
For every person feeling full of love on Valentine’s Day, there’s someone feeling equally jaded and bitter over the iconic holiday. Some hate it because it’s a cliché day, while others despise it for personal reasons, like loneliness and heartbreak. Regardless of your feelings about the holiday in question, there’s no denying that there are plenty of iconic songs to capture a cynical outlook on love. So if you’re feeling sour this time of year or are curious to hear some tracks that reflect those vexed, negative feelings, this list is for you. Read on to check out our list of Best Anti-Love Songs for Valentine’s Day!
Miley Cyrus - "Flowers"
An ode to independence and self-reliance, Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” is an empowering anthem for those wanting to feel stronger and bolder this Valentine’s Day. The disco-inspired track embraces life after a relationship, exploring the autonomy and freedom found while being single. Cyrus shows us that you don’t need to be dependent on anyone and can do the simple things, like buying flowers, on your own.
Chappell Roan - "My Kink Is Karma"
For those feeling a little on the toxic side, Chappell Roan’s “My Kink Is Karma” should be your go to song this Valentine’s Day. The synth-pop track relishes in an ex’s bad luck, wishing them worst after a breakup, which is honestly relatable as many of us have an ex we love to hate (IYKYK). Revealing the inspiration behind the song in an interview with Into, Roan states, "I've been through some pretty gnarly breakups. I was just sitting in the session and I was like, 'Ah, it feels so nice that my ex is doing horrible!' Which is insanely toxic. The song is toxic! I'm very aware that it's not healthy. But that's how I was feeling that day."
The All-American Rejects - "Gives You Hell"
Keeping things toxic and vengeful, “Gives You Hell” by The All-American Rejects is up next on our list. While the pop-punk track isn’t necessarily about love, it’s still highly relatable if you have an ex that you loathe. Tyson Ritter sheds light on the story behind the lyrics, stating the song "is about this asshole, it's a dude who will never know it's about him. It's kind of this tongue-in-cheek way of looking at someone you hate, whether it's your mom, for some reason, or it's your teacher at school, or it's your boss at work. It's just someone who makes you struggle, and it's giving them the finger."
Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
Notorious for writing about breakups and past relationships, Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is the perfect anthem for those totally over their exes. The track’s lyrics narrate Swift’s frustration with an ex who is trying to rekindle their relationship, telling a story many of us can relate to. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is the lead single from Swift’s fourth studio album, Red, being one of her many hits that incorporate infectious melodies and dazzling synths into her signature pop sound.
Kelly Clarkson - "Since U Been Gone"
Perfect for someone relieved over the end of their relationship, Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” is an obvious addition to our list. The nostalgic 2004 track is a blend of pop-rock and power pop, boasting a powerful soundscape that accompanies the bold, empowering lyrics. Highly relatable, “Since U Been Gone” shows us that sometimes a breakup feels like weight being lifted off our shoulders and it’s okay to feel free after cutting a lover out of your life.
Tate McRae - "exes"
Unapologetic and proud, Tate McRae embraces the unpredictability of her relationships in her bold track, “exes.” The unabashed pop song served as the second single off her sophomore album, THINK LATER, and features shameless lyrics that capture McRae’s flippant attitude towards love.
Madison Beer - "Good In Goodbye"
Though ending a relationship can be crushing, sometimes saying goodbye to someone is a good thing. Madison Beer reflects on this in her track, “Good In Goodbye,” the lead single off her debut studio album, Life Support. Revealing the narrative behind the song, Beer has stated in interviews that “’Good In Goodbye’ is obviously about an ex and whatnot. But I think it's bigger than that. The title itself to me is important, because closing chapters in life is never easy. You know moving cities, leaving a job, leaving a relationship - things like that are never easy for anybody, but it's important in times of stress and in times of worry that you focus on the good in goodbye, because you know it is important to focus on the positive and the good path that you're going to be led down now that you have closed this other chapter.”
Billie Eilish - "Happier Than Ever"
While snarky, upbeat songs might feel cathartic during the Valentine’s Day season, sometimes it’s okay to sink into a heart wrenching ballad or two. Billie Eilish delves into the aftermath of being with a toxic lover in “Happier Than Ever,” exploring the different ways they failed her while they were together. The track is a reminder that some relationships need to end for a reason, especially when our happiness is on the line.
Do you have any favorite anti-love songs? Did you hear any in this list that you love? Let us know on our socials!
Written By Cheyenne Johnson
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