102 Songs for Leaving a Lover

When Love Is Gone

Lovers stray. Romance grows cold. Trust is shattered. Sometimes two people simply grow in different directions. If the passion that began as goo-goo eyes and sexy kisses has disintegrated into a pattern of angry accusations, arguments, and the silent treatment, then it may be time to move on.

Breakups can be angry door slamming confrontations or sorrowful acknowledgments that this is just not working for either partner. Whatever the case, find a song to see you on your way or make an entire kiss-off playlist of pop, rock, country, and R&B songs to leave your lover to. We have a long list to start you out with!

1. "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé

In this iconic pop song from 2006, Queen Bey's narrator tells her cheating lover to take his stuff and get the hell out. Cold as ice, she directs the loser to keep his hands off what she paid for.

To the left, to the left
Everything you own in the box to the left
To the left, to the left
Don't you ever for a second get to thinking
You're irreplaceable…

There's not an ounce of regret here. Take notes. This is how you kick a cheating lover to the curb.

2. "Say Something" by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera

Not all breakups are angry, door slamming screaming matches. Some are regretful decisions of last resort. The woman in this 2013 pop track leaves her lover because she’s had enough, yet she plaintively appeals for him to utter some kind of statement —anything—that would change her mind. Sadly, he's not up to the task.

3. "My Give a Damn's Busted" by Jo Dee Messina

What do you tell your lying, no good lover who is up to his old tricks again? If you're the narrator in this 2005 country ditty, then you tell him that you're done, no do-over.

This brassy lady describes how it just doesn't matter what her man does any longer. He can't change her mind. Whether he apologizes, cries and makes excuses, or blames someone else, she's just not feeling the sympathy. Her give a damn is busted. Is yours?

4. "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon

Paul Simon wrote this well-recognized 1975 rock release after a after a divorce from his first wife, and it was his only number one hit. The song describes a woman who is encouraging her lover to leave by suggesting various ways he might do so:

Just slip out the back, Jack, make a new plan, Stan
Don't need to be coy, Roy, just listen to me
Hop on the bus, Gus, don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee, and get yourself free.

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5. "Already Gone" by Kelly Clarkson

The woman in this 2009 pop song acknowledges that she and her partner were never meant to be. They once shared built a relationship filled with such promise. However, poison has infiltrated their love affair, and now she has concluded that somebody has to go. She has decided to move on.

6. "Leave (Get Out)" by JoJo

The woman in this 2004 pop tune tosses her significant other out of the door on his ear. She has been waiting all evening for her boyfriend, but when he finally shows up it's evident that he's been unfaithful. The narrator can't wait for him to be gone. He has lied, cheated, mistreated her, and wasted her time. Don't let the door hit you in the rear, dear. This relationship is history.

7. "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi

Ah, this 1986 song is from the glory days of '80s hair metal music. With more than a sting of resentment, the protagonist tells his estranged girlfriend that when it comes to love, she's false advertising. She plays the role of an innocent, but her love is lethal, like a loaded gun. It's the perfect way to tell a partner you're leaving that they damage everything they touch (plus, the breakup is all their fault):

Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
Darlin', you give love a bad name
An angel's smile is what you sell
You promise me heaven, then put me through hell.

Cue the footsteps and the closing door. This is you walking away.

8. "You've Got Five Minutes" by Lorrie Morgan

Fed up to her blond highlights with being neglected, the fiesty lady in this 1990 country single has her suitcases packed and waiting by the door. She's given the man in her life an ultimatum. Now he has five minutes to tell her what she wants to hear, five minutes to change her mind, else that gal is outta here. The taxi's been called and it's on the way. Almost single!

9. "Problem" by Ariana Grande (Featuring Iggy Azalea)

Perhaps it's the mere thought of your lover that you cherish more than their actual presence. They make your heart skip a beat, but they're no good for you. If so, be on your way and use this contagious 2014 pop track to let them know that you're giving them up like the bad habit that they are.

