Forbidden love has always inspired musicians to write deeply touching songs that capture the mix of emotions in loving someone you’re not supposed to.
From the joy of secret romances to the pain of loving someone you can never truly be with, these songs tell stories that many of us can relate to. In this blog post, we’ll explore 30 songs that beautifully express the heartache and happiness of forbidden love, featuring artists from different eras and genres. Each song tells a unique story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced love that defies the rules.
1. Love Story – Taylor Swift
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift is a song that captures the essence of a forbidden love turned into a beautiful fairy tale. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, the song talks about a couple who despite the disapproval of their families, dream of a life together. Taylor Swift’s lyrics tell a story of hope and fighting for the love that feels right, even when everyone says it’s wrong.
This song resonates with anyone who has ever experienced love that others didn’t approve of. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Love Story” has become a timeless anthem for lovers who face obstacles but choose to believe in their own happy ending.
2. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston is a powerful ballad that speaks of bittersweet goodbyes in a love that cannot be. Originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton, the song gained immense popularity with Houston’s version. It tells the story of leaving someone even when you still love them, because sometimes love alone isn’t enough to make things work.
The song is often seen as a farewell to a forbidden love, resonating with those who have had to let go of someone special. Whitney’s emotional delivery and the beautiful melody make this song unforgettable and a touching tribute to love that stands the test of time but cannot be.
3. Creep – Radiohead
“Creep” by Radiohead is a song that captures the feelings of inadequacy and longing from someone who loves another from afar. It’s about loving someone who seems so out of your league that you feel like a ‘creep’ when you’re around them. This song speaks to the heartache of unrequited love and the pain of feeling unworthy of the person you desire.
The raw emotion and haunting lyrics make this song a powerful anthem for anyone who has felt on the outside of a love they cannot have. Its dark tone and relatable words continue to resonate with listeners around the world.
4. Secret Love Song – Little Mix feat. Jason Derulo
“Secret Love Song” by Little Mix featuring Jason Derulo delves into the pain and beauty of a hidden love that can’t be revealed to the world. The song expresses the longing and heartache of being in a love that must remain a secret for reasons beyond the lovers’ control.
Its poignant lyrics and the powerful vocals of Little Mix and Jason Derulo express the deep emotions of having to hide one’s love. This song is a favorite for anyone who has ever experienced a forbidden romance that they wished could go public.
5. Un-Break My Heart – Toni Braxton
“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton is a heart-wrenching ballad about the despair of losing a loved one and the wish to undo the pain. The song conveys deep emotions of regret and sorrow over a love that has ended, perhaps due to circumstances that kept the lovers apart.
This song has touched many hearts with its soulful melody and Toni’s powerful voice, making it a timeless piece for anyone who has ever wanted to turn back time and mend a broken love.
6. The One That Got Away – Katy Perry
“The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry explores the theme of lost love and regret over a love that once was but can no longer be. It tells the story of two lovers who parted ways, leaving behind what might have been a beautiful future together. The song reflects on missed opportunities and the longing for a second chance at love that slipped away.
With its catchy tune and reflective lyrics, Katy Perry’s song strikes a chord with anyone who regrets letting go of a love that might have been perfect but was forbidden or ill-timed.
7. Tainted Love – Soft Cell
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell became a defining song of the 1980s with its synth-pop sound and lyrics about a love that feels wrong but is hard to leave. The song speaks about a toxic relationship that is addictive and consuming despite being harmful.
It resonates with those who have experienced relationships where love feels like a trap that they need to escape from. This song is a powerful reminder of the darker side of love that can sometimes become controlling or oppressive.
8. Forbidden Love – Madonna
“Forbidden Love” by Madonna takes on the direct theme of forbidden love, discussing a relationship that defies the norms and expectations imposed by society. The song delves into the conflicts and desires of a love that is not supposed to happen but feels undeniably right.
Madonna’s emotional delivery and the song’s smooth rhythm make it a poignant exploration of love’s complexities, especially when it crosses boundaries that are typically seen as taboo.
9. Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad – Meat Loaf
“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” by Meat Loaf is a song about coming to terms with a love that isn’t fully reciprocated. The singer conveys a message that while they want and need love, they cannot give their heart entirely to someone who does not love them back in the same way. This song speaks to the heartache of unfulfilled love and the realization that sometimes, love just isn’t enough.
