45 Songs To Help You Cope With The Pain Of Missing Someone

Last Updated on July 15, 2024

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For me, missing someone can be one of the most difficult things to endure in life. It is a feeling that never truly goes away but ebbs and flows throughout my life as circumstances change. In this difficult time, I love to indulge in the world of songs about missing someone to soothe my soul.

Music has always been an excellent way for me to cope with these feelings, so here are 45 songs about missing someone special in your life.

Songs About Missing Someone

These songs about missing someone include:

1. I Miss You By Blink – 182 

This classic emo anthem from 2002 captures the feeling of missing someone perfectly. Tom DeLonge wrote this song about how he felt when his girlfriend went away to college. In an interview, he said it took him just 10 minutes to write the song, which shows how powerful emotions can be! 

The track features a catchy and memorable guitar riff and some of Mark Hoppus’ signature vocal harmonies. It is also one of their most successful singles (peaking at #6 in the UK) and remains a fan favorite today after almost 20 years since its release! So, grab your tissues and let out all those feelings you’ve been holding back – it’s time for “I Miss You.” 

2. Missing You By John Waite 

This 1984 classic is a staple of any good 80s playlist, and it’s sure to bring on nostalgia with its infectious chorus and iconic guitar riff. Written as an ode to former bandmate, the late George Harrison, this song perfectly captures the feeling of missing someone you used to know so well

The lyrics are heartfelt and meaningful yet still surprisingly upbeat, a perfect mix for those times you just need something that will make your heart feel better

3. If I Could Turn Back Time By Cher 

This hit single from 1989 is a power ballad about regret, nostalgia, and missed opportunities. The song expresses the longing for someone who has gone away and how time can’t be rewound to recapture those moments.

The accompanying music video – in which Cher wears a very revealing outfit while performing on board the USS Missouri battleship – caused quite a stir at the time!

Despite some controversy, it was an incredibly successful release reaching number one in Australia and Canada. Its timeless message of missing someone continues to resonate with listeners today. 

4. Wherever You Will Go By The Calling 

This 2001 hit single is full of beautiful lyrics, emotional vocals, and a soaring chorus that will take you right back to the early 2000s. The song talks about wanting to be with someone no matter what, whether they are miles away or close by. 

It’s an ode to long-distance relationships and how sometimes love can still find a way even if two people can’t physically be together.  

5. Gone Too Soon By Daughtry 

This rock ballad from 2011 is a heartfelt tribute to the loss of someone special. Written as an ode to Chris Daughtry’s father, who passed away in 2006, it features poignant lyrics and powerful guitar riffs that capture the feeling of missing someone who has gone too soon. 

6. So Sick By Ne-Yo 

This heartfelt R&B track from 2006 is all about missing someone you used to love and being so sick of the pain that comes with it.

The lyrics are beautiful, poignant, and surprisingly relatable no matter who you are or what stage of life you’re in, making this the perfect song for anyone struggling with a broken heart.  

7. Nothing Compares 2 U By Sinead O’Connor 

This classic single from 1990 is a heartbreaking ode to missing someone special, and it’s brought to life with Sinead O’Connor’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery.

The song was written by Prince in 1985 but was only released as a single five years later when it became an international hit. It speaks of the pain of losing someone you love, yet it still manages to end on a hopeful note that things might be okay again one day. 

8. See You Again By Wiz Khalifa Ft. Charlie Puth 

This melancholic hip-hop track from 2015 is all about missing someone who has gone away and may never come back. The track was dedicated to Paul Walker of the Fast & Furious franchise, who passed away in 2013 before the movie’s release.  

The song speaks of how hard it can be to say goodbye and features some beautiful piano lines that give it a unique sound. 

9. Nothing By The Script 

This rock ballad from The Script band’s third album is all about missing someone and wondering if they miss you too.

It features a catchy chorus, powerful guitar riffs, and some soul-searching lyrics that make it perfect for anyone dealing with heartache, whether from a breakup or something else entirely!

If you need to let out some of those feelings of longing and regret, put on this track, and you’ll feel better in no time. 

RELATED: 45 Overcoming Challenging Situations : Songs About Healing

10. Goodbye By Air Supply 

This 1980 classic is a beautiful farewell song about missing someone and wishing them the best on their journey.

