60 Empowering Breakup Songs (To Help You Feel Happy It's Finally Over)
Because better things are coming your way.
Breakups are always tough, no matter how happy or relieved you feel that the relationship is finally over.
Your emotional state is usually in shambles, and it may take a lot of effort to adjust to your new life without the person you once loved and thought you might even spend forever with.
That said, breakups aren't always a bad thing.
Finding release from toxic people and situations can even be empowering, as listening to the best upbeat breakup songs so often reminds us.
Starting over while you're getting over someone may make your life temporarily more chaotic, but that's just a natural part of change; it leads you to better things.
Music has a way of getting straight to the deepest part of ourselves, so good songs to listen to at this time are those that don't drag on about endless tears and depressing thoughts.
Instead of pulling up a playlist that will only leave you wallowing in sadness, the best happy breakup songs may express feelings of regret, but more than that, they celebrate the moment you regain the freedom to live life on your own terms, the exhilaration of being single again, and the realization that you are complete in yourself.
So, get ready to put that smile back on your face!
Here's our playlist of the 60 best empowering breakup songs to help you not only get over someone, but feel genuinely happy again.
1. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
No matter what happens, you must live on. You have to find your own happiness, regardless of it all.
I will survive / Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live / And I've got all my love to give
And I'll survive
2. "Stronger" by Britney Spears
This is one of the best badass breakup songs, and Britney will definitely make you feel stronger after your breakup.
Stronger than yesterday / Now it’s nothing but my way
My loneliness ain’t killing me no more / I’m stronger
Than I ever thought that I could be, baby
3. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
You are so much more than the people you’ve dated. Learn from Taylor Swift: Don’t let your exes get you down.
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play / And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / I shake it off, I shake it off
4. "Dancing With Myself" by Billy Idol
Now’s the time to have fun with yourself. Don’t stop dancing just because you don’t have anyone to dance with. Being single is more fun than you think.
Well, there's nothing to lose / And there's nothing to prove, well
Dancing a-with myself
5. "Tonight I’m Getting Over You" by Carly Rae Jepsen
Get over it and move on, that's the best you can do. It’s the quickest way to get your life back on track.
Tonight I'm getting over / Meditate and do my yo-ger
Then I pull up to the club in a Rover / A Celine bag on my shoulder
I said rr', cock that revolver / Rr' rr' that's that nostal-ger
6. "I Don’t Miss You At All" by Selena Gomez & The Scene
They probably didn’t deserve you anyway, so don’t waste your emotional energy grieving over them. There's so much to live for!
It doesn't hurt / When I think of you
And all the things we'll / Never get to do
I don't dream at night about the way we were
7. "Sinead" by Within Temptation
This song always fills us with the hope that things will work out for the best. You just have to start believing it.
Oh Sinead / For the first time
Love is gonna turn around / I'm telling you
You will like it, I know
8. "Shut Up And Let Me Go" by The Ting Tings
Sometimes you’re ready to move on, but the other person isn’t. Don’t make that your business. It's not your fault if the other person can't let go.
For the last time you will kiss my lips / Now shut up and let me go
9. "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera
This song will remind you that you’re worth the fight, and that you have to fight for your own happiness. Learn from the past to be a better person.
'Cause it makes me that much stronger / Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser / So thanks for making me a fighter
10. "Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC
Goodbyes don’t always have to be sad. Period.
Don't want to make it tough / I just want to tell you that I've had enough
It might sound crazy but it ain't no lie / Baby bye bye bye
11. "Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyoncé
Things could have got so much worse. Be glad you opted out.
Thank god you blew it / I thank god I dodged a bullet
I'm so over you / Thank god I found the good in goodbye
12. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" by Taylor Swift
This is a reason to celebrate. Maybe throw a party? Get all your girlfriends together for a major hangout sesh.
I used to think that we were forever ever, ever / And I used to say, never say never
Huh, so he calls me up and he's like, I still love you / And I'm like I just I mean this is exhausting, you know, like
We are never getting back together like, ever
13. "Victoria’s Secret" by Sonata Arctica
These lyrics affirm that you should keep doing the things you love and live on your own terms. In fact, these lyrics are pretty motivational and give sound advice.