Have fun letting them know, "I got one less problem without ya" by letting Ariana and Iggy be your messengers:

I got ninety-nine problems
But you won't be one.

10. "Happier" by Marshmello (Featuring Bastille)

On some level, most people realize when a relationship has run its course. Knowing what to do about it is the more daunting task. Should you try to save it or go your separate ways?

This poignant 2019 pop song about an unraveling love affair was an international favorite. The narrator mourns an unhealthy relationship that has deteriorated with to a mere flicker because of constant conflict. Although he loves his sweetheart, he knows there are some words between them that can never be unsaid.

The man realizes that his partner will be happier without him. They both will, to be honest. This is the beginning of the end for them as a couple, but perhaps they'll be friends one day.

Know that means I'll have to leave
Lately, I've been, I've been thinking
I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier
So I'll go, I'll go.

11. "You'll Think of Me" by Keith Urban

It's 4 a.m., and the man in this contemplative country/pop crossover hit from 2004 cannot sleep. His lover's infidelity is crushing and too much to take. He demands that she leave. As he lists all the things that she should take with her—from her records to her cat—the narrator asserts that he'll be fine. He predicts, however, that she will one day be haunted with memories of him and thoughts of what might have been.

12. "Miss Movin' On" by Fifth Harmony

Resolving never to be that sad, broken girl again, the narrator in this 2013 pop release has had enough. After hitting rock bottom, she's now breaking free from this dysfunctional relationship:

My innocence is wearing thin
But my heart is growing strong
So call me, call me, call me
Miss movin' on, oh oh oh.

13. "Baby Bye Bye" by Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

Their love was once like the morning sun, bright and clear, but now the narrator in this enthusiastic 2015 R&B-tinged song is ready to be on his way. Although they have good memories together of laughing and talking, their passion died on the vine. This relationship ends in a whimper instead of a bang in spite of what the video portrays.

14. "I Can't Do This" by K. MIchelle

Thank goodness that the woman in this 2010 R&B tune is finally conceding defeat and ready to walk away from her unhealthy dating relationship. The couple has been caught in a desperate cycle of overeager attempts to please, bad behavior, then begging for forgiveness. She plays the victim while he drinks too much and womanizes. Not a great mix.

As she throws her hands up in distress, she tells him:

Know I love you
And I care about you
But you keep hurting me and I keep forgiving you
I just can't do this
Boy, I just can't do this.

Okay, girl, just turn around and walk. You got this.

15. "Apologize" by Timbaland (Featuring OneRepublic)

For some betrayals, "sorry" just won't cut it. Everyone has their personal limits when it comes to love. Where do you draw your "red line"? This 2007 R&B ditty was an international chart-topper that mournfully describes a lover whose apologies ring hollow. The narrator's trust has been shattered, and he can't risk repeating being deceived again.

16. "I Hope You're Never Happy" by Dolly Parton

To hell with fond farewells and taking the high road. In this 1985 country song, Dolly Parton tells it like it is and offers a swift punch to the gut as she and her honey part company. What could he have done to merit such feelings of reprisal?

I hope you're never happy with anybody but me
And every face you look into, I hope you're haunted by me
Yes, I'm possessive and jealous; at least I speak honestly
I hope you're never happy with anybody but me.

17. "My Life" by Billy Joel

If you've been part of an unhappy relationship for too long and you're tired of taking direction, strike out on your own with this 1978 rock track as your anthem. The narrator expresses his frustration with being told what to do. He's asserting his personal freedom.

Although it could relate to a number of personal circumstances, the song is perfect for a broken romantic relationship:

I don't need you to worry for me 'cause I'm alright
I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home
I don't care what you say anymore this is my life
Go ahead with your own life leave me alone.

18. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" by Pink

Both partners in this faltering relationship have had an unusually bad day, and the woman in this 2012 pop ditty is throwing in the towel (and snapping it at her soon-to-be-ex). She describes the emotional desperation that has led her up to this point in their relationship no return. Now she's walking away from their love-turned-toxic: