20 Songs About Divorced Parents

These songs offer a unique perspective on the challenges and emotions that children of divorce may face, and they can provide comfort and understanding to anyone who has gone through a similar experience. 

Whether you’re looking for a way to relate to your own feelings about your parents’ divorce or you simply want to understand the experience of others, these 20 songs about divorced parents are a great place to start.

1. “Family Portrait” by Pink

“Family Portrait” is a ballad that reflects on the breakdown of Pink’s parents’ marriage and the impact it had on her as a child.

The song’s lyrics describe the pain and sadness that Pink experienced as a result of her parents’ separation, and how she coped with the situation by pretending that everything was okay. The song also touches on themes of family, love, and forgiveness.

2. “Confessions of a Broken Heart (Daughter to Father)” by Lindsay Lohan

“Confessions of a Broken Heart (Daughter to Father)” is a mid-tempo ballad that tells the story of Lohan’s tumultuous relationship with her father.

The song’s lyrics describe the pain and frustration that Lohan experienced as a result of her father’s infidelity and addiction, and how she struggled to come to terms with the situation.

3. “Broken Home” by Papa Roach

“Broken Home” is a song by the American rock band Papa Roach. It was released in 2001 as the second single from the band’s second studio album, “Infest.” The song is about his tumultuous relationship with his father and the difficulties he faced growing up in a broken home.

Its hard-hitting rock sound and emotive lyrics helped it become a fan favorite and it remains one of the band’s most popular songs to this day.

4. “Mockingbird” by Eminem

“Mockingbird” is a song by American rapper Eminem, released in 2005 on his fifth studio album “Encore.” The song is a personal ballad in which Eminem reflects on the difficulties he has faced in his life and how he has tried to be a good father to his daughter, Hailie, despite the challenges he has faced.

In the song, Eminem apologizes to his daughter for the mistakes he has made and the pain he has caused her and vows to always be there for her. 

5. “Love Triangle” by RaeLynn

This next song tells the story of a young woman who is stuck in a love triangle between her husband and her first love. “Love Triangle” is a song by American country singer RaeLynn.

It was released in 2016 as the lead single from her debut studio album, WildHorse. The song’s lyrics explore the emotions and conflicts that arise when someone finds themselves torn between two people they care about deeply.

6. “Secondhand Smoke” by Kelsea Ballerini

In the song, the narrator reflects on how the emotional abuse and manipulation they experienced in a past relationship continues to affect them, even though they are no longer in that relationship.

“Secondhand Smoke” is a song by Kelsea Ballerini, released in 2015. The song is about her parents’ divorce and how it affected her.

7. “Alimony” by Weird Al Yankovic

This song is humorous and tongue-in-cheek, with lyrics that playfully poke fun at the situation. In the song, the narrator complains about the financial burden of alimony and laments the end of his relationship.

Despite its light-hearted tone, the song touches on some of the real frustrations and difficulties that can come with divorce and the process of dividing assets and responsibilities.

8. “Close My Eyes” by Mariah Carey

The lyrics of “Close My Eyes” talk about a child’s struggles with the divorce of her parents. The lyrics of “Close My Eyes” talk about the narrator’s desire to escape from the stress and pressure of everyday life and find solace in her memories and imagination.

She sings about longing to close her eyes and drift away to a place where she can find peace and happiness.

9. “Older” by Sasha Sloan

Musically, “Older” is a pop ballad with a simple piano melody and emotionally charged vocals. The song has received positive reviews for its relatable and introspective lyrics, and has become a fan favorite for many listeners. The lyrics will resonate with anyone who has ever dealt with a broken home.

10. “Posthumous Forgiveness” by Tame Impala

The lyrics of “Posthumous Forgiveness” explore the theme of forgiveness, as the narrator reflects on the mistakes and regrets of his father.

It is a song by Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala, released on their fourth studio album, The Slow Rush. The album was released in 2020.

11. “Stay Together For The Kids” by Blink 182

The song’s title refers to the idea that parents may choose to stay together for the benefit of their children, even if their relationship is not fulfilling or healthy for themselves.

“Stay Together for the Kids” is a pop punk ballad with a catchy, upbeat melody and emotionally charged vocals. The song has received positive reviews for its relatable and poignant lyrics, and has become a fan favorite for many listeners.

12. “Take It On The Run” by REO Speedwagon

The lyrics of “Take It on the Run” describe a narrator who has been betrayed by someone he loved and is now seeking escape and freedom.

The song’s title could be interpreted as a metaphor for the narrator’s decision to leave the relationship and move on, rather than facing further pain and disappointment.

13. “Ms. Jackson” by OutKast

Ms. Jackson” is a hip hop ballad with a smooth, funky production and catchy, sing-along chorus. The lyrics of “Ms. Jackson” explore the theme of relationship drama and the impact of broken trust on families.

The song has received positive reviews for its catchy, radio-friendly sound and relatable lyrics, and has become a fan favorite for many listeners. 

14. “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA

The Winner Takes It All” is a pop ballad with a sweeping, emotive melody and powerful vocals. The lyrics of “The Winner Takes It All” describe the aftermath of a breakup or divorce. It’s considered one of ABBA’s most iconic hits.

15. “Cautious Man” by Bruce Springsteen

“Cautious Man” describe the narrator’s struggle with guilt and regret, as he reflects on the choices he has made in his life and the mistakes he has made.

The song’s title could be interpreted as a metaphor for the narrator’s cautious, guarded approach to life and relationships, as he tries to avoid making the same mistakes again.

16. “This Is How It Feels” by Inspiral Carpets

Mentioning problematic parents in the lyrics, the song is more generally about the desire to escape from the monotony and constraints of everyday life and find freedom and fulfillment.

“This Is How It Feels” is a upbeat indie rock song with a catchy, danceable beat and emotive vocals. You can still stream it on all music platforms out there.

17. “Starting Over Again” by Dolly Parton

The lyrics of “Starting Over Again” describe the narrator’s struggle with the end of a relationship and the pain of moving on.

“Starting Over Again” is a ballad about the pain of a failed relationship and the hope of starting over again with someone new. You can find it on her Dolly, Dolly, Dolly album.

18. “Misunderstanding” by Genesis

The song is an uptempo, keyboard-driven track with a catchy, memorable melody. It features Phil Collins on lead vocals and explores the theme of misunderstandings in relationships.

The lyrics describe a person who is struggling to understand the actions and intentions of their partner, and the confusion and frustration that can arise as a result. Despite its upbeat sound, the song addresses a serious and universal theme that many people can relate to.

19. “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Tammy Wynette

“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” is a poignant and emotional ballad about the pain of divorce and the difficult process of moving on from a failed marriage.

The song’s catchy and memorable chorus, in which Wynette sings the word “divorce” using each letter as a syllable, has become iconic and has helped to make the song a classic in the country music canon.

20. “Too Hurt to Dance” by Duffy 

The lyrics of “Too Hurt to Dance” explore the theme of heartbreak and the pain of a failed relationship. The narrator of the song describes feeling too hurt and devastated to even dance, and the song conveys the sense of raw emotion and vulnerability that often comes with the end of a love affair.

Despite the sad subject matter, the song has a catchy and upbeat melody, making it a popular choice for fans of Duffy’s music.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, divorce can be a difficult and emotional experience for all involved, and this is often reflected in popular music. The songs on this list, ranging from classic hits to more recent releases, all explore the theme of divorced parents in different ways.

Whether you’re looking for a way to process your own feelings about your parents’ divorce or simply want to connect with others through music, these 20 songs are sure to provide comfort and support.