With its powerful vocals and emotional lyrics, this song is a classic rock ballad that has spoken to many about the realities of loving someone who doesn’t feel the same way.
10. Back to December – Taylor Swift
“Back to December” by Taylor Swift is a reflective song about regretting one’s actions in a past relationship and wishing to go back to make things right. The song captures the longing and remorse of looking back on a love that was good but ended due to mistakes and misjudgments.
This touching ballad is beautifully composed with lyrics that express deep personal regret and the desire to fix a past relationship, making it relatable to anyone who has ever wished to turn back time and mend a love that went wrong.
11. Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
“Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis describes the overwhelming power of love that persists despite being rejected or misunderstood by others. The song portrays a protagonist who is judged for staying in a love that others see as damaging, yet she continues to love deeply, her heart ‘bleeding love.’
This ballad has captivated audiences with its strong vocals and emotive lyrics, making it a powerful anthem for those who love against all odds, defending their feelings against those who do not understand them.
12. Somebody’s Me – Enrique Iglesias
“Somebody’s Me” by Enrique Iglesias speaks to the longing and desire felt when separated from a loved one, pondering who they are with now. It’s a song about the haunting thoughts of a former lover who still feels a strong connection and imagines that their lost love must also feel their absence.
This song touches the soul with its poignant lyrics and Enrique’s heartfelt delivery, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of a love that is no longer present but still deeply felt.
13. Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri
“Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri tells the story of confronting a past lover who has caused significant emotional pain. The song captures the strength required to say no to someone who returns after breaking one’s heart. It is a ballad about reclaiming power and healing from a toxic relationship.
Christina Perri’s powerful vocals and the dramatic arrangement of the song make it a rallying cry for those who have decided to stand up for themselves and not allow a past tormentor to re-enter their life.
14. Rolling in the Deep – Adele
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele is a song about betrayal and the depths of a failed relationship. It discusses the pain and fury that comes from being deeply hurt by someone you once trusted. Adele channels her sorrow into a powerful expression of scorn and strength in the face of betrayal.
The song’s gripping lyrics and Adele’s soulful voice provide a powerful mix of anger and heartbreak, making it a memorable anthem for those who have felt deceived and abandoned by love.
15. Poison & Wine – The Civil Wars
“Poison & Wine” by The Civil Wars delves into the complex dynamics of a love-hate relationship, where love is both intoxicating and destructive. The song beautifully captures the dual nature of such relationships where the lines between love and pain are blurred.
This duet’s haunting harmonies and poignant lyrics express the struggle of loving someone deeply while knowing the relationship causes mutual hurt, making it a moving piece for anyone caught in such a bittersweet entanglement.
16. Lips of an Angel – Hinder
“Lips of an Angel” by Hinder speaks about the difficulty of having a conversation with an ex-lover while in a new relationship. The song explores the emotions of hearing a former love’s voice and the struggle not to let old feelings resurface.
This rock ballad resonates with its listeners by capturing the internal conflict of remembering past love while trying to remain committed to the present, echoing the sentiments of those torn between their past and current relationships.
17. My Immortal – Evanescence
“My Immortal” by Evanescence is an emotional ballad about love and loss. The song portrays the lingering presence of a past lover who continues to haunt the singer’s memories. Amy Lee’s expressive voice and the piano-driven melody create a somber mood that beautifully conveys the pain of being haunted by memories of a lost love.
This song touches on the theme of forbidden love as it explores the deep scars left behind and the difficulty in moving on from a relationship that had a profound impact on one’s life.
18. Love the Way You Lie – Eminem feat. Rihanna
“Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem featuring Rihanna is a song that delves into the turbulent nature of an abusive relationship. The track explores the complexity of loving someone who hurts you, highlighting the cycle of attraction and repulsion within such toxic dynamics.
The powerful collaboration between Eminem and Rihanna brings a raw and honest look into the reality of these challenging relationships, making it a poignant narrative for those who have experienced similar situations.
19. It Must Have Been Love – Roxette
“It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette is a classic song about the aftermath of a relationship that was once deep and meaningful but has now ended. The song reflects on the memories of a past love that was once beautiful and full of promise but eventually faded away.
The song’s melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics evoke strong emotions, resonating with anyone who has ever experienced a profound love that, for various reasons, couldn’t last.
20. Irreplaceable – Beyoncé
“Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé is a song of empowerment and self-respect in the face of a relationship gone wrong. Beyoncé delivers a strong message about moving on from a partner who has taken her for granted, emphasizing her strength and independence.