Dancing on the path and singing now you got away / You can reach the goals that you have set from now on, every day
There is no way you would go back now, oh no, those days are past / Life is waiting for the one who loves to live, and it is not a secret
14. "Better Off" by Jeremy Zucker ft. Chelsea Cutler
Because you’re better off when you’re not with people who can’t handle your awesomeness. Being alone has its fair share of benefits.
Maybe we're better off alone / Maybe we're better off
I can feel it in my bones / Running circles
'Cause you're all I know / And I feel it in my soul
If I'm honest
15. "Break Free" by Ariana Grande ft. Zedd
Just be happy that it happened. It's cliché, but it’s true. Sometimes you have to break free of other people's expectations and live the life you want.
I only want to die alive / Never by the hands of a broken heart
16. "Burning House Of Love" by X
Sometimes, things can get too heated. If you’re still scorched by the breakup, dance to this song.
Well I can still remember / A couple of years ago
When the smoke and flame called my name / It was a burning house of love
17. "Days Go By" by Keith Urban
Life will always go on, so don’t waste your time moping over someone who isn’t coming back. You have so many other things to work towards.
And days go by / I can feel 'em flyin'
Like a hand out the window in the wind / The cars go by
Yeah it's all we've been given / So you better start livin' right now
'Cause days go by
18. "Survivor" by Destiny’s Child
Newsflash: no one's coming to save you. Save yourself instead of waiting for someone else to show up.
Now that you're outta my life, I'm so much better / You thought that I'd be weak without ya, but I'm stronger
You thought that I'd be broke without ya, but I'm richer / You thought that I'd be sad without ya, I love harder
19. "I Came Here To Get Over You" by Brandon Flowers
Do whatever it takes to move on. Just do it. You'll thank yourself later.
I made a lot of bad decisions / But tonight I’m breaking through
I came here to get over you
20. "Let Me Go" by Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso ft. Florida Georgia Line, Watt
Your happiness is your first priority, always. Don't be in an unfulfilling relationship just because you feel obliged to.
I've been hoping somebody loves you in the ways I couldn't / Somebody's taking care of all of the mess I've made
Someone you don't have to change / I've been hoping
Someone will love you, let me go
21. "Just Another Girl" by The Killers
This song is a friendly reminder that there are always plenty of fish in the sea. The world is full of new and exciting people for you to meet.
All of my friends say I should move on / She's just another girl, don't let her stick it to your heart so hard
And of all my friends say it wasn't meant to be / And it's a great big world, she's just another girl
22. "So What" by Pink
So what, you broke up? The world hasn’t ended. You're still you and you're complete by yourself.
I'm still a rock star / I got my rock moves
And I don't need you / And guess what
I'm having more fun
23. "I'm Out" by Ciara
When your heart is broken and there's nothing else to do, it's best to just shake it off and dance it out.
Go and get your sexy on / If you know that you better
Than the new girl that he on / Go 'head and tell him now
You gon' miss me when I'm gone (I'm out)
24. "You Can Do Magic" by America
Don’t let a silly breakup destroy the belief in yourself. You are capable of extraordinary things.
You can do magic / You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know / You're the one who can put out the fire
25. "You Don't Own Me" by Grace ft. G-Eazy
Go at it alone. There’s nothing wrong or shameful or sad about it. No one should tell you how to live your life.
You don't own me / I'm not just one of your many toys
You don't own me / Don't say I can't go with other boys
26. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson
As they say, what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. This song is a reminder that this ancient wisdom is still as relevant.
You know the bed feels warmer / Sleeping here alone
You know I dream in color / And do the things I want
27. "Problem" by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea
Either you want it or you just playin' / I'm listening to you knowin'
I can't believe what you're sayin' / There's a million you's baby boo
So don't be dumb / I got 99 problems
But you won't be one
28. "Look At Her Now" by Selena Gomez
Add this to your playlist of songs about breaking up with someone you still love. Except, in the end, it was worth it.
It was her first real lover / His too 'til he had another
Oh, God, when she found out / Trust levels went way down
Of course she was sad / But now she's glad she dodged a bullet
Took a few years to soak up the tears / But look at her now, watch her go
29. "Cry Me A River" by Justin Timberlake
Some people aren’t meant to stay, and it’s always difficult to get over it when your partner has cheated on you. But it’s more important that you do.
You don't have to say what you did / I already know, I found out from him
Now there's just no chance / With you and me
There'll never be / Don't it make you sad about it?
