21 Songs About Marriage Ending and Moving On

1. “Everleave” by Alexandra Kay

"Everleave" by Alexandra Kay is a heartfelt country song that delves into the emotional turmoil of a one-sided relationship. It portrays the struggle of feeling unappreciated and the challenge of moving on from a love that's no longer fulfilling.

The song, deeply personal, reflects the end of her own marriage, making it a powerful addition to any discussion about divorce and separation.

2. “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus' song "Flowers" is a reflective post-breakup anthem emphasizing self-empowerment and independence. The lyrics suggest a realization that the relationship, once golden, was not right, leading to a decision to focus on self-love and personal well-being.

Fans widely speculate that the song, with its themes of moving on and self-reliance, is a subtle nod to her past relationship with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, especially given its release coinciding with his birthday.

3. “Mine” by Kelly Clarkson

"Mine" by Kelly Clarkson is a poignant song that delves into the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship, reflecting on heartbreak, loss of trust, and resentment.

Inspired by her own divorce from Brandon Blackstock, the song conveys feelings of betrayal and the pain of a broken heart. Clarkson's lyrics express a deep questioning of her ex-partner's motives and a realization of their untrustworthiness.

4. “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé

Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" is a powerful breakup song embodying self-worth and female empowerment.

The song narrates the story of a woman who has been cheated on by her lover. Instead of succumbing to heartbreak, she asserts her independence, affirming that her unfaithful partner is not irreplaceable and confidently moves on.

This anthem highlights the importance of not tolerating poor treatment in a relationship and the strength in realizing one's own value. The song resonates with listeners globally as a message of empowerment, encouraging them to recognize their worth and the ability to find love again.

5. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" is an evocative portrayal of a failed relationship, marked by feelings of betrayal and disappointment. The title, derived from British slang, implies a deep trust and support that Adele once believed she shared with her partner, only to be let down.

The song takes listeners on a journey through heartbreak and the quest for justice, touching on the pain of betrayal and a burning desire for revenge. This song fits into the category of songs about failing marriage, as it conveys the emotional aftermath and the resilience required to move on from such deep hurt.

6. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera

"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera is an anthem of empowerment, inspired by overcoming the hurt of betrayal. Aguilera thanks the one who wronged her, crediting the experience with making her stronger and more resilient.

The song speaks to finding strength in adversity and becoming wiser through painful relationships.

7. “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" reflects on the freedom and personal growth following a breakup. It's a song about the joy of moving on from a burdensome relationship and valuing one's own peace of mind.

8. “Break Free” by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande's "Break Free" is an empowering anthem encouraging listeners to find the strength to leave toxic relationships.

The song celebrates the journey towards independence, with lyrics highlighting the transformative moment of breaking free and embracing self-discovery. It's a celebration of personal resilience and the joy of asserting one's true self.

"Break Free" fits seamlessly into the category of best divorce songs, as it embodies the spirit of moving past a difficult relationship and finding oneself in the process.

9. “Lose You To Love Me” by Selena Gomez

"Lose You to Love Me" by Selena Gomez is a heartfelt song about the painful but necessary journey of ending a toxic relationship to embrace self-love and personal growth. The track embodies the idea of needing to leave someone to find oneself truly.

10. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is a playful, upbeat breakup anthem.

It humorously emphasizes her determination to end a toxic relationship. Widely speculated to reflect her past with Jake Gyllenhaal, the song symbolizes Swift's independence and marks a key transition in her musical style from country to pop.

11. “Let It Go” by James Bay

James Bay's "Let It Go" captures the challenging journey of ending an unhealthy relationship. It starts with fond memories, shifts to the pain of the present, and hints at future healing. The song resonates with its message of embracing change and the natural process of healing and growth after a hard fall.

12. “Got My Name Changed Back” by Pistol Annies

Got My Name Changed Back" by Pistol Annies humorously addresses reclaiming identity post-divorce. It narrates a woman's journey of changing her last name back to her maiden name, symbolizing freedom and empowerment.

The song, reflecting on the emotional aspects of divorce, celebrates regaining independence and a sense of self.

13. “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo

"Drivers License" by Olivia Rodrigo poignantly captures the heartbreak of young love lost. Using a driver's license as a metaphor, the song expresses Rodrigo's feelings of loneliness and betrayal following her breakup, rumored to be with co-star Joshua Bassett.

It resonates deeply with listeners facing similar emotions of heartbreak and confusion.

14. “Let Her Go” by Passenger

"Let Her Go" by Passenger reflects on the regret of appreciating someone only after they're gone.

Inspired by a personal breakup, it's a melancholic ballad about a man who realizes he took his partner for granted, capturing the heartache of lost love and the pain of letting go.

15. “So What” by P!nk

'So What' is a defiant, humorous response to her separation from Carey Hart. It blends anger with independence, reflecting on life post-breakup and turning pain into empowerment.

Despite its confrontational tone, P!nk finds humor in performing it, especially its more pointed lines.

16. “Miss Me More” by Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini's 'Miss Me More' is about rediscovering self-identity and empowerment post-breakup.

It describes a woman's realization that she sacrificed her own dreams and independence in a relationship, ultimately finding that she misses herself more than her former partner.

17. “What Hurts The Most” by Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts' 'What Hurts the Most' is a moving song about the pain of heartbreak and unexpressed feelings. It resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced loss, emphasizing the regret and longing associated with missed opportunities in love.

18. “Say Something” by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera

"Say Something" by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera is a moving piano ballad that delves into the emotions of a failing relationship.

The song portrays the struggle of someone on the verge of giving up, imploring their partner to express anything that might salvage their bond. It captures a sense of deep regret, longing, and the pain of reaching a breaking point in love.

19. “Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" is an anthem of resilience, inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's quotation, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."

The song emphasizes the importance of being content with oneself before sharing happiness with others, teaching the distinction between being alone and being lonely.

20. “Sorry Not Sorry” by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato's 'Sorry Not Sorry' is a bold anthem of girl-power and self-confidence. It's a song about rising above negativity and not being apologetic to haters.

Lovato wrote it as a savage response to those trying to bring her down, symbolizing the importance of not caring about others' opinions and being confident.

21. “What He Didn't Do” by Carly Pearce

Carly Pearce's "What He Didn't Do" is an introspective song about reflecting on a failed relationship. It highlights the regrets of unspoken feelings and actions not taken, focusing on what her partner failed to do.

Inspired by Pearce's own experience of unrequited love, it resonates with those who've faced similar heartaches.