43 Best Songs About Toxic Relationships

Get some inspiration from these songs that help you deal with an unhappy relationship.

Reviewed by John Ryan De Oca, Relationship Expert John Ryan De Oca John Ryan De OcaRelationship Expert insta_icon
Written by Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach Sneha Tete Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English) Asmita De MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Have you ever heard a song that relates to the situation of your relationship status? Most of us may have encountered toxic relationships, but a few are not fortunate enough to break the relationship too early. But do not worry. Here is the list of songs about toxic relationships that may help you deal with the situations. Staying out of an unhealthy or toxic relationship may seem difficult for some people. However, these songs may help them get through a toxic relationship and make a difference in their emotional well-being. Scroll down for more information.

Signs Your Relationship Is Toxic

If you are not sure if the relationship with your significant other is toxic, here are some cues to look for:

  • You always feel like you have done something wrong when your partner gets angry with you. Similarly, they feel like they can never do anything right in your eyes either.
  • You lose your sense of self in this relationship.
  • Your partner doesn’t realize that their actions have consequences. They engage in risky behaviors and blame you when something goes wrong.
  • You don’t feel comfortable being vulnerable with your partner because they always seem to use this against you.

If you resonate with the above pointers, maybe it is a sign to walk away from a relationship. It might feel like a harsh decision but it’s an important step to take for your own mental peace.

In this blog, the blogger recounts her toxic relationship, highlighting the various traits and behaviors of her partner that involved belittling and manipulation. She vividly describes, “My ex-partner would often twist my words and turn the conversation around to make me feel like I was the problem. It was nearly impossible to converse peacefully with them because they always seemed to be on the defensive (i).”

If you can relate to these signs, these songs may help you out! 43 relatable songs about unhealthy relationships:

1. Love On The Brain – Rihanna

The lyrics of the song seem to be describing the singer’s life. The narrator is drawn to a lover who wounds her and then mends her. This song signifies the highs and lows of a toxic, intoxicating relationship that can leave you swinging to extremes. It represents the complexity, hurt, and undeniable pull of the relationship.

2. Irresistible – Fall Out Boy

The lyrics describe a coercive relationship in which the victim finds “undeniable.” Bassist Pete Wentz said it reminded him of a scene in which Sid Vicious beat his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen.

3. Mad Love – Jojo

Sometimes, the feelings are so powerful that you stay in the relationship because it is so thrilling. You get passion and craziness, even though it may not be beneficial to your health. It is so profuse and tremendous that you think you can fix everything.

4. Fancy – Iggy Azalea Ft Charli XCX

This song is about a white girl who constantly questions her relationship with a poor black guy, even though she likes him. It is also about being insecure because he comes from a different background.

5. Closer – The Chainsmokers Ft Halsey

The song is about a couple who rekindle their romance after being separated for four years. It is dedicated to those who reconnect with their ex and remember the reasons for their breakup.

6. Cold – Maroon 5

The song is about a relationship that has gone sour. The couple isn’t sure how it started, but they know that something is wrong and that they can’t pretend anymore.

7. Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake

A man living his life not paying attention to his partner and not caring about it: He describes moments where he gets too happy and free that he ends up feeling guilty because of their relationship. But he can’t help himself anyway.

8. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever – Zayn, Taylor Swift

The song describes a toxic relationship on both sides. Both have their own issues to deal with, which makes it hard for them to be together. One of the two is always more invested, causing the other one to feel suffocated.

9. Bad Things – Machine Gun Kelly, Camila Cabello

The song paints a dark picture of a toxic relationship by describing physical and sexual abuse. The victim is unable to leave although she knows that the situation is hurting her.

Despite having an abusive partner, the singer wishes to ignore all the red flags as she is blinded by love.

10. Shape Of You – Ed Sheeran

The protagonist is trying to break up with someone they have met at a bar. They spend an amazing night. However, she attempts to break it off, saying she doesn’t know him well to be in a relationship like this.

11. Toxic – Britney Spears

This song is about a girl who is addicted to a guy. He’s not good for her and makes her feel bad about herself. She doesn’t take any of that into consideration because he’s the only one making her feel alive, making this addiction as toxic as it comes.

12. Love The Way You Lie – Rihanna Ft Eminem

The girl became used to negative relationships, and she preferred them in some ways. She has been dating someone who appears to abuse her often. However, she finds him ‘amazing’ for his lying abilities. The lyrics depict that the girl is in an abusive relationship, trapped in a cycle of emotional and physical conflict, yet can’t seem to let go of this volatile relationship.

13. Hotter Than Hell – Dua Lipa

The narrator and her lover embrace each other’s worst qualities. She says, “This is not love; it’s an intense attraction that is both dangerous and fascinating.”

14. Unfaithful – Rihanna

The lyrics are about a lady who is cheating on her partner and discovers that he has found out. Seeing what it’s doing to him, she begins to regret the affair.

15. Numb – Linkin Park

The narrator is in a terrible state of mind due to the pressure from his parents. He lacks the bravery to speak with them about the problem. However, his dissatisfaction is apparent since his parents see that he isn’t who they want him to be.