This song has become an anthem for those who decide to leave a love that no longer serves them, highlighting the importance of self-worth and the courage it takes to walk away from someone who doesn’t see your true value.
21. Your Love is King – Sade
“Your Love is King” by Sade is a smooth, soulful song that celebrates a love that feels regal and overpowering. It captures the essence of being completely under the spell of someone’s affection, even if that love might not be deemed appropriate or acceptable by others.
The elegant instrumentation and Sade’s silky vocals make this track a timeless tribute to the all-consuming power of love, perfect for those who cherish their love despite societal boundaries or constraints.
22. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
“Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry captures the exhilarating and carefree nature of youthful love that feels boundless and rebellious. This song is about experiencing a passionate love that defies expectations and norms, reminiscent of a time when all that mattered was the moment.
The catchy melody and upbeat rhythm make this song a joyful celebration of love in its most free and uninhibited form, resonating with anyone who has ever been part of a love that felt like a perfect escape from reality.
23. Runaway – The Corrs
“Runaway” by The Corrs is a gentle, folk-inspired tune about wanting to escape with a loved one, away from the prying eyes of the world. It speaks to the desire to start fresh somewhere new where their love can truly flourish without judgment.
The song’s soft melody and heartfelt lyrics offer a sense of hope and adventure for lovers looking for a sanctuary, making it a sweet ode to escaping with someone you love.
24. Take My Breath Away – Berlin
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin, famous from the movie ‘Top Gun,’ portrays the intense feelings of a romantic encounter that leaves one breathless. The song beautifully captures the overwhelming sensations of falling deeply in love, often when it’s least expected or even allowed.
The iconic synthesizer and the haunting vocals encapsulate the timeless nature of a love so powerful it feels as though it can change one’s destiny, perfect for those swept away by a forbidden romance.
25. If I Never See Your Face Again – Maroon 5 feat. Rihanna
“If I Never See Your Face Again” by Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna explores the fleeting and intense nature of a love affair that burns bright but may not last. The collaboration between these two artists adds a layer of urgency and longing to the song’s dynamic.
The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics express the complicated emotions of enjoying the moment while knowing it might end suddenly, making it a relatable track for those caught in the thrill and uncertainty of a passionate but possibly short-lived relationship.
26. Unfaithful – Rihanna
“Unfaithful” by Rihanna tells the story of someone who is causing pain to their partner through infidelity. The song delves into the guilt and conflict experienced by someone who loves their partner but is drawn to another, highlighting the inner turmoil of being torn between two loves.
Rihanna’s emotive voice and the poignant piano accompaniment make this song a profound expression of the struggle and heartache involved in a love triangle, resonating with those who have faced similar situations.
27. Wicked Game – Chris Isaak
“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is a haunting melody about falling in love against one’s better judgment. The song captures the essence of a tormented soul caught in the throes of a love they wish they could resist but are powerless to do so.
The mesmerizing guitar riff and Isaak’s sultry vocals create a moody and evocative atmosphere that perfectly conveys the pain and pleasure of succumbing to a love that one knows will only end in heartache.
28. Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here – Deborah Cox
“Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” by Deborah Cox addresses the shock and surprise of finding new love after swearing off relationships. The song discusses the unexpected arrival of a deep and intense love when one has given up on finding such feelings again, particularly when past relationships have left deep scars.
Deborah Cox’s powerful voice and the dramatic crescendo of the music echo the intensity of discovering love where and when it’s least expected, appealing to those who have unexpectedly found themselves in love once more.
29. I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt is a soul-stirring ballad about the heartbreak of unrequited love. The song is a poignant and emotional surrender to the reality that no matter how deep one’s feelings are, they cannot force someone to love them back.
With its gentle piano accompaniment and Raitt’s expressive delivery, the song beautifully articulates the resignation and deep sorrow of loving someone who doesn’t feel the same way, striking a chord with anyone who has loved without being loved in return.
30. Love in the Dark – Adele
“Love in the Dark” by Adele is about the painful decision to leave a relationship that is no longer working, despite still loving the partner deeply. This song explores the emotional turmoil and strength required to walk away from a love that, although intense and real, has turned into something that hinders personal growth.
Adele’s powerful voice conveys the depth of emotion involved in such a heart-wrenching decision, making it a resonant farewell to a once-cherished but ultimately doomed love.