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Heartbreak Anthems: 35+ Songs About Being Cheated On

As human beings, we all have experienced the feeling of betrayal at some point in our lives, and nothing stinks quite as much as being cheated on by someone we love and blindly trust with our hearts. It’s a challenging and heartbreaking experience that can leave us feeling angry, hurt, scared, and confused all at once. 

But luckily, we are not alone in our painful journey. Many musicians and artists have used their own experiences in order to describe and create songs that capture the emotional roller coaster of being cheated on. 

From country ballads to pop hits, these songs remind us that we are not the first nor the last to go through such a painful experience, and in this article, we will explore some of the best songs about being cheated on and how they can help us heal and move on.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Most Popular Songs About Being Cheated On

“Thank u, next” by Ariana Grande

Well, the song itself is not directly about cheating. It does touch upon Ariana’s past relationships and the lessons she is learning from them. She references her exes by name, including rapper Big Sean, Mac Miller, and comedian Pete Davidson. 

Instead of talking about all the negative issues that she had with them, she thanks them for what they taught her and the person she’s become as a result.

With lines like “One taught me, love. One taught me patience. And one taught me pain. Now, I'm so amazing.” Ariana celebrates her newfound independence and strength. She has gained self-respect and confidence. She says that now she has found someone new, and apparently, her new partner is herself.

As a matter of fact, “Thank u, next” is one of the most legendary songs of our century. The song serves as a reminder that it’s always better to forget all the bad things that happened and move to some better plans. It’s never too late to find your balance and to be truly happy with yourself. 

"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor's banger was released in 1978, and this disco classic has become a true anthem for anyone who feels down and has gone through a tough breakup. 

The song's lyrics are all about resilience and self-empowerment, with lines like "Oh no, not I, I will survive, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive."

The song is special not only because of its deep and heart-touching lyrics. During that period of her life, Gloria was going through some real problems within her relationship. That is why many are keen to believe that the song is a direct reflection of her past relationship. 

"Someone Like You" by Adele

On September 30, 2011, a yet unknown but demonically talented girl named Adele released her first big banger. This heartbreaking ballad tells the story of a woman who's still in love with her ex, even though he's moved on with someone else. 

This Grammy-awarded song was and still is one of the best yet saddest songs about being cheated on. With lyrics like "Never mind, I'll find someone like you, I wish nothing but the best for you too," the song perfectly captures the pain of watching someone you love to be happy with someone else.

“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus 

Well, I’m sure we all have already heard of this huge hit. Not only is the song a legit banger, but the lyrics have been on everybody's lips since its release. Also, the song has caused some scandals and drama among internet users.

The song tells about all the hard times that Miley went through while dating Liam Hemsworth. It is said that Miley was seen strolling down a street where her ex-partner Liam had supposedly met up with his hookups from the dating app. 

Nevertheless, rumors of infidelity have been swirling around Liam, with some claiming that he had cheated on Miley as many as 14 times while they were together in their mansion.

In her music video, she references Liam and their relationship, singing, "I didn't want to leave you, I didn't want to lie," and even shedding a tear. It was initially believed that Miley was devastated by Liam's sudden decision to file for divorce in 2019, as she had hoped to continue their tumultuous, on-again-off-again relationship.

"Part of Me" by Katy Perry

Katy Perry's hit single "Part of Me" was released in 2012. This pop song is all about moving on from a cheating partner and becoming stronger as a result. 

In her song, Katy sings, "Now look at me, I'm sparkling, a firework, a dancing flame," the song reflects the pain and all the struggles that Katy had. The song is a perfect anthem for anyone who's been through a tough breakup and comes out the other side.

"Wake Up Call" by Maroon 5

"Wake Up Call" is undoubtedly one of the best songs about being cheated on. With its powerful lyrics, the song perfectly captures the pain and betrayal that comes with discovering that your significant other has been unfaithful.

The song opens with a poignant chorus, where lead singer Adam Levine sings:

“If you needed love,

Well, then, ask for love,

Could have given love,

Now I'm taking love, 

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And it's not my fault 

'Cause you both deserve 

What's coming now

So don't say a word.”

These lyrics perfectly encapsulate the emotions that arise when you realize that the person you love has been cheating on you.

Levine delves deeper into his feelings of anger and betrayal. He sings about how his trust was broken and how he feels like he was played for a fool. 

The chorus repeats throughout the song, highlighting the importance of communication in any relationship. Levine emphasizes that if his partner had simply asked for love instead of looking for it elsewhere, things could have turned out differently.

"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera

"Fighter" is a powerful and empowering song that speaks to anyone who has been cheated on and wants to move on from the pain and betrayal. The lyrics of the song tell a story of resilience and strength, urging the listener to rise above their circumstances and become more robust in the face of adversity.

The song begins with Aguilera singing about how she had trusted and loved her partner, only to have that love and trust broken. But as the song progresses, the mood shifts to one of determination and empowerment, as Aguilera declares that she will not let the pain and hurt define her.

The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with Aguilera singing, 

"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." 

These words are a rallying cry for anyone who has been hurt by infidelity, reminding them that they have the strength within themselves to overcome the pain and come out stronger on the other side.

"Irreplaceable" by Beyonce 

If you're looking for the ultimate breakup anthem, look no further than Beyoncé's hit song "Irreplaceable." The song is all about a woman who has been cheated on and decides to take control of the situation by kicking her man to the curb. 

Beyoncé sings:

"To the left, to the left / 

Everything you own in the box to the left." 

This is a clear message to the cheating ex that he is no longer welcome in her life. The song also features lyrics like "I can have another you in a minute / Matter fact, he'll be here in a minute," which shows that Beyoncé is not going to waste any time feeling sorry for herself.

One of the things that makes "Irreplaceable" such a great song is the way that Beyoncé delivers the lyrics. Her voice is full of confidence and attitude, which makes it clear that she is not going to let this cheating ex get the best of her. 

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston: 

Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton, this song became a smash hit when Whitney Houston covered it for the soundtrack of the movie "The Bodyguard." 

The song tells the story of a love that is ending, but the singer promises to always love the other person, even if they have found someone new.

"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia

This song was a huge hit in the late 90s and is often associated with heartbreak and betrayal. The lyrics describe a person who is feeling torn apart after discovering that their partner has been unfaithful. The song's catchy chorus and powerful vocals make it a favorite for karaoke enthusiasts.

R&B Songs about Being Cheated On

R&B music has always had a way of connecting with listeners on a deep and emotional level. It's no wonder that many R&B artists have written songs about being cheated on. Here are some of the best R&B songs about being cheated on and the heartbreak that comes with it.

"Unfaithful" by Rihanna

The song was written by Ne-Yo and originally intended for his own album, but was given to Rihanna instead. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is cheating on her partner but feels guilty about it. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries.

"It Wasn't Me" by Shaggy ft. Rikrok

The song is a humorous take on infidelity, with the narrator offering advice to a friend who has been caught cheating. The catchy chorus, "It wasn't me," has become a cultural reference in its own right. The song was a worldwide hit, reaching number one in several countries.

"Say My Name" by Destiny's Child

The song is about a woman who suspects that her partner is cheating on her and demands that he say her name to prove his innocence. The song's intricate harmonies and catchy chorus made it a standout hit. It won two Grammy Awards and was named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone.

"Confessions Part II" by Usher: 

The song is a sequel to Usher's earlier hit "Confessions" and features the narrator confessing to cheating on his partner. The song's catchy melody and confessional lyrics made it a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts and earning Usher several awards.

"Ex-Factor" by Lauryn Hill

The song is about a woman who has been cheated on and is struggling to move on from the relationship. The song's emotional lyrics and Hill's powerful vocals make it a standout track on her debut solo album. Several artists have covered the song, and it remains a fan favorite.

