Not all breakups are forever. Sometimes, the love shared between two people is so strong that it is inevitable that they are going to rekindle a romance that they thought had passed them by long ago. That’s why over the years many songs about getting back together have been written.
Nobody knows what it takes to spark a romance that was once thought to be dead and gone. If there’s one thing I do know, it’s that life is too short to put aside something as special as love. If that special someone from long ago has been on your mind lately, it’s time to follow your heart and get back together, if that’s what the two of you want. If you prefer listening to music on Spotify, you can find the full Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page.
1. It’s Not Over by Daughtry
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Post-Grunge |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Daughtry |
This song was Chris Daughtry’s biggest hit, peaking at the number-four position on the Billboard Hot 100, and has him taken aback with the news of the amazing pending breakup. The news seemed to have blind-sided Daughtry because he thought that things were going well between the two of them. He refuses to believe that it’s over, and is begging for a second chance to make all the things right that he didn’t get right the first time around. He also says that the love between them kills him, but she’s the only one for him.
2. Never Really Over by Katy Perry
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Smile |
With over 23.9 million albums sold worldwide, Katy Perry has had an impressive career. With six albums released, the first three of Perry’s efforts have gone platinum. In her last Studio album, 2020’s “Smile,” Katy Perry included the single “Never Really Over.” This is a track in which Perry thought that she had completely shut somebody out of her life, only to have him creep back in. Talk about how the relationship may be done, but they never really were completely over. In this song, one thing leads to another, and she guesses that she’ll never get over him again.
3. Closer by The Chainsmokers (Featuring Halsey)
| Genre | Pop, Dance, Electronic |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Collage |
Most people have a “revenge fantasy,” in which they want their ex-lover to see them out, looking and doing better than they ever were when they were with that person. That’s what this Billboard number-one hit from The Chainsmokers is about. The song starts with a typical breakup, with a couple exchanging typical goodbyes. Four years later, he runs into his ex in a hotel bar, where they decide to throw caution to the wind and have a romantic twist. Nothing has changed with them. They decided to hook up one more time for old times’ sake.
4. Picture by Kid Rock (Featuring Sheryl Crow)
| Genre | Rock, Country |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Cocky |
This song showed a much softer side of the “Devil Without a Cause,” teaming up with Sheryl Crow for a country-flavored ballad about being in love with your ex. This song peaked at the number-four spot on the Billboard Hot 100. In this song, the two narrators talk about how they are reminded of each other because they still have each other’s picture out. They serve as a constant reminder of what could have been, but the two former lovers decide to put the pictures away and finally put the romance to rest.
5. Walking After You by Foo Fighters
| Genre | Rock, Hard Rock |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | The Colour and the Shape |
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person simply refused to give up and accept that the relationship is over? Well, this would be the point where you have to decide whether your partner has crossed the line from being a caring, concerned lover, or if they’re a stalker. Seriously, I love Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters, but this song puts out some serious stalker vibes. He’s quite insistent that if she walks out on him, he’s going to go after her. That could be sweet, but it’s more along the lines of creepy. If you like this song, check out our playlist of songs about exes and past relationships, we know you’ll enjoy it.
6. Open Arms by Journey
| Genre | Rock, Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1982 |
| Album | Escape |
If there’s someone on this planet who doesn’t know who the rock band Journey is, I would sincerely like to meet them. From their power ballads playing in middle school dances to having their songs appear in hit television shows like The Sopranos, their music is everywhere. One of their most famous ballads is “Open Arms,” which is about a couple who has broken up a few times and is now looking to get back together again. This is one of those successful makeups that you hear very little about, complete with a happy ending.
7. Lego House by Ed Sheeran
| Genre | Pop, Alternative, Indie |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | + |
I think that Ed Sheeran may have the perfect suggestion for any relationship that needs to be rebuilt. He suggests building a Lego house, tearing it down, and building it right back up whenever they need to. This would be perfect for whenever Sheeran falls in and out of love like he freely admits to doing in this song. It seems like this is the perfect situation for somebody like Ed Sheeran, who only wants a relationship when it’s convenient for him. This way, he can work on building love whenever he feels like it.
8. Change My Mind by One Direction
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Take Me Home |
This song has two people toying with the idea of what the construct of their relationship is. My take on it is about a couple who have broken Uo with each other, but neither of them wants to let the other go. From the sound of their song, they shouldn’t have broken up in the first place, and the guy is definitely into the idea of being a couple again, even if it’s only for one night. He’s talking about posing for pictures together, and having the time of their lives, only for one night.
