Breaking up is hard to do, especially when it means dissolving a marriage. Whether you’re in need of a good cry, reassurance that everything is going to be ok, or an independence anthem, there are many songs about divorce out there that touch upon every stage of the divorce process.
We’ve selected our top ten songs that should be on any divorce playlist. From Stevie Nicks to Gloria Gaynor, these powerhouses know what it feels like to have loved and lost. Grab the tissues and download all of these tracks to help you process the complicated feelings surrounding divorce.
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10 Heartbreaking and Empowering Songs About Divorce for Your Playlist
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Living legend Stevie Nicks says she wrote this gorgeous song while visiting Aspen, Colorado. “Looking out at the Rocky Mountains pondering the avalanche of everything that had come crashing down on us … at that moment, my life truly felt like a landslide in many ways,” shared Nicks.
Favorite Lyrics:
Well, I’ve been ‘fraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m gettin’ older, too
“50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon
Paul Simon, who was no stranger to divorce, wrote and released this song in 1975. His greatest hit talks about finding freedom after the ending of a great romance.
Favorite Lyrics:
You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don’t need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don’t need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free
“You Were Mine” by The Chicks
We dare you to try and get through this one without shedding a few tears. The Chicks released this heartbreaking song about a wife longing for the return of her former husband.
Favorite Lyrics:
I Took Out All The Pictures Of Our Wedding Day
It Was A Time Of Love And Laughter
Happy Ever After
But Even Those Old Pictures Have Begun To Fade
Please Tell Me She’s Not Real
And That You’re Really Coming Home To Stay
“Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor
Who can forget this heartbreak anthem written by Prince? Single life may give you all the freedom you could ever wish for, but sometimes it comes at the cost of loneliness and pining for the one you loved.
Favorite Lyrics:
Since you been gone I can do whatever I want
I can see whomever I choose
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing
I said nothing can take away these blues
‘Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares to you
“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
We can only imagine how many people, post-divorce, have empowered themselves by dancing to this hit by Gloria Gaynor. As the superstar reminds us, you will survive.
Favorite Lyrics:
Go on now, go, walk out the door
Just turn around now
‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore
Weren’t you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye
Do you think I’d crumble
Did you think I’d lay down and die?
Oh no, not I, I will survive
“Better in Time” by Leona Lewis
Time heals all wounds, especially when you have beautiful music like this song from Leona Lewis to comfort you.
Favorite Lyrics:
Thought I couldn’t live without you
It’s going to hurt when it heals too
Oh yeah (It’ll all get better in time)
Even though I really love you
I’m gonna smile because I deserve too
Oh (It’ll all get better in time)
“Let Him Fly” by Patty Griffin
This sweet song about acceptance and letting go has been covered by everyone from The Chicks to Jessica Simpson.
Favorite Lyrics:
Ain’t no talkin’ to this man
Ain’t no pretty other side
Ain’t no way to understand stupid words of pride
It would take an acrobat and I already tried all that
I’m gonna let him fly
“Fix You” by Coldplay
The perfect track for those who have attempted to fix a lover, only to find it was an impossible feat. Chris Martin is said to have written these haunting lyrics for ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow after she lost her father.
Favorite Lyrics:
But high up above or down below
When you are too in love to let it show
Oh but if you never try you’ll never know
Just what you’re worth
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt
No divorce collection is complete without this hit by Bonnie Raitt, describing the realization that she can not force the one she loves to love her back.
Favorite Lyrics:
‘Cause I can’t make you love me if you don’t
You can’t make your heart feel something it won’t
Here in the dark, in these final hours
I will lay down my heart and I’ll feel the power
But you won’t, no you won’t
‘Cause I can’t make you love me, if you don’t
“Starting Over Again” by Dolly Parton
Thank goodness for Dolly and her words of encouragement during all of life’s most turbulent times.
Favorite Lyrics:
Starting over again
Where do you begin
You’ve never been out on your own
Starting over again
Never any end
Did we leave off any of your favorite songs about divorce? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Contents
- 1 10 Heartbreaking and Empowering Songs About Divorce for Your Playlist
- 1.1 “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
- 1.2 “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon
- 1.3 “You Were Mine” by The Chicks
- 1.4 “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor
- 1.5 “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- 1.6 “Better in Time” by Leona Lewis
- 1.7 “Let Him Fly” by Patty Griffin
- 1.8 “Fix You” by Coldplay
- 1.9 “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt
- 1.10 “Starting Over Again” by Dolly Parton
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