Love triangles have inspired some of the most popular and heart-wrenching songs ever written.
Whether you’re pining for a lost love or trying to make sense of complicated emotions, there is something about a love triangle dynamic that can stir powerful feelings.
In this post, we will explore some of the most famous songs about love triangles of all time, from classic tracks to modern hits.
Get ready for a musical journey.
1. Hard to Handle by The Black Crowes
“Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes is a classic song about a messy love triangle.
In it, the narrator faces two lovers who both want his affections. The catch?
He can’t decide which one he wants – they have something unique, and he’s having difficulty deciding.
Ultimately, the narrator has to realize that he should never try to have it all at once and that in life, there are choices, no matter how difficult they may be.
2. You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
“You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift is a song about love triangles and the emotions that come with it.
The song illustrates the experience of a young woman’s understanding that she can never change her crush’s feelings for someone else despite knowing they would be better off together.
3. I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge
“I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge is a song about the struggles of love triangles.
It tells the story of a woman caught between two men trying to win her affection.
She’s emotionally torn trying to figure out who she loves more and ultimately decides to end it all and choose for herself before it gets too complicated.
4. Does He Love You by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis
“Does He Love You” by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis is an iconic love triangle ballad.
It tells the story of a woman who discovers her husband’s affair and struggles to deal with her heartbreak.
She wonders if he loves his mistress as much as he says he loves her.
5. Beautiful Liar by Beyoncé & Shakira
“Beautiful Liar” by Beyoncé and Shakira is a song about love triangles. It explores the idea that sometimes, the people we love can deceive us or even deceive each other without knowing it.
The lyrics tell the story of two women who unknowingly share the same man and are trying to keep their relationship secret from one another.
6. She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
“She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 is a heartfelt ballad that speaks to the heartache of love triangle relationships.
The song paints a vivid picture of unrequited love and the pain experienced by someone who is not the object of someone else’s affection.
Lyrics such as “Beauty queen of only eighteen, she had some trouble with herself” hint at the emotional turbulence one can experience when stuck in a love triangle.
7. The Math of Love Triangles by Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Cast
The Math of Love Triangles by the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Cast is a song about the complexities that often come with being in a love triangle.
It cleverly uses math equations to point out how difficult it can be to reconcile feelings of jealousy and hurt for all parties involved and determine if someone is “the one” for you.
8. Cardigan by Taylor Swift
“Cardigan” by Taylor Swift is a beautiful yet sad song about love triangles.
The lyrics take us through the emotional journey of being in such a difficult situation and trying to escape it.
The song emphasizes the conflicting feelings that come from loving someone else and wanting to be with them but ultimately deciding to stay with who she loved before.
9. Betty by Taylor Swift
“Betty” by Taylor Swift is about a love triangle between three high schoolers: Betty, James, and Inez.
The song follows Betty’s perspective as she reflects on the complicated relationships between all three.
Betty feels guilty for falling in love with James while he was still with Inez and expresses her longing to make things right between them.
10. August by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s song “August” tells the story of a complicated love triangle between two people, and Taylor serves as an outside observer.
She sings about how difficult it can be to watch this situation unfold without being able to help.
The chorus expresses her desperation for them to resolve their issues and move on with their lives while recognizing that she can’t force them to do anything they don’t want.
11. Better Days by Graham Nash
“Better Days” by Graham Nash is a timeless classic about the complexities of love triangles.
In the song, Nash explores the conflict between wanting to find happiness with someone else and trying to accept that it may not be possible.
Through sensitive and poetic lyrics, he captures the sadness and frustration of being trapped in an impossible situation.
12. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order
“Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order is a classic song about complicated love triangles.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who has an ongoing and challenging relationship with two women he loves, and he’s torn between them.
The song perfectly captures the unique emotions of being in a strange love triangle: confusion, overwhelming feelings, guilt, longing, and sadness.
13. You Make Me Wanna… by Usher
“You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher is a popular song about complicated love triangles.
It speaks to the feeling of being caught between two people and how difficult choosing one over the other can be.
This song shows that life’s decisions are not always easy or obvious but that sometimes we must take a chance and hope for the best outcome.
14. The Other Woman by Lana Del Rey
“The Other Woman” by Lana Del Rey is a song about the complexities of love triangles.
In the song, Lana paints a picture of how painful and complicated it can be to love someone already in a relationship with somebody else.
Her lyrics convey longing, betrayal, regret, and guilt as she struggles with conflicting emotions for that person.
15. Treat You Better by Shawn Mendez
The famous song “Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes speaks to the complicated nature of love triangles and how it can take a toll on everyone involved.
The song reflects how individuals in one-sided relationships often remain in that relationship despite knowing they deserve better.
16. Leave Your Lover by Sam Smith
“Leave Your Lover” by Sam Smith is a deeply emotional song about a complicated love triangle.
In the song, Sam Smith sings of their internal battle as they consider leaving one lover for another.
The lyrics convey tension and guilt while still longing for something more.
17. The Other Girl by Kelsea Ballerini & Halsey
The Other Girl by Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey is a song about a love triangle where two women are in love with the same man.
The chorus talks about both sides’ emotions as one sings, “We can love each other like the devil loves temptation / But not enough for us to share this man.”
The verses focus more on how each woman deals with their situation as they “see his shadow run around with her everywhere” they go.