9. If You’re Gone by Matchbox Twenty
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | Mad Season |
With three Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, Matchbox 20 has seen its fair share of success with mainstream radio airplay. One of those top 10 hits was the track “If You’re Gone,” from their album “Mad Season.” In that song, Matchbox 20 lead vocalist Rob Thomas is asking his favorite significant other to come home because he loves her. He’s also scared because he started on the phone with his lost her before, and he thinks that this could be the final time. He’s also saying that if she hasn’t left yet, he would love to have another chance to make things right
10. I Won’t Give Up By Jason Mraz
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Love Is a Four Letter Word |
If you are lucky enough to find a love like the one Jason Mraz has found in the track “I Won’t Give Up,” then take a cue for him and hold on to that love for your life. In the ironically titled “Love Is a Four Letter Word,” Mraz and his significant other have appeared to come to the forgone conclusion that their relationship has run its course. However, it’s a parent that he’s not quite ready to give up on just yet, as he reiterates that he will not give up on them, even if times get rough.
11. We Belong Together by Mariah Carey
| Genre | R&B, Soul, Pop |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | The Emancipation of Mimi |
Mariah Carey has had an amazing career, with an astonishing 19 Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits, including the track “We Belong Together,” which had an incredible 14-week run at the top spot of the charts. In this song, Mariah talks about how he lost a part of herself when her ex-boyfriend left the relationship. Now, she’s left to ponder who she will lean on when things get rough, and who she will talk to until the sun comes up. She tells the guy when and where to show up, and lo and behold, he’s there!
12. Whatever It Takes by Lifehouse
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2007 |
| Album | Who We Are |
Sometimes, we don’t realize what we had until it’s too late and we no longer have it. That’s the only point that Jason Wade is trying to make up with this song from his band Lifehouse. In this song, Wade is admitting guilt, confessing that he led his partner down, and pleading with her for a second chance at being a couple. However, she told him that if they are going to try to make a go of it again, he was going to have to let her fully inside so that she can see all of his broken parts.
13. Always On My Mind by Willie Nelson
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1982 |
| Album | Always On My Mind |
Sometimes, when we think of a former relationship, we think of all of the things that we could have done to make the situation better. That must have been what was going through Willie Nelson’s mind when he wrote his hit song “Always On My Mind.” When you get down to brass tacks, this song is about regret, and nothing more. Wilkie reiterates all of the things that he wishes he would have done or should have done when they were together. No matter where life took him, this woman was always on his mind.
14. The Scientist by Coldplay
| Genre | Alternative, Indie |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | A Rush of Blood to the Head |
Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of Coldplay, has said that this is a song about a scientist who gets caught up in his work, neglecting his girlfriend in the process. When he finally gets his priorities straight and decides that he wants to go back to the start with his girlfriend, that’s what he attempts to do. Martin has said that this song is semi-autobiographical, and is based on his well-documented troubles with girls in the past. He’s also said that this song is the perfect example of how ladies occupy our minds the most.
15. Amie by Pure Prairie League
| Genre | Pop, Rock, Country |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Bustin’ Out |
There’s nothing that can make you long for your ex as much as seeing them in a healthy relationship with someone else. You start thinking of all of the things that you’ve done, and all of the things that you think you need to change about yourself. That’s what we get from this classic song from Pure Prairie League. The narrator is feeling bad for the way that he treated the titular character Amie. Now that she’s in a healthy relationship with someone else, the narrator wants to try to rekindle their romance. Isn’t that about right?
16. Don’t Cry by Guns N’ Roses
| Genre | Hard Rock |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | Use Your Illusion I |
In this song from the enormously successful “Use Your Illusion I,” Axl Rose is playing the role of a concerned ex-boyfriend, who only wants the best for his former lover because he’s still in love with her. He does all the right things that you would expect him to do if his goal was to get back together with her. He sweet-talks her and tells her things to build her confidence. It seems like Axl is only trying to play on her emotions so that she lets her guard down temporarily, but he has no plans for this becoming a permanent situation. I really enjoy listening to this song and it’s one of my personal favorite songs about getting back together.
17. Come a Little Closer by Dierks Bentley
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | Modern Day Drifter |
They say that the best songs come from true stories, so I would like to hear my story behind this track from country music star Dierks Bentley, which remained at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for three weeks. In the song, Bentley tells his ex to come a little closer and give in to him with sweet surrender. He says that there’s nothing that they can’t fix. He asks her to take his hand if there’s still a chance. After they make things right, the sun will rise on a better day.