Rap Songs About Being Cheated On

"I Don't Like" by Chief Keef ft. Lil Reese 

In 2012 Chief Keef made a true banger with Lil Reese and became an instant hit due to its catchy hook and hard-hitting verses. The lyrics talk about the pain and anger that comes with being cheated on, with Chief Keef and Lil Reese rapping about getting revenge on their unfaithful partners.

"Take Care" by Drake ft. Rihanna 

Drake releases the song as a part of the new album of the same name. The lyrics describe the aftermath of a failed relationship and the pain of watching an ex move on with someone new. 

The song features a sample from Jamie xx's remix of Gil Scott-Heron's "I'll Take Care of You" and a guest verse from Rihanna.

"Through the Wire" by Kanye West 

This song was released in 2003 as the lead single from Kanye West's debut album, "The College Dropout." The lyrics describe West's experience of being in a car accident and having his jaw wired shut, all while dealing with the fallout of a cheating girlfriend. 

The song samples Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire" and showcases West's signature soulful sound.

"The Heart Part 4" by Kendrick Lamar 

2017's smash hit, "The Heart Part 4," was a standalone single by Kendrick Lamar. The lyrics discuss a range of topics, including politics, music industry rivalries, and the pain of being cheated on. The song features an aggressive beat and a fast-paced flow from Lamar, showcasing his skills as one of the top rappers in the game.

"Sorry" by Beyoncé 

This song was released as part of Beyoncé's album "Lemonade." The lyrics describe the feelings of betrayal and heartbreak that come with being cheated on, with Beyoncé singing lines like:

"Middle fingers up, put them hands high

Wave it in his face, tell him, boy, bye." 

The song features a sample from "Can't Get Used to Losing You" by The New Birth and showcases Beyoncé's powerful vocals and emotional range.

Country Songs About Being Cheated On

Sad woman in train wearing headphones

"Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood 

The empowering song "Before He Cheats" tells the story of a woman who takes revenge on her cheating boyfriend by destroying his truck. With its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, it has become a country music classic and a go-to anthem for anyone who has been wronged by a cheater.

"Picture to Burn" by Taylor Swift 

In this early hit from Taylor Swift, she sings about a past relationship where her partner cheated on her. The song features sassy lyrics and a fast-paced beat, making it a favorite among Swift's fans and country music listeners alike.

"She's Got You" by Patsy Cline 

This classic country song tells the story of a woman who is left heartbroken after her man leaves her for another woman. Patsy Cline's soulful voice captures the pain and sadness of the situation, making this song a timeless classic.

"Jolene" by Dolly Parton 

Although not explicitly about being cheated on, this song tells the story of a woman begging another woman not to steal her man. Dolly Parton's powerful vocals and the song's haunting melody have made it a beloved classic in the country music genre.

"The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks 

The song tells the story of a woman who suspects her husband is cheating on her. The lyrics are vivid and emotional, describing the stormy atmosphere that surrounds the couple's troubled relationship. Garth Brooks' powerful delivery makes the song stand out in his extensive catalog.

"You Were Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson 

"You Were Always on My Mind" is a haunting ballad about a man who realizes too late that he didn't show his partner the love and attention she deserved. It's a touching tribute to the power of hindsight and the importance of showing your loved ones how much you care.

"Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss 

This heartbreaking duet tells the story of a couple whose relationship falls apart due to infidelity and alcoholism. The lyrics are powerful and emotional, painting a vivid picture of the pain and heartbreak that the couple goes through.

"Why'd You Cheat on Me" by Travis Tritt 

"Why'd You Cheat on Me" is a straightforward look at the pain and betrayal that comes with being cheated on. Travis Tritt's strong voice and the song's simple, direct lyrics make it a powerful statement on the topic of infidelity.

"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones 

This iconic country song tells the story of a man who never stopped loving his partner, even after she left him for someone else. George Jones' powerful vocals and the song's poignant lyrics have made it a beloved classic in the country music canon.