18. The Fool by Lee Ann Womack
“The Fool” by Lee Ann Womack is a classic country song about the pain of being caught in a love triangle.
The song follows one person’s perspective as they struggle to accept that their partner has been unfaithful and is now in love with someone else.
19. One Love At A Time by Tanya Tucker
“One Love At A Time” by Tanya Tucker is a classic country song about the difficulties of simultaneously being in love with two people.
It tells the heartbreaking story of a woman torn between two men whom she loves deeply.
She wishes she could find a way to make them both happy, but she knows it’s not possible, so instead, she promises to give her love “one love at a time.”
20. Famous Blue Raincoat by Leonard Cohen
“Famous Blue Raincoat” is a timeless classic from Leonard Cohen, telling the story of a complex love triangle gone wrong.
The song conveys a sense of sadness and remorse on the narrator’s part as he realizes that nothing can be done to fix his broken relationship.
21. Dilemma by Nelly & Kelly Rowland
“Dilemma” by Nelly & Kelly Rowland is a song about the complexities of love triangles.
The lyrics vividly show how hard it can be to decide when faced with two people vying for your affection.
22. Same Girl by Usher & R. Kelly
“Same Girl” by Usher and R. Kelly is a song about a love triangle and the complex emotions that come with it.
The two singers sing of their shared affection for the same girl, namely, how they both feel intense emotions towards her but cannot have her exclusively.
They express how painful it can be to share someone’s love with another person, no matter what kind of arrangement is in place.
23. Ghostin by Ariana Grande
“Ghostin” by Ariana Grande is a powerful yet melancholy track that details the emotional turmoil of being in love with someone, even while knowing they still love another.
The track is about her previous relationship with Mac Miller, her current one with Pete Davidson, and how she dealt with the conflicting emotions.
24. Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield is a song about feeling the emotion of jealousy. It tells the story of a young man in love with his best friend’s girlfriend, Jessie.
The track sums up many of the feelings often experienced within a love triangle: frustration, hurt, longing, and regret, and it makes for an emotionally charged listening experience.
25. Love Triangle by RaeLynn
“Love Triangle” by RaeLynn is a country pop anthem about the struggle of navigating the complicated emotions associated with an ongoing love triangle.
Through her lyrics, Raelynn conveys the feelings experienced when your path gets crossed and you are stuck between two people you care about.
FAQs
What are the love triangle songs by Taylor Swift?
Taylor Swift has long been known for her iconic love triangle songs, which often feature the story of a romantic interest being caught between two love interests.
Her songs often paint an intricate picture of complicated relationships and unrequited love, with hits like “Love Story,” “You Belong With Me,” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” being some of her most famous releases.
Themes such as betrayal, jealousy, and heartbreak are explored in her music, all of which help make up the unique and powerful sound of Taylor Swift’s music.
Are love triangles good or bad?
Love triangles can be good or bad, depending on their appearance.
On one hand, if two people in a relationship are open and honest with each other about their feelings for someone else, it can help create a deeper connection and trust between the partners.
On the other hand, if one partner isn’t honest or is secretly seeing multiple people, it can lead to mistrust and jealousy and ultimately hurt all parties involved.
Are love triangles common in real life?
Love triangles are a common trope within romantic fiction, but it’s not particularly common in real life.
In most cases, two people may be attracted to each other, and then a third person enters the equation.
In many cases, the third person will help to change the dynamics of the relationship by introducing new feelings or emotions into it, but this is not a frequent occurrence in reality.
While some people might find themselves drawn to more than one person at once, it is rare for them to act on their impulses as this could have severe repercussions on everyone involved.
What is a love triangle relationship?
A love triangle is a type of romantic relationship between three people. It usually involves two people who are attracted to each other but also have feelings for a third person.
This creates a complicated situation as all three individuals may struggle with their emotions and feelings towards each other, not knowing which direction to take or who to choose.
This often leads to high tension and drama within the relationship, making it difficult for any two individuals in the triangle to communicate openly and honestly without fear of hurting someone else.
Why do I like love triangles so much?
You love love triangles because they represent the complicated dynamics in relationships.
Love triangles often show that no matter what, there will be competing interests and feelings between people, especially those in a romantic relationship.
Am I in a love triangle?
If you ask, “Am I in a love triangle?” you will likely feel overwhelmed or confused about the relationship dynamics.
Love triangles happen when two people feel for one person, but only one reciprocates.
If this is the case, you may need to talk with each person involved and honestly state your feelings.
Is a romantic killer a love triangle?
A romantic killer is not a love triangle.
A love triangle typically refers to a situation where three people are in an intimate relationship, and the relationship between the three is complicated due to emotional or sexual feelings between two individuals.
How do you escape a love triangle?
Escaping a love triangle can be difficult, but it’s possible. The first step is to break communication with the other person in the triangle.
It would be best if you didn’t feel guilty for doing this. You are protecting yourself and your relationship.
Next, if you have feelings for either of them, it’s time to honestly address them and find out why you’re attracted to them.
Once you understand your emotions, deciding how best to move forward will be easier.
Focusing on your partner and re-establishing trust is also essential.
Conclusion
The songs above are just a few examples of the famous love triangle songs that have been popular over the years.
It’s fun to listen to these and think about our experiences and relationships with others.
Love triangles can be both complex and intriguing, but it’s important to remember that no matter what, communication is key for all parties involved to find peace and understanding.