30. "Famous Last Words" by My Chemical Romance
Be comfortable with your own solitude and your happiness will not depend on other people. Love yourself and don't be afraid of the future.
I am not afraid to keep on living / I am not afraid to walk this world alone
31. "Tragedy" by The Bee Gees
Lyrically, this may seem like a sad song, but the upbeat music will make you want to dance. Seriously, just play it and your mood will automatically improve.
When the feeling's gone and you can't go on / It's tragedy
When the morning cries and you don't know why / It's hard to bear
With no one to love you / You're goin' nowhere
Tragedy
32. "Let It Matter" by Johnnyswim
The secret is to learn from past relationships and breakups; don’t cling to them for dear life. Allow yourself to cry for a bit, but then get up and smile.
So if it matters, let it matter / If your heart's breaking, let it ache
Catch those pieces as they scatter / Know your hurt is not in vain
33. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
This song is a reminder that you have to be optimistic. Things often may not work out, but that doesn't mean you should lose faith.
Jealousy, turning saints into the sea / Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis / But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me / Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mr Brightside
34. "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé
Don't let your ex think that they'll never find someone as good as them. You will, and they are out there.
So since I'm not your everything / How about I'll be nothing
Nothing at all to you?
Baby I won't shed a tear for you
I won't lose a wink of sleep / 'Cause the truth of the matter is
Replacing you is so easy
35. "Titanium" by David Guetta ft. Sia
Don’t forget that you’re stronger than you think. Seriously!
I'm bulletproof nothing to lose / Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim / Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall / I am titanium
36. "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel
These lyrics make our favorite track from "Frozen" the perfect empowerment song after a breakup. Try singing along to it, as loud as you can!
It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small / And the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all
It's time to see what I can do / To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me, I'm free
37. "Harden My Heart" by Quarterflash
The jazz tones are sure to give you a self-confidence boost. This song teaches you that sometimes you need to be aloof and detached.
I've been waiting for a feeling that never, ever came / It feels so close, but always disappears
Darlin', in your wildest dreams, you never had a clue / But it's time you got the news
I'm gonna harden my heart
38. "New Romantics" by Taylor Swift
Life is chaotic and confusing, but there will always be good things and good people. Make it a point to spot them and celebrate them.
Heartbreak is the national anthem / We sing it proudly
We are too busy dancing / So get knocked off our feet
Baby, we're the new romantics / The best people in life are free
39. "Dark Paradise" by Lana del Rey
Sometimes you don’t want to forget a person, and that’s okay, as long as you're aware of your actions. When you remember the past, remember the happiness and be grateful for it.
All my friends ask me why I stay strong / Tell 'em when you find true love it lives on
Ah, that's why I stay here
40. "New Rules" by Dua Lipa
The times are always changing. Don’t let traditions and conventions dictate the life you want to live. Make your own rules.
One, don't pick up the phone / You know he's only calling 'cause he's drunk and alone
Two, don't let him in / You'll have to kick him out again
Three, don't be his friend / You know you're gonna wake up in his bed in the morning
And if you're under him / You ain't getting over him
41. "Walk Away Renee" by Four Tops
Sometimes you fight for your relationship. But other times you just walk away.
Just walk away Renee / You won't see me follow you back home
The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same / You're not to blame
42. "Ex-Girlfriend" by No Doubt
Your past relationships don’t define you. They never did. Learn from them and move on.
I kinda always knew I'd end up your ex-girlfriend / I hope I hold a special place with the rest of them
And you know it makes me sick to be on that list / But I should have thought of that before we kissed
43. "I Don’t Love You" by My Chemical Romance
Breakups don’t mean you have to automatically stop loving or caring. Draw strength from your past. You can always love someone without being "in love" with them.
And after all this time that you still owe / You're still the good-for-nothing I don't know
So take your gloves and get out / Better get out while you can
When you go would you even turn to say / I don't love you like I did yesterday
44. "Smile" by Lily Allen
When your ex cheats on you, you'll eventually find out that you're better off without them.
At first when I see you cry / Yeah, it makes me smile, yeah, it makes me smile
At worst I feel bad for a while / But then I just smile, I go ahead and smile
45. "What You Want" by Evanescence
Some people are unforgettable. Sometimes, that’s you.
Do what you, what you want / You don't have to lay your life down (Is it over?)
