Divorce can be challenging, but music can help you heal. Check out our list of the top songs about divorce to help you through this difficult time.
#1. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” — Phil Collins
“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” by Phil Collins is an iconic song about divorce and the strength it takes to carry on no matter what stands in your way.
This soulful ballad speaks to the strength of the human spirit and how you can rise above any challenge that life throws you despite all odds.
It’s a reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, there’s always hope, even when everything is against you.
A powerful sentiment for anyone who’s been through a tough breakup or failed relationship, this song provides solace and understanding as it uplifts its listeners with its strong message of resilience in the face of adversity.
#2. “The Great Divide” – Neil Young
The Great Divide by Neil Young is an emotional ballad about divorce and its impact on a person’s life.
The song’s chorus captures this event’s positive yet heartbreaking aspects: “There’s a great divide between us, and I don’t know what to do. I know I love you, but I must go away.”
Young conveys the despair and hopes that often accompany divorce in one line.
The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery of two lives being ripped apart by this tragedy: “Rivers flow, they twist and turn/ And every time we try to learn/ We find ourselves back at the great divide today.”
Young powerfully expresses how even when things seem to be alright in our lives, they can suddenly be changed by something like a divorce, often quite drastically.
#3. “Easy On Me” — Adele
“Easy On Me” by Adele is a heartbreakingly beautiful song about heartache and the end of a relationship.
The chorus is hauntingly poetic as Adele gently reminds us to “go easy on me. I’m only human, after all”.
With an emotionally charged acoustic guitar melody in the background and her powerful vocals, she brings us closer to understanding the difficulty of letting go.
Her lyrics are perfectly crafted to reflect the struggles of dealing with loss and pain after divorce, capturing those feelings in a genuinely raw and honest way.
#4. “Before You Go” — Lewis Capaldi
“Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi is a heartrending song that captures the pain of divorce in a way that will make you feel understood.
It follows the story of someone who left after their partner gave up on the relationship. It expresses the emotional whirlpool they must go through as they prepare to say goodbye.
The lyrics are filled with regret, confusion, and sadness, punctuated by Capaldi’s raw, expressive voice that beautifully conveys this loss.
Whether you have experienced divorce yourself or not, this song will leave an impact on anyone who listens to it.
#5. “A Little Bit Stronger” — Sara Evans
“A Little Bit Stronger” by Sara Evans is a powerful and motivational anthem for anyone who has experienced heartache or loss.
It chronicles the journey of overcoming tough times with the help of friends and family.
The main message behind it is that although one may feel broken, one can still be strong and that there is always hope.
The lyrics inspire anyone going through life struggles, encouraging them to keep moving forward despite all odds.
#6. “You Can Go Your Own Way” — Fleetwood Mac
“You Can Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac is the perfect song for those who have gone through a divorce and need to heal.
It encourages you to take control of your life and choose the best path for you – no matter what anyone else says.
The lyrics express the pain of letting go but highlight the freedom that follows when we make decisions with our best interests in mind.
#7. “Black Roses” — Clare Bowen
“Black Roses” by Clare Bowen is a beautiful and passionate song about the pain of divorce.
The lyrics talk about how the love they once had together has wilted away like dead roses. At the same time, its chorus celebrates the resilience of both partners.
They will still bloom like black roses from the ashes of their love.
This expressive piece speaks to those going through a divorce and anyone who has suffered a significant loss and feels like everything is slipping away.
#8. “Really Don’t Care” — Demi Lovato, Cher Lloyd
“Really Don’t Care” by Demi Lovato and Cher Lloyd is a pop/dance-style song that emphasizes the right to choose who you want to be with and move on even after going through a divorce.
Its empowering lyrics, such as “gonna do my own thing now,” encourage those experiencing divorce to take control of their lives and determine their own path.
The track reflects the liberation and self-worth that comes with taking hold of your life. It speaks words of strength in the face of hardship.