18. I Remember by Kenny Chesney
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems |
Have you ever had one of those relationships that ended before it was time, and you knew that things ended the wrong way? You end up seeing this person’s face in everything you saw and in everyone you looked at. That’s what’s going on in this single from Kenny Chesney’s 2003 effort “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems.” Chesney keeps going back to what he likes to call “yesterday inside his mind,” which must have been when his relationship was at its strongest. Sadly, there is no indication that she is willing to give 88. him another try.
19. Back To December by Taylor Swift
| Genre | Country, Pop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Speak Now |
You know that things have been going rather badly between you and your ex when he brings you Roses, but you just leave them there to die. Well, it’s either that, or you’re trapped in another insane installment of the trainwreck that is Taylor Swift’s love life. Well, since you’re reading this, it has to be the latter. In this song, Taylor runs into someone whom she hasn’t seen in quite a while. Surprise, and says that the separation was her fault. She also says that she wishes that she could go back to December to make everything alright.
20. The Flame by Cheap Trick
| Genre | Rock, Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1988 |
| Album | Lap of Luxury |
In the late 1980s, Cheap Trick experienced a comeback with their power ballad, “The Flame.” This song is about a guy who is obviously still in love with his former partner and misses this person dearly. He wants her to know that no matter where life takes them, he will always be there for her and he will always love her. He says that after the fire and after all the rain, he will be the flame. This means that he will always be that shining light for her, especially when she’s going through darkness.
21. Let’s Be Us Again by Lonestar
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | Let’s Be Us Again |
This song is a desperate plea from a guy who wants to get back together with his ex. He’s apologizing for everything that he’s said in the past and wants to know if there’s anything he can do to rekindle the romance immediately. Richie Mcdonald it’s putting himself out there, saying that he wouldn’t know what to do if he lost the love of his life. He says that he never wants to see the end, and goes as far as to ask her to open her heart to let him in.
22. After All by Peter Cetera (Featuring Cher)
| Genre | Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1989 |
| Album | Heart of Stone |
In 1989, Cher collaborated with former Chicago lead vocalist Peter Cetera on the Grammy-nominated track “After All,” which appeared on Cher’s album “Heart of Stone.” The song is about a couple who have gone their separate ways, but fate keeps making them find their way back to each other. They say that as many times as they have stopped and started again with other people, it all comes back to the two of them wanting to be together. No matter what happens, they still manage to find their way back into each other’s arms, which sounds like true love to me.
23. Love Of My Life by Queen
| Genre | Hard Rock, Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | A Night at the Opera |
Whenever somebody breaks your heart, there are times when you just want to let them know exactly what they’ve done to you, and how you feel about it. That’s how this song starts. It is the plight of somebody who has been abandoned by their lover and is more affected by this than the other party. Over the years, there has been much speculation about whom this song is about, with many people believing that it is about Mary Austen, whom Freddie Mercury loved very much. I guess we may never know whom this song was written for.
24. It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over by Lenny Kravitz
| Genre | Rock, Alternative, R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | Mama Said |
In His stunning follow-up to his debut album “Let Love Rule,” the Grammy-nominated artist Lenny Kravitz was introduced into the big time with this hit single that combined alternative, rock, and traces of R&B to form a unique and refreshing sound. In the song, Lenny and his lover are on the verge of a breakup, but he refuses to call and quits, repeatedly saying “it ain’t over till it’s over.” Sure, the couple has seen their fair share of problems, but there’s something to be said about not giving up on love. This is easily one of the most powerful songs about trying again.
25. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life by Stevie Wonder
| Genre | R&B, Soul, Motown |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Talking Book |
When Stevie Wonder tells his partner that she is the sunshine of his life, that’s his way of saying that she is the most important thing in his life. We are indicated that this relationship may be coming to India when Stevie says “I feel like this is the beginning though I’ve loved you for a million years. And if I thought our love was ending, I’d find myself drowning in my tears.” Even though things may be better coming to an end, it seems like he’s trying to guilt-trip her into staying.
26. Miss You by The Rolling Stones
| Genre | Rock, Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Some Girls |
The Rolling Stones have had one of the longest careers in rock music, releasing their debut album nearly six decades ago. They have also had eight Billboard number-one singles in their career, including this hit from 1978 “Some Girls,” which as you might have guessed from the title, is about missing someone and wanting to get back together with them. The message is also set to an incredibly bluesy, honky-tonk type of feeling that makes this track unmistakable. Add in Mick Jagger’s unmistakable vocals, and you’ve got one of the catchiest Rolling Stones songs of all time. This is easily one of the most powerful songs about missing someone and wanting them back.
27. Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Secrets |
In 1996, Toni Braxton had no way of knowing that she would be releasing one of the most popular “getting back together” songs of all time with “Un-Break My Heart.” Written by Diane Warren, this song talks about all of the Heartbreak usually associated with a breakup. Tony is begging for her former lover to come back into her life and erase all of the hurt that he created when he left her the first time, specifically when she says “Undo this hurt you caused when you walked out the door and walked out of my life.”
28. I Want You Back by The Jackson 5
| Genre | Motown, R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1969 |
| Album | Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 |
This is the record that put the Jackson 5 on the map, with the hit single “I Want You Back” selling over two million copies in just under six weeks. I have always found it pretty interesting that the Jackson 5 were singing songs about wanting to get a girl back when they had a singer who was around 10 years old at the time and had probably never had a date. Still, you can’t argue with the success of the single, the album, or the group. Berry Gordy may have been on to something. If you like this song we recommend heading over to our playlist of sad breakup songs because in many of them the singer wants their ex back.
29. Cool by Gwen Stefani
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | Love. Angel. Music. Baby. |
When No Doubt lead vocalist Gwen Stefani released her first solo studio album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.,” nobody predicted that Stefanie would reach the level of success that she did. While the track “Cool” may have not been one of the album’s monstrously successful singles, it is one of her most well-thought-out ones. The song is about two people who were once together, but each goes off on their adventures and ends up with new people. Although she misses this gentleman, she keeps insisting that she is cool with the current situation.
30. Baby Come Back by Player
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1977 |
| Album | Player |
Player’s “Baby Come Back” is the ultimate “my bad” song, with a man accepting the blame for everything that went wrong with the couple, saying that he just can’t live without her. The narrator doesn’t care if all of the blame, and everything that went bad in the relationship, is placed at his feet. As long as he gets a second chance with this person, he’s okay with that. Now that’s what I would call real love. Most people say that they would do anything to get their ex back, but Player’s J.C. Crowley proves it.
31. Glass by Thompson Square
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Thompson Square |
This song is a surprisingly beautiful tale about getting back into a romantic relationship after you have been in one that has failed several times. In this song, lead vocalist Shawna Thompson compares the individuals entering into the relationship to glass. She is saying that they are beautiful and that they shine, but they also have to remember how fragile they are. However, she does offer to let this new man in to see exactly where she’s coming from, offering to show him all of her scars from her past relationships.
32. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1986 |
| Album | So |
In 1975, Genesis lead vocalist Peter Gabriel left the band to pursue more International, worldly, and experimental sounds in his music. He experienced some success but saw his solid career launched into the stratosphere in 1986 with his album “So,” which sold over 6.8 million copies worldwide. The ballad “In Your Eyes” is one of the reasons that this album was such a hit. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the song was featured in the 1989 hit film Say Anything. Here’s an interesting fact that you may not have known. It is rumored to be about Rosanna Arquette.
33. Hard To Say I’m Sorry by Chicago
| Genre | Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1982 |
| Album | Chicago 16 |
From 1967 until 1985, Peter Cetera helped make Chicago International superstars, recording 38 albums and selling 100 million units around the world. Their merging of soft rock and jazz made for a radio-friendly sound that was embraced by people from all walks of life across the globe. One of those songs that achieved such acclaim was the ballad “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” in which a man is apologizing for all of the things that he has put his significant other through, and promising to make them up to her because he can’t let her go.
34. Second Chance by 38 Special
| Genre | Rock, Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1988 |
| Album | Rock & Roll Strategy |
Formed by Lynyrd Skynyrd lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother Donnie Van Zant, 38 Special became much more than the project of the kid brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s singer when they released their single “Rockin’ Into The Night” in 1980. Over the next 11 years, the band charted 14 songs, with the ballad “Second Chance” being their highest-charting single ever, peaking at number six on the charts. The song is like many other songs of that era with Van Zant admitting wrongdoing and asking for a second chance in the relationship. He says he just can’t say goodbye. This is one of the most powerful songs about wanting a second chance I’ve ever listened to.
