10 Best Rock Songs About Being Second Choice

# 10 – She Loves the Jerk – John Hiatt

The song “She Loves the Jerk,” from John Hiatt’s 1983 album Riding with the King, opens the list of the 10 Best Rock Songs About Being Second Choice. This emotionally charged track captures the painful reality of unrequited love, specifically from the perspective of someone watching a woman they care for remain committed to a partner who mistreats her. The song’s raw vulnerability is expressed in both the lyrics and Hiatt’s delivery, blending heartfelt emotion with Hiatt’s signature narrative songwriting. Produced by Ron Nagle and Scott Mathews on one side of the album, and Nick Lowe on the other, the song features a diverse sonic landscape that supports Hiatt’s powerful storytelling.

Read More: Top 10 John Hiatt Songs

# 9 – My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend Isn’t Me – Autograph

From Autograph’s 1984 debut album Sign In Please, “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend Isn’t Me” dives into the emotional turbulence of being second choice in a romantic relationship. The song’s upbeat glam metal sound contrasts with its lyrics, which describe a man who finds himself entangled in a relationship where his girlfriend is emotionally attached to someone else. As a reflection of the heartbreak of being on the sidelines, this track fits perfectly within the theme of rock songs about being second choice. While the song wasn’t the band’s biggest hit—that honor goes to “Turn Up the Radio”—it remains a standout for its narrative and energy.

# 8 – How Much I Feel – Ambrosia

Ambrosia’s 1978 hit “How Much I Feel” is a poignant ballad that explores the emotional pain of lost love and the complex feelings associated with being someone’s second choice. Written by David Pack, this track was the lead single from their third album Life Beyond L.A., and became one of the band’s most successful songs. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Cash Box Top 100, marking a major milestone in the band’s career.

Read More: Top 10 Ambrosia Songs

# 7 – Love The One You With – Stephen Stills

“Love the One You’re With” by Stephen Stills, released as the lead single from his 1970 self-titled debut album, stands as one of his most iconic tracks, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was born from a simple but impactful phrase that Stills heard from musician Billy Preston: “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.” Stills sought Preston’s permission to use the line and crafted a folk rock anthem around it, which became a defining moment of his solo career. The song’s upbeat rhythm and joyful vibe reflect its lighthearted message about finding happiness and love even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

# 6 – Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad – Meat Loaf

“Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” is one of the most iconic power ballads from Meat Loaf’s legendary 1977 album Bat Out of Hell, composed by Jim Steinman. The song achieved significant commercial success, spending 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 11. Certified gold and later platinum, it remains one of Meat Loaf’s most beloved songs, second only to his massive hit “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”

# 5 – When You Were Mine – Prince

“When You Were Mine,” written and performed by Prince, stands as one of the more emotionally complex tracks from his 1980 album Dirty Mind. While it wasn’t released as a standalone single, its promotional 12-inch release garnered attention, and the song has since gained a cult following, receiving prominent live performances and being covered by multiple artists. The song’s narrative portrays a character grappling with the emotional torment of loving someone who is now involved with another person, positioning it perfectly as a classic tale of being second choice. The blend of rock and pop, combined with Prince’s bold lyrical content, was groundbreaking for the time, particularly as it explored themes of sexual freedom and emotional vulnerability.

Notably, “When You Were Mine” was later covered by artists such as Cyndi Lauper, who gave the track a pop sheen for her debut album She’s So Unusual in 1984. However, Lauper’s cover, while popular, lacks the raw intensity and layered sexuality of Prince’s original version, which taps into deeper emotions.

# 4 – Lyin’ Eyes – The Eagles

Eagles - One of These Nights [Vinyl LP] (1 LP)

“Lyin’ Eyes,” released in 1975 by The Eagles, is a song about deceit, longing, and the painful reality of settling for second best in love. Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, this track features Frey on lead vocals and tells the story of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage with an older, wealthy man. To escape the loneliness and emotional void, she seeks solace in the arms of a younger lover. The narrative paints a vivid picture of someone pretending to be content while constantly battling the heartache that comes with living a lie. The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with its country-rock arrangement, struck a chord with listeners, leading it to reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number eight on the Billboard Country chart.

# 3 – Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover – Sophie B. Hawkins

“Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover” was the breakthrough single for Sophie B. Hawkins, released in March 1992 from her debut album Tongues and Tails. The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Hawkins’ place in the early ’90s pop and rock scene. With its blend of sultry vocals, longing lyrics, and a distinctive rock/pop production, the song speaks to the intense desire of someone who yearns to be more than just a second choice. Its raw emotion and heartfelt yearning are palpable, creating a deeply relatable narrative of wanting someone who is already in another relationship.

Read More: Top 10 Sophie B. Hawkins Songs

# 2 – I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt

“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is one of Bonnie Raitt’s most iconic songs, released as part of her Luck of the Draw album in 1991. Written by Nashville songwriters Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, the song explores the pain of unrequited love and the helplessness of being second choice in someone’s heart. Reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart, the song stands as one of Raitt’s most commercially successful releases. Its haunting piano melody, played by Bruce Hornsby, complements the aching vulnerability in Raitt’s voice, creating an emotionally charged ballad about resignation and heartbreak.

# 1 – Love Stinks – J. Geils Band

“Love Stinks” by J. Geils Band is a quintessential rock anthem of frustration, cynicism, and biting humor about the darker side of love. Written by Peter Wolf and Seth Justman, this 1980 track, which served as the title song for the Love Stinks album, marked a standout moment in the band’s career. The song reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its raw energy and memorable chorus made it a staple of their live shows and a relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced the sour side of romance. The track offers a hard-hitting take on the futility of love, focusing on unrequited affection and the inevitable heartbreaks that follow.