#9. “Love of My Life” — Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez’s song “Love of My Life” speaks to people’s heartache, frustration, and hope in the aftermath of divorce.
She captures the deep emotions of having a parent who suddenly leaves the family home, leaving children feeling unsupported and without a source of security.
The song expresses how deeply the changes can affect loved ones and how we grapple with pain from understanding what was once so familiar is now very different.
#10. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” — Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is a perfect anthem for anyone who has gone through a painful breakup and has no intention of ever reuniting with their ex.
It’s an upbeat, sassy track about the end of a relationship and how Taylor moved on from it quickly and without looking back.
The lyrics are about not giving in to any calls for reconciliation; instead, she’s moving on with her life and “never ever getting back together.”
#11. “Make You Say” — Zedd, Maren Morris, and BEAUZ
“Make You Say” by Zedd, Maren Morris, and BEAUZ is an emotional song about divorced couples.
It gives a very realistic and heartbreaking portrayal of the struggles one can go through while navigating through the pain of separation.
The lyrics are compelling, and the instrumentation helps build up the raw emotion in this track.
The song experiences an honest yet heartbreaking tone that can touch anybody who has ever gone through a difficult divorce.
This track is worth checking out for anyone looking for something to relate to when feeling lost or overwhelmed in life’s sometimes tumultuous journey.
#12. “Abcdefu (nicer)” — GAYLE
GAYLE’s “Abcdefu (nicer)” is a heartfelt, uplifting song about the divorce experience.
It’s a beautiful ode to those who have gone through it and a reminder that even though life can be difficult, there are still moments of joy and beauty.
The lyrics encourage us to move on, choose kindness over bitterness, and embrace hope in heartbreak.
In short, GAYLE’s song offers solace and encouragement for anyone who has experienced or is going through a divorce.
#13. “Roses” — Outkast
“Roses,” by Outkast, is a powerful song about divorce and its aftermath.
The song brings to life the pain of seeing a once-happy relationship go up in smoke. It highlights the difficulty of accepting that things will never be the same again.
The lyrics speak to those going through such a painful period, providing comfort and understanding for what can often feel like an incredibly lonely experience.
#14. “So What” — Pink
“So What” by Pink is an empowering anthem about resilience and finding strength after a divorce.
The lyrics explore the emotions of feeling lost, scared, and uncertain in the wake of such a life-altering event.
It focuses on overcoming these feelings and encourages listeners to believe that “something good will come out of this pain.”
While ultimately being a song about heartache, it is also an uplifting reminder not to give up and leave room for hope.
#15. “Lose You to Love Me” — Selena Gomez
“Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez is all about letting go of a relationship that no longer serves you to find true love and happiness.
The song starts with reminders of the person she has been holding onto for so long and how it is a toxic cycle.
It speaks to the inner voice that we all have, telling us that it’s time to walk away, accept the heartbreak, and move on with our lives.
She concludes the track by saying she has found herself again after experiencing pain through this lost love.
#16. “Since U Been Gone” — Kelly Clarkson
“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson is an empowering anthem about breaking away from a toxic relationship and reclaiming one’s independence.
It speaks to the struggles of moving on from a breakup, channeling the hurt and anger of being taken for granted into a liberating narrative that celebrates freedom.
Despite its lighthearted melodies, this song touches on challenging issues like heartache and loss, making it one of the most memorable divorced songs.
#17. “I’m Still Standing” — Elton John
“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John is an uplifting song about resilience and perseverance in adversity, specifically divorce.
In the song, he expresses his pain over the breakup and his determination to continue despite it all.
He affirms that no matter how difficult life may be, you can survive and thrive if you remain firm in challenging times.
The lyrics remind us that it’s vital to stay standing and not let ourselves be defeated even when life tries to bring us down.
#18. “Honest” — Kyndal Inskeep & Song House
“Honest” by Kyndal Inskeep & Song House is a powerful song about divorce.