35. Reunited by Peaches & Herb
| Genre | R&B, Dance, Soul |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | 2 Hot |
If there was a Hall of Fame for songs about getting back together, this track would be the first overall inductee, no questions asked. However, while there is no such Hall of Fame, “Reunited” spent four weeks at the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is about a couple who had been together before but then separated for some reason. Fast forward to now, and they are back together again and loving every minute of it. As the line in the song says, “there’s one perfect thing, and this one is it.”
36. Still The One by Orleans
| Genre | Rock, Classic Rock |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | Waking and Dreaming |
While most of the songs in this article are either about getting back together or breaking up, there’s got to be something to be said for staying together. That’s what this song is all about. “Still The One” is about two people who are still in love with each other after being together for years. More importantly, as they say in the song, they’re also still having lots of fun. As I said, there’s got to be something to be said for those couples who are still together after several years and are still making the most of their time.
37. Breakin’ Up Is Hard To Do by Neil Sedaka
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1960 |
| Album | Circulate |
If you can get past the song’s nonsensical lyrics, it’s about a man pleading his case for his girlfriend to stay with him. He says how breaking up is hard to do after all that they have been through together, and he reiterates this in several other rhyming schemes. He says things like instead of breaking up, they should be making up, and how they should give their love another try, but we don’t know how the other party feels about any of this. The only thing we know is that he doesn’t want to break up.
Also Read: Popular Angry Breakup Songs
38. Escape (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes
| Genre | Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1979 |
| Album | Partners in Crime |
Like the majority of you, I’ve heard this song hundreds of times growing up. However, I never realized that Rupert Holmes was replying to an ad placed in the newspaper by his wife. Talk about a surprise! Imagine This scenario. You answer a personal ad that you see in the newspaper only to find out that it was your significant other that took out the ad. I guess all’s well that ends well because, at the end of the song, they find out that they both like things about each other they didn’t previously know that they liked.
39. Looks Like We Made It by Barry Manilow
| Genre | Easy Listening |
| Year Released | 1974 |
| Album | Barry Manilow |
Barry Manilow has had quite a successful musical career, that has lasted around seven decades. The singer has been highly decorated, including being presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980. The golden-throated singer’s unmistakable voice is one of the lasting keys to his success in the music industry, as is his ability to write songs like this one, which is about two people who have gone their separate ways, only to still long for each other. They use the expression “looks like we made it sarcastically,” because they both want each other.
40. Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Let’s Stay Together |
I think that Al Green had the right idea. Instead of breaking up and getting back together again, what’s the harm in staying together in the first place? Instead of finding reasons to get back together with your ex, this song is all about Al Green finding all of the reasons that he loves his significant other. Instead of experiencing the regret of losing the love of his life, Mr. Green finds dozens of ways to express his love for her so she doesn’t leave. He says that he’ll love her whether times are good or bad, or happy or sad.
41. Trainwreck by Demi Lovato
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Don’t Forget |
Demi Lovato sure has come a long long way from her days on Sonny with a Chance on the Disney Channel. In 2008, she released “Trainwreck,” which is a tune from her album “Don’t Forget,” about the complicated emotions that come with breaking up and making up with your significant other. The song is also about the other person not knowing what they want, with Lovato constantly asking him to dance, and him saying no. She also goes to shake this whole thing, and he pulls it away, which is yet another metaphor for his indecisive nature.
42. Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 1960 |
| Album | Elvis Is Back! |
Elvis Presley dominated the Billboard Hot 100 charts, with seven number-one hits and 25 top-ten singles. One of those number-one singles from the King Of Rock and Roll was the ballad “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” In the song, Elvis is asking that slower if she’s smoking or sorry that they’ve drifted apart. He talks of the relationship as if it were an actor in a play, saying that the act is now over. Ultimately, the point of the song is to ask the young woman if she misses him, now that the prospect of having a relationship is long gone.
43. Austin by Blake Shelton
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Blake Shelton |
This is one of the more original songs that I’ve heard. In that song, Blake Shelton leaves a message on his answering machine saying where he might be on various nights of the week. He closes it out by saying “And P.S. if this is Austin, I still love you.” He works up the nerve to call me a young lady back, who reciprocates his message by saying the same thing at the end. Of course, he works up the nerve to call her and gets a message saying that her heart is his if he wants it.
44. Before You Walk Out Of My Life by Monica
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1995 |
| Album | Miss Thang |
In this song from Monica, we have two people that used to be together and now realize that they want to get back together, although they both realize that things cannot be the same as they were before. She also says that she doesn’t want to cause her former lover any pain, but she wants things to go back and make things right, remembering the good times and the laughter that they left behind when they parted ways. Monica then apologizes for ending the relationship prematurely, saying that she didn’t make the right choice and vows to change. If you’re looking for songs about getting back together with someone you love then this is one you’ll definitely want to have on your playlist.