The lyrics are heartfelt and honest yet still manage to remain upbeat, making the jam perfect for anyone who needs to take a moment to reflect on the past and look into the future with hope. If you’re feeling down and need closure, turn up this song. 

11. I’ll Be Missing You By Puff Daddy Ft. Faith Evans And 112 

This R&B/hip-hop track from 1997 is a tribute to Notorious B.I.G., who had recently been killed in a drive-by shooting at the time of its release, making it an incredibly poignant song for anyone dealing with loss or missing someone close to them. 

12. Homesick By Kane Brown 

This country single from 2017 is all about missing someone you love and the struggle of being away from them for too long. Its catchy chorus, passionate lyrics, and anthemic guitar riffs will give you goosebumps.

13. Dreaming With A Broken Heart By John Mayer 

This slow and soulful track from 2006 is all about missing someone who has gone away and learning to cope with the pain of their absence. 

The song features some beautiful piano lines, bluesy guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics that make it perfect for anyone dealing with heartache. Whether you’re missing an old flame or a passed-away loved one, this song will surely cheer you up. 

14. Come Back To Me By Vanessa Hudgens 

This sweet and soulful pop track from 2009 is about missing someone special and hoping they will return to you soon.

It speaks of how hard it can be when the person you love is far away. 

15. Someone Like You By Adele 

This classic from 2011 is a heartfelt ballad about missing someone and trying to move on with your life without them.

The song is packed with soaring vocals, a powerful chorus, and heartbreakingly honest lyrics that will bring tears to your eyes no matter how many times you hear it!

16. Always On My Mind By Willie Nelson 

This classic country song from 1982 is a beautiful ode about missing someone you used to love and wishing they were still in your life.

The lyrics are poignant yet surprisingly upbeat, making it perfect for those times when you need something that will lift your spirits up but still let out all those feelings of longing inside. 

17. The Scientist By Coldplay 

This hauntingly beautiful track from 2002 is all about trying to figure out why someone has gone away and how you can get them back.

It features some gorgeous piano lines, ethereal vocals, and emotional lyrics that make it perfect for anyone missing someone in their life (like a lost love or an old friend). 

18. Time After Time By Cyndi Lauper 

This classic song from 1983 is a beautiful ode about missing someone over time and how the feelings of longing never really go away.

The lyrics are heartfelt yet surprisingly upbeat, making it perfect for those times when you need something that will make your heart feel better! 

RELATED: 45 Songs About Love And Friendship That Will Have You Valuing Your Dear Ones

19. (I Miss You) Like Crazy By Natalie Cole 

Natalie Cole’s soulful voice weaves a beautiful tale of longing and heartache in this classic slow jam from 1989.

The song features a simmering saxophone solo, lush strings, and gentle piano chords and paints the perfect picture of missing someone you love very sincerely – to the point where it feels like an ache that won’t go away no matter what you do. 

The song was originally written for Natalie by her father, Nat King Cole, who had passed away shortly before she recorded it as part of her album, ‘Good To Be Back’, making this already touching track even more poignant. 

20. When I Think Of You By Janet Jackson 

This classic pop song from 1986 is all about the feeling of missing someone so much till you can’t help but think about them constantly.

It was originally written for her brother Michael, but it could easily be applied to any situation where two people have been separated – either through death or distance.

Janet’s crystal-clear voice and powerful delivery make this track stand out, as she brings her unique R&B/pop hybrid sound to the forefront with an infectious beat that will stay in your head long after you’ve stopped listening. 

21. Missing You By Diana Ross 

This sultry ballad from 1984 is all about the pain of missing someone who has gone away – but remaining hopeful that one day they’ll come back and reunite once again.

With a haunting chorus, soulful strings, and delicate chimes in the background, it’s an emotional journey through longing for another person that will take you right to your core. 

22. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You) By Hank Williams 

This classic country ballad from 1951 is an anthem for anyone who has ever been in love and had to let go. The song is about someone who still can’t help it if their heart keeps coming back to the same person repeatedly!

He sings about how much he misses his former lover despite all that’s happened between them—one of those timeless tracks everyone should have on their playlist. 

23. Missing You By All Time Low 

The most recent song on our list comes courtesy of pop-punk veterans, All Time Low, who released this upbeat track back in 2018 off their sixth studio album, ‘Last Young Renegade’.