It speaks of the truth behind all breakups, how through no fault of their own, two people have to say goodbye and go their separate ways.
The song is emotionally charged, expressing the pain, sadness, and loss that come with any failed love.
Its lyrics capture all of these feelings honestly and compellingly as it tells of how life moves on.
Still, it will take much work and understanding for those left behind to heal from such a deep hurt.
Honest allows us to connect with our heartfelt emotions while reminding us that healing takes time after a breakup.
#19. “You Oughta Know” — Alanis Morissette
“You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette is a powerful anthem about the angst of a failed relationship.
The song speaks to the emotional turmoil caused when someone leaves us, expressing anger, frustration, and hurt.
Through her lyrics, Morissette conveys a sense of betrayal while letting listeners know that it’s ultimately up to them to heal their pain and move on.
#20. “Irreplaceable” — Beyonce
“Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé is a compelling and enduring pop ballad that has been in heavy rotation since its release in 2006.
It describes a failed relationship, with Beyoncé singing from the perspective of a woman who realizes that she should leave her partner for their own good.
The song acknowledges the difficulty of making this decision but emphasizes standing up for yourself.
Through its thoughtful lyrics and catchy hook, “Irreplaceable” sends a strong message about equality, confidence, and strength.
With its uplifting beat and inspiring chorus, it’s no wonder why it remains such an influential hit even after over a decade!
#21. “Stay Together For The Kids” — Blink 182
The song “Stay Together For The Kids” by Blink 182 is about divorced parents and the struggles faced by children whose parents divorced.
It expresses how difficult it can be for children when their parents go through tough times and break up, and the idea that even though they no longer love each other, they should stay together, if only for the kids’ sake.
Often there is little children can do about their parents’ decision to separate.
Yet, this song brings hope to them that Mom and Dad can make things work despite all the difficulties between them.
It serves as a reminder to adults of what’s truly important in life – staying together for the sake of your child.
#22. “Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye
“Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye is an emotionally powerful song about the end of a relationship.
It talks about the pain, anguish, and confusion experienced by two people after their separation.
The lyrics speak of how they no longer appear to recognize each other or acknowledge each other’s presence.
The song tries to grapple with the reality that both parties have been irrevocably changed by divorce, and nothing is left between them.
#23. “Enough” — Charlieonafriday
“Enough” by Charlieonafriday is a heartwarming and emotional song about letting go and moving on after divorce.
The lyrics are about the struggle of accepting the end of a relationship while also recognizing that moving forward is necessary.
The song takes you through the journey of being hurt and feeling like there’s no hope left but ultimately believing you have what it takes to be strong enough to keep going.
#24. “Divorce Separation Blues” — The Avett Brothers
“The Avett Brother’s “Divorce Separation Blues” is a heartfelt song about a couple dealing with the sadness and pain of divorce.
It speaks to the emotional toll this separation takes on both partners, their children, and those around them.
The lyrics candidly capture the heartache of saying goodbye to someone you once loved and the loneliness of starting over alone.
#25. “Exile” — Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver
“Exile” by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver is a beautiful song about divorce.
It’s a dreamy, almost haunting duet that perfectly captures the sadness of two people coming to terms with the end of their relationship.
The lyrics vividly portray two people struggling to cope with their feelings and accept what has been lost.
On an emotional level, it’s heartbreaking and relatable for anyone who has ever gone through a divorce.
But it also serves as a simple reminder that even in such pain and sorrow, there can still be hope for healing and understanding.
#26. “Silver Lining” — Rilo Kiley
“Silver Lining” by Rilo Kiley is a song about overcoming the pain of divorce.
It encourages people to be strong and look for the positive, even in hard times.
The narrator describes her struggles with sadness and self-doubt but ultimately finds solace in the hope of eventually rebuilding her life.
She realizes that while it’s impossible to forget what happened, she can find a way to learn from it and move forward.
#27. “Everybody Hurts” — R.E.M.
