20 Heartbreaking Songs About Wanting To Be Loved

Feature Photo: Grunt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The longing for love has been a cornerstone of music for nearly a century, resonating through lyrics and melodies that speak to the deepest corners of the human heart. This universal theme transcends genres, eras, and cultures, which is why we’ve put together a list that draws from a wide range of artists and styles, connecting these voices to showcase the shared human experience of wanting to be loved. It’s not just about the songs themselves—it’s about the stories they tell and the emotions they evoke, brought together to form a mosaic of heartbreak, hope, and humanity.

From the raw vulnerability of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” to the theatrical passion of Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” each entry on this list tells its own story of yearning. Bob Dylan’s “I Want You” captures a poetic, almost surreal kind of longing, while Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” charges forward with defiance and urgency. Luther Vandross’s “Superstar / Until You Come Back to Me” masterfully blends sorrow and resilience, much like David Bowie’s ethereal plea in “Wild Is the Wind.” Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” is a quintessential anthem of desperation wrapped in an infectious melody, while Laura Nyro’s “Wedding Bell Blues” paints a vivid portrait of devotion and frustration.

Grace Slick’s bold vocals on Jefferson Airplane’s track carry a fierce energy, contrasting with the understated elegance of Tony Bennett’s “When Will the Bells Ring for Me.” Diane Birch’s soulful “Nothing but a Miracle” weaves heartbreak into every note, as B.B. King’s “Please Love Me” demonstrates the blues’ enduring ability to channel human desire. Each artist brings their unique perspective to this theme, whether it’s Skeeter Davis’s heartfelt longing in “I Wanna Be Loved by You” or the timeless ache in Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds’s “Don’t Pull Your Love Out.” Even in the high-energy realms of rock, as seen with Deep Purple’s “Strange Kind of Woman,” the quest for love remains profoundly personal and universally relatable.

Through this list, we aim not only to celebrate these songs but also to explore how they connect across time and genre, reminding us of music’s power to articulate what it means to yearn for connection. By weaving together these diverse voices, we highlight a universal truth: the desire to be loved is both timeless and infinitely varied, much like the music that brings it to life.

# 2o – Somebody To Love – Queen

Queen’s “Somebody to Love” opens up this article with a song from their 1976 album A Day at the Races, it is a soul-stirring anthem of longing, where the desperate need for love is elevated by the band’s signature theatricality. Written by Freddie Mercury and inspired by his admiration for Aretha Franklin, the track blends gospel elements with rock, creating an emotional plea that resonates universally. Mercury’s lyrics depict a narrator grappling with the crushing weight of loneliness, yearning for someone to fill the void in their life. The song’s repeated question, “Can anybody find me somebody to love?” encapsulates the human desire for connection in a profoundly personal yet communal way.

# 19 – Turn The Lights Back On – Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s “Turn the Lights Back On” is an introspective exploration of love’s fragility and the yearning for redemption. Written with his characteristic poignancy, the song finds Joel addressing the emotional distance that can creep into a relationship, pleading for a second chance. The vulnerability in lines like “Did I wait too long to turn the lights back on?” captures the tension between regret and hope, making it a deeply relatable anthem for anyone yearning to reconnect with a loved one.

# 18 – Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations

“Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations is a vibrant yet bittersweet plea for love that strikes a balance between infectious melody and emotional vulnerability. Released in 1968 and written by Mike d’Abo and Tony Macaulay, the song became a defining moment for the British soul band, solidifying their place in the pop-soul landscape. Its upbeat tempo and buoyant horns mask the lyrical longing, where the narrator expresses frustration at being repeatedly let down by the one they adore.

Read More: 1968’s Best Rock Albums

# 17 – I Wanna Be Loved By You – Skeeter Davis

Skeeter Davis’ rendition of “I Wanna Be Loved by You,” released on her 1965 album Skeeter Sings Standards, carries an undeniable charm that transforms the playful classic into a yearning anthem about the depths of human longing for affection. Originally popularized by Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot, Davis’ interpretation reinvents the song within the realm of heartfelt country-pop. Her soulful delivery imbues the lighthearted lyrics with a sense of earnestness, underscoring the universal desire to be cherished by another. While the song maintains its signature coquettish “boop-boop-a-doop” refrain, Davis’ vocals balance playfulness with vulnerability, creating a poignant reflection on wanting to be loved.

Read More: 20 Saddest Songs Of All Time

# 16 – All I Want Is You – U2

# 15 – When Will The Bells Ring For Me – Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett’s hauntingly poignant “When Will the Bells Ring for Me” captures the yearning for love with a depth that is both universal and deeply personal. Featured on his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, the song blends lush orchestration with Bennett’s soulful delivery, reflecting the aching desire for a love that feels destined but elusive. Produced by Danny Bennett and Jorge Calandrelli, this standout track was recorded at the Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, further cementing the timeless elegance of the legendary artist’s voice and the impeccable arrangements that surround it.