45. Let’s Just Fall In Love Again by Jason Castro
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Jason Castro |
Jason René Castro started his professional career as a real estate agent, but after winning a fourth place on season seven of American idol, he was awarded a recording contract with Atlantic Records. In 2010, Castro released his self-titled debut album, featuring the single “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again.” In the song, Castro pleads with his ex to pretend as if they’ve just met and suggests that they fall in love all over again like they did the first time. He says he’ll do all the things he should do to make the relationship perfect again.
46. Love Don’t Run by Steve Holy
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Love Don’t Run |
Some people were raised never to give up on love. Instead, they were raised on the old belief that love is forever. That’s the message that Steve Holy is preaching on his track “Love Don’t Run,” which peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Steve declares his stance, saying that load doesn’t run, nor do I. And most certainly doesn’t back down from a fight either. He also says that he’s willing to put in whatever work it takes, because true love is forever, and he’s willing to put in the time.
47. Hold Back The River by James Bay
| Genre | Singer-Songwriter |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Chaos and the Calm |
In this acoustic, country-blues track from James Bay’s 2014 release “Chaos and the Calm,” James asks his girlfriend to hold back the river so he can look into her eyes, meaning that he wants her to stop crying for a moment to see what’s behind her eyes. He admits that he was the reason that the relationship ended, and he wants to see if he can find forgiveness in his ex-partner’s eyes, although it’s never specified if he finds that they are not. However, he does ask if they can hold each other.
48. Come Back to Me by Janet Jackson
| Genre | Pop, Dance, Soul |
| Year Released | 1989 |
| Album | Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 |
Janet Jackson is so much more than Michael’s sister. She has won five Grammy Awards and has sold over 160 million albums and singles worldwide. In 1989, Janet released one of the most popular albums of her career, “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.” That album featured the hit single “Come Back to Me,” which is about Janet finding an old note from a former lover when she was going through her stuff. She realizes how good they were together, and wants him to come back to her. All she wants to do is to see him smile again.
49. If Ever You’re in My Arms Again by Peabo Bryson
| Genre | Soul, R&B |
| Year Released | 1984 |
| Album | Straight from the Heart |
We all have that one person who has come into our lives that we say if we ever get the chance to do it all over again, we will do things so much better for them. Peabo Bryson must have had one of those experiences when he wrote the Billboard top-ten hit “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.” In this track, he promises that if he’s ever given the chance, he will love this person stronger and deeper than he ever has before. He says that this time coming he won’t let go. If this song resonates with you, we recommend heading over to our playlist of songs about letting go.
50. Right Back Where We Started From by Maxine Nightingale
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Right Back Where We Started From |
Let me preface this by saying if you’re scratching your head trying to figure out if you’ve heard this song before or not, you have. This disco-flavored hit has been featured in 19 television shows and movies. In the song, she talks about how a love like the one they have can never say, and how she’d like to pick it back up right where they started. She knows that it’s going to take some work, but she remains optimistic about it is good and strong, but we’re never told if the couple makes it back to that point or not.
51. The Reason by Hoobastank
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | The Reason |
For the sake of honesty, please allow me to preface this by saying that I believe that “The Reason” by Hoobastank deserves a place amongst the worst tracks ever recorded. I cannot stand the song’s generic “plug and play” beat, nor can I tolerate the whiny vocals. How the song peaked at the number-two spot on the Billboard Hot 100, I don’t know. However, it does make me weep for humanity as a whole. Anyway, a man says that he has found a reason to change and be a better person. I guess it’s no surprise that the reason was the girl.
52. The Man I Want to Be by Chris Young
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | The Man I Want to Be |
There are times in our respective relationships when we’ve messed up pretty badly, and found ourselves on our knees, asking God where things went wrong. Well, that’s what country music Superstar Chris Young is going through in his track “The Man I Want to Be.” During his talks with the man upstairs, Chris Young is asking if there is any way God can put it in his ex’s heart to forgive him. He’s also asking God to perform a miracle and change him, and for him to allow his ex to see that miracle.
53. Pillow Talk by Zayn Malik
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Mind Of Mine |
Is it me, or does Zayn Malik sound somewhat confused in this song from “Mind Of Mine?” He doesn’t seem to know which direction he wants to go in this single. First, he’s talking about pain and pleasure, and then he’s talking about loving this girl forever. How sweet is that? Hold on, though. Things are going about to get weird, like when he talks about wanting to “piss off the neighbors.” If that’s not bad enough, he can’t decide if he wants to fight with his girl or if he wants to be romantic with her.