Do what you, what you want / 'Til you find what you're looking for (Got to remember who you really are)
46. "Everyday I Love You Less And Less" by Kaiser Chefs
The hurt will stop. Maybe right now you're hurting so much that you find it impossible to believe this, but within a short while, things will get so much better.
Everyday I love you less and less / It's clear to see that you've become obsessed
I've got to get this message to the press / That everyday I love you less and less
47. "Believe" by Cher
What am I supposed to do / Sit around and wait for you?
And I can't do that / There's no turning back
I need time to move on / I need love to feel strong
'Cause I've had time to think it through / And maybe I'm too good for you
48. "Between Me And You" by Brandon Flowers
You will make mistakes. It’s natural and normal, so don’t berate yourself for it. Forgive yourself and let go.
And there's a power in letting go / I guess I didn't want to let you know
These hours I'm working ain't nearly enough / And sometimes its like a bullet came and blasted me right of out of the blue
But I'm doing my best to not let it get between me and you
49. "Tears Dry On Their Own" by Amy Winehouse
Sometimes it’s best to let things take their course and slowly heal. Let Winehouse's soulful vocals sink in.
He walks away / The sun goes down
He takes the day, but I'm grown / And in your way
In this blue shade / My tears dry on their own
50. "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects
The best thing to think of after a breakup is how much better you're doing than your ex, and hoping that them seeing you be your best possible self gets under their skin.
When you see my face / Hope it gives you hell. hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way / Hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
51. "Miles Away" by Madonna
It’s their loss, not yours. Maybe they'll figure out what a mistake they did in letting you go.
I'm alright, don't be sorry, but it's true / When I'm gone you realize
That I'm the best thing that happened to you
52. "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette
This is the best song to listen to after a hard breakup where your ex has moved on. Channel Alanis' lyrics and use them to move forward.
And I'm here, to remind you / Of the mess you left when you went away
It's not fair, to deny me / Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know
53. "Shake It Off" by Mariah Carey
Never hesitate to let go of someone who cheated on you. In a sense, shake it all off and get on with your life.
I gotta get this off of my mind / You wasn't worth my time
So I'm leaving you behind / 'Cause I need a real love in my life
Save this recording because / I'm never coming back home
Baby I'm gone
54. "Nothing In My Way" by Keane
You will feel lonely, confused and not sure about what you want to do. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings as part of the healing process.
And why'd you say / It's just another day, nothing in my way
I don't wanna go, I don't wanna stay
55. "Burning Bridges" by Bon Jovi
Another song with cheerful sing-along music that will make you feel better about severing ties with certain people. You don't need toxicity in your life.
The stories I could write / I've seen a million faces
And I've lived a couple lives / Here's our history for all to see
The smiles and all the scars / First the rising then the falling
Call this chapter shooting stars / That must sound good from where you are
56. "Week Without You" by Miley Cyrus
Sometimes people grow apart when they don't feel the same love as they did at the start. It's best to walk away, even with a broken heart.
I know that I gave you my heart / But you stomped it to the ground
And that's what got me wondering what it's like / To not have you around
57. "Most Likely You Go Your Way" by Bob Dylan
If you're not feeling confident that your partner loves you the same way you love them, you have to go your own way.
I just can't do what I've done before / I just can't beg you anymore
I'm gonna let you pass / And I'll go last
58. "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
Your life doesn't have to revolve around one person. Do the things that make you happy.
But since you been gone / I can breathe for the first time
I'm so moving on, yeah yeah / Thanks to you, now I get what I want
59. "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" by Adele
When you're with someone who can't commit, why waste your time? Because it's not your fault, so don't dwell in it.
I'm giving you up / I've forgiven it all
You set me free / Send my love to your new lover
Treat her better / We've gotta let go of all of our ghosts
We both know we ain't kids no more
60. "Shake It Out" by Florence + the Machine
Life is full of ups and downs and is too short to be sad over petty things. So celebrate yourself, whenever and wherever you can.
And I've been a fool and I've been blind / I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way / I'm always dragging that horse around
All of his questions, such a mournful sound / Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground
'Cause I like to keep my issues drawn / But it's always darkest before the dawn
Archita Mittra is a writer, artist, blogger and tarot card reader with a love for all things vintage and darkly fantastical. Follow her on Instagram.