16. Stitches – Shawn Mendes

The narrator’s ex-girlfriend shattered his heart; he was in the worst condition imaginable. The singer compares the situation to severe knife cuts, which have physically exhausted him.

17. I Hate U, I Love U – Gnash Ft Olivia O’Brien

A couple has parted ways. Their love for one another, however, is not totally gone yet because their affection for each other hasn’t fully died away. They are angry at each other, yet they are still in love.

18. Butterfly – Mariah Carey

Mariah wrote “Butterfly” about herself, not about someone else. It’s the song she wished her ex-husband would sing to her. She thought they would get back together at the time but later decided that they could never reunite.

19. Love Lockdown – Kanye West

The singer was in a strong romantic relationship. Their union is causing him so much mental anguish that he feels moving on would be the best thing for both. He knows instinctively that he does not love her as much as she deserves from him.

20. Kill For You – Skylar Grey

Skylar is so besotted with her guy that she would be willing to murder someone for him. Eminem’s verse shows him to be ruthless, having brainwashed his girlfriend into becoming his accomplice in crime. The individuals they play are inspired by a 1930s criminal pair.

21. Bad Romance – Lady Gaga

“Bad Romance” is about Gaga’s infatuation with individuals who can’t seem to find love. It’s about her preference for lonely relationships and her paranoia on the road.

22. Leavin’ – Jesse McCartney

“Leavin” was regarded as a departure from Jesse’s youth image as it had a more adult theme and sound. The lyrics describe Jesse looking at a woman’s posterior, intending to steal her away from her boyfriend.

23. Rolling In The Deep – Adele

The narrator is dealing with depression because her spouse betrayed her. She was abused by or self-hurt due to it but didn’t care since she loved him. He didn’t love her back. The singer simply ignores the betrayal and heartbreak due to her undying love for her partner.

24. Break Your Heart – Taio Cruz

It’s about breaking a woman’s heart unintentionally. Taio explains, “It’s more that I’m just a single guy who tries to be and remain single. When you are in that position, you may attract someone who wants to join what you are about. You aren’t ready for a relationship, and you can’t give them what they want.”

25. Playing With Fire – Thomas Rhett

It is about a guy and a girl who know their relationship is terrible. They enjoy this sort of discomfort that they inflict on each other. They love playing with fire, and the flame is both of them together.

26. I Hate Myself For Loving You – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

This song is about a girl who falls for a terrible guy who does anything he wants with her, so she loathes herself because she can’t control him.

27. Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus

This song is straightforward and paints a vivid picture. She claims this love was the first time she just went in without thinking, which wrecked them both.

28. Don’t Hurt Like It Used To – Grace Carter

You may have been wounded and abandoned, but this does not negate your right to joy. You may have essentially destroyed everything, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rebuild.

29. Better by Myself – Hey Violet

For those weary of being used and mistreated physically, mentally, and emotionally, this song is for you.

30. Let It Be – The Beatles (Remastered 2009)

You just need to let things take their course. Let go of stuff that makes you unhappy, and sooner or later, you will be happy.

31. Love Yourself – Justin Bieber

The song is a wake-up call for anyone trapped in an abusive relationship. There is nothing to be gained from a connection that takes all of your energy.

32. Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.

Remember that the world is a big place, and someone, somewhere, feels the same way you do.

33. Stay – Rihanna Ft. MikkyEkko

It’s fine to weep your heart out while listening to this song. After all, if you genuinely want to move on, you must endure all of the sufferings.

34. We Are Never Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift

The song is about a girl furious with an ex-boyfriend after a breakup. While love is at the heart of the tale, it emphasizes fortitude and the ability to let go.

35. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

This song is for anybody who wants to repair a broken heart but isn’t sure how. It’s as if it was created to help you in the process of mending, letting go, and moving on.

36. Ex Factor – Lauryn Hill

You keep hoping that things will get better and go back to how they were. However, they actually get worse. You feel you are stuck on this ride – without any clue of where, when, and how to leave.

37. Good Girls (Don’t Grow on Trees) – Cris Cab

This was the song that your ex would scream to himself for the rest of his life.

38. Insensitive – Jan Arden

Throughout the song, you hear a desperate inner pleading to forget all of their wonderful times together and a mental debate with someone seeking to resolve things.

39. Staind – Epiphany

It’s easy for us to hate people we care about, even if they aren’t doing anything wrong. Sometimes, the person we despise is ourselves because we can’t get rid of feelings for someone else, regardless of how much it hurts us.

40. Take A Bow – Rihanna

It’s difficult to force ourselves to despise someone when we really want to love them.

41. Every Breath You Take – The Police

It is a moody, mid-tempo song that delves into deeper sentiments of the psyche with its catchy melody. It may sound like a love song, but the song is actually about stalking your ex-lover. It is kind of a weird and obsessive love song.

42. You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi

The song is about a love relationship that went wrong. It explains a toxic relationship where the lover gets fooled by the girl’s appearance and then goes through hell. It is an open explanation of how looks can be deceiving in love.