Its catchy chorus and bouncy guitars capture all those bittersweet feelings when you miss somebody and remind us to appreciate our loved ones while they’re still around! 

24. Gone Too Soon By Michael Jackson 

Michael Jackson penned this beautiful ballad shortly after his friend Ryan White passed away due to complications from AIDS at just 13 years old (the same age MJ was when he started his career).

He was deeply affected by Ryan’s death, and this song serves as a tribute to him – while also touching on the universal feeling of grief that comes with losing someone we love. 

25. Homesick By Dua Lipa 

Dua Lipa’s 2017 hit captures all the longing and sadness of being away from someone you love – even if it is just for a short while!

With its catchy chorus, driving beat, and infectious energy, it is an ode about missing home (and whoever or whatever lies there) when things get tough on the road. 

26. Don’t Speak By No Doubt 

No Doubt’s breakthrough hit from 1995 is all about the feelings of grief and emptiness that come with a relationship ending – specifically between Gwen Stefani and her former bandmate (and ex-boyfriend) Tony Kanal.

It captures the awkwardness, confusion, anger, and sadness they both felt during this difficult time. The song conveys how hard it can be to move on when somebody you care deeply for no longer wants to talk or even acknowledge your existence. 

27. I Miss You By Adele 

If there was ever a song to make you feel all the feels, it has to be this one by Adele! Its hauntingly beautiful melody and heartbreaking lyrics about missing someone no longer in your life will have you reaching for tissues with every listen.

Adele captures that feeling of longing perfectly, reminding us why she’s such an iconic artist even today! 

RELATED: 46 Amazing Sad Love Songs To Heal A Broken Heart

28. Missing You By Chris De Burgh 

This song from 1987 is a classic love ballad about the pain of missing someone you care deeply for, and it’s probably one of those tunes that most people can relate to in some way or another!

Chris De Burgh’s heartfelt vocal delivery brings this track to life as he channels all his emotions into every passionate note, making it impossible not to feel something when listening. It even reached #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart back in its day. 

29. I Still Miss Someone By Johnny Cash 

This classic country duet from 1958 is a heartbreaking reminder of the pain of losing someone you care about deeply. Its simple, yet powerful lyric,s remain as relevant today as they were back then. 

Johnny Cash teams up with his former wife, June Carter – who also happens to be one of the greatest female vocalists in history – for this beautiful track, which serves as an ode to all those we have lost but still remember fondly. 

30. One More Night By Maroon 5 

This 2012 hit is all about missing someone so much that you can’t help but think of them constantly – even if it’s just for one more night!

With its catchy chorus, driving beat, and infectious energy, this song captures a feeling everyone has experienced at some point in life. 

31. If I Could Turn Back Time By Cher 

This classic power ballad comes courtesy of the one and only Cher – who released it back in 1989 to widespread acclaim!

Through its soaring chorus, powerful guitar riffs, and passionate vocal performance, this song captures all the regret of missing someone you love once they’re gone. 

32. Every Time You Go Away By Paul Young 

Paul Young’s 1985 hit is all about the pain of missing someone who has gone away – but still hoping they’ll return one day! With its catchy chorus, gentle piano accompaniment, and heartfelt lyrics, this song will make you miss your significant other – no matter how far they are from you! 

It even reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart at the time, proving just how powerful (and universal) a message it indeed was! 

33. Wish You Were Here By Pink Floyd 

This classic rock anthem from 1975 is all about longing for somebody who has gone away – and wishing they were still here with you. The haunting guitars, powerful drums, and passionate vocal delivery capture our sense of emptiness when someone close to us leaves our lives. 

Pink Floyd’s timeless masterpiece remains an instant hit whenever it comes on – no matter what year it is. 

34. The Long And Winding Road By The Beatles 

This melancholy ballad, written and sung by Paul McCartney, is all about the pain of missing someone who has gone away (and maybe never come back).

It was one of their last songs before they disbanded in 1970 – making it even more special to fans everywhere. 

35. Un-Break My Heart By Toni Braxton 

This classic love ballad from 1996 is all about the pain of missing someone you care deeply for. When listening, the haunting strings and powerful vocal performance will tap into your deepest feelings.  