"How Do I Live" by LeAnn Rimes 

The song is not specifically about being cheated on; this emotional ballad captures the pain and heartbreak of losing a loved one. LeAnn Rimes' powerful vocals and the song's soaring melody make it a standout in the country music genre.

Rock Songs about Being Cheated On

Man sitting on a park bench listening to music

Let's just be honest. When it comes to songs about heartbreak and betrayal, there's no genre that can burn all the negative energies better than rock. 

Rock music has no shortage of hits. Whether it's a gritty ballad or an angry anthem, rock songs about being cheated on are some of the most emotionally charged tracks out there. Here are some of the best rock songs about being cheated on.

"You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette

This song was a huge hit in the 90s and is still a classic today. With its raw, angry lyrics and driving guitar riffs, "You Oughta Know" is the ultimate breakup song. The song is said to be about Morissette's ex-boyfriend, actor Dave Coulier, who allegedly cheated on her.

"Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects

This catchy tune is a perfect example of a revenge anthem. With its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus, "Gives You Hell" is a fun way to let out your anger after being cheated on.

"Love Stinks" by The J. Geils Band

This song is a classic for a reason. With its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and catchy melody, "Love Stinks" perfectly captures the feeling of being burned by love. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and is still a favorite at weddings and parties.

"The One I Love" by R.E.M.

This song may sound like a love song, but it's actually a scathing attack on a cheating partner. With lyrics like "A simple prop to occupy my time" and "This one goes out to the one I love," "The One I Love" is a reminder that sometimes love can be cruel.

"Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac

This song was written by Lindsey Buckingham about his tumultuous relationship with fellow band member Stevie Nicks. With its catchy guitar riffs and bitter lyrics, "Go Your Own Way" is the ultimate breakup song.

"Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson

This song is a perfect example of a breakup anthem that doesn't take itself too seriously. With its pop-punk guitars and catchy chorus, "Since U Been Gone" is a fun way to get over a cheating ex.

"It's Not My Time" by 3 Doors Down

This song is about trying to move on from a cheating partner. With its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody, "It's Not My Time" is a reminder that life goes on after heartbreak.

"Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

This song may sound upbeat and poppy, but its lyrics are actually quite dark. With its themes of betrayal and heartbreak, "Tainted Love" is a classic example of a song about being cheated on.

"Ex-Girlfriend" by No Doubt

This song is a scathing attack on a cheating ex. With its punk-inspired guitars and Gwen Stefani's powerful vocals, "Ex-Girlfriend" is the ultimate revenge anthem.

Conclusion 

Heartbreak is a phenomenon that touches us all at some point in our lives. Whether we are going through a breakup, a divorce, or experiencing rejection from someone we care about deeply, the emotions that come with heartbreak can be overwhelming. 

The feelings of anger, hurt, fear, and confusion accompanying heartbreak can leave us feeling like we're in a perpetual state of limbo, unsure of how to move forward.

However, in times of heartbreak, music can provide solace and a sense of connection. Countless musicians have used their personal experiences to create songs that speak to the universal pain of heartbreak. From soulful ballads to upbeat pop hits, the power of music to capture the emotional rollercoaster of being cheated on is undeniable.

Through their lyrics and melodies, these songs offer reassurance and support during difficult times. They remind us that we should never let someone else's actions define us or hold us back. Instead, we should focus on our own strength and resilience and remember that we have the power to overcome even the most painful experiences.

So whether you're going through a tough breakup or just need a little emotional pick-me-up, like I always have when I want to cry, these heartbreak anthems are sure to lift your spirits and remind you of the power of music to heal and connect us all.

Utilize this tool to verify if he's truly who he claims to be
Whether you're married or just started dating someone, infidelity rates have risen by over 40% in the past 20 years, so your concerns are justified.

Do you want to find out if he's texting other women behind your back? Or if he has an active Tinder or dating profile? Or even worse, if he has a criminal record or is cheating on you?

This tool can help by uncovering hidden social media and dating profiles, photos, criminal records, and much more, potentially putting your doubts to rest.

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