43. Jar Of Hearts – Christina Perri

The song is about a man who turns out to be a heartbreaker. This was Christina Perri’s first single, and she refers to a real person whom she dated once.

Music has the power to heal and inspire, but it can also provide a sense of comfort. If you are struggling with your toxic relationship or want to move on, you may want to listen to these songs. It can also have the power to pull lingering emotions out of us that we may be hiding beneath the surface.

If the story of your bad relationship still seems fresh in your mind, finding songs that speak to you will remind you that you are not alone and there is a better future ahead of you. You may seek solace in written words, read books, or check out abusive relationship quotes to empower yourself and find the strength to move on. They may also offer you comfort and motivate you to exit the bad relationship.

Infographic: Top 8 Songs On Toxic Relationships To Get You Through The Tough Time

You might have heard your friends and family warning you about a relationship or completely ignored the red flags when in one. Currently, you may be stuck in one. If so, muster up the courage to get out, no matter how difficult it seems now. While it need not be a physical assault, it might include emotional abuse that might put you in a low mood and make you feel drained out and distressed at all times. Most importantly, it’s unhealthy, unforgiving, and unacceptable, so the sooner you get over it, the better. We have compiled a list of the top chartbusters about toxic relationships to help ease your anxieties and give you strength. Check out the infographic below.

top 8 songs on toxic relationships to get you through the tough time (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

A toxic relationship can make you feel attacked and unsupported. However, music has the power to heal any situation. These are some popular songs about a toxic relationship that you can add to your playlist. If you are struggling with a toxic relationship and looking for the best way to move on, these songs may help you deal with the situation. This list of songs assures you that you are not alone and will give you some hope to live for a better future. If you notice any toxic patterns in your relationship, do not hesitate to break up and move on with the help of empowering songs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of a toxic relationship?

There are many signs to check if you are in a toxic relationship such as hostile and toxic communication, possessiveness, abuse (verbal, physical, and emotional), jealousy, resentment, emotional manipulation, codependency, controlling behavior, gaslighting, and no trust. If you feel unsafe and anxious in your relationship, it is bad. Infidelity also counts as being in a toxic relationship and hence it is advised to leave such a partner.

Can you be in love in a toxic relationship?

Yes, two people can be in love in a toxic relationship, but that doesn’t make it right. A toxic partner will always put their needs and desires above yours, making you feel neglected and unworthy. This form of toxic love does not last long and can do more harm than good.

What is a toxic GF?

A toxic girlfriend may be always jealous, possessive, demands your attention and time always, isolates you from friends and family, puts her needs above your own, displays toxic femininity, and constantly pressurizes you to do things that make you uncomfortable.

What does a toxic boyfriend say?

A toxic partner says things that condescend, belittle, or humiliate you. Instead of celebrating you, they find ways to put you down. Their opinions, expectations, and demands matter above your own. They may even portray signs of narcissism and toxic masculinity.

How to heal from a toxic relationship?

The simplest way to heal from a toxic relationship is to consult a professional therapist who can guide you through the process of emotional healing and mental well-being. You can also seek a relationship counselor if you both want to solve things and continue in a relationship in a healthy way.

What are some toxic relationship quotes for empowerment?

Some of the toxic relationship quotes that can help you move on from an unhealthy relationship are:

  • “Love should not leave you feeling empty, questioning your worth. It should breathe life into your soul.” — Unknown
  • “Toxic relationships are like tornadoes; they leave a trail of destruction in their wake.” – Oliver Thompson
  • “Love should be a sanctuary, not a battleground.” – Charlotte Davis
  • “Toxicity thrives in the darkness of silence; speak your truth and reclaim your light.” – Olivia Roberts

Key Takeaways

  • In a toxic relationship, your partner may always make you feel like you are at fault whenever they are angry.
  • Some other signs of a toxic relationship include losing your sense of self and feeling uncomfortable being vulnerable with your partner.
  • Like all situations, music may help you deal with this and assure you that you are not alone.
  • Love On The Brain by Rihanna, Stitches by Shawn Mendes, and Mad Love by Jojo are some songs you may add to your playlist to deal with being in a toxic relationship.

Illustration: Best Songs About Toxic Relationships

songs about toxic relationships

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Click on the video below to listen to this song about a toxic relationship, “Guess That’s Love”. It tells a story of heartache and pain; of a love that’s not meant to be.

Personal Experience: Source

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John Ryan De Oca
John Ryan De OcaRelationship Expert
John Ryan De Oca is a relationship expert with six years of experience in coaching people and helping them achieve their desired outcomes with a mind-body-soul approach. He aims to transform how his clients feel about themselves and make them feel confident in their relationships.

Read full bio of John Ryan De Oca
Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha has a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, a professional Relationship Coach diploma, and over four years of experience in writing. She writes about relationships and lifestyle.Sneha began her career as an instructional designer, shifted to freelance technical and research writing, and self-published a novella on the theme of adolescent mental health.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete
Asmita De
Asmita DeAssociate Editor
Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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