Why Listening to Heartbreak Songs Is a Good Idea

Imagine this: You are eating chips with a friend one weekend when all of a sudden he is bopping his head to heartbreak songs, even though you know he is in a fairly stable relationship. With a perplexed expression on your face, you wonder if he is exhibiting some insane psychotic symptoms or if he recently broke up with his girlfriend and has not told you yet.
Let me clarify that not everyone who enjoys breakup music is experiencing a breakup. Actually, these sentimental songs can also appeal to those in committed relationships.
Good breakup music can help one access deep emotions that aren’t necessarily about their romantic relationships. It could also be about personal problems relating to themselves, family, friends, and other bad situations.
However, if blasting songs about moving on is how you cope, there’s no shame in that either. Going through a breakup is difficult, and sometimes the best source of solace is in music.
Heartbreak Songs Are Listened to for Many Reasons
People appear to enjoy listening to heartbreak songs regardless of their relationship status. If that has you feeling perplexed and curious, here are a few explanations as to why heartbreak songs are so popular:
They Offer a Sense of Belonging
This is especially true for avid fans of certain artists like Taylor Swift or the South Korean idol group BTS. While these artists' music genres range from folk to pop, pop rock, and dance craze, each song speaks to a different group of fans.
As a result, they discover a community—online or not—of people who understand them despite not fully knowing what they have been through. The artists' words and feelings expressed in the songs ultimately serve as their source of inspiration.
Music serves as a helpful reminder that you are not alone, as what you’re feeling is a universal experience.
They Help You in Confronting Your Feelings
Sometimes all we need is a good cry and sad songs can help with that. The power of music allows us to access our emotions and take a break from our hectic lives, which is a much-needed release.
Until you hear a song that exquisitely expresses your feelings, you might not even be aware of them. Because of this, you gain a deeper understanding of your innermost feelings and uncover unresolved thoughts just by listening to a song.
When it seems like someone else understands how we feel, it is especially meaningful to connect with our emotions.
They Help in Making Sense of Our Past Experiences
Being drawn to songs about heartbreak does not necessarily indicate that we are in a failing relationship. Sometimes we can relate to the song we are listening to because we have had similar experiences in the past, and the song also helps us understand what happened.
Perhaps it helps you realize why your first love was not the right person for you in the first place. Song lyrics give us a glimpse into the past, causing us to have an "a-ha" moment that profoundly makes us feel seen.
They Inspire to Spark Happiness and Hope
According to a study that was published in the Journal of Aesthetic Education, although listening to depressing music can undoubtedly make individuals feel down, it can also have a positive effect on their mood.
Because it provides a cathartic release that allows you to let go of your negative emotions, it helps people get over heartbreak in a much healthier way.
You can think of sad music as an imagined friend who offers you empathy and support after a loss, assuring you that although today may not be your day, tomorrow might be better.
Best Heartbreak Songs to Listen To

So now you know why people listen to heartbreak songs. If that’s left you yearning for your own playlist of songs, then you’ve come across the right article. Let us give you a short list of excellent tracks to listen to whenever you feel like blasting sad music, whatever your specific reason may be:
“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
This is definitely one of the best feel-good breakup songs out there. Not only does the song remind you that you can truly love yourself and not depend on anyone else, but you can also join in by dancing to the lively melody.
Although the artist's failed marriage served as the main subject of this song, some listeners strongly associate it with empowerment in singledom.
“We’re Good” by Dua Lipa
Have fun with this pop song featuring a trap beat and lyrics about finding peace after a relationship ends, being confident in letting go, trying new things, and wishing your ex-lover well.
It is getting that friendly split that everyone desires. You and your ex are both on good terms. You cannot be angry if they move on, and they will not be upset if you do as well.
“We Are Never Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift
Tune in to this attitude-driven bubblegum pop song! After a breakup, you will undoubtedly want to groove your way through it and let go of all your misery.
This song makes you finally realize how poisonous the cycle has been in your relationship, making you more resolved than ever to never put yourself in that awful situation again (especially if they often roll their eyes at you when you share your interests).
“Take a Bow” by Rihanna
This is a sarcastic way of telling your ex to "take a bow" for all the betrayal and hurt they caused you, which they probably deserve a Grammy award for.
Although your ex has apologized and wishes to contact you again, this song reminds you not to give them another chance. Best believe they’re only sorry because you caught them cheating... again.
“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
Want a breakup song that will make you scream at the top of your lungs? This is the perfect pick. One can sense the artist's relief from the break, and each time the chorus hits, she keeps proclaiming her newfound freedom.
When you finally decide to end a relationship, this song surely gives you more confidence and makes you happier.
If the wound is still fresh and you’ve been recently feeling more than a bit depressed after a relationship breakup, we’re sending tight virtual hugs your way. You’re not alone in how you feel.
Recognize that heartbreak songs are emotional exercises that provide secure, regulated spaces for us to experience sadness and help us prepare to open our doors to love soon. Our matchmaking services will always be open for you whenever you are ready.
Shah, M. (2023). “Why do sad songs make us feel better?”. Harper’s Bazaar.
https://www.harpersbazaar.in/culture/story/why-do-sad-songs-make-us-feel-better-715630-2023-11-23