10 Awesome Songs for Your Anti-Valentine's Day Playlist

Anthony Faccenda

Valentine's Day may be geared toward couples, but what about the vast number of singles out there? According to recent statistics a majority of Americans—roughly 50.2 percent—are single. Shouldn't attention be paid to the nearly 125 million single American adults out there?

With this in mind, here’s a list of the best songs for the singles among us this February 14th. So whether you’ve recently been dumped; were cheated on; are suffering a case of unrequited love; or are in an unhappy relationship; these 10 songs offer something for every mood this Valentine's Day.

Bruce Springsteen – I’m Going Down

Are you in the mood for a danceable song about heartbreak? Look no further than Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m Going Down.” This simple, yet poignant tune represents a once-great relationship, which is now on its last legs. 

For an interesting take on the song, click here to listen to a cover by Florence and the Machine featuring Kid Harpoon. 

Most notable verse

I pull you close but when we kiss I can feel a doubt 
I remember back when we started 
My kisses used to turn you inside out 
I used to drive you to work in the morning 
Friday night I'd drive you all around 
You used to love to drive me wild 
But lately girl you get your kicks from just driving me down 

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Roy Orbison – It’s Over

With songs like “Crying” and “Only the Lonely” to his name, an entire list of anti-Valentine’s Day songs could be assembled from the late Roy Orbison’s catalog. But, for the sake of variety, we’re going to include just one: “It’s Over.”

Released in 1964, Orbison’s tale of heartache is the perfect remedy for someone whose lover has been unfaithful. Co-written by Bill Dees, the track has been covered by everyone from Elvis Presley to Miley Cyrus.

Most notable verse

It breaks your heart in two, to know she's been untrue 
But oh what will you do, then she said to you 
There's someone new, we're through, we're through 
It's over, it's over, it's over 

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Ben Folds Five – Song for the Dumped

While some songs on this list have nuanced lyrics that lend themselves to various interpretations, Ben Folds Five’s “Song for the Dumped” is a straightforward angry and amusing breakup anthem.

Written by the band’s drummer Darren Jessee, this gem includes a sentiment, however petty it may be, that has crossed many of our minds after a breakup: “Wish I hadn't bought you dinner, right before you dumped me.”

Most notable verse

Well fuck you too 
Give me my money back 
Give me my money back 
you bitch 
I want my money back 
(And don't forget to give 
me back my black T-Shirt) 

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David Bowie – Letter to Hermione

This beautiful, yet haunting 1969 lost classic from David Bowie chronicles the breakup between Bowie and his former girlfriend Hermione Farthingale. The song is instantly relatable for anyone that felt utterly lost following the conclusion of his or her first relationship. 

“I'm not quite sure what we're supposed to do,” writes Bowie to his former love, whom has moved on with another man.

Most notable verse

He makes you laugh.
He brings you out in style.
He treats you well
And makes you up real fine.
And when he's strong,
He's strong for you.
And when you kiss
It's something new.
But did you ever call my name
Just by mistake?
I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do.
So I'll just write some love to you.

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Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know

The definitive anthem for wronged women everywhere, Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” is about a woman, who thinks she’s in a happy relationship that gets dumped out of the blue. Oh yeah, did I mention that she’s pissed off?

Written about Morissette’s former boyfriend actor-comedian Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey from Full House), the song’s raw anger is both poetic and chilling.

Most notable verse

You seem very well, things look peaceful 
I'm not quite as well, I thought you should know 
Did you forget about me Mr. Duplicity 
I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner 
It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced 
Are you thinking of me when you fuck her? 

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The Cure – Pictures of You

Released in 1990, The Cure’s “Pictures of You” conjures up images of a lost love that the narrator only now knows through old photographs. More than a lost love, singer Robert Smith’s lyrics show a narrator with deep regret about how the relationship ended and how he feels personally responsible for its demise.

“If only I'd thought of the right words, I could have held on to your heart,” captures the feeling many people feel post-break up.

Most notable verse

There was nothing in the world 
That I ever wanted more 
Than to feel you deep in my heart 
There was nothing in the world 
That I ever wanted more 
Than to never feel the breaking apart 
All my pictures of you

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The Rolling Stones – Angie

One of the more mature and optimistic breakup songs, 1973’s “Angie” centers on a couple that once shared a great love, but have reached the end of the road.

Mick Jagger’s lyrics exemplify the feeling we’ve all had toward the end of a relationship when fighting and bickering replace thoughtful conversation. Although you may be conflicted and possibly caught up in romanticizing the past, the best thing to do may be to call it quits. Listen to Mick.

Most notable verse

All the dreams we held so close 
Seemed to all go up in smoke 
Hate that sadness in your eyes 
But Angie, I still love you baby 
Everywhere I look I see your eyes 
There ain't a woman that comes close to you 
Come on baby dry your eyes 
But Angie, Angie 
Ain't it good to be alive 
Angie, Angie, you can't say we never tried

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Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart Again

One of the most honest songs ever written about love, Joy Division’s 1979 hit speaks to the mysteriousness of love—a phenomena that has the power to bring two people together and rip them apart.

The lyrics center on a narrator who desperately tried to make an ill-fated relationship work, but has made matters worse. If you’ve ever been in a love-hate relationship where all you do is fight, but you can’t just seem to let go, this song is for you.

On a more literal level, the song reflects the problems singer-songwriter Ian Curtis was experiencing with his wife. Adding another layer to the song, Curtis committed suicide two months after he wrote it.

Most notable verse

Why is the bedroom so cold? 
You've turned away on your side. 
Is my timing that flawed? 
Our respect runs so dry. 
Yet there's still this appeal 
That we've kept through our lives.

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Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right

One of the best songs ever written, this track from the legendary Bob Dylan tells the tale of unrequited love. Written after the breakup or Dylan and former girlfriend Suze Rotolo, Dylan is bitter at the fact that she strung him along and wasted his time by not wanting to commit to the relationship.

Despite the animosity, the song’s title serves as a reminder to anyone dealing with a breakup to keep his or her head up, and that things will get better.

Most notable verse

So long, honey, babe 
Where I'm bound, I can't tell 
Goodbye's too good a word, babe 
So I'll just say fare thee well 
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind 
You coulda done better but I don't mind 
You just kinda wasted my precious time 
But don't think twice, it's all right 

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The Smiths – I Know It’s Over

Despite being known for such melancholy tracks like “How Soon is Know” and “Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me,” no Smiths song is more deserving of being on this list than 1986’s “I Know It’s Over.”

Singer-songwriter Morrissey’s lyrics tell the tale of a protagonist that has utterly lost his/her faith in love. Lyrics like “Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head” illustrate how crippling dealing with lost love and/or unrequited love can be.

Most notable verse

It's so easy to laugh 
It's so easy to hate 
It takes guts to be gentle and kind 
Over, over 
Love is natural and real 
But not for you, my love 
Not tonight, my love 
Love is natural and real 
But not for such as you and I, my love 

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