It’s tough going through a breakup. However, one of the best ways to get over someone is listening to a song that knows exactly how you feel. Breakups, makeups, and current relationships are three of the most written-about topics for songs these days. Here are 10 breakup songs singers have written about their famous ex-partners.
1) “Cry Me a River” – Justin Timberlake about Britney Spears
Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears had one of the most famous relationships in the early ’00s. However, when the two broke up, Justin outed Britney as a cheater in this hit song.
2) “Getaway Car” – Taylor Swift about Tom Hiddleston
Taylor Swift and the God of Mischief himself, Tom Hiddleston, enjoyed a whirlwind romance after Taylor ended her relationship with Calvin Harris. On her “Reputation” album, Taylor addressed the fling in this song that implies she knew things wouldn’t ever work out with Tom and used him anyway.
3) “Same Old Love” – Selena Gomez about Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber had an on-off relationship for several years. This single from her “Revival” album calls out an ex who pulls the same tricks over and over again, with fans assuming she can only mean Justin.
4) “Shout Out to My Ex” – Little Mix about Zayn Malik
When Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards abruptly ended their engagement, her group, Little Mix, released a track widely believed to be about Zayn and model Gigi Hadid, whom he started dating soon after the split, thanks to lyrics like “Hope she’s gettin’ better sex. Hope she ain’t fakin’ like I used to.” Also, the fact that Perrie sings the very first line in the song saying, “This is a shout out to my ex.”
5) “My Way” – Calvin Harris about Taylor Swift
After breaking up with Taylor Swift, Calvin Harris released the song “My Way,” with the video full of visual shade at Taylor.
6) “Forever and Always” – Taylor Swift about Joe Jonas
Taylor Swift and Joe Jonas might have only lasted a few months, but he made quite the impact on the then-country singer. Taylor famously called out Joe for breaking up with her in a 27-second phone call during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She also revealed this song is about him.
7) “Paranoid” – Jonas Brothers about Taylor Swift
Joe and his brothers shot back at Taylor’s shady songs. On the Jonas Brothers track, “Paranoid,” the guys sing, “That’s why my ex is still my ex / I never trust a word she says / I’m runnin’ all the background checks / And she’s freaking out.”
8) “7 Things” – Miley Cyrus about Nick Jonas
Miley Cyrus’ famous single ranting about ex Nick Jonas, calling him vain and accusing him of liking another girl (believed to be fellow Disney star Selena Gomez, who also briefly dated Nick) is still being listened to be plenty of girls going through heartbreak. Miley also famously sang this song at the Teen Choice Awards, even going down into the audience to sing the chorus with Selena.
9) “You Suck” – Abigail Breslin about Michael Clifford
Abigail Breslin briefly dipped her toes into the music scene, singing about her ex, 5 Seconds of Summer singer Michael Clifford.
10) “Don’t” – Ed Sheeran about Ellie Goulding
Ed Sheeran shades a fellow singer whom he was casually hooking up with and who devastated him when she also slept with one of his friends. The singer is believed to be Ellie Goulding, while the friend is supposedly Niall Horan.