Read More: Top 10 Tony Bennett Songs

# 14 – Please Love Me – B.B. King

B.B. King’s “Please Love Me” is a heartfelt plea wrapped in a fiery blues framework, showcasing the raw emotional vulnerability and electrifying guitar work that defined his career. Featured on the 1957 album Singin’ the Blues, this track exemplifies King’s unparalleled ability to translate longing into music. Recorded at Universal Recording Corporation in Chicago and produced by Sam Ling (a pseudonym for Jules Bihari), “Please Love Me” highlights King’s expressive guitar style and distinctive vocals, supported by a driving rhythm section that amplifies the urgency of the song’s message.

Read More: Top 10 B.B. King Songs

# 13 – Don’t Pull Your Love Out – Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds

Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds’ 1971 hit “Don’t Pull Your Love Out” is a compelling plea for connection, delivered with a blend of pop rock exuberance and soulful desperation. Recorded under the ABC Dunhill Records label and produced by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, the song captures a moment of emotional vulnerability, amplified by the group’s rich vocal harmonies and vibrant instrumentation. The track became one of the band’s most iconic works, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying their place in the soft rock landscape of the early 1970s.

When compared to other songs on this list, such as U2’s “All I Want Is You,” “Don’t Pull Your Love Out” leans heavily on its upbeat tempo to mask the deep yearning embedded in its lyrics. While U2’s track unfolds like a sweeping anthem of devotion, Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds offer a more direct and urgent plea, reflecting the immediacy of the emotional stakes. Both songs explore the theme of wanting to be loved, but “Don’t Pull Your Love Out” channels its sentiment through a lively pop framework that contrasts its heartache.

# 12 – Nothing but a Miracle – Diane Birch

Diane Birch’s “Nothing but a Miracle,” from her 2009 debut album Bible Belt, is a stunning exploration of longing and resilience wrapped in soulful piano-driven melodies. Recorded at the iconic Avatar Studios in New York City, the track reflects Birch’s ability to channel vintage R&B influences into a fresh, emotionally charged narrative. Produced by Steve Greenberg, Soulive’s Eric Krasno, and Mike Mangini, the song features a lush arrangement that underscores Birch’s expressive vocals and poignant lyricism. The timeless quality of “Nothing but a Miracle” earned critical acclaim for its authenticity and emotional depth.

The lyrics vividly convey the agony of unreciprocated love, as Birch sings about holding on to a relationship long past its prime. Lines like “I’m getting so tired of loving a man that just don’t give a damn” encapsulate the frustration and heartbreak that comes from yearning for someone who has moved on. The chorus, with its plaintive assertion that “nothing but a miracle is gonna bring you back,” highlights the desperate hope that lingers even when logic dictates otherwise. The soulful instrumentation, paired with Birch’s rich vocal delivery, creates a poignant soundscape that captures the vulnerability of wanting to be loved.

Read More: Top 10 Diane Birch Songs

# 11 – Don’t You Want Me – The Human League

Released in November 1981 as the fourth single from Dare, “Don’t You Want Me” by The Human League is a synth-pop masterpiece that encapsulates the emotional turbulence of unrequited love and conflicting desires. Produced by Martin Rushent and recorded at Genetic Studios in England, the song became the band’s most iconic track, blending infectious melodies with a dramatic narrative that unfolds as a duet. Its layered synthesizers and sharp rhythm propelled it to the top of the charts, securing the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart and later becoming a Billboard Hot 100 number one hit in the United States.

# 10 – Desdemona – The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band’s “Desdemona,” a cornerstone of their 2003 album Hittin’ the Note, explores the yearning for love and connection with an emotional depth that defines the band’s legacy. Produced by Michael Barbiero and recorded in 2002 at The Sanctuary in Kinnett, Georgia, the track marked a poignant chapter in the band’s later years. With Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes crafting intertwining guitar lines alongside Gregg Allman’s soulful vocals, the song captures the ache of longing and the solace of hope.

# 9 -When I Need You – Leo Sayer

Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You,” a heartfelt ballad from his 1977 album Endless Flight, encapsulates the yearning for connection and closeness in the face of physical separation. Written by Albert Hammond and Carole Bayer Sager, the song was recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in London and produced by Richard Perry, known for his meticulous attention to emotional detail in music. Sayer’s impassioned vocals and the track’s tender arrangement create an atmosphere of vulnerability and devotion, making it one of the definitive songs about longing for love. From a critical perspective, “When I Need You” achieved widespread acclaim for its universal message and deeply resonant delivery, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100.

# 8 – Strange Kind of Woman – Deep Purple

Deep Purple’s “Strange Kind of Woman,” released as a standalone single in 1971 and later included on international versions of Fireball, is a compelling fusion of blues-rock storytelling and the band’s signature intensity. Recorded at De Lane Lea Studios in London and produced by Martin Birch, the song showcases the synergy of Deep Purple’s classic lineup: Ian Gillan on vocals, Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Roger Glover on bass, Jon Lord on keyboards, and Ian Paice on drums. Its vibrant energy, combined with a poignant narrative, positions it as one of the band’s most memorable explorations of human connection and yearning.