54. If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time by R. Kelly
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1998 |
| Album | R. |
Kelly had definitely earned the historical nickname of “The Pied Pipers of R&B,” and had his first 11 albums sell at least 1 million copies each. In 1998, he released the third-highest-selling album of his career, “R.” That album featured his massively successful single “If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time,” which is a tribute to many of the “doo-wap” singles of the past. In the song, R. Kelly is saying that he wishes he will turn back the hands of time so the girl would be his again.
55. Can’t We Talk It Over in Bed by Olivia Newton-John
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1988 |
| Album | The Rumour |
This song tells you the all-too-familiar storytelling of a couple that just can’t seem to make things work out. They are always disagreeing about one thing or another, and someone ends up walking out their door. Olivia Newton-John wants things to get back to where they used to be, so she asks her ex one question that is impossible to resist. She readily admits fault for everything and asks if they can talk their problems out in bed. I guess that’s as good an option as any. What do you think?
56. Bringing Back The Sunshine by Blake Shelton
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Bringing Back the Sunshine |
I like that country music superstar Blake Shelton uses the metaphor “bringing back the sunshine” to potentially discuss getting back together with his ex-girlfriend or his ex-wife. He says that he’s been flying through the thunder and the lightning of his life, but he’s hoping to put a little sunshine in his life by getting back together with his ex. It’s like he can handle the darkness that life throws at him, but he’s not also-ran ready to have a little sunshine come back to chase away a few of those clouds and thunderstorms.
57. Waterloo by ABBA
| Genre | Disco, Pop |
| Year Released | 1974 |
| Album | Waterloo |
Can this change, ABBA gives us a musical history lesson about Napoleon surrendering at Waterloo, and how a guy she met defeated her, becoming her personal Waterloo. The song was a certified hit, peaking at number six on the Billboard and charting for 17 weeks. In the song, the Swedish singers Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad exchange vocals duties, proclaiming that with this certain man, even if they lose they feel like they’ve won. I guess these young ladies have finally met the proverbial kryptonite, just like Napoleon had Waterloo.
58. Never Gonna Let You Go by Sergio Mendes
| Genre | Pop, Jazz |
| Year Released | 1983 |
| Album | Sergio Mendes |
There are times when you know that you’re wrong and wish you could either take away all of the hurtful things you said, or you could have one last chance to hold this person, you could try to take away from all of the pain that you’ve ever caused. Well, sometimes you are lucky enough to get the chance to hold that person close to you like Sergio Mendes. I don’t think that there’s anything you can do to help take away the pain, but I believe that you can express sorrow and regret in your actions.
59. It’s All Coming Back To Me by Celine Dion
| Genre | Pop, Vocal, Easy Listening |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Falling into You |
Breakups can be especially difficult. Sometimes, they can be physically painful as well as emotionally taxing. All it may take is a glance or a touch from that person to bring back all of those feelings you previously had for that other person. That has to have been the feeling that the Grammy Award-winning artist Celine Dion was referring to in this hit single from her album “Falling into You.” This may have been one of the worst experiences that she ever had, but she forgets all about that the moment he touches or looks at her.
60. If I Could Turn Back Time by Cher
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1989 |
| Album | Heart of Stone |
We have all done something at one time or another, and have uttered the expression “if I could turn back time” to express our regret for doing or saying whatever we did or said. I must have been what was going through chairs head when she sang her Billboard top-five hit “If I Could Turn Back Time.” In the song, the singer talks about wanting to take back the words that she said that hurt her boyfriend so he will stay. Those must have been some pretty harsh words. She did say they liked weapons.
61. Old Flame by Alabama
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1981 |
| Album | Feels So Right |
In this tracking from 1981’s “Feels So Right,” lead vocalist Randy Owen sings about passing by someone, knowing that there was something of an old romance between the two people. He says that he sees that “old flame” burning between them. That person must have been the one that Owen was with, as he indicates in the song that she said there was nothing left between the two of them. I think that you and the woman he was with bumped into an old flame for all that there was still something in between the two of them.
62. Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes
| Genre | Pop, Vocals |
| Year Released | 1982 |
| Album | An Officer and a Gentleman (Original Soundtrack) |
This song won a Grammy award, an Academy award, and a Golden Globe Award for its use in the movie An Officer and a Gentleman. The movie is about a man named Zack who is sent to participate in a training session hosted by the United States Naval Academy. Zack meets a girl at a Navy dance named Paula, and the two fall in love. As you might expect, the couple has its ups and downs in the classroom, but in the end, love prevails overall, and the two of them end up together.
63. All Cried Out by Allure (Featuring 112)
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Allure |
There comes a time in a relationship when you find yourself “all cried out” over somebody, which means that you have cried so much over this person that you couldn’t possibly envision yourself crying any more tears over things that they do. It’s doing that time that you can put your foot down and tell this person that you are indeed all crying out over them, which means they aren’t going to get any more of your tears. This person has made you cry so much that you couldn’t possibly see yourself ever crying over them again.
64. Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1989 |
| Album | Repeat Offender |
To be honest, I’ve always wondered if Richard Marks was being sincere when he wrote this song. I understand being patient enough to wait for someone to come back to you if there was true love between the two of you to wait for an indefinite amount of time, and for you to be forgiving and accept this person with open arms. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t fathom telling my significant other to go do whatever makes her happy, and I’ll be right here waiting for her when she wants to come back.
65. Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain and Tennille
| Genre | Pop, Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | Love Will Keep Us Together |
So there are songs that talk about getting back together and are songs that talk about letting someone go. This hit song from Captain and Tennille falls in the latter category, saying that no matter what life throws at them, love won’t keep this couple together. Included this song on this list because I thought it was refreshing to see a couple who was fighting to stay together, instead of looking for a reason to leave and then get back together. They believe that no matter what, their love will come out on top.
66. On Bended Knee by Boyz II Men
| Genre | Vocal, R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1994 |
| Album | II |
When someone wants to get married, they get down on Vintage me to propose. This song, which hit the top of the spot on the Billboard Hot 100, about making an apology for something they’ve been doneness wrong and are asking for forgiveness. Although he doesn’t specify exactly what it was that he did wrong, he does ask if they can return to a time when they’re available so much stronger. He says that he dreams of her, and doesn’t want to be without her. He’s also asking for forgiveness and for her to come back home. He’s ready to swallow his pride.
67. Come Back to Me by Vanessa Hudgens
| Genre | Electronic Dance |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | V |
When you break up with somebody, sometimes your initial reaction may be to try to find someone new. However, you may soon realize that you don’t want somebody new. You want what you once had. Everywhere you go, it seems like you can’t escape your ex. No matter what you’re doing, it seems like they are right there. The only thing that you want is to ask them to come back to you, like Vanessa Hudgens’s toes on this track. She makes one thing clear. She wants her ex back and is willing to do whatever it takes to get him.
68. Together Again by Emmylou Harris
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Live at the Amazing Coffee House, Evanston, IL 15th May 1973 [Live FM Radio Broadcast Concert In Superb Fidelity] |
Some people sit and wish for their significant other to come back to them, but it seems like in the middle Harris has managed to give hers back in this track. She’s so happy to be back together with her ex that she says that her tears have stopped falling, and she finally knows what it feels like to be living her life once again. Most importantly, she says that their love is once again alive and that nothing else matters because they are back together again. Everyone should take all hints from this.
69. I Can’t Help Myself by Four Tops
| Genre | Motown, R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | Four Tops Second Album |
Although most of us have heard this song a thousand times, if you look further into the lyrics you will see that it’s not quite the happy tune that it’s made out to be. The song talks about how the guy’s girlfriend comes and goes out of his life, sometimes only leaving her picture behind. He says that he misses her so much that he’s kissed her picture a thousand times. He calls himself a hole for her, saying that he can’t show himself. He loves her and nobody else. That’s pretty sweet of him.
70. I May Hate Myself In the Morning by Lee Ann Womack
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | There’s More Where That Came From |
In this song from Lee Ann Womack, she talks about how everybody has had one ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend that they can call to have a drink with, and slide into that familiar place without it seeming too weird. She begs the question “I know it’s wrong, but it ain’t easy moving on. So why can’t two friends remember the good times once again?” She’s not saying that she won’t hate herself in the morning for doing this, but it seems to suit her just fine right now. Besides, what’s a drink or two between old friends going to do?
Spotify Playlist of Songs About Getting Back Together
We put together a Spotify playlist with all of the songs mentioned above for you. You can listen to all the songs simply by hitting the play button.
Wrap Up:
We hope you enjoyed this playlist. Let us know if there are any great songs that we missed in the comments section below.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.