Toni’s passionate delivery brings this track to life as she channels her heartache into every note while also reminding us that no matter how much time passes, we can still miss somebody who has gone away (even if they’re gone forever). 

36. Every Breath You Take By The Police 

This 1983 classic is one of the most recognizable songs in pop music history, and it’s all about missing someone who has gone away! With its hauntingly beautiful melody, passionate lyrics, and infectious energy, this track captures a feeling everyone can relate to in some way or another.

The Police frontman Sting even went on to win a Grammy for Song of The Year with this timeless masterpiece. 

RELATED: 25 Timeless Classic Songs About Failure

37. You Were Always On My Mind By Willie Nelson 

This classic country ballad from 1972 is all about the feeling of missing someone you care deeply for. Its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody convey a sense of nostalgia that will stay with you long after listening.

Willie Nelson’s passionate vocal delivery brings this track to life as he channels his emotions into every note, reminding us just how powerful love can be. 

38. Far Away By Nickelback 

This classic rock ballad from 2005 captures all those feelings of sadness and longing that come with missing somebody who has gone away.

The song paints a powerful picture of grief for someone we care about deeply – even if they’re no longer around to hear us say it. 

39. Thinkin’ Bout, You By Ariana Grande 

This upbeat pop track from 2018 captures all those bittersweet feelings of missing somebody who has gone away.

Ariana Grande’s passionate vocal delivery brings this song to life as she conveys her own emotions through every note, making it impossible not to feel something when listening! 

40. I Need My Girl By The National 

This 2014 alt-rock ballad is all about the pain of missing someone who has gone away – and the lengths we’ll go to get them back. It captures a feeling everyone can relate to in some way or another.

The National frontman Matt Berninger even went on to win Best Alternative Music Album at that year’s Grammy Awards for this timeless masterpiece. 

41. Lay Me Down By Sam Smith 

This emotional ballad from 2014 is all about the pain of missing someone who has gone away – and how hard it can be to move on. Sam Smith’s timeless hit remains relevant today as an ode to nostalgia for somebody we may have lost but still remember fondly. 

42. Tears In Heaven By Eric Clapton 

This beloved classic from 1992 is a heartbreakingly beautiful tribute to Clapton’s son, who sadly passed away at the age of four.

The track expresses his deep pain and sorrow over this tragedy with its soulful lyrics and tender guitar melodies. It’s an emotional reminder that although we may be parted from those we love for whatever reason, they will remain in our hearts forever. 

43. Hello By Adele 

This bittersweet hit from 2015 is all about the difficulty of saying goodbye to someone special after a relationship has ended. Adele’s sorrowful vocals and heartfelt lyrics make this track one that resonates with anyone who’s ever experienced heartache. It captures the pain of missing somebody you once loved so deeply. 

44. Come Back, Be Here By Taylor Swift 

Released in 2012, this stunning track is all about the pain of missing someone who has gone away and how desperately you wish they would come back.

Its romantic lyrics, sweeping melodies, and beautiful vocal delivery make it one of Swift’s most heartfelt hits. The song perfectly captures those conflicting emotions we experience when somebody special is no longer there. 

RELATED: 45 Songs About Appreciation That You Could Use To Honor Those Special People In Your Life

45. My Love By Westlife 

This yearning ballad from 2001 is a plea for someone to come back and be with you again. This beauty is a powerful reminder that although we can move on without them, the pain of missing somebody special will never truly go away. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Kind Of Songs Are Usually Considered To Be About Missing Someone? 

Songs that evoke a feeling of longing or sadness for the absent person can typically be categorized as being about missing someone. 

Are There Any Popular Singers Who Write Many Of These Songs About Missing Someone?   

Yes! Artists such as Taylor Swift (‘The Last Time’), Ed Sheeran (‘Thinking Out Loud’), and Justin Timberlake (‘Mirrors’) all have notable hits with lyrics centering around lost loves and unrequited feelings associated with loss/missing somebody special from your life.   

Are There Any Particular Themes That Usually Come Up In Songs About Missing Someone? 

Common themes found within this genre include nostalgia for past relationships or moments shared with another person; longing/yearning to be reunited with them again; sadness and regret over lost love/unfulfilled expectations; and hope and faith that everything will eventually work out alright one day.

Michael Stone
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