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

Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” a heart-wrenching ballad from her 1991 album Luck of the Draw, captures the essence of unrequited love with a haunting grace that has solidified its place as one of her most celebrated songs. Written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, the song was recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles and produced by Don Was. With its minimalist arrangement, Raitt’s emotive vocal delivery takes center stage, accompanied by Bruce Hornsby’s delicate piano performance that enhances the song’s raw vulnerability.

# 6 – Wild Is The Wind – David Bowie

David Bowie’s rendition of “Wild Is the Wind,” included as the closing track on his 1976 album Station to Station, is a profound meditation on yearning and love’s unbridled nature. Originally written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the 1957 film of the same name, the song was popularized by Nina Simone, whose interpretation deeply influenced Bowie. Recorded in late 1975 at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Bowie himself alongside Harry Maslin, this version transforms the song into a haunting and deeply emotional experience, underscoring Bowie’s ability to reimagine material while maintaining its core sentiment. The lyrics—“Love me, love me, say you do / Let me fly away with you”—evoke an aching vulnerability, as the narrator pleads for a love so consuming it feels as untamed as the wind. “Wild Is the Wind” serves as a fitting conclusion to Station to Station, an album that navigates themes of spirituality, alienation, and passion.

Read More: 10 Best David Bowie Songs

# 5 – I Want You – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s “I Want You,” released in 1966 as part of his landmark album Blonde on Blonde, marries poetic imagery with an irresistible melody to craft a profound expression of longing and desire. Recorded in Nashville with producer Bob Johnston, the track captures the quintessential mid-’60s Dylan sound: an intricate fusion of folk, rock, and blues. The song was recorded on March 10, 1966, during a session that showcased Dylan’s collaboration with a team of skilled session musicians, including guitarist Robbie Robertson and organist Al Kooper, whose contributions added a rich, dynamic texture to the track. Critically acclaimed for its melodic beauty and lyrical depth, “I Want You” reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 4 – Somebody To Love – Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love,” released in 1967 on their seminal album Surrealistic Pillow, captures the yearning for love amid the chaos of a crumbling world. Originally written by Darby Slick and performed by his band, The Great Society, the song was transformed into an electrifying anthem under the production of Rick Jarrard. Recorded at RCA Victor’s Music Center of the World in Los Angeles, the track highlights the raw power of Grace Slick’s lead vocals, backed by the masterful musicianship of Marty Balin, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, and Spencer Dryden. The song’s driving rhythm and evocative lyrics make it an unforgettable cry for connection.

Lyrically, “Somebody to Love” is a haunting exploration of loneliness and the deep-seated human need for affection and understanding. Lines like “When the truth is found to be lies / And all the joy within you dies” convey a sense of betrayal and longing that resonates universally. Slick’s impassioned delivery amplifies the song’s emotional urgency, echoing the sentiment of tracks like “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, albeit with a more defiant and energetic tone. Both songs confront the pain of unfulfilled love, though Jefferson Airplane’s version seethes with rebellion against despair. Critically and commercially, “Somebody to Love” became one of Jefferson Airplane’s most iconic tracks, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: Top 10 Jefferson Airplane Songs

# 3 – Wedding Bell Blues – Laura Nyro

Laura Nyro’s “Wedding Bell Blues,” originally released on her 1966 debut album More Than a New Discovery, is a heartfelt lament of unreciprocated longing and the yearning for commitment. Written by Nyro herself, the song is a soul-pop masterpiece, blending her impeccable songwriting with rich, emotive vocals. The recording showcases Nyro’s ability to combine vulnerability and strength, embodying the universal ache of wanting love to be solidified through marriage.

Read More: Top 10 Laura Nyro Songs

# 2 – Superstar / Until You Come Back To Me – Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross’s medley of “Superstar” and “Until You Come Back to Me” from his 1983 album Busy Body offers a masterclass in vocal finesse and emotional resonance, making it a definitive entry in this list of songs about longing for love. Produced by Vandross himself alongside Marcus Miller, the track was recorded at Minot Sound Studios in White Plains, New York. Featuring Vandross’s signature lush production, the song includes Marcus Miller on bass, Nat Adderley Jr. on keyboards, and Yogi Horton on drums. Vandross’s arrangement weaves these two classics together seamlessly, creating a single cohesive narrative of yearning and devotion.

# 1 – I Want You to Want Me – Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” is an anthem of unrequited yearning wrapped in the infectious energy of power pop. Originally recorded for their 1977 studio album In Color, the song took on new life through the band’s now-iconic live version from Cheap Trick at Budokan (1979). Produced by Tom Werman in its original studio form, the track features Robin Zander’s emotive vocals, Rick Nielsen’s crisp guitar work, Tom Petersson’s basslines, and Bun E. Carlos’s dynamic drumming. The live rendition’s explosive reception transformed it into one of Cheap Trick’s defining hits, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: 10 Most Rocking Cheap Trick Songs