he knows it’s essential to prevent more damage.

5. “Broken Home” by 5 Seconds of Summer

“Broken Home” is one of the songs about divorce that best describes the pain of a child when he learns that his parents are separating for good. The song describes the fights and frustrations that led his parents to divorce. The child feels the same or worse than his parents when he realizes that his family is broken forever.

6. “He Didn’t Have To Be” by Brad Paisley

“He Didn’t Have To Be” describes the feelings of a boy whose parents are separated. This heartfelt song talks about his mother’s fear of finding love again as a single mother. But when her boyfriend proposes and steps into the shoes of a father, the young boy feels a wave of gratitude and acceptance.

7. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

“I Will Survive” depicts a strong woman who has made it through a separation with dignity. When her ex-partner reappears, she is unflinching, sending him away with resolute strength. The journey was hard, but she stands tall, ready to love again.

8. “Ms. Jackson” by OutKast

“Ms. Jackson” is one of those songs about divorce that best describes this circumstance. The lyrics talk about the elements of divorce: legal fights, claims, confusions. The song talks about how a harmonious love relationship turned into a hostile equation that is best ended forever for everyone’s sake.

9. “Gonna Get Over You” by Sara Bareilles

“Gonna Get Over You” narrates the emotional turmoil of a woman choosing to part ways despite the pain. Sara Bareilles portrays the protagonist’s emotional struggle, but she also portrays the glimmer of hope for a brighter future. Though fraught with fear about her uncertain future, she is determined to forge her own path, free from a love that no longer nurtures her.

10. “I Cried All The Way To The Bank” by Norma Jean

Norma Jean’s “I Cried All The Way To The Bank” tells the tale of a woman who comes into a fortune following a recent separation. Although she weeps on her way to the bank, this tale suggests a complicated emotional journey, balancing the pain of heartbreak with the unexpected financial gain.

11. “Cautious Man” by Bruce Springsteen

“Cautious Man” spins a tale of a man’s infidelity towards his wife, recounting an illicit affair that unfolds in parallel with his marriage. However, Springsteen leaves us hanging in suspense, questioning whether the infidelity occurred in reality or was merely the byproduct of a haunting nightmare.

12. “Never Ever Getting Back Together Again” by Taylor Swift

What’s a list of songs about breakups without a Taylor Swift song? “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” portrays a tumultuous relationship marked by endless quarrels and patch-ups. Swift takes a strong stand, yearning for a clean break to restore peace in her life, highlighting the importance of self-love and self-respect.

13. “One Way Ticket” by LeAnn Rimes

“One Way Ticket” is one of the most hopeful songs about divorce for those going through a definitive love breakup. The protagonist of the song is a woman who has just separated and is determined to start over in life. She has left the past behind and faces the future with enthusiasm knowing that everything will be okay.

14. “Alimony” by Weird Al Yankovic

“Alimony” is one of the songs about divorce that best describes the unpleasant part of this legal process. The lyrics put the focus on alimony, debts, lawyers, and all the money involved in a divorce. The man who stars in this song feels overwhelmed by his situation and just wants it all to be over.

15. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” is a big hit that really digs deep into the tough stuff. It’s about a hard breakup, where love is strong but hurts a lot. Even though the relationship was bad, she admits she can’t completely let go. This song hit the charts big time and connected with a lot of people because it was so real and raw.

16. “So What” by Pink

Pink’s anthem, “So What” is a tune that embraces the aftermath of a split. With a powerful punch of ‘I’m still a rockstar,’ it speaks to the inner strength and the personal power surge that follows heartbreak. It was a big hit because it’s all about thriving after a divorce.

17. “D-I-V-O-R-C-E ” by Tammy Wynette

In “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”, Tammy Wynette pours out the heartache of a couple with a young son going through a separation. Despite love for his wife and son, he concludes that parting ways is the right move for everyone. It’s a classic that tugs at the heartstrings.

18. “Family Portrait” by Pink

“Family Portrait” by Pink dives deep into the perspective of a child stuck in the middle of a divorce. With constant fights echoing in her ears, the little girl falsely believes that she could keep her dad home if she was better. This song will strike a chord with any kid who’s been there.

19. “You Learn” by Alanis Morissette

20. “50 Ways To Say Goodbye” by Train

Train’s “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” paints a vivid picture of a man grappling with a difficult separation. Lost and still in love, he’s stumbling over words when friends ask about her. It’s a song that encapsulates the struggle of saying goodbye when you’re not ready yet.

Conclusion

These tracks put divorce in the spotlight, touching on all the emotions that come with such a painful event. They hit home, especially the ones about the impact of a breakup on kids. These songs echo the reality of divorce – the pain, the growth, the new beginnings – and serve as a soundtrack for those going through the same.