“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. is a dynamic song about the pain and heartache felt after a divorce.
It speaks to the individual’s feelings of loneliness, anguish, confusion, and fear, all themes many in a similar situation can relate to.
The song’s lyrics convey a message of resilience, pointing out that everyone experiences this type of pain at some point in their lives, but it won’t last forever.
It encourages people to keep going even when facing tough times.
#28. “Miss You” — Oliver Tree & Robin Schulz
“Miss You” is a poignant collaboration between Oliver Tree and Robin Schulz that delves into the emotional turmoil of divorce.
In this heartfelt song, the artists explore the feelings of longing, regret, and emptiness that accompany the end of a marriage.
The lyrics capture the pain of separation and the yearning to reconnect with a loved one who is no longer present.
#29. “Highway 20 Ride” — Zac Brown Band
“Highway 20 Ride” by Zac Brown Band is a soul-stirring divorced parents song that delves into the struggles and emotions surrounding divorce.
The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a father torn between his responsibilities and the heartache of separation.
The song’s title refers to the long drives on Highway 20 that symbolize the distances he must traverse to spend time with his child.
With heartfelt vocals and a tender melody, Zac Brown Band encapsulates the bittersweet reality of divorce, exploring themes of longing, sacrifice, and the complicated dynamics that arise when a family unit is fractured.
#30. “Because Of You” — Kelly Clarkson
“Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson is a powerful song that delves into the impact of parental divorce on a child’s life.
Clarkson’s emotionally charged vocals express the raw pain and lingering effects of a broken family.
The lyrics reflect the complex emotions of a parental split, including betrayal, confusion, and a struggle to trust in future relationships.
FAQs
Below are faqs related to songs about divorce.
What is the song about being strong after a divorce?
Some popular songs about being strong after a divorce or breakup include “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, and “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson.
Will I ever feel OK after divorce?
Yes, you will eventually feel OK after divorce.
It may take time and effort, but there are many ways to cope with divorce’s emotional and practical challenges and move forward with your life.
Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be helpful, as can focusing on self-care, setting goals, and finding new hobbies or activities to enjoy.
What should I let go of after divorce?
After a divorce, you must release resentment or anger towards your ex-spouse.
It would help to let go of unrealistic expectations or hopes for reconciliation. It’s essential to focus on moving forward and creating a new life for yourself.
Let go of any negative self-talk or self-blame and instead focus on self-care and building a positive future.
What are the emotional feelings of divorce?
Divorce can bring up a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, and confusion.
Some people may feel relief or even excitement about starting a new chapter in their lives. In contrast, others may struggle with feelings of loneliness or guilt.
It’s essential to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist during this difficult time.
Why does it still hurt after divorce?
Breakups, including divorce, can be incredibly painful because they activate the same areas of the brain associated with physical pain.
Additionally, losing a significant relationship can lead to feelings of rejection, loneliness, and a sense of identity loss.
Giving yourself time to grieve and seek support from loved ones or a therapist is essential.
Who struggles more after divorce?
According to research, women tend to struggle more emotionally and financially after divorce. In contrast, men may struggle more with loneliness and social isolation.
However, every individual’s experience is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
Is life better or worse after divorce?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone’s experience with divorce is different.
Some people may find that their life improves after divorce, as they can move on from a difficult or unhappy marriage and start fresh.
Others may struggle with the emotional and financial challenges that come with divorce.
Ultimately, whether life is better or worse after divorce depends on various factors, including the individual’s support system, financial situation, and personal outlook.
What is your biggest regret after a divorce?
The biggest regret after a divorce is often not resolving issues such as finances amicably or fully.
Many couples fail to discuss the financial ramifications of divorce and end up with an unfair settlement, one party burdened with debt, or worse, no money saved for retirement.
Another regret many people have is letting their emotions take the lead instead of finding a resolution with their ex-spouse.
This can lead to prolonged animosity and legal battles that leave both parties exhausted